Monthly Archives: November 2012

Ryan Giggs: 39 birthday candles ominous for the Welsh Wizard

  By O-Posts Team | November 30, 2012 - 21:05 | , ,
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It is difficult to imagine what Ryan Giggs must have felt when he became 39 on Thursday. Currently out with a hamstring injury, he couldn’t do what he has done on a regular basis for the past 21 years, train for Manchester United, nor could he properly celebrate their 1-0 win over West Ham the night before. Instead he was subjected to the archives, interviewed by a variety of media outlets in the name of nostalgia, looking back through the two decades that have made him such a legend at England’s most successful club.

Whilst he was digging up the past, the sad reality is that Sir Alex Ferguson and Giggs’s Manchester United teammates would have been looking into the future. The victory over West Ham had set them up for what looks to be a two-horse race for the title with rivals Manchester City, whilst a nervy, disjointed performance would have occupied the manager’s mind further.

As Ferguson seeks to cure United’s indifference for the rest of a season that has already seen 3 defeats, it is getting harder to imagine Giggs being a part of his thinking.

The Welshman was part of the most recent of those losses, the 1-0 reverse at Norwich two weeks ago in which he, playing at the base of United’s midfield alongside Michael Carrick, was simply overran by the Canaries’ hard-working, energetic unit.

The duo of Carrick and Giggs had been a feature of United’s title success and march to the Champions League final of 2011, but just like at Wigan in April, this time the double-act were woefully exposed. Giggs can no longer offer the pace and poise to the partnership.

Age can creep up with the most sudden of impacts and with Giggs, the process has hit the legs first. His brilliant Champions League semi-final performance in Schalke in which he dictated a 2-0 win is only 15 months ago. From that to an anonymous left-wing display in the 2-3 home defeat to Spurs in September has been the quickest, yet the most expected, of footballing declines.

Like for Paul Scholes, who also performed horrifically in the loss to Spurs and struggled noticeably against QPR last weekend until he was hauled off, the bell is slowly beginning to toll for half of Manchester United’s all-conquering midfield of the late 90′s- early 00′s.

Accounting for the other half, Roy Keane now analyses for television, while David Beckham prepares for one final bank account-boosting crescendo in his semi-retirement. The time that Giggs and Scholes will have to accept that fate is driving them the same way is looming clear on the horizon; Scholes has already accepted it once, and was back within 6 months, neither of these consummate professionals, despite their prolonged brilliance, can hold off Father Time.

It is testament to the professionalism of Giggs that, even despite his tabloid scandal, his ending will be littered with tributes across the football world, regardless of tribe. His legacy will be peerless; 33 winners medals with Manchester United including a record breaking 12 league titles, the holder of the most appearances in the Premier League and for Manchester United with an incredible 774, and counting, for now.

26 personal accolades, an OBE for services to football, an Hall of Fame inductee, the list goes on. By far the most successful of a dying breed in a modern game plagued by obscene wages and transfer fees, the “one club man”.

There is an underlying criticism, even amongst United supporters, that Giggs has never realised his true potential, that his durability has been achieved with consistent mediocrity sprinkled with odd moment of genius, his wonderful FA Cup semi-final winning solo effort of 1999 for example. Yet, overseeing the unveiling of the statue of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford last Friday, Giggs was joined by Eric Cantona, Brian McClair, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ruud Van Nistelrooy. All names associated with genius and the unparalleled success of the last 20 years at Old Trafford, but Giggs remains the Godfather of all of them.

Through all the soaves of players Ferguson has gone through during his period of constant success, Giggs has seen and played with them all. Even if the accusation of moderation lies true, there is no arguing that is a remarkable, trophy-laden achievement.

He is a throwback to the forgotten age, outliving the marketing revolution that was the Premier League and growing with it to the point of synonymity, he is the only player present on the opening day of the new dawn back in 1992 still serving.

The word legend has almost become a cliché in the current age as so many supporters clamour for a hero, but there are none worthy of it more than Giggs. By eclipsing the contribution made of Bobby Charlton, who sits as another statue near to Ferguson at Old Trafford, to the success of Manchester United, then there may even be a space for Giggs to stand in stone among company of the highest esteem.

His birthday wish as he blew the 39 candles out should be to hope his legacy lingers on a career that was decorated with medals and trophies, not to risk compromising it with lethargic performances at Norwich.

Sadly, time is running short for Mr. Premier League and they just don’t make ‘em like him anymore.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Andrea Ranocchia: Inter’s Frustrating Enigma Coming To His Own

  By O-Posts Team | November 30, 2012 - 19:58 | , ,
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It often appears to me that many Inter fans see Andrea Ranocchia as a frustrating enigma. A player that came to Inter as one of the most promising Italian defenders in recent times and someone that had earned a fantastic reputation at his previous clubs; Bari and Genoa.

Yet despite a good start to his Inter career, after arriving in the January transfer window of 2011 would go on to have a disastrous 2011/2012 campaign in which he would struggle for both playing time and form. In the games he played he looked slow, often out of position and completely lacking in confidence, which wasn’t helped by the fans getting on his back at even the hint of an error.

So with this in mind, I think it speaks volumes about how Ranocchia has developed as both a player and a man this season that when he is absent from the team through injury it provokes a feeling of concern amongst Inter fans which was evident when he had to come off early in the match against Rubin Kazan due to a thigh problem.

Even though, admittedly, this concern may have something to do with how awful his understudy, Silvestre, has been since his arrival.
So far this season, Ranocchia has proven to be one of Inter’s most consistent performers and has settled in perfectly to a back 3 alongside Walter Samuel and Juan Jesus after an initially shaky start to the season.

As well as defending, Rano is starting to become more of a presence when it comes to getting into the opposition box for corners and free kicks. At 6 foot 5 inches he is a useful presence and one that gives opposition defenders something to think about.

It would be impossible to argue that Ranocchia is one of the best defenders in the game at the moment or even for that matter at the absolute top of the Italian game, but what can be argued is that Ranocchia is beginning to show that kind of maturity and quality that is expected of an Internazionale defender.

 

Written by Oliver Beatson

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Victor Wanyama: Why Arsenal should go after the big Kenyan

  By O-Posts Team | November 29, 2012 - 19:07 | , , , , ,
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Victor Wanyama Mugubi is a 22 year old currently plying his trade for SPL champions Celtic. When he arrived at Celtic he chose the number 67 in respect to the club’s glorious history and past, especially as a former Champions League winner. He has impressed since joining the club in the summer in 2011 since signing from Beligum’s Beerschot AC. Victor Wanyama is a very versatile player who can play either in defensive midfield and as a centre back .

Wanyama stayed at Beerschot for 3 seasons before joining the SPL side, making 50 apps for the Beligan side and firing in 2 goals. He joined Celtic for a fee of £900,000, and since then he has got better and better in every game he has featured, playing in over 40 games for the Scottish giants and netting 7 goals so far.

He is very strong in the air with a huge physical presence standing at over 6ft tall. Wanyama can also command both boxes – defensively and attack-wise –  from set pieces and dominant in and without the possession of the ball; being able not only to spray from side to side and from back to front, but also possessing the ability to dispossess his opponent with minimum fuss.

Victor Wanyama is akin to former Arsenal stalwart Alex Song with his physical appearance and role at the club. He is the type of player anybody wants to see playing; an absolute joy to watch. The big Kenyan is also a vital player for his national team alongside Dennis Oliech of Auxerre.

Many big teams all over Europe are after him because of his performances this season, along with his reluctance to extend his contract at Celtic. Arsenal and Manchester United are just a few among the many teams monitoring the Kenyan powerhouse. This season he has helped his club to beat Barcelona, the first club to beat Barcelona this season and also becoming the first player from East Africa to score against the Spanish giants.

Victor Wanyama is the kind of player Wenger needs in order to fill the gap left by Alex Song. He is fast, steady, powerful, almost unbeatable aerially with a massive physical presence that the Gunners have been sorely missing this season, and ever since Song jumped ship last summer to join his old pal and skipper, Cesc Fabregas.

 

Written by Peter Tomi

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Chelsea: The Striker Conundrum

  By O-Posts Team | November 29, 2012 - 18:11 | , ,
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When Chelsea football club won the Champions League trophy for the first time in May, many football followers hailed the impact of the big Ivorian striker, Didier Drogba, and quoting Sir Alex Ferguson, “As far as I was concerned, Drogba won the Champions League for Chelsea”.

Drogba was signed for £24m from Marseille in 2004, and went on to score 157 goals for the club in 341 games with 70 assists to cap it off. He was the first African player to score 100 goals in the English Premier League.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in 2000 for a club record of £15m and went on to score 70 goals in 136 domestic games. He formed a good partnership with Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, who himself scored a total 54 domestic goals in 184 games. Many other prolific strikers have come and gone; Mikael Forsell, Andriy Shevchenko, Hernan Crespo, Claudio Pizarro to mention but few.

Strikers are known for their ability to peel off defenders and to run into space via the blindside of the defender and to receive the ball in a good scoring position where he should be able to shoot confidently with both feet, as well as possessing great power and accuracy and have the ability to pass the ball forward under pressure in any breakaway situation. But do Chelsea have such striker(s) in their fold at the moment?

In November 2010, a certain Spaniard by the name of Fernando Torres scored two goals in Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. He later joined Chelsea for a Premier League record fee of £50m and many club fans saw a bright future in him, but playing as a back-up to Drogba, it took him 14 games before he found the net and went on to score 6 goals in 32 appearances in 2011-12 season.

Presently, he has scored 4 goals from 14 Premier League games with no assists. This is not to paint Torres as a bad striker, in fact a player who has scored over 200 goals for both club and country is a good striker. He has been a prolific striker before his knee injury when playing with Liverpool, now he has lost pace and was falling out of love for the game according to the player himself.

Chelsea needs to look elsewhere if they are to succeed both in domestic and international level. They need a striker that can score goals even with their eyes closed. Romelu Lukaku is doing well at West Brom having helped himself to 4 goals and some assists even through he has not been playing regularly.

Patrick Bamford, 19, is also good, infact he was recently compared to the Torres of old. Islam Feruz is also a young prolific goal scorer who can also make the mark, but the question is, can Chelsea be patient enough to see these young players growing into the first team set–up? I do not think so, the owner will look elsewhere, at least for now.

Chelsea have been linked with many prolific strikers at the moment, Radamel Falcao, Robert Lewandowski, Loic Remy, Andre Schurrle and just recently Liverpool’s Luis Suarez. With Chelsea’s attacking trio of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar, many good strikers will score goals with ease, their creativity and vision to unlock any defense will make them score goals for fun.

Falcao is a prolific striker that scores goals for fun and has experience at the highest level, and if reports are true, he could join Chelsea sooner rather than later. Loic Remy is a little bit cheaper if the club is interested. Andre Schurrle, the German attacking winger can also play as a striker. Robert Lewandoski is also a good alternative, his goal ratio is second to none compared to what Chelsea has at the moment and he could be a good addition if the club is interested.

Chelsea needs to buy and fast as well. They need to get at least three strikers/ wingers as rumours of Daniel Sturridge’s possible transfer to Liverpool refuse to quell.

As a big name in European football, Radamel Falcao, Andre Schurrle and the presence of Belgian forward, Romelu Lukaku in the fold will make Chelsea one of the most frightening clubs on the continent. They will benefit from the services of Mata, Hazard and Oscar, many defenders will run around to get them and get tired in doing so.

The days of Drogba, Crespo, Hasselbaink and so on will be forgotten and a new life with a certain brand of football would take over, and Chelsea will be one of the best football clubs in the whole of Europe.

 

Written by Adeleke Olawale

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MK Dons: Negative press overshadows the good

  By O-Posts Team | November 28, 2012 - 16:49 | , ,
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This weekend, the spotlight will fall on the town 60 miles north of London which now houses a football club, more specifically the heir of the liquidated Wimbledon, which Pete Winkelman still attracts unparalleled contempt for ripping an historic club from the heart of its south London community and shifting it to a new life in Milton Keynes.

This weekend, memories will be cast back to the anger of the whole situation as AFC Wimbledon, a phoenix club created by fans in the aftermath of their old Wimbledon’s demise, travel to the place that now houses their old club in its new guise for an FA Cup tie.

Winkelman, the chairman of MK Dons, has spent the week expressing his regret of his decision made eight years ago, wishing that this 2nd round tie can draw a line under the whole story that has seen AFC, the fan’s revival of Wimbledon based now in Kingsmeadow, jump with dramatic haste through five divisions in nine years in order to retake its place in the Football League.

Winkelman has also made known his desire that this Sunday’s game will see a “line drawn in the sand”, that perhaps with a degree of blind optimism, both sets of fans can accept the unfortunate sequence of events that has led to a match between the two bred forms of a once established football club.

Winkelman also spoke of his belief that his club are well run, which as they sit third in League One after a promotion from League Two and a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over the past four years is a fair assessment. As the chairman also points out, the MK Dons’ successful existence, as controversial it may be, has been achieved the right way, with an indulgence in a productive youth set-up that has stuck closely to the expansive football preached by current manager Karl Robinson and from past managers, Roberto Di Matteo and Paul Ince.

It was Robinson who faced questions earlier this month of his team’s ability to keep hold of 16 year old midfielder Dele Alli, the star of the 6-1 route of Cambridge in the first round of the cup, scorer of a goal in his first professional start. Robinson was glowing in his review of the England under-17 international’s performance, “we have just witnessed the beginning of a star”, said the young manager who has also handed a debut to 18 year old defender Mason Spence this season.

It is a philosophy of giving youth a chance that has seen 20 year old defender Tom Flanagan impress on loan at League Two table-toppers Gillingham, while Adam Chicksen has developed into a first team regular at the age of 22. Seyi Ojo, a 14 year old schoolboy, was snapped up by Liverpool last year after rumours surfaced that Chelsea were prepared to spend £1.5 million on the attacker who had already earned 2 caps for the England under-16s.

Striker Sam Baldock made the move to West Ham from which MK Dons pocketed £1 million, the type of product and sell business plan that fits in with Winkelman’s belief that his Dons are indeed well-run, despite the ugly history that has belied its creation. Daniel Powell, a 21 year old winger, has also made the graduation to the full squad and could be the next to move from a squad that also houses Dean Lewington, the defensive ever-present since emerging from the youth ranks a full decade ago, and 16 year olds Brendon Galloway and Georgio Rasulo, both of whom have been given first team exposure this year by the resourceful Robinson.

Robinson himself is also an epitome of the Dons’ willingness to give youth a chance, the manager is the youngest manager in league football at the age of 32, while Roberto Di Matteo’s odyssey to Champions League winning coach at Chelsea began at the humble beginnings of the MK Stadium at the age of 38.

Di Matteo… first managerial experience with MK Dons.

Robinson, in tandem with his number 2 John Gorman, narrowly missed out on promotion last season after defeat in the playoffs and this year, just three points off top spot with League One’s best defence after the opening 20 games, could finally see them continue their hasty rise into the Championship.

It is this type of potential, based on an expansive style and a talented crop of young players that has the Mirror predicting Robinson will follow Di Matteo into the top flight before he is 35.

The Dons will face their messy past on Sunday lunchtime and for Winkelman, it presents a chance for both parties to move on, which in his case, is to continue a successful era based on some of the more elusive traits in the modern game, stability in the form of a young manager with the constant production of talented young players.

Most importantly, the Dons are seeing ambitions realised as a result of it, and there is nothing AFC Wimbledon or anybody disillusioned at Winkelman’s Milton Keynes outfit can do to stop it. It maybe a messy past for MK Dons, but it’s promising a very bright future.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Tactical Analysis: A Look At The 3-5-2 Formation

  By O-Posts Team | November 27, 2012 - 15:53 | ,
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Beckenbauer... One of the innovators of the 3-5-2 formation.

Beckenbauer… One of the innovators of the 3-5-2 formation.

In 1986, Carlos Bilardo of Argentina and Franz Beckenbauer of West Germany came up with a new formation, namely 3-5-2, which was quickly accepted by many experts all around the world. Using the advantages of the system, they led their teams to the final matches of WC 86 and WC 90 respectively. The idea of fighting in the midfield made football what it is now. It made football a more physical game than an artistic one compared to before.

There’s been a lot of talk about this formation, we can all agree that the formation of the 90’s and early Millennium was 4-4-2 and the formation of the last decade up to now is the 4-3-3 (4-5-1), I feel like the formation for the next decade will be 3-5-2 (3-2-3-2).

 

The Defense

The formation include three central defenders, a right defender, left defender and centre defender who’s more like a sweeper, when defending the two full backs must join the back and form a 5 side defense full backs should stop crosses and central defenders should watch for strikers running behind the full backs. This will give the defense more stability and less holes to exploit by the opposing team.

Central defenders must be able to predict the opposing striker’s next move. Physically they must be strong with good pace. As far as skills, they must be able to pass long and short balls precisely, master ball blocking, tackling and headers.

 

The Midfield

There are many variations for the midfield in this formation, depending on the players available. Managers can play with 3 central midfielders if the manager wants to control the midfield, or a defensive midfielder and two central midfielders if they want more protection for the defense. Managers can also play with two central midfielders and an attacking midfielder to add more flair to the attack.

The full backs must join the midfield when in possession, therefore you will have 4 or 5 players in midfield, and they must keen an eye on the wingers to not get exposed. This will add plenty of solidity to the centre and protection of the defense.

 

The Attack

Formation includes two central strikers, preferably one striker and the other used as a target man. The full backs should join in attack and provide crosses and through balls, therefore in attack you will also have 4 or 5 players. Formation can be changed to two wingers and a target man if you have natural wingers to stretch other teams as shown below.

It is very important for these players to be fast and agile. It is also important that these two players are in fairly good shape and have good understanding with each other.
 

Conclusion

The formation totally depends on the full backs as they have to be in defense, midfield and attack so they have to be very fit and read the game perfectly but modern full backs can provide all that these days with Dani Alves and Rafael perfect fits for the right wing back position and Ashley Cole and Kolarov on the left.

The formation allows you to have an extra man in every position which helps you to control the game. This formation can be used with variant styles and tempos, making it incredibly accessible to most squad types and tactical ideologies.

The biggest worry for a 3-5-2 is when one of the defenders is dragged infield, or gets lost. The success of a back three lies in its rigidity, so when the line is destroyed, the outside two will squeeze in to try and compensate. This leaves massive holes, as there are no full-backs whatsoever. But the formation is flexible, accessible and refreshingly different, allowing modern day full-backs to unleash their attacking potential and reduce the strain on their defensive duties.

The formation recently used by teams like Juventus, Manchester City, Napoli and Wigan, and contemplated by the likes of AC Milan and Arsenal. I have no doubt that more teams are going to implement this formation in the near future.

 

Written by Marwan Mahdi

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Football Betting: A Popular Past-time and Social Connection

  By O-Posts Team | November 27, 2012 - 14:13 | , ,
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Betting is a popular past time for many around the world. The odds, tips and thrill of getting paid big money drives even the most conservative of people to take a chance, and place a bet on something they love and desire whether it may be in sports, TV, a dare, on election night, etc.

A bet can be wagered on almost anything, yes, anything which is why it’s so popular among us; anyone can join in, no matter how old they are or how naive they may be. Sports betting is probably the most popular of all betting schemes. Odds and tips are updated on a daily basis to entice those interested in the world of betting to place a bet on the best and most favorable of odds.

No sport gives more thrill and excitement than football; the beautiful game, which brings people of all genders, races and cultures like no other. Betting on your favorite football team, a fixture that racks up the highest odds and potential winnings are all a part of the charm and excitement the sport brings to many around the world.

I remember one time through Twitter when some football fan – a Man United supporter to be precise –  was on the verge of winning big money through his various bets on several matches played that day. As the results were heading to his favor, through his constant tweeting and updates, many were engaged and joined in on this rare event; a potential big money gain worth over 60 grand.

Many fellow football fans from all over the world – even those who support rival clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City among others – cheered him on and eagerly awaited the results.

That fan achieved the unthinkable, creating shockwaves on Twitter with many stunned and astonished, but congratulating a fellow football fan on his rewards and highly commendable achievement. His tweets after his winnings were made official summed up the passion and elation such a pastime can bring to many, especially through sport.

Fantasy football leagues are also of huge popularity among many. They’re set up by regular blokes looking for some friendly, and as they hope, fruitful competition with fellow fans. There are created before the season begins with a limited “budget” creating more intrigue and challenge for its participant.

These leagues are especially popular here in the Middle East. Sports betting is frowned upon because it involves money, and that steps into religious boundaries as Islam – the region’s most popular religion – prohibits gambling and other similar activities that involve money.

Some, however, ignore such regulations but for the most part, they’re abided and followed increasing the popularity of fantasy leagues even further. These leagues are mostly free to use, but others – especially those independently created – charge people to join their league, a factor that can deter many and which I don’t recommend.

Football betting is popular and helps connect fans and supporters from all over the world. The introduction of social media has had a major impact on the industry, further increasing its popularity and intrigue. It’s a part of the game, and for some, a part of their life.

There’s nothing wrong with placing a little bet and wager, as long as it’s in good spirit and pure fun with a tad of healthy competition.

 

Written by Omar Almasri

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Premier League Betting Preview and the Best Odds: November 27-28

  By O-Posts Team | November 27, 2012 - 12:14 | , , ,
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Tough luck, Ukraine. Harry Redknapp, in the end, turned down the big hryvnias in order to make a much-welcomed return to his natural habitat of the English top flight. It turns out that our beloved ‘Arry (or real Christian name Henry, as only his mother would call him) was hankering for a meatier challenge than trying to guide a middling national team through a quagmire of a World Cup qualification group. That’s more Roy Hodgson’s bag.

In any case, challenges do not come much more meaty at present than the one that befalls the former Tottenham gaffer at Loftus Road, where his job description entails attempting to persuade a motley bunch of former Champions League, Serie A and Premier League winners to try and give at least half a toss on a mere few hundred thousand quid a month.

That at least in theory should be the hard part as in Queen’s Park Rangers Redknapp has a squad at his disposal which is easily good enough to finish in one of the top seventeen positions, and some of the fighting spirit which would be needed to overhaul their seven-point defecit from safety was exhibited in the first hour or so of their admirable yet ultimately fruitless performance at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The good news is that as baptisms of fire come, there are not many more lukewarm than the Stadium of Light as of currently. Just when it looked like the Black Cats’ season would ignite (enough of the lumination references methinks) with victory at Craven Cottage the weekend before last – with someone other than Steven Fletcher or his precocious strike partner Own Goal getting on the scorescheet – a home pasting against a superbly organised West Brom outfit brought expectations crashing back down again.

Martin O’Neill has had to scotch quit rumours, there is still a painful lack of peneration on the wings or concentration at the back, and a QPR side who have not been embarassed by anyone on their travels this season (five of their six away defeats have come against sides currently ensconced in the Premier League top seven) and their more illustrious players, who would have been treated to a few days ego-massaging by their new boss, can spark the dying embers of their season (sorry) with a first win of the campaign at Sunderland.

QPR WIN BEST ODDS 29/11 PINNACLE.

 

In the other Tuesday night Premier League encounter, the eyes of the world will surely be trained on Villa Park as the Sky cameras rock up at the second city for what can only be described as, erm, Aston Villa vs. Reading. You can imagine them staying up late in the Far East for this one. Or maybe not.

Anyone in downtown Bangkok or Manila who may be fanatical – or insomnia-ridden – enough to take in this basement battle live on satellite television may want to look up their native translation for the phrase ‘six-pointer’ as both these sides would dearly love a win to stave off the very real threat of the dreaded relegation. The Royals have yet to keep an away clean sheet, but they are gradually tightening up defensively since losing 7-5 to Arsenal at tennis last month.

It would have been four matches unbeaten had it not been for Jordi Gomez completing his hat-trick deep into stoppage time on Saturday, but Reading have shown great mental strength time and again this season and it would be no surprise to see Brian McDermott’s men bounce back with a point for their troubles against a toothless Villa that haven’t notched in nearly four hours of football. Goalless draws have been few and far between this season, but I reckon this match fits the bill.

VILLA VS READING NO GOALSCORER BEST ODDS 12/1 SKYBET.

 

On to Wednesday’s matches, and new Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez had his preparations for his first West London derby against Fulham interrupted by an offer from the Conservative Party to sit on the front bench during Prime Minister’s Questions in order to make David Cameron and George Osbourne look more popular. Frankly, Rafa hasnt got many friends around Stamford Bridge and can desperately do with a victory over the Blues’ Thames-side rivals in order to whip up some fresh support early into his seven-month seat-warming excercise.

Martin Jol’s side, however, are unlikely to oblige easily, and Benitez would have surely noticed the Cottagers impressive goalscoring exploits so far this campaign. 25 goals in 13 games is an excellent return for a once goal-shy outfit, and a healthy portion of those onion-bag rippers have come from headers. Couple that information with Benitez’s tendency to send out his sides to mark zonal at set-pieces, along with the abscence of defensive organiser John Terry and a significant prescence of height in the Fulham side even without the suspended giant Brede Hangeland, and a decent betting opportunity may just well be in the offing.

FIRST GOAL TO BE SCORED FROM A HEADER BEST ODDS 17/4 BETVICTOR.

 

A cornucopia of differing playing styles, manager’s outfits and sartorial choices clash head-on when Merseyside meets North London in a pair of matches that may go a long way towards deciding in what order the teams in question will finish between 4th and 7th place in the Premier League… and not much else. Arsene Wenger bemoaned a lack of freshness in his players due to formidable opponents in ten men of Tottenham and an insipid Montpellier, both at the Emirates, being a major contributing factor towards his side’s dull-as-ditchwater 0-0 effort at Villa Park on Saturday.

Everton, with a physical frontline chomping at the bit to get at Arsenal’s weaker links, and an added eagerness to get back to winning ways following a defeat and draw in their last two matches, will not be sympathetic to Wenger’s woes. Cross-Mersey rivals Liverpool have shown improved form – and performances – of late yet senior players and manager Brendan Rodgers alike have admitted that the current Reds squad is largely a work in progress.

Young Messers Sterling, Shelvey and Kelly will be long-standing fixtures of the Liverpool – and England – set up for years to come but for the here and now the top four remains a pipe dream and trips to White Hart Lane and the like may well be endured rather than enjoyed. Crucially for Tottenham, Clint Dempsey is showing signs of a wavelength forming with Jermain Defoe through the middle, and with Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon tearing down the wide areas expect dividends to be rewarded immediately and in devastating fashion.

TOTTENHAM AND EVERTON DOUBLE BEST ODDS 53/10 PINNACLE.

 

It is of this writer’s strong opinion that Manchester United will regain the league title this season, and God bless the Red Devils’ players for trying to instill an extra fun element into their chase for the club’s 20th crown by aiming to go behind in just about every single match they play this season. But note to United players: please stop doing that.

Now West Ham, who are having a fine comeback season in the Premier League under wily old Big Sam Allardyce, have scored first in only one of their last five league outings but have managed to score in their last four away matches. With Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all inching their way back to full fitness United are likely to be susceptible defensively to inferior opposition at this stage of the season, but the important bit is that they’re doing their thing prolifically at the other end.

Besides if you ask anyone what is more likely, United continue scoring bucketfuls, or continue leaking haphazardly, then you know which answer most right-minded people would plump for.

MANCHESTER UNITED TO WIN 3-1 BEST ODDS 10/1 LADBROKES.

 

Current champions Manchester City are still unbeaten – good – but are drawing rather too frequently especially away from home – bad. Neighbours United may have lost two away but they have only dropped six points outside Old Trafford so far this season whereas City with their four draws have dropped eight points and played a game less away from terra firma. So with another win denied by a dour Chelsea on Sunday, three points would be the order of the day at the DW where Wigan entertain, although it may take a while for the Citizens’ plethora of stars to click into gear against the league most porous home defence.

Over the last six days City fans have had to witness their heroes dredge through draining encounters against Real Madrid and Chelsea, so sharpness may be lacking initially against the Latics until requisite changes are made. A tough December awaits City, so a win is integral in order to stay in touch with United at the table’s summit as the Manc Derby approaches the horizon.

DRAW/MAN CITY HALF TIME/FULL TIME BEST ODDS 15/4 BETVICTOR.

 

Which team, I hear you straining at the leash to ask, have kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League this season? Why the answer is Stoke Mr. Inquisitive, with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic marshalling his defence to six shut-outs this campaign, and Javi Garcia being the only man in a non-red and white stripey shirt to score at the Brittania so far in 2012/13. Wednesday night’s opponents Newcastle United are suffering something of an existential crisis, seemingly unable to push on from their remarkable exploits of 2011/12.

Three defeats in a row, and the only man to score for the club away in the league since September is Yohan Cabaye. Shame he’s injured then. Along with striking lynchpin Papiss Cisse. And captain Fabrizio Coloccini. The Magpies swept aside Stoke in the corresponding fixture just over twelve months ago, but the atmosphere is different at both clubs at this moment and Newcastle may well settle for a holding job on their Midlands opponents.

STOKE VS NEWCASTLE UNDER 1.5 GOALS BEST ODDS 12/5 BOYLESPORTS.

 

Ah now, what is this we have here? Two new managers being allowed to get on with their jobs with the minimum of fuss and without fear of early termination of their contracts?! And what’s that, they’re succeeding? Madness man! Steve Clarke and Michael Laudrup may have differing theories on methods of success on the pitch, yet both have taken to the tasks befalling them at their respective clubs with a lack of fanfare yet a multitude of good results, all the more impressive when you consider we’re talking about two newbies to Premier League management.

West Brom are on 26 points already, yet anyone who considers this yield as simply 66% job done towards securing safety is being demeaning at best. The Baggies can make it to Europe, and in Clarke have a man who has taken the best bits from working first hand with managerial giants Mourinho, Robson, Dalglish and, erm, Gullit, in order to mould his own niche in the big bad world of Premier League gaffership.

They can cancel out Swansea, who have recovered to one defeat in their last seven – away to champions City – after plateauing following their explosive 5-0 start at QPR.

SWANSEA VS WEST BROM DRAW BEST ODDS 31/12 PINNACLE.

 

Southampton are discovering that winning games of football in this division are a whole lot easier to do if you don’t concede at a rate of three goals a game. Influential manager Nigel Adkins would no doubt would have been buoyed by his side’s first clean sheet of the season in their 2-0 triumph over Newcastle on Sunday, and the recent return of key personnel such as Jack Cork would have added to the renewed sense of optimism around St. Mary’s.

Injury concerns over Rickie Lambert can be negated by the fact that goals have been spread around the team, and Norwich, admirable as they were in staying resolute in gaining a point at Everton at the weekend – with Sebastien Bassong exemplary at the back – may not have enough to protect against the numerous focal points of attack which the Saints possess.

SOUTHAMPTON WIN BEST ODDS 6/5 CORAL.

 

Written by Emelie Okeke

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A Roundup Of The Weekend’s European Shockers

  By O-Posts Team | November 26, 2012 - 20:34 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Betis celebrate their winner against Real Madrid.

Betis celebrate their winner against Real Madrid.

As matches all over Europe come to a close, we round-up the most astonishing, eye-dropping, shocking and odds-shattering of results from Serie A to the Premier League, who continue to surprise many of its followers with its competitiveness and unpredictability; a factor that continues to baffle betting enthusiasts all over wondering where to find the best Premiership odds and specials.

Odds and tips continue to crash thanks to such eye-opening results, as you’ll witness below.

 

Serie A

 

Torino 0-0 Fiorentina

Fiorentina squandered the chance to close the gap at the top of the table by drawing to Torino especially as they had won their last five games

 

Atalanta 0 – 1 Genoa

Genoa won despite losing their last five games and not winning their last 8 games. They even held on when they went down to 10 men with a few minutes left.

 

AC Milan 1 – 0 Juventus

Juve have now lost two in their last four games after going 49 games unbeaten in the league. Maybe they were a little drained from their encounter with Chelsea.

 

Premier League

 

Aston Villa 0 – 0 Arsenal

I haven’t seen a game this bad in quite a while, just an all-round poor effort from the Gunners.

 

La Liga

 

Malaga 4 – 0 Valencia

It wasn’t the fact that Malaga won but the thrashing that they delivered. Portillo was fantastic as was Isco.

 

Betis 1 – 0 Real Madrid

The title is now officially out of Madrid’s grasp. I see no way back for them. What a result for Betis who seem to confirm their rise back to the top.

 

Bundesliga

 

Augsburg 0 – 0 Borussia M.Gladbach

This just illustrates how far M.Gladbach have fallen since losing Marco Reus this summer. Augsburg are the worst team in the league and you just cannot be dropping points against them.

 

 

Other Leagues

 

Rennes 0 – 1 Evian

Rennes were on a roll having won three in a row but they lost to Evian who, with that win, climbed out of the relegation zone.

 

Montpellier 1 – 0 Bordeaux

MHSC defeated top of the league Bordeaux who have got to be upset at dropping points in a very ‘winnable’ game.

 

PSV 1 – 2 Vitesse

PSV had won the last 8 league games but were defeated at home to an in-form Vitesse side, who now sit third in the Eredivisie.

 

Willem II 2 – 2 Heracles

Willem ended a rotten run of form with a draw to Heracles, though they were aided by a sending off.

 

Celtic 0 – 1 Inverness

After defeating Barcelona at Parkhead, the Bhoys should have found their recent opponents rather easier to play but instead have found their form slipping. If this continues Celtic may actually have a title challenge on their hands!

 

Written by Dev Thaker

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Manchester United: Why Anderson deserves more playing time

  By O-Posts Team | November 26, 2012 - 18:22 | ,
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Anderson-Man_united

When Manchester United and Porto completed the transfer of Anderson in July 2007, big things were expected from the 19 year old Brazilian, especially with a hefty price tag of £20 million. The lad obviously had talent, as it’s not very often Sir Alex spends a large sum of money on someone unproven and only at the age of 19.

However after helping Porto secure the Portuguese Championship in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, Anderson had a case for his price tag and to play for the current English champions.

Coming into his 6th season at the club, Anderson hasn’t been able to reach his 100th appearance in all competitions, being stuck by injury left, right and centre. There has also been plenty of criticism about the Brazilian’s physique, however the beginning of the Brazilian’s Man United’s career and the beginning of the 2011/12 season showed glimpses of Andersons true talent, linking well with Tom Cleverley in midfield, helping Manchester United secure a string of great victories.

His speed, power and vision can make the vital difference in the final third. His performance against Tottenham springs to mind mostly; nonetheless he picked up another injury short after and struggled to break back in to the first XI during the remainder of the season.

Before this campaign started, there was the usual transfer rumors linking Manchester United with a new central midfielder, with many feeling Andersons time at the club was coming to an end. I for one have had doubts whether he could perform at the highest level.

He gives the ball away far too much in such an important position of the pitch, and as an attacking midfielder he just doesn’t seem to score enough goals. So when the transfer window had ended and he remained at the club, I knew it was going to be his make or break season.

Anderson spoke to MUTV about the season ahead, he knows better than anyone that now is the best time of them all to reproduce some of the sterling glimpses from his early United career: “I need to prove what I can do. I know the boss and my team-mates believe in me. I’ve just had bad luck. I want to improve as much as I can and help the team win trophies”.

Now thirteen games in to the 2012/13 season, he has stepped up to the plate when called on, producing some dazzling performances in the red shirt, starting with his performance in the home win against Fulham and bagging a goal at home against Newcastle in the cup.

Again, another fantastic performance in the cup at Stamford Bridge bagging himself 3 assists in one game all the journalists and even Sir Alex could talk about. There are finally hints of the true Brazilian coming through now, injecting a whole new dimension in the Manchester United midfield, hence why every single Manchester United fan was begging for him to brought on in the frustrating match at Carrow Road. Criticism of Sir Alex not bringing him on early enough was all over Twitter and newspapers and for once the fans and journalists were actually correct.

Once again a losing Manchester United side were struggling at home to a QPR side sitting on the bottom of the table. A very static Manchester United midfield of Carrick and Fletcher was the obvious problem , the fans once again questioned Sir Alex’s team selection.

However once Anderson was brought on the whole game changed with his pace and power injected into the game showing in a brilliant 15 minute spell from the Reds with Anderson bagging one assist, 2 key passes and a 94% completion rate in the 30 minutes he was on the pitch.

The ‘new’ Anderson coming through this season definitely deserves more respect then he has ever received, and is arguably the man to solve them problems Manchester united are having in midfield. That is, if he gets them deserved minutes of course. Yes you can argue he is injury prone or slightly overweight, but there is no denying he is a class player when in form.

One thing I think many fans have forgotten, even the United fans, is that Anderson is only 24 years old. If he manages to stay fit and injury free, I am sure he will hit his peak in two or three years to come perhaps being among the best midfielders in Europe. Fergie knew what he was doing when he bought the youngster for a substantial £20 million pounds and the best of Anderson is still yet to come, granted more game time and respect he fully deserves.

 

Written by Thomas Kimpton

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