Tottenham strengthened their squad this weekend ahead of the new season by swooping for Belgian winger Nacer Chadli.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23397482
Sunday 21 July 2013
Saturday 20 July 2013
NBA Schedule Likely to be Released in August
Despite original plans to release the 2013/14 NBA regular season schedule on June 25, reports suggest that the date will be pushed into early August after all the free agency activity. At this point, the only certainty is that the Miami Heat, as defending champions, will be in action on opening night.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Benitez Ready to Banish Inter Memories
For the majority of Rafael Benitez’s time as interim Chelsea boss, a dignified exit with his head held high seemed an impossible dream – yet the Spaniard pulled it off with admirable resilience. With his reputation restored following the Blues’ Europa League triumph and a third place finish in the Premier League, Benitez has brought unexpected momentum with him as he begins his new job as Napoli manager.
Napoli fans are notoriously passionate, vocal and impatient, or so the story goes. But forging a relationship with the supporters will feel like a stroll in the park for the Spaniard after his Chelsea experience. After enduring chants, banners and vicious hatred during the darker days of his time at Stamford Bridge, he can at least expect to have the Napoli crowd on his side from day one. Home games will feel like home games again, with applause in place of boos and jeers.
Benitez’s task in Naples is to help the club go one step further than last year when they finished second to Juventus in Serie A, despite losing only six games and being the highest scoring team in the league. Ultimately, the squad were just too stretched to launch a successful Scudetto bid. He will also have the chance to shine in the Champions League again, a competition he embraced during his Liverpool days and won in dramatic fashion in 2005 against AC Milan.
But his mission in Italy goes beyond helping Napoli achieve their goals. A portion of it is about banishing the memories of his ill-fated stint as Inter boss back in 2010 (he was appointed in June and dismissed in December). Following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard seemingly never won over the dressing room, clashed with the board over transfer policy and oversaw a disappointing title defence. As a result, his reputation as one of the game’s finest managers took a serious blow. The fact that he won the Italian Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his brief spell at the San Siro has been buried in the footnotes.
"I prefer to remember the positive things from my time at Inter," the Spaniard recently explained. "Many people wanted to pass judgement without knowing what really happened. The truth is that the club and the technical staff got together and planned to rebuild the squad, with the names of new players. But the proposals were never followed. As I see it, it was the cause of everything that happened at Inter in that year and even perhaps in the following seasons."
Now he is back with a score to settle and statements to make. Just don’t expect Benitez to tell it that way.
"I accepted the Napoli job because of the enthusiasm and passion surrounding the club", he explained. "I am keen to repay the club on the pitch. Napoli remind me a bit of Liverpool. We have a lot of quality players and an incredible hunger to win."
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/17/chelsea-experience-prepares-rafael-benitez-for-napoli-test/92294/#ruTt3ScVMKE63GfH.99
Napoli fans are notoriously passionate, vocal and impatient, or so the story goes. But forging a relationship with the supporters will feel like a stroll in the park for the Spaniard after his Chelsea experience. After enduring chants, banners and vicious hatred during the darker days of his time at Stamford Bridge, he can at least expect to have the Napoli crowd on his side from day one. Home games will feel like home games again, with applause in place of boos and jeers.
Benitez’s task in Naples is to help the club go one step further than last year when they finished second to Juventus in Serie A, despite losing only six games and being the highest scoring team in the league. Ultimately, the squad were just too stretched to launch a successful Scudetto bid. He will also have the chance to shine in the Champions League again, a competition he embraced during his Liverpool days and won in dramatic fashion in 2005 against AC Milan.
But his mission in Italy goes beyond helping Napoli achieve their goals. A portion of it is about banishing the memories of his ill-fated stint as Inter boss back in 2010 (he was appointed in June and dismissed in December). Following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard seemingly never won over the dressing room, clashed with the board over transfer policy and oversaw a disappointing title defence. As a result, his reputation as one of the game’s finest managers took a serious blow. The fact that he won the Italian Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his brief spell at the San Siro has been buried in the footnotes.
"I prefer to remember the positive things from my time at Inter," the Spaniard recently explained. "Many people wanted to pass judgement without knowing what really happened. The truth is that the club and the technical staff got together and planned to rebuild the squad, with the names of new players. But the proposals were never followed. As I see it, it was the cause of everything that happened at Inter in that year and even perhaps in the following seasons."
Now he is back with a score to settle and statements to make. Just don’t expect Benitez to tell it that way.
"I accepted the Napoli job because of the enthusiasm and passion surrounding the club", he explained. "I am keen to repay the club on the pitch. Napoli remind me a bit of Liverpool. We have a lot of quality players and an incredible hunger to win."
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/17/chelsea-experience-prepares-rafael-benitez-for-napoli-test/92294/#ruTt3ScVMKE63GfH.99
State of Play: Liverpool
With the 2013/14 Premier League fixtures released, all eyes turn to the new campaign. But last season’s performance holds clues to what must be done to succeed next time around, essential points not to be forgotten and to-do lists which must be worked through over the summer.
For Liverpool, 2012/13 marked a shift in emphasis, with new manager Brendan Rodgers putting his faith in younger talents and accepting that some rebuilding would be necessary. Inheriting a squad with clear flaws, there were inevitable teething problems, but an impressive flourish in the final few months makes Liverpool an intriguing team to monitor this term. Luis Suarez’s future remains unclear after yet more controversy, however the squad unquestionably contains more quality after some shrewd spending in January made amends for swinging and missing in last summer’s transfer market. Rodgers will expect steady progress again this season.
Last Season in 20 Words: Rebuilding project was no exaggeration – a forgettable campaign with few consistent performers. But Rodgers is the right man to lift gloom.
Grade: C. From the start, it was clear that a gulf existed between Liverpool and the top four or five clubs. While there were some stirring displays, inconsistency throughout the team meant their cup runs fizzled out and Merseyside bragging rights were surrendered to Everton, who finished one spot higher.
Highlight of 2012/13: The run-in. From 1st January onwards, Liverpool showed promise and benefitted from the additions of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham Horspur in March stands out, serving as a reminder of the team’s potential.
Read more at:
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/15/state-of-play-luis-suarez-uncertainty-hangs-over-liverpool-but-philippe-coutinho-promises-relief/92145/#Tba5cHABIecYeywJ.99
For Liverpool, 2012/13 marked a shift in emphasis, with new manager Brendan Rodgers putting his faith in younger talents and accepting that some rebuilding would be necessary. Inheriting a squad with clear flaws, there were inevitable teething problems, but an impressive flourish in the final few months makes Liverpool an intriguing team to monitor this term. Luis Suarez’s future remains unclear after yet more controversy, however the squad unquestionably contains more quality after some shrewd spending in January made amends for swinging and missing in last summer’s transfer market. Rodgers will expect steady progress again this season.
Last Season in 20 Words: Rebuilding project was no exaggeration – a forgettable campaign with few consistent performers. But Rodgers is the right man to lift gloom.
Grade: C. From the start, it was clear that a gulf existed between Liverpool and the top four or five clubs. While there were some stirring displays, inconsistency throughout the team meant their cup runs fizzled out and Merseyside bragging rights were surrendered to Everton, who finished one spot higher.
Highlight of 2012/13: The run-in. From 1st January onwards, Liverpool showed promise and benefitted from the additions of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham Horspur in March stands out, serving as a reminder of the team’s potential.
Read more at:
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/15/state-of-play-luis-suarez-uncertainty-hangs-over-liverpool-but-philippe-coutinho-promises-relief/92145/#Tba5cHABIecYeywJ.99
Friday 20 January 2012
Football: African Cup of Nations - Key Games
The 28th African Cup of Nations is set to provide a feast of football in the weeks ahead (January 21-February 12), packed with vibrancy, flair and drama and enhanced by some of the most passionate supporters in sport. The tournament will showcase an array of established, mesmerising talents, from the Ivory Coast powerhouses Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure to Senegal’s prolific Demba Ba – and will undoubtedly unveil several future stars.
The cast for Africa’s thrilling football show has a somewhat different look this year. Egypt, winners of the past three tournaments, failed to qualify while traditional frontrunners Cameroon are also forced to watch from the sidelines. Equatorial Guinea, co-hosting with Gabon, take their African Cup of Nations bow – as do Botswana.
With three gripping weeks of action ahead, we pick out the most unmissable group stage games.
Equatorial Guinea v Libya, January 21
There will inevitably be butterflies for the co-hosts as they take their first steps in the African Cup of Nations but the home crowd will be full of colour and noise, setting the early tone for a special tournament. This is where it all begins for Equatorial Guinea but, having landed in an extremely difficult group, things will only get tougher.
Libya were unbeaten en route to the tournament, using a rock solid defence as their foundation and recording two 1-0 wins and two goalless draws. But this game might well be more open as the Libyans cannot afford a tentative start given the quality of their next two opponents, Senegal and Zambia.
Senegal v Zambia, January 21
Speaking of which…Senegal’s qualifying campaign (five wins and a draw) sent a clear message that the current group is ready to emulate the 2002 squad that shot to prominence with their World Cup exploits. They will be looking to make a flying start in this opening fixture and lay down a marker for the matches ahead, particularly with Ba in ruthless goalscoring form for Newcastle.
Zambia, meanwhile, could be a surprise package. The signs were there during qualification, where Collins Mbesuma shone and 21-year-old Emmanuel Mayuka showed his promise in front of goal. These two teams should both make it out of Group A and into the quarter-finals – but there will be plenty to play for in this match.
Morocco v Tunisia, January 23
This bout between nearby neighbours has the potential to be a classic. Neither team were fully convincing in reaching the tournament, with strengths and weaknesses on display. Morocco conceded just two goals in qualifying but, at the other end, they will hope Marouane Chamakh breaks out of his Arsenal slump in their tournament opener.
Tunisia, meanwhile, were more ruthless in front of goal and should be an eye-catching side. Issam Jemaa is a man to watch after netting six goals in the qualifying campaign. With a lot at stake, expect to see goals in this one.
Nigeria v Tunisia, January 27
This Nigeria team might not be on par with the more high profile sides of years gone by, but they still have plenty of weapons. Recent results have been patchy, though, and their frenzied supporters will expect better performances once the tournament kicks off. The pressure will be on.
Regardless of Tunisia’s result against Morocco, this game will be critical to their chances of making the last eight. With neither team likely to win any awards for defending, there should be no shortage of end to end action.
Ivory Coast v Angola, January 30
No opponent can match the strength of the Ivory Coast starting line-up, from Drogba, Gervinho and Salomon Kalou up front to Yaya Toure in midfield and brother Kolo marshalling the back line. A 100% qualifying campaign came as no surprise. But the Ivorians have failed to convert this quality on paper into a run of silverware – and the clock is ticking. If a spot in the next round has not been clinched by this final group game, this clash should be a thriller.
The Angolans are no pushovers and may well present the toughest test for Drogba and company in Group C. Manucho, who spent a brief spell at Manchester United, will be one of Angola’s key men as they chase an upset in this game.
Ghana v Guinea, February 1
Ghana are rightly considered at the front of the contending pack, given their unbeaten qualifying campaign (13 goals scored, one conceded) and the experience throughout the squad. Asamoah Gyan remains the lynchpin in attack but this is a well-balanced team from back to front. They will looking to send a message to the other challengers throughout the group stage.
This fixture might be the decider in Group D, given Guinea’s solid recent form in topping their qualifying group. They proved that they have a versatile style of play, with two 4-1 wins as well as a gritty 1-0 victory, and they have goalscorers all over the pitch.
To read the ful article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2012/01/19/2012-african-cup-of-nations-games-to-watch/56451/
Thursday 15 December 2011
Football: Manchester United Poised To Strike Over Festive Period
On the surface of things, Manchester United would appear to be in a state of flux as we approach the Premier League’s busy Chistmas period, with clubs playing five matches in little over two weeks. An ignominious departure from the Champions League before the knockout stages courtesy of an FC Basle side, who were more than happy to show their English visitors the door, has been coupled with an eye watering injury list. Nemanja Vidic suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the aforementioned visit to Switzerland and is out for the season in effect. In the last few days Darren Fletcher, an unsung hero of United’s midfield, has decided to take an indefinite break from competitive football in a bid to rid himself of a chronic bowel complaint which has dogged him for much of the last year or so.
However, there are reasons for optimism to grow in the hearts and minds of United fans still. United tend not to be frontrunners as far the league title is concerned, at least at this stage of the season. Often the festive period and the New Year sees United begin to eat into a lead which has been established by another club, or clubs. Something a little more tangible for United to look to is that the frontrunner this season is their near neighbour, Manchester City. City has not won the league in over forty years - they have no recent precedent to look to or experience to fall back upon. In addition to this, their unbeaten record perished under unfortunate circumstances in their last outing at Chelsea. The festive period affords no team the opportunity for quiet reflection and rebuilding. The fixtures will come thick and fast and any team can be buffeted from pillar to post if they lack the experience and resolve to ride out the storm, however insignificant it may seem at the outset. A week ago, City had a five point lead. It is now a mere two points. A buoyant Arsenal are the visitors to The Etihad Stadium on Sunday and City must be on their mettle if that lead is to remain intact as United visit QPR in what is an eminently winnable game for them.
Indeed, the respective fixtures of the two clubs are worth looking at closely because they suggest further opportunities for United to close in on City, and perhaps be at the top of the table come the close of play on January the 4th. Up until very recently, perhaps only three or four seasons ago, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were occasions for a full compliment of Premier League fixtures. This made the two days extra special and a throwback to years gone by when all fixtures kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday. Granted, the fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were staggered, but it was still a pleasant oddity for the modern day fan to see the full compliment of fixtures on the one day. In addition to that, in the already hectic festive period, it at least placed clubs on a more level playing field. However, this tradition has gone by the wayside as with many things in modern football. Television wields an ever increasing share of the power and as such there are now fixtures on the 27th of December, the 30th, the 31st (in fact the lion’s share of the New Year’s fixtures fall on the 31st but this is probably more to do with the 31st this year falling on a Saturday), the 2nd of January and so on.
Further to this, the Premier League has deemed that clubs should have double header home and away fixtures over the festive period. That is to say, for example, Manchester City face Arsenal and Stoke at home before Christmas, and then West Brom and Sunderland away after Christmas but before New Year’s Day. Manchester United have the reverse - QPR and Fulham away before Christmas (a pleasant ten minute walk between grounds removes the potential for any onerous journey) and then Wigan and Blackburn at home between Christmas and the New Year. Now, it’s a very slight advantage to hold, but anyone who has been to a home fixture on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day (Eve in this case), knows that the atmosphere is that little bit more charged with festive good cheer and bonhomie. These are super home fixtures if you like. Manchester United are fortunate to be at home for both games and against extremely friendly opposition from the North West. For City, both their away games look relatively kind on paper, but the festive factor for the home team and supporters in addition to the visit to Sunderland, where Martin O’Neill is in throws of his honeymoon period, makes them trickier than they look.
Perhaps of more benefit to United, however, is the spacing of the fixtures. Both United and City have matches on December the 18th, the 21st and the 26th. However, United then have a five day break before Blackburn and then a four day gap before they visit Newcastle on January the 4th. City have a six day break, rather than five, before they play Sunderland on New Year’s Day and then only a two day break before the visit of Liverpool, who are never a pushover, on the 3rd. The logic behind giving one team six days break and another team five, but then having the former play their next fixture before the latter, is not immediately apparent. However the Premier League, in its endless wisdom, has deemed that this is a prudent course of action to take. It is up to City to prevent United capitalising upon it, but it is a further reason for United to be optimistic.
City have two of the traditional bigger sides, Arsenal and Liverpool, to play over the festive period, although it should be noted that both matches are at the Etihad. By comparison, United’s only top half opponent (City also entertain 8th placed Stoke) is Newcastle. Memories of Philippe Albert may be hard to dispel as United travel to St James’ Park, never an easy place to go, but United has the more pleasing set of fixtures on paper. It is a prime opportunity for Sir Alex Ferguson, a past master at preparing sides for the rigours of the season, to drive his side closer and closer to City, ready to capitalise on any slip ups by the Citizens.
Elsewhere at the top of the table, there are grounds for optimism as a result of Chelsea’s defeat of City on Monday. Starting with the West Londoners, then, they have one tricky fixture in their five when they visit Tottenham on the 22nd. Otherwise, Wigan away, Fulham home, Aston Villa home and Wolves away looks like a chance for twelve points. Similarly Spurs, with the exception of Chelsea at home, have winnable matches, though they would be wise not to underestimate the potential for slip ups during the Boxing Day and New Year’s away fixtures at newly promoted Norwich and Swansea. Arsenal follow their tough assignment at Manchester City with games against Aston Villa, Wolves, QPR and Fulham. Nothing less than twelve points there will keep Arsenal in the title hunt in all likelihood.
Of course, nothing is straight forward at this time of the football season, but Manchester United are primed and ready to strike. We must hope that the events that unfold on the pitches match the potential for Christmas excitement. This is the most special time of the league season and the fate of the crown may be in sharper focus by The FA Cup 3rd round weekend in early January.
Nick Rogerson
However, there are reasons for optimism to grow in the hearts and minds of United fans still. United tend not to be frontrunners as far the league title is concerned, at least at this stage of the season. Often the festive period and the New Year sees United begin to eat into a lead which has been established by another club, or clubs. Something a little more tangible for United to look to is that the frontrunner this season is their near neighbour, Manchester City. City has not won the league in over forty years - they have no recent precedent to look to or experience to fall back upon. In addition to this, their unbeaten record perished under unfortunate circumstances in their last outing at Chelsea. The festive period affords no team the opportunity for quiet reflection and rebuilding. The fixtures will come thick and fast and any team can be buffeted from pillar to post if they lack the experience and resolve to ride out the storm, however insignificant it may seem at the outset. A week ago, City had a five point lead. It is now a mere two points. A buoyant Arsenal are the visitors to The Etihad Stadium on Sunday and City must be on their mettle if that lead is to remain intact as United visit QPR in what is an eminently winnable game for them.
Indeed, the respective fixtures of the two clubs are worth looking at closely because they suggest further opportunities for United to close in on City, and perhaps be at the top of the table come the close of play on January the 4th. Up until very recently, perhaps only three or four seasons ago, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were occasions for a full compliment of Premier League fixtures. This made the two days extra special and a throwback to years gone by when all fixtures kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday. Granted, the fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were staggered, but it was still a pleasant oddity for the modern day fan to see the full compliment of fixtures on the one day. In addition to that, in the already hectic festive period, it at least placed clubs on a more level playing field. However, this tradition has gone by the wayside as with many things in modern football. Television wields an ever increasing share of the power and as such there are now fixtures on the 27th of December, the 30th, the 31st (in fact the lion’s share of the New Year’s fixtures fall on the 31st but this is probably more to do with the 31st this year falling on a Saturday), the 2nd of January and so on.
Further to this, the Premier League has deemed that clubs should have double header home and away fixtures over the festive period. That is to say, for example, Manchester City face Arsenal and Stoke at home before Christmas, and then West Brom and Sunderland away after Christmas but before New Year’s Day. Manchester United have the reverse - QPR and Fulham away before Christmas (a pleasant ten minute walk between grounds removes the potential for any onerous journey) and then Wigan and Blackburn at home between Christmas and the New Year. Now, it’s a very slight advantage to hold, but anyone who has been to a home fixture on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day (Eve in this case), knows that the atmosphere is that little bit more charged with festive good cheer and bonhomie. These are super home fixtures if you like. Manchester United are fortunate to be at home for both games and against extremely friendly opposition from the North West. For City, both their away games look relatively kind on paper, but the festive factor for the home team and supporters in addition to the visit to Sunderland, where Martin O’Neill is in throws of his honeymoon period, makes them trickier than they look.
Perhaps of more benefit to United, however, is the spacing of the fixtures. Both United and City have matches on December the 18th, the 21st and the 26th. However, United then have a five day break before Blackburn and then a four day gap before they visit Newcastle on January the 4th. City have a six day break, rather than five, before they play Sunderland on New Year’s Day and then only a two day break before the visit of Liverpool, who are never a pushover, on the 3rd. The logic behind giving one team six days break and another team five, but then having the former play their next fixture before the latter, is not immediately apparent. However the Premier League, in its endless wisdom, has deemed that this is a prudent course of action to take. It is up to City to prevent United capitalising upon it, but it is a further reason for United to be optimistic.
City have two of the traditional bigger sides, Arsenal and Liverpool, to play over the festive period, although it should be noted that both matches are at the Etihad. By comparison, United’s only top half opponent (City also entertain 8th placed Stoke) is Newcastle. Memories of Philippe Albert may be hard to dispel as United travel to St James’ Park, never an easy place to go, but United has the more pleasing set of fixtures on paper. It is a prime opportunity for Sir Alex Ferguson, a past master at preparing sides for the rigours of the season, to drive his side closer and closer to City, ready to capitalise on any slip ups by the Citizens.
Elsewhere at the top of the table, there are grounds for optimism as a result of Chelsea’s defeat of City on Monday. Starting with the West Londoners, then, they have one tricky fixture in their five when they visit Tottenham on the 22nd. Otherwise, Wigan away, Fulham home, Aston Villa home and Wolves away looks like a chance for twelve points. Similarly Spurs, with the exception of Chelsea at home, have winnable matches, though they would be wise not to underestimate the potential for slip ups during the Boxing Day and New Year’s away fixtures at newly promoted Norwich and Swansea. Arsenal follow their tough assignment at Manchester City with games against Aston Villa, Wolves, QPR and Fulham. Nothing less than twelve points there will keep Arsenal in the title hunt in all likelihood.
Of course, nothing is straight forward at this time of the football season, but Manchester United are primed and ready to strike. We must hope that the events that unfold on the pitches match the potential for Christmas excitement. This is the most special time of the league season and the fate of the crown may be in sharper focus by The FA Cup 3rd round weekend in early January.
Nick Rogerson
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Football: Premier League is Big Winner as Manchester Giants Crash Out
Given the success that Manchester City and Manchester United have enjoyed this calendar year, failing to clear the Champions League group stage hurdle is likely the equivalent of a surprise slap in the face. Both clubs had high hopes to go toe-to-toe with Barcelona and Real Madrid - instead, they are joining Stoke in the Europa League.
For City, falling short in a group that boasted Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal is at least excusable. It looked tough on paper and lived up to that billing, with Napoli in particular playing far better than their league position suggested. Hostile atmospheres in Munich and Naples made those trips particularly tricky. It was also the first taste of Champions League action for the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Gareth Barry. Mistakes were bound to be made - and lessons will be learned.
United, on the other hand, can claim no such thing and next to nothing to put forward as an excuse. Presented with a gift of a group, Ferguson's men were sloppy and complacent throughout their six-game campaign, allowing Benfica and FC Basel - United's conquerors in the final group game - to cash in. As upsets go, this was a big one.
But amid all the talk of disappointment and failure, the big winner was the Premier League. The title race is intriguingly poised at present, with Arsenal surging back into the mix and Tottenham threatening to muscle their way into contention. Now, domestic action will get the Manchester clubs’ full attention – and that can only add spice to a season that has already produced a string of memorable moments.
For City, falling short in a group that boasted Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal is at least excusable. It looked tough on paper and lived up to that billing, with Napoli in particular playing far better than their league position suggested. Hostile atmospheres in Munich and Naples made those trips particularly tricky. It was also the first taste of Champions League action for the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Gareth Barry. Mistakes were bound to be made - and lessons will be learned.
United, on the other hand, can claim no such thing and next to nothing to put forward as an excuse. Presented with a gift of a group, Ferguson's men were sloppy and complacent throughout their six-game campaign, allowing Benfica and FC Basel - United's conquerors in the final group game - to cash in. As upsets go, this was a big one.
But amid all the talk of disappointment and failure, the big winner was the Premier League. The title race is intriguingly poised at present, with Arsenal surging back into the mix and Tottenham threatening to muscle their way into contention. Now, domestic action will get the Manchester clubs’ full attention – and that can only add spice to a season that has already produced a string of memorable moments.
Squad rotation is no longer an acceptable excuse for City and United, particularly Ferguson’s men, who are also out of the Carling Cup. Both teams will be well rested, often benefiting from a full week between games, and that should translate into better performances and more spectacular highlights. Mancini and Ferguson have often had their eye on upcoming European games, making their selections for weekend fixtures with that in mind. It is hard to believe that the Europa League will command the same respect.
United’s Patrice Evra all but confirmed this after United's exit in Switzerland. “I'll be honest with you, the way I fell now it is Champions League or nothing but when we start playing in the Europa League we will try to win it,” he admitted. “But of course I play for Manchester United to play in the Champions League. I am not ready for it because it is a new experience. Even if it is [a] friendly, when I pull on United shirt I do my best to win that trophy. But it is embarrassing to be in the Europa League.”
At Old Trafford, even focusing on one competition might prove a challenge. Just to emphasize how the landscape has shifted over the past few weeks, the notion of United failing to finish in the top four no longer seems so far fetched. It would take a brave man to bet against the champions but the problems are mounting for Ferguson. Captain Nemanja Vidic is expected to miss the rest of the season due to the ligament damage sustained against FC Basel, Javier Hernandez is sidelined for at least four weeks and the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young have looked out of sorts. In short, United are one bad run of results away from having the FA Cup as the sole potential consolation prize for the 2011/12 campaign.
City, meanwhile, can have few complaints about their league campaign thus far and Mancini will feel confident that by putting more focus on their Premier League title bid, his players can hold off the chasing pack. After all, the realistic goal for City heading into this year was to win the title – that in itself would have been considered an excellent campaign. The Champions League was always going to be a bonus.
So, in theory, the Premier League will get the very best of City and United for the rest of the season. That means David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Rooney, Nani and Phil Jones should be fit, hungry and raring to go week in, week out. For Premier League fans across the world, that prospect is mouthwatering.
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