Category: Football

Sweden are the visitors to Wembley on Tuesday night as they bid to extend their 43-year unbeaten record against England.

That run covers 12 matches and we think they are a good price at 5/4 with Betfred in the double chance market to make it 13 on Tuesday night.

The Swedes qualified for Euro 2012 by finishing as the best runners-up in qualifying – second behind World Cup finalists Holland in Group E – and they look in decent shape for this summer’s tournament.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Johan Elmander form a strong partnership in attack and the likes of Martin Olsson, Sebastian Larsson and Ola Toivonen should provide more quality over the coming years.

Boss Erik Hamren has adopted a more attacking approach during his three-year tenure and they still look sturdy in defence with Jonas Olsson and Olof Mellberg among the backline.

England are, of course, on a high after the 1-0 win over Spain on Saturday but this represents a completely different test and Fabio Capello has already confirmed he will make eight changes.

John Terry, Gary Cahill, Bobby Zamora, Jack Rodwell and Kyle Walker are among the players to come in and that means some of the cohesion shown against the Spanish will be lost.

We also reckon the 1-1 draw against Ghana in March is worth mentioning as a pointer for this match.

The Three Lions failed to claim victory after they made wholesale changes following the qualifying win over Wales the previous weekend and Capello’s approach is very similar against the Swedes.

The Italian has already provided warning for England fans not to get carried away.

“Against Sweden, it will be really difficult,” he told the press.

“Their movement when they defend is very good and then they play on the counterattack.

“Also, now, after we have beaten Spain, they will come here thinking we are good, so they know they will have to play better – and so will we.”

Sweden did lose 2-0 to Denmark on Friday night but we reckon they will be eager to bounce back and they have the quality to trouble England’s much-changed line-up.

Hamren’s men have only lost three of their previous 13 away matches so take the 5/4 in the double chance market.

source: www.betting-zone.co.uk

Harry Redknapp would be interested in taking Carlos Tevez off Manchester City’s hands, but admits Tottenham are in no position to match the controversial star’s wages.

Tevez has become embroiled in a bitter row with his manager Roberto Mancini over his reported refusal to take to the pitch during City’s Champions League match at Bayern Munich on September 27.

Mancini has made it clear that Tevez has no future at City, and the club are actively looking for a buyer for their former captain.

Spurs boss Redknapp admits he would love to sign Tevez, but concedes a reported asking price of more than £30million, and the striker’s huge wages of around £200,000 a week, mean a move for the 27-year-old is all but impossible.

“Would I like him? Yes. Anyone would like him. He is a fantastic player,” Redknapp said.

“He is an amazing player. When he plays no one gives more than he does. He works his socks off, he runs, he chases, he plays, he tackles and he scores goals.

“He is the full package when he plays so I don’t think there are too many teams who wouldn’t like him.

“Affording him is a different matter. That’s the problem. We couldn’t afford him really.”

City were forced by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to halve a four-week fine given to Tevez after they found him guilty of several charges relating to his apparent refusal to come off the bench in Germany last month.

With claims Tevez is considering suing Mancini, the end of the saga appears a long way off and Redknapp admits he has already become bored of the conflict.

“It’s a difficult one. The PFA will always support their players,” the Spurs boss added.

“To be honest, I haven’t been following it. I got fed up reading about it.”

The 64-year-old also thinks the size of Tevez’s fine is irrelevant, given the vast sum of money the Argentina international has amassed during his career.

Redknapp said: “A two-week fine, four-week fine, it doesn’t make any difference to him does it? “How is that going to hurt him anyway? The extra two weeks won’t hurt him when you are earning unbelievable money like that.

“It probably won’t make the slightest bit of difference to his life in the long term.”

Source:www.sporting-life.com

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini again would not answer questions on the ongoing situation involving striker Carlos Tevez on Friday morning.

Mancini, who has not spoken significantly on the matter since accusing Tevez of refusing to play at Bayern Munich on September 27, addressed the media this morning to preview Saturday’s game against Wolves.

But, as has become customary at City in recent weeks, Mancini’s press conference was preceded by a warning to reporters from a club official that the subject was off the agenda.

City consider the matter closed in that they have found Tevez guilty of misconduct and issued a fine, but they anticipate an appeal from the player.

City concluded after a lengthy investigation that Tevez had committed five breaches of contract in relation to his conduct on the bench for the Champions League game at the Allianz Arena.

One of those included a refusal to play following claims from Mancini immediately after the match that the Argentinian did not want to come on as a second-half substitute.

Tevez, however, has contended throughout that he only refused to warm up and blamed a misunderstanding for the fiasco.

The Professional Footballers’ Association have backed the 27-year-old’s stance and refused to sanction a fine above the maximum two weeks’ wages the club are permitted to impose without their ratification.

City had intended to fine Tevez four weeks’ wages – thought to be around £800,000 – but have now halved that following the PFA’s intervention.

The PFA have also said the reasons given for Tevez’s guilty verdict – published on the club’s website on Tuesday – do not relate to a charge read at the player’s disciplinary hearing of failing to resume warming up.

A statement read: “The PFA’s opinion, based on all the evidence presented, is that Carlos Tevez never refused to play for the club.

“This is accepted by the club in that the charge against Carlos made at the hearing was not one of refusing to play.”

City, however, are understood to remain unmoved in their assertion that Tevez refused to play.

Source:www.sporting-life.com

David Silva insists he would ignore any approaches from Barcelona or Real Madrid in order to repay the faith of Manchester City.

Roberto Mancini paid £26million to Valencia for the Spaniard in the summer of 2010 and after taking a season to settle into life in England the playmaker is more than justifying his price tag.

Silva has been the star of City’s charge to the top of the Premier League table and was instrumental in dismantling Manchester United in last weekend’s famous derby victory at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old’s form has led to suggestions Real and Barcelona will want to sign him and his head could be turned by the possibility of returning to Spain, where his international prospects could be boosted.

But Silva is quoted as saying in The Sun: “City believed in me and I’m very well here.

“Real Madrid and Barcelona are definitely two great clubs, but I hope to stay in Manchester for many years.”

Source:www.sporting-life.com

Anton Ferdinand has spoken publicly for the first time since he found himself positioned at the centre of a race row, and has referred to the events of the last week as “crazy”.

The QPR defender was the subject of an alleged racial slur by the Chelsea and England captain John Terry during a stormy game between the two sides last weekend.

Terry has denied any wrongdoing, but the Football Association are investigating the claims, while the Metropolitan Police are also involved after receiving an anonymous complaint.

Ferdinand is preferring to concentrate on football, with QPR heading to Tottenham this weekend, although he does concede recent days have been somewhat different.

“The last few days have been crazy,” Ferdinand said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

“But I’m looking forward to Sunday’s game and fully focused on football.

“Anyone who knows me will know that whatever’s going on, football’s always going to be my number one priority.”

Ferdinand has refused to talk about the alleged incident, but has thanked his peers, at other clubs as well as at QPR, for the support they have shown him.

“I’d like to thank players like (Blackburn’s) Jason Roberts for the support they have given me,” he added.

“Not just professionals at other clubs but my team-mates at QPR.

“They’ve been fantastic for me. Having team-mates around you like I have is nice to feel, and nice to see.”

As part of their investigations, the FA will speak to both Ferdinand and Terry, while other QPR and Chelsea players could be called upon.

“Has it been the craziest week of my life?” Ferdinand added.

“There’s been other situations, but it’s certainly up there. But these types of situations are what make you.”

Source:www.sporting-life.com

Andre Villas-Boas was set to decide whether John Terry is in the right frame of mind to lead Chelsea out in their crucial London derby against Arsenal.

All the signs are Blues boss Villas-Boas will recall his captain for the crunch Barclays Premier League clash, despite the racism inquiry that hangs over the 30-year-old.

Terry sat out Wednesday night’s Carling Cup win at Everton, the defender left in London largely because he was one booking away from a suspension and played 90 minutes at QPR on Sunday, where Chelsea spent most of the game with nine men.

Villas-Boas tends to decide on his line-up 24 hours before a game and it is likely the first question he will be asked in Friday afternoon’s pre-match press conference will relate to Terry’s involvement against Arsenal.

Whether Villas-Boas actually confirms his skipper will play remains to be seen, but leaving him out on Saturday would be a major surprise.

The Portuguese gave Terry his full backing earlier this week after the England captain categorically denied racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road.

However, that was before Rangers asked the Football Association to investigate the allegations against Terry, who could be forgiven for having his mind elsewhere during Saturday’s match.

The FA inquiry could see other QPR and Chelsea players called as witnesses and the Professional Footballers’ Association yesterday pledged to assist the game’s governing body.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor offered his help in the Patrice Evra-Luiz Suarez race row two weeks ago and his organisation made it clear they would be prepared to do the same in the Terry-Ferdinand saga.

The PFA said in a statement: “There is a proper process to be followed for such serious issues which is governed by The Football Association, as the game’s regulator.

“We will assist and adhere to that process in any way which is considered appropriate, mindful that all the players are our members and as such we expect the process to be fair and transparent in establishing the facts in each case.”

Reacting to recent race rows, Premier League managers gave their take on whether it was a problem in English football.

Fulham’s Dutch boss Martin Jol, who was also a player at West Brom and Coventry in the 1980s, said: “We do not like it in my country and it has been an issue over the past five or six years across Europe.

“I don’t know the ins and outs from Terry case but I feel at this club, particularly at this club, we do everything to stand up to racism.”

He added: “There is no racism here and, in England, I felt when I played here it was the same – everybody was against it.”

Blackburn’s Steve Kean was taken aback by the Terry allegations.

“I was surprised because of all the campaigns and I’m sure everybody is behind making sure it doesn’t creep back into the game at any level,” he said.

“I’m not aware of if it has come back in but if it has then it has to be stamped out immediately.”

Source: www.sporting-life.com

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has been charged with two counts of sexual assault and one of urinating in a public place.

The 30-year-old, who was arrested on September 28, will appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on November 10.

His lawyer Phil Smith, from London-based Tuckers Solicitors, said: “My client vehemently denies these charges and will be vigorously contesting them.”

source:www.sporting-life.com

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has promised to “make an announcement regarding my future” on social networking site Twitter this afternoon.

The Liverpudlian Tweeted a series of cryptic messages hinting at problems behind the scenes at St James’ Park before revealing he will make a more clear cut statement at 4pm today.

Barton initially said on Sunday: “If only we as players could tell the fans exactly how it is, without them above fining us lots of money. There will be a time and a place.”

He referred to team-mate Jose Enrique’s recent fine for critical Tweeting after the Spaniard accused the club of lacking ambition when he added: “If it wouldn’t effect team morale and cause unrest within the dressing room, am certain Jose’s comments would be the tip of the iceberg…..

“And again it would be left to those magnificent fans to pick up the remnants of their once great football club. £hadenoughofcertainpeople

“If I wanted to leave, I’d just come out and say ‘I want to leave’. Things need addressing as am not prepared to go through a relegation again.”

This afternoon he added: “I wont be commenting on situation at Newcastle again, as I feel it helps nobody and serves no purpose. Hope u all understand,” only to add barely 30 minutes later: “I will be making an announcement regarding my future, on here at 4pm today……..”

Barton has just a year left on his Newcastle contract but claimed recently he had no interest in a move elsewhere.

The Magpies lost 3-2 to Leeds in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

source: http://www.sporting-life.com

Antonio Valencia has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester United.

The Ecuador winger, 25, is now tied to the Barclays Premier League champions until the end of the 2014/15 season.

Valencia joined United two years ago from Wigan and has gone on to make 69 appearances, scoring 10 goals.

Valencia’s progress last season was stalled by an ankle injury that sidelined him for five months but, he made a successful return to Sir Alex Ferguson’s first team.

He was a stand-out performer as United overturned Schalke in the Champions League semi-final and was part of the side defeated by Barcelona in the final.

Competition for places has been increased by the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa, but Ferguson was delighted to agree terms with Valencia on a new deal.

“Antonio has made a fantastic contribution since his arrival. His speed, crossing ability and versatility have been a big asset for us,” Ferguson told manutd.com.

“He has a quiet, unassuming way of going about his business, which is underlined by great strength of character – as his recovery from such a bad injury last season proves.”

Valencia added: “I am delighted to stay at United. Since my first day at Carrington, I have been happy here. I hope that I can continue to develop as a player.

“I am looking forward to making my contribution to helping this squad compete for more trophies.”

source: http://www.sporting-life.com

Tottenham could sell Luka Modric if the club’s valuation of him is met, assistant manager Kevin Bond admitted on Monday.

Chelsea are weighing up whether to make a third bid for Spurs playmaker Modric, having already seen two offers rejected this summer.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has insisted the 25-year-old is not for sale “at any price” but that was contradicted by Bond, who told talkSPORT: “We desperately don’t want to lose him, but everyone has a price.

“If somebody came along and the money turns your head and he did go – although the chairman is adamant he doesn’t want to sell him – then we’d have to get on with it.”

That price is likely to be well in excess of the reported £22million and £27million reportedly offered by Chelsea in recent weeks.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp branded the Blues’ first bid as “ridiculous” and also gave short shrift to the second.

Modric still has five years remaining on the long-term contract he signed last summer.

However, the Croatia star wants to leave, reportedly handing in a transfer request after accusing Levy of reneging on a gentleman’s agreement to sell him this summer if a club like Chelsea made a bid.

Bond added: “Transfers are part and parcel of the game but you don’t want to lose your best players and he certainly is one of our best players.”

Bond said “Harry would have to deal elsewhere in market” if Modric was sold but Redknapp himself has admitted Tottenham would struggle to compete for top players because they could not match the salaries on offer at the likes of Manchester City.

“Imagine what their wages will be,” he told several newspapers.

“It’s incredible. They are all on 100 grand a week-plus. Wages have gone crazy.

“It’s gone beyond belief and made it really hard to compete for top players. If you want to be a top-four side, it’s difficult because we can’t pay those kind of wages.

“Our chairman Daniel Levy runs the club well, we get 36,000 fans, you’re not going to put the club in hock.

“How do you compete with the Man Citys of this world?”

Spurs have been linked with Valencia star Juan Mata.

Redknapp said: “Mata is one we have looked at but there are other clubs, including, Arsenal who also like him.

“I saw him play for Spain Under-21s against England and he was fantastic. But the chairman is dealing with it.”

Redknapp led Spurs to fourth place in the Barclays Premier League just over a year ago but admitted they might even struggle to break the top five this season.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson recently singled out City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool as his side’s big rivals.

Redknapp said: “Fergie didn’t mention us. He stuck Liverpool in there this year and probably with what they have brought in, it’s looking that way.”

source: http://www.sporting-life.com