Porto vs Benfica as it happened

BENFICA VS PORTO


One's to watch...


Benfica...                                                        Porto...
TALISCA                                                          MARTINEZ

10 goals in 12 games.

8 goals in 12 games.

KICK OFF

The game started very slowly and it took quite a while for the game to get started but when the flood gates opened half an hour into the game when Jackson Martinez finally got away from Luisao for the first time but it was saved by Julio Casear, and just four minutes later Porto were made to rue their missed chances as a long throw caused havoc for Porto and some poor defending let Lima slip in behind the defence and hit it in with his stomach! A very important goal for the Brazilian as it was his first since september.

HALF TIME 0:1

Early on in the second half challenges are flying in on Talisca but he breaks free and has a shot which is saved by the keeper but only for Lima to tap home the rebound, Lopetegui brings on Quintero to try and turn things around. Quarsema caused the Benfica defence some troubles but not enough. Ten minutes from time Martinez hit's the bar from 3 yards out as his header smacks the crossbar another great cross from Quaresma. Talisca didn't cause many problems in the second half and get's substituted for Ola John.

FULL TIME 0:2

Weekend Three DEC 13-14

Welcome to weekend three where I will be talking through and predicting the scoreline's of three of this weekends games. This week I will be reviewing Manchester United vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs Newcastle and finally Crystal Palace vs Stoke.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS LIVERPOOL

Firstly to Old Trafford as the travelling Liverpool need to bounce back quick from their knock out of the Champions League but it's not going to be easy against an in form United side who seem to have finally found form and fluidity under Louis Van Gaal. Last time these sides met Liverpool ran away 0-3 winners, but this time I think it will be a completely different story unfortunately for Liverpool fans.

I think United will start quick really going at Liverpool in the first twenty minutes and getting the fans behind them.  A positive for Liverpool is that the Red Devils haven't looked hard to score against this season but I can't see them taking a massive advantage of this weakness.

I feel we will see a game that only has one goal in it to split the two sides, this is a perfect time for Brendan Rodgers to try and implement the fast flowing football we were so use to seeing last season and not anymore lacklustre performances of we have seen recently.

A close match, but at this moment in time I can't see Liverpool getting the victory. Im going for a 2-1 Manchester United win.

ARSENAL VS NEWCASTLE

Now on to the Arsenal game as they welcome a Newcastle side that is oozing confidence.

This game could go two ways in my opinion a game where Newcastle dominate through midfield being led by Moussa Sissokho where the Magpies midfield dominate and bully Arsenal or a very dull game for the mutual fan where there's only one goal in it like when Arsenal took on Southampton and the game was only decided by a late Alexis Sanchez goal.

I don't think Arsenal will be as awful as they were last weekend against Stoke and they can't be but I don't think Arsene Wengers side will give much for Gooners to shout about.

Newcastle will go into the fixture with high hopes and start very positively but over time try to break Arsenal down and get ahead late on in the first half or early on in the second. Like the United vs Liverpool game I can only see a goal to split them.

Im going to say it will be a 1-0 win for Arsenal but not an overly convincing performance.



CRYSTAL PALACE VS STOKE 

Two sides who haven't been performing that well recently and this weekend they go head to head, I can see it being a very physically tough game. The main thing I'm looking forward to is all the inform attacking threat we will be seeing in the game with the likes of Bojan, Diouf, Bolasie and Zaha.

I can see it being a high scoring game, and maybe Stoke just pulling through. Like I said a very physical battle in midfield with Jedinak lining up against N'Zonzi who are both powerhouses for their sides.

Overall I'm going to say Palace will lose out to the Potters by a scoreline of 1-3.

Champions League Dropout and Rodgers Debate

Following Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League I review what went wrong and comment on the current ongoing debate of wether Brendan Rodgers is the right man to lead Liverpool forward right now. 

The most important match of the season, to revitalise Liverpool’s season and to possibly revitalise and maybe even save Brendan Rodgers Anfield career, and for me  Brendan failed the fans yet again by continuously starting Glen Johnson and a Jose Enrique who has no where near been on the form of Alberto Moreno who looked a much more vibrant and exciting player than Enrique. Also to bring Moreno on anyway at half time seemed to be a waste of a substitution, why not start Moreno in the first place? Also there is something wrong with the playing style of the squad all together as it saddens me to think we could play the sought of football we played in the last 10-15 minutes for 80 or so last season,without even putting that many men forward and yes of course no one can replace Suarez straight away and the missing Daniel Sturridge leaves a big hole in the squad and if the Englishman was playing last night maybe we would be into the next round but still maybe sticking with the philosophy of last season maybe could’ve saved Liverpool last night. Also not putting a backup striker anywhere in the squad was very naive and foolish from Rodgers.

I will certainly not forget last seasons success with Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool Football Club have a history of sticking with their mangers but when the manger is making obvious tactical mistakes week in week out should Brendan’s job be safe? 

One of the most frustrating things this season has to be that not only has Rodgers overspent with some summer signings but he doesn’t back these players that he has spent hefty prices on like Emre Can for example who has looked fairly good in games he has played this season but that he hasn’t started for a while now really puzzles me and how the £20 million Lazar Markovic did not even get a look in the team for the past five matches, with no injury problems on the player. 

Brendan Rodgers has been one of my favourite Liverpool mangers of recent time but I will not be blinded by my personal opinions of the manger and these problems that I have mentioned need to be solved sooner rather than later.

European TOTW November 22-23

This weeks top performing players in Europe's top leagues, all in one team!

Goalkeeper - David De Gea, the main reason why Man Utd are in the Champions League spot after Premier League match day 12, as he made several great 1-on-1 saves, the pick of the bunch was denying Jack Wilshere from close range.

Defender - Juan Jesus, the Brazilian made some crucial challenges in the Milan derby that finished 1-1. As he was the defensive rock at the back of the Milan defence.

Defender - Phillipe Mexes, The same as Juan Jesus, the reason why the Milan derby was a low scoring affair was because of these defenders. Mexes looked calm in possession and when playing it out from defence as well.

Defender - Diego Godin, This man looked tough, calm and even bagged himself a goal helping his side to a convincing 3-1 win. Stopping Malaga attacks by intercepting three key passes.

Defender - Stephan Lichsteiner, Good in defence and going forward in Juventus' 0-3 win at Lazio. Playing a key part in the Juventus second goal as he linked the defence and attack well.

Midfielder - Arjen Robben, A goal and a Assist for the superb Dutchman this weekend. Chipping Baumann for the goal and a lovely dink of a pass for his assist. Robben didn't give the Hoffenheim defence a minutes rest and thats why he's made it into this weeks team.

Midfielder - Paul Pogba, Two goals for the French international, sprinting from the halfway line to tuck away his first and fooling the keeper with a shimmy for his second. Pogba showed why he is so highly recommend after this performance against Lazio.

Midfielder - Mile Jedinak, Pressuring the Liverpool midfield as soon as they got hold of it and winning every challenge, and topping it off with an absolutely perfect free kick.

Midfielder - Chupo Moting, The Schalke winger was the key to their win this weekend as Chupo Moting only managed to get two shots off, but both hit the back of the net. The Cameroonian guaranteed Schalke a crucial win which will certainly make him a Die Knappen fan favourite.

Attacker - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Although Dortmund's poor form continued, Aubameyang did himself proud with an inch perfect pass to slot Marco Reus through to fire home and putting his side ahead himself earlier on in the game against Paderborn.

Attacker - Lionel Messi,  Isn't it obvious? The record breaker was the number one name on this team sheet after becoming the La Liga all time top goalscorer and securing it in style by scoring a hat-trick to aid his side to an impressive 5-1 win.

Milan Derby as it happened and Review

The latest Derby Della Madonnina fixture saw a Milan side that hadn't won since the 19th of October line up against a Inter side that haven't been that convincing lately. Also this will be the start of Roberto Mancini's second reign at the San Siro. 

The game started relatively slowly but just eight minutes in Icardi had a wonderful chance which he squandered and slotted it right into the goalie. We are use to seeing lots of ferocious challenges in the Milan derby and we saw it again just thirteen minutes in as Dodo came out worst for wear in a challenge with a gash to his head.  Nine minutes later the scoring was opened with a wonderful volleyed finish from Jeremy Menez after a great ball from El Shaarawy.

Few chances had come since the early goal and in the sixtieth minute as Obi smashed home from outside the box and rare goal for the Nigerian. Fifteen minutes later Fernando Torres leaves the field for Honda and the Japan international brought lot's more energy to the side than the Spaniard did. Just minutes after the substitutions El Shaarawy went through on goal and misses a sitter after poor goalkeeping gives El Shaarawy the option of an almost fully open goal but he smashes the crossbar. In the 78th minute Icardi scrapes the post after a great ball into the box from Guarin who worked hard all game. The game ended 1-1 and both teams come away honours even.

There are many things that would distress me if I was a fan of either club. Firstly apart from one occasion we saw no real big challenges or personally battles throughout the game and we have come a custom to seeing this in recent occasions of this fixture. Lot's of players also fail to show much passion as well, many of them seemed unmotivated and this surprised me, surely the history behind the fixture is enough to motivate any player? 

The positives are that both defences looked pretty solid, considering both sides haven't been great at the back this season, Mexes and Zapata seemed to have a good understanding between each other and Mattia De Sciglio also looked good going back and forward. But both teams attacks were below standard as Icardi looked very wasteful in front of goal and Torres found it hard to even get infront of goal. 

This is something that I hope to continue, I will hopefully try to write about a European fixture every week (not including England) for example Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and maybe even the Portuguese Premiere division. 

Daniel Sturridge Top Ten Liverpool Goal's.

Welcome to the first of many Top Tens on Postmatchprogrammes! We start off the series with a Daniel Sturridge top ten to cheer some Liverpool fans up as lots have been waiting eagerly awaited return to the Liverpool squad this weekend against Crystal Palace but it turns out the Englishman has had yet another set back.

10; We start this list off with neat finish from the Englishman which will bring back fond memories for Red's fans as Sturrdige helped his side to a emphatic 5-1 win at Anfield against Arsenal. Click here to see his curling finish.

9; Next we saw Daniel net in another very important game at Anfield last season against Sunderland in which they ended up winning 2-1. He curls an effort into the top corner with a slight deflection. Click here to see his winner against Sunderland.

8; A goal against Crystal Palace at number eight where we see Daniel fool his opponents with lots of sudden turns and then finishes very well from a tight angel. Click here to see the goal.

7; Next up is Liverpool's first goal of their superb 2013/14 campaign and the first game of a five match scoring streak for Sturridge. Click here to see his outside of the box finish.

6; A goal similar to number eight against Crystal Palace, where he does an elaborate turn after bringing it down nicely and then smashing home from midway in the box. Click here to see his strike at the cottage.

5; A goal against his former club Chelsea that must of tasted very sweet for Daniel after he was told he couldn't make it as a striker at Stamford Bridge but he hits back at the Blues as he levels the score, his neat finished was overshadowed though as Luis Suarez bit Branislav Ivanovic. Click here to see the goal.

4; This goal is again scored at Craven Cottage as Liverpool beat Fulham 2-3 in a very dramatic match as Sturridge scored the first of Liverpool's three after a world class pass from captain Steven Gerrard. Click here to see the superb pass and finish.

3; Third on the list see's Daniel score against another former club in Manchester City as he scored a powerful strike from the edge of the box in a match that finished 2-2. Gerrard also getting on the scoresheet with an equally amazing goal. Click here to view his goal against the sky blue's.

2; A goal in a Merseyside derby will always make you a favourite at Anfield and Daniel has three! this his second on the night with a audacious chip, not many strikers embarrass Tim Howard like this. Click here to view the long ranged chip.

1; A goal that really shows his class as the forward shrugs off a opposing player and lobs Ben Foster from outside the box without even looking up, a truly wonderful strike. Click here to see number 1 on the list!

Team Of The Weekend, Matchday 9

This will now be a weekly feature where me and endtoendfootball decide who are our top XI performers from this weekend, go check his out at http://endtoendfootball.wordpress.com/.

Goalkeeper - David De Gea, Arguably the most consistent performer for United this season and he continued to impress this weekend with a stunning one on one save against Eden Hazard and looking very confident from set-pieces despite Drogba's goal.

Defender - Dejan Lovren, A very impressive display to keep Hull at bay this weekend from the Croatian who looks set to turn his form of late around as he made some crucial tackles and interceptions.

Defender - James Collins, Keeping Sergio Agüero quiet isn't an easy job right now, but Collins didn't show any difficulties as he looked strong in every challenge.

Defender - Phil Jagielka, Stopping most Burnley attack's Jagielka looked very solid and was key in Everton's victory.

Defender - Gary Cahill, Having played so well it was very unfortunate for Chelsea to concede so late on but the goal shouldn't take anything away from the Englishman's performance as he dealt with the like's of Robin Van Persie very well.

Midfielder - Alex Song, All Hammers will be over the moon with the loanee's performance this weekend as he looked very good on and off the ball and not giving the Manchester City midfield any time, and also showing a lot of flair that we aren't use to seeing with this man.

Midfielder - Nemanja Matic, Edging some player's out of the game with his physical presence and playing lot's of good passes, perhaps the best performer for Chelsea by starting attack's and getting back to defend.

Midfielder - Gylfi Sigurdsson, A great assist and constantly linking well with Wilfred Bony, this man looked very sharp and easy on the eye throughout the 58 minutes he played.

Midfielder - Marouane Fellaini, The Belgium international finally showed the form of his Everton days, as we saw him battle for every ball, play key passes and get forward and back when needed, also playing a key part in the late goal.

Midfielder - Alexis Sanchez, The Chilean continued to impress in his debut season being very calm in front of goal and being the difference between the two sides and getting other players involved very well.

Striker - Wilfred Bony, Clinical in front of goal, Bony showed everyone his great finishing and surprising pace to get on the end of Sigurdsson's quality ball, he has now scored four goals in just three games.

Weekend Three November 1st

Welcome back to Weekend Three, after a long period of not posting due to several different reasons I am finally back and able to write, and this week it's another massive edition of Weekend three as we eagerly await Louis Van Gaal's first Manchester Derby and also see Alan Pardew's Newcastle host an out of form Liverpool and finally Chelsea hope to extend their lead when they welcome QPR to Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle v Liverpool

Newcastle, coming off of a fantastic away result as they managed to beat Tottenham 1-2 at White Hart Lane as great energetic subs made by Pardew in Cabella and Ameobi helped the Magpies edge Spurs. This result moved them up to 14th in the league. And Pardew is finally showing consistency under the constant pressure of the Newcastle fans. The main attacking threat for Newcastle last weekend was the young Ayoze Perez who played well to hold the ball up and include other player's in the game and ended up scoring the winner, the sheer pace of the man as well also caused problems for the Spurs defence. But as I wrote earlier this season I believe Remy Cabella will play a key part in Newcastle's performance if they get a result against the Red's this weekend, as he brought lot's of energy and flair to Newcastle.

Liverpool hope to get out of their poor run of form at the moment and they will really fancy their chances. It's coming to a real make or break point in Mario's Liverpool career as he is slowly losing the faith of Liverpool fan's and he need's to start scoring consistently to maintain it. And Liverpool fans have seen many rare tactical mistakes from Rodgers this season, one of them in my opinion was not starting Coutinho last week against Hull as he really impressed in Liverpool's disappointing lost to Real Madrid. What I would most like to see is Liverpool really go for it in the first 10-25 minutes of the game and replicate form of last season.

My prediction for this game is a 2-2 draw between the two sides.

Next up we see QPR travel to Chelsea, as QPR hope to end Chelsea's unbeaten run. But it's much easier said than done, but no Diego Costa will make QPR fans feel a little bit more confident. Chelsea's Matic put in a superb performance against Manchester United last weekend and will boss the midfield again this weekend hopefully for the Blues but the most key player for Jose this week will be Oscar who will keep feeding Drogba who looks set to start consecutive Premier League games, also Oscar will add his own flair and skill to the game.

QPR go into this clash with a lot of confidence as they have finally got off of  bottom and coming off a great victory against Aston Villa but it seems almost inevitable that Chelsea will score against them as they are both at completely opposite sides of the spectrum. What worries me the most with the R's is their very slow defence coming up against the likes of Hazard, Shurrle, Willian and Oscar. They also haven't found a consistent goal scorer so far and that''s what will win you games against the big teams.

My prediction for this one is a impressive 4-0 victory for Chelsea, with Oscar to play an instrumental role.

Finally on to the Manchester Derby!

And Van Gaal's most important game so far as the Red Devils manager, can they overcome the noisy neighbours? It all depends what kind of Manchester City turn up, wether it's the free flowing football and strong midfield and a surperb Agüero or it's the shaky defence, sloppy midfield and very uncreative attack like we saw against CSKA and West Ham. But I don't think we will see this side to them I think they will be rampant and really take advantage of United's defence.

United will have to play very central as they look quite weak on the wings and City have fairly strong fullbacks, against Chelsea we saw Di Maria played out of the game due to physical presence of Matic and Felipe Luis, and wouldn't be surprised to see this again as Im sure Fernando or Fernandinho will be marking him closely. But Di Maria will always show his class and one chance is all he will need, so don't rule him out completely.

Im going to say the Blue side of Manchester will prevail again with a scoreline of 3-1, no shortage of drama.

Lastly I would like to ask you to check out owsjawge on Youtube for great FIFA content and also check out endtoendfootball if you want more quality writing about football. Thanks!

Weekend Three SEPT 27-28

The biggest Weekend Three yet! Two derbies, the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton and the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham. Also West Ham take a visit to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. 

A massive game usually but even more pressure added to this game is the poor starts that both teams have experienced, both teams coming off of a defeats in which they were favourites to win. And with the poor defensive record that both these teams have had this season will continue and I think a red card could be more likely than ever with lot's of players having their very first derby, and going all out for their teams. 

Liverpool must win this game if they want to keep up to pace with all other top four contenders, wether Daniel Sturridge is back or not will be very key for Liverpool as sadly for Red's fans Balotelli hasn't performed alone up front by himself this season and someone making the runs and putting lot's of effort in to take the work load off of Mario will be key.

I can see lot's of goal's going in on this early kickoff simply because of the poor defending Liverpool have displayed this season and the equally bad defending there rivals have shown, with lot's of threats in for set pieces for the Blues with Lukaku and Eto'o also I think it will be a high scoring game simply because of the attacking threat in both the teams side with the sheer pace of Liverpool's front line and Everton's superb attack. 

I can see Liverpool getting a early goal like they usually did last season but I can only see this happening if Daniel Sturridge starts. Personally I would love to see Mario Balotelli score his long awaited first goal in the Premier League for the Red's, Saturday more important than ever simply because of the derby and the crucial win needed he will become an instant Kop hero if he get's the winner and be loved even more than he is right now in Liverpool...well at least the red side. 

Lot's of goal's and drama typically in this result, I'm going to say 3-2 to Liverpool, and don't be surprised to see a red card or two. 

On to the North London derby where Arsenal face Tottenham. Firstly I want to talk about young Danny Welbeck, in a similar situation to Mario Balotelli a goal in a game like this will really give the young lad so much confidence and I really think it will be likely you'll see his name on the score sheet. 

In previous editions to Weekend Three I have thought Tottenham will be a threat and cause other teams lot's of problems attacking wise, but this time I hate to say it but I think it will be a very one sided game and I really can't see Arsenal having too many problems overcoming their rivals. One key thing in a derby is lot's of passion and team spirit, and that's exactly what Tottenham lack, they have no one that will really be commanding during play, who isn't afraid to shout at a team mate if they think that they aren't working hard enough they lack a real captain, Younes Kaboul is very far away from what I would call a captain, he is very quite during games, you never see him screaming at the top of his voice at other player's like Rooney did after United's embarrassing loss last weekend, Tottenham have lacked a figure like this ever since the departure of Ledley King.

I can really see Arsenal going goal crazy and tearing Spurs apart, with the skill and pace of Sanchez and Welbeck. And the Gunners purely bullying Tottenham for 90 minutes. Arsenal's midfield will not just bully Tottenham but also pass them off the park in my opinion, will great strength and skill in the centre of their squad, also I think Mesut Ozil will need to have superb game to get the fans back on his side after some really disappointing performances. 

For me Arsenal will come out on top 3-1. And Danny Welbeck to get on the score sheet.

Finally Manchester United need to get a good result if they want to keep up to pace with the other top end teams but it won't be easy playing against an in form West Ham side. Midfield will be key for West Ham and they need to show the same brute mentality they showed against Liverpool, getting stuck in and not letting United play the ball around the park. 

One thing they mustn't do is invite pressure on to themselves and let all the attacking talent that Van Gaal has at his disposal, giving Di Maria and if it means they have to give away a one or two free kicks just to rough him up a little it may give them the advantage in the long run. 

If Enner Valencia and Sakho play the way they did against Liverpool then I can see them causing United's inexperienced defence lot's and lot's of problems, Valencia's will be very difficult to get off the ball with his strength and pace. It's very important the Hammers don't play like they have in previous seasons where they have played for the draw and looked very dull, I really think they can win this as United don't have many strong players that can boss there way through a team, they are mostly delicate and quick feet players and like I said earlier if they invite pressure they will concede due to United's big money attack.  

All in all I think it will be very tight but I think United will capitulate under pressure if they go a goal down, so Im going for a shock 1-2 win for West Ham. 

Do you think Balotelli will get his first Premier League goal in a red shirt this weekend? Do you agree with me on the Man United game? Let me know what you think about these games in the comments below!

Weekend Three SEPT 20-21

Welcome back to Weekend Three. The weekly series where I preview and predict from a pick of three Premier League games.    

The biggest clash of the weekend is held at the Ethiad this week with visitors Chelsea coming off of a superb result last week beating ....... With a helping hand from Diego Costa scoring three of the goals. City coming off a good result away to Arsenal but will feel a little robbed after giving  away an early lead. What will be the most intriguing thing about this game will be to see if Chelsea can continue their high scoring results against the sky blues, whereas in previous seasons we have been asking the same question but for Manchester City, my answer to it is no, because of the more solid defence that City have compared to the teams they have run riot against. But if Diego Costa really turns up and does the business then It's very likely that I will be wrong, as Chelsea have finally found that long awaited top goal scoring striker to compliment their fantastic midfield. 

I think both teams will score with the equally fantastic firepower that Manuel Pelligrini posses with Argentinian forward Sergio Agüero on top goal scoring form as well, it will be interesting to see how City lineup, wether they will start Dzeko or Jovetic to pair up Agüero who is the likeliest to start. Jovetic the faster option for Pellegrini and the Montenegrin would be my favourite to start. As he has shown great positioning and clinical finishing as demonstrated against Liverpool earlier this season. 

All in all I think it will be a tough game for both sides and hard to predict but I’m going for a 1-2 win for Chelsea heavily influenced by the Spanish pairing of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas.

Next up is Everton vs Crystal Palace. Everton who have just come off a great result after demolishing Wolfsburg 4-1, they also hope to continue their great form with back to back wins in the Premier League this Sunday and they hope to do this against a Crystal Palace side that failed to score any against Burnley last week. 

The key for Crystal Palace this weekend will be the energetic duo of Dwight Gayle and Wilfred Zaha who has really impressed in his second spell at the club. The reason I think he will be key is because the sheer fact that he can beat players and has a great cross on him and mainly the same reason I think Gayle will be key if he plays is the engine he has on him, he can constantly close down defenders and help break down attacks by this, Palace can't let Martinez's side play their game and pass the Eagles of the park. 

Everton will be confident they will not slip up to Palace and I am too, although The Eagles have been known for the occasional upset. I can see Steven Naismith getting a goal after really impressing in the opening part of the season and again the key for Everton will be the sheer pace they now have at their disposal. With Atsu, Eto'o, Mirrillas and Lukaku all very fast players. I think if Everton can play their usual passing game then I think they will win.

My prediction for this game will have to be a 3-0 win for the Blues of Merseyside.

Lastly Liverpool visit Upton Park on Saturday after coming off of a good return to Champions League football but still looking to make up for a disappointing defeat at home to Aston Viila last week. Where their passing looked very average compared to their usual free flowing football. Maybe it was the fact they only started with one up top with Mario Balotelli or the fact that Raheem Sterling wasn’t playing for the majority of the game, but the main reason was the hole left by Joe Allen as Liverpool looked very bare in midfield at times especially on counter attacks as Adam Lallana and Phillipe Coutinho can’t add the defensive bulk to the team that the Welshman can. And keeping him fit will be very key if Liverpool don’t want to concede as many goals as last season. Also to avoid the same result as last week I would start Fabio Borini up front with Balotelli as he played very well midweek and it’s about time he got his chance at the club.

West Ham will really fancy themselves this week as they have seen how other teams break down Liverpool and West Ham are usually known to get stuck in and grind out a result but also have a very exciting attack with Enner Valencia introducing himself to the Premier League on Monday with a fantastic long range goal on his debut. Valencia seems the type of player that could cause absolute havoc for the Reds and don’t be surprised if they nab a goal from set-piece as West Ham that could well be there best chance to get a result with their aieral height and Liverpool’s consistent poor defending from set-pieces. 

I think the game will be very physical and if the Super side of Mario turns up I think Liverpool will win 1-2 which will be a good away result for the Redmen.

Weekend Three SEPT 13-14

Welcome to Weekend Three, this is where I pick three games from the upcoming weekend in the Premier League and predict the scores, this week I will be talking about Arsenal as they face Manchester City also Van Gaal's Man United as they welcome QPR to Old Trafford and finally predict Liverpool VS Aston Villa.

Arsenal versus Manchester City is all set up to be the game of the weekend. With Danny Welbeck set to make his Gunners debut Arsenal fans won't be expecting a thrashing like last season as they have come a long way from that 6-3 defeat at the Etihad. But they know it won't be any easy as the Citizens look to bounce back after a disappointing 0-1 defeat at home to Stoke City last week and consecutive losses for Pellegrini and his men won't be allowed. Danny Welbeck looks like a likely starter with him playing well in this weeks international break and the young Englishman will be familiar with the opposition after signing for Arsenal from United.

But before I make my prediction let's rewind to early August as Arsenal came out 3-0 winners when coming up against City. Although you could argue that City didn't have their most impressive looking team out, Arsenal still looked a much better side. But City have had a great start to the new term despite loosing to Stoke. Beating Liverpool 3-1 and winning against the Magpies 2-0.

A big question for me will be if young Calum Chambers crack's under pressure? As this is his biggest test yet and if he want's to cement his place in the side this season he needs to perform well against top clubs like City. Can he cope with Agüero, Dzeko and Jovetic who are all likely to feature at some point against the Gunners.

I think it will be a very tight affair and I think the gunners will run away with it 2-1. And if he does I think young Danny Welbeck will have a great game.

Moving now to Manchester as the Red side of manchester will all be watching this one with new boy's Blind, Rojo, Falcao are set to make debut's with Angel Di Maria playing at Old Trafford for the first time. This is massive game for United as they have continued their poor form from last season into the start of this term. And with the many millions that Louis Van Gaal has spent he has to be careful the crowd don't start to turn on him as we saw Old Trafford turn against David Moyes and he cracked under pressure completely. And it definitely won't be easy for the red devils with QPR finally starting to get the ball rolling with their season and I can seeing them a getting a goal as Manchester United still haven't sorted out their defensive problems despite Rojo and Blind's arrivals as Van Gaal needs to fill the gaping hole left by the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

I think both sides will score and possibly kick start a great run of form for Man United with Leicester and West Ham in their game's after facing The Hoops. If The Hoops get a draw or win it will be a fantastic result and vital as they as they should be taking quite a few points out of their upcoming fixtures.

I think with all the new talent coming in for Van Gaal will be too much though for Redknapp and his side and I think the Red Devils will prevail 2-0.

Now to Anfield as the red's take on Paul Lambert's Aston Villa. Both side's have had good starts to the season especially Villa compared to recent seasons. Liverpool recently have been hit with international break injuries with Emre Can not looking likely and Allen and Sturridge almost definitely out. This may be a good thing for Bredan Rodgers though as he can see if there is a change in Mario Balotelli's game if he is a lone striker, also with the injury of Allen maybe it gives him a chance to hand Lazar Markovic his first start for Liverpool but that means that Rodgers will be starting a very attacking side with Sterling and Adam Lallana likely to start which all Liverpool fans will be relishing seeing Lallana playing for the first time since his summer switch from Southampton. Anfield will certainly be pumping as it will be home debuts for Mario, Lallana and Lazar if they all start. Personally I would have like to see the typical diamond featuring Gerrard at the back and Henderson and Coutinho in the middle and then Lallana at the point of it. With Balotelli and Sterling leading the attack. Call me crazy for thinking Raheem should play up top but we saw him excel like this when Daniel Sturridge was missing away at Norwich last season as he scored twice against the Canaries.

Onto Aston Villa and their flying start. With seven points in three games they are sitting in a champions league spot, wether they will finish that way we will have to see as they have a very rocky period in front of them as after they travel to Anfield they are set to face Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City. They have been defensively sound this season which will fill Lambert with great delight conceding sixty one goals last season. But I think what will bring them back to earth after their great start will be their lack of strength up front as the gaping hole that Christian Benteke left with his injury will start to show although I wouldn't rule out the Villians getting a goal as Liverpool have a very new back four that will take time to mould.

I'm going to say that Liverpool will come out on top with the score being 3-1.

Deadline Day

Transfer deadline always bring’s drama and this time it doesn’t disappoint with big name’s going too and from the premier league. I will be assessing each team’s dealings in the transfer window.

Arsenal - Arsenal made a statement early on, not following their usual spend little philosophy and buying big with World Cup star Alexis Sanchez for a whopping thirty five million pound and later adding the young defender Callum Chambers for sixteen million. The signing of the Chilean Alexis had lots of Gunner’s buzzing with excitement and for such a great price in this day and age for such a bright and young talent. Arsenal also added David Ospina to the squad who hasn’t been able to have an impact due to injury but will give Sczeseny a good run for his money, I base this guess off of his impressive displays in the World Cup. 

Aston Villa - The most important thing Villa have done this window was keeping Ron Vlaar who will be a rock at the back for them this season, also signing another player who impressed in the hot Brazilian sun in Sanchez and finally adding Aly Cissokho from Valencia. A good window for them.

Burnley - Burnley haven't brought in many new face's apart from loaning out a few youngsters in Chabolah from Chelsea who's yet to make an appearance in the Premier League and Keane who's only come on as a sub once in the top flight. Also bringing in George Boyd from Hull.

Chelsea - Jose Mouriniho has yet again shown his class in the transfer window by signing top players, and for top price’s coming in Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Felipe Luis and Loic Remy. Costa and Fabregas have shown real ambition and quality since joining the club and have got off to a flying start for the blues, with Luis finding it quite hard to implement his place in a top quality back four. But I don’t quite understand the eight million signing of French forward Remy though, selling Demba Ba who was an underrated player in the Premier League and Loic looks set to play the same role that Demba has previously played for the blues. But with eight million price tag Remy was hard to turn down. And selling Lukaku for a big fee of twenty eight million to Everton was very good business. 

Crystal Palace - Palace haven't brought in many new recruits but I think they have bought well when they did make a signing, my pick of the bunch so far would have to Martin Kelly from Liverpool, being a Liverpool fan and watching him progress at the club for many years I think Palace have got a really good young centre back, with a lot of potential, and the way I see it the only reason he didn't properly break through into the Liverpool squad was injuries, the Achilles heel of this player. He is very injury prone. Also bringing in Campbell and Kevin Doyle to help their striking options and signing McCathur for seven million, he will be a great asset for Palace.

Everton - Everton have broke their record transfer fee by smashing it with the twenty eight million signing of Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Everton last season, he is certain to play a big part in the merseyside team’s top four campaign, Roberto Martinez has also brought in Besic from    who had a horror start to his Premier League career by handing Chelsea the win last Saturday with a silly back-heel to no-one but Didier Drogba who set up their sixth goal. But with a small price tag and lot’s of potential he look’s a good signing. Someone who had a complete different start to his Everton career was Samuel Eto’o who scored against his former club Chelsea with his first touch as an Evertonian and with the signing of the Cameroonian Everton look very solid in attack. 

Hull - Hull another club who have broken their record transfer fee this window with the Uruguayan Abel Hernandez, formally of Palermo, this is a signing that will be interesting to see how he plays as he hasn’t been on many team’s radars and could be a bargain if he actually performs. The Tigers have also sold George Boyd to Burnley for  which is a good price for the Englishman in my opinion. Also the Tiger's have really bulked up their midfield with Ben Arfa, Diame and Ramirez with some great deals by Steve Bruce. 

Leicester - The main man this season has been Ulloa who has scored some important goals in the opening part of the season and will play a massive part in them staying in the Premier League also they have brought in two players from Manchester United, Tom Lawrence on a permanent and Nick Powell on a loan, these players probably won't play much unless desperately needed. Their last piece of business was bringing in defender Simpson from QPR.

Liverpool - Liverpool have been one of the most active team's in the Premier League this window bringing in nine players and selling lots as well. They bought most players early to avoid panic on deadline day. They have strengthen their defence with Alberto Moreno and Dejan Lovren who both have had good starts to their Liverpool career. Also bringing in Mario Balotelli to bolster their attack after losing Luis Suarez to Barcelona. Their net spend is thirty three million which is very good considering the talent they have brought in. They have also loaned lot's of players out, one in particular that I will watch closely will be Andre Wisdom to see if he can really perform at a top level as he has been sent out to West Brom. All in all it has been a good window for the mersey siders.

Manchester City - The citizens haven't singed too many player's this window surprisingly. But when they have bought they have bought well, bringing in Mangala from Porto for thirty million and Fernando for twelve million from Porto as well. Also bringing in Caballero who looks set to play the role of cup goalie. City also let Alvaro Negredo leave to Valencia for a season long loan.

Manchester United - The top spenders in this window spending one hundred and fifty million buying two left side defenders in Luke Shaw and Marcus Rojo and also the versatile Daley Blind. Also breaking the british record transfer by signing Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid, and also signing Radamel Falcao on loan for six million and potentially buying the Colombian for forty million. But is Falcao what United need and should they have bought more defenders?  

Newcastle - Newcastle have had a lot of new players this window with lot's of attackers coming in to finally fill the void left by Demba Ba's transfer to Chelsea last year, they have singed a total of four new attackers with Perez, De Jong, Ferrerya and Riviere. And adding Jannmat who made some appearance's in the World Cup. But their most impressive of all for me has been the young French talent of Remy Cabella, actually Im surprised Newcastle snapped him up and I think its good to see a player of his quality and potential go to a club that isn't in 'the top six.'

QPR - Now we saw QPR last time they were in the top flight sign lot's of talent and none of it paying off and then resulting in them getting relegated. Let's just hope that they don't replicate this as they are signing big again but will it pay off? They have signed Leroy Fer, Rio Ferdinand, Isla, Vargas, Steven Caulker, Sandro, Jack Robinson. The ten million they have spent on Sandro is too much, for a player that hasn't done that much to prove his worth.

Swansea - Bringing back an old hit at the Liberty in Gyfil Sigurdsson was very impressive and has had a flying start to his return to Wales. Swansea are another club that have bolstered their attack by signing French player Gomis is a good signing for the money they payed. Also buying a solid defender in Fernandez after Canas left Swansea for Espanyol after only twelve months in Wales. 

Sunderland - Sunderland have done some good business this window, bringing in Jack Rodwell was a very good signing and he is beginning to show his good form he had before a poor spell as mainly a bench warmer at Manchester City, apart from Rodwell they haven't signed many others only sterngthening their midfield with Alvarez and Cabral and their defence with the loan signing of Sebastien Coates from Liverpool and Van Annholt from Chelsea on a permanent. They haven't signed any attackers although they were desperately trying to recruit Borini from Liverpool the deal never went through so now they are left with a real problem upfront.    

Stoke - Stoke is a team that have really impressed me over this window, Mark Hughes continuing to try and change the philosophy and play elegant by bringing in lot's of talent the most impressive was the signing of Bojan Krkic, also singing Mame Diouf from Hannover who recently scored a crucial goal to complete a historical win away from home against Manchester City.

Southampton - A sad month or so for Saints fans seeing lot’s of players out the door at St. Mary’s but for big money! Totaling up — from players, they have also bought this window, bringing in Pelle from Eredivise club Feyenoord and Duscan Tadic also from the Eredivise. Also the impressive goalie Fraser Foster from Celtic. 

Tottenham - Maurico Pocehtino has been very active this window signing player’s that are actually needed like Ben Davies for Swansea and Erik Dier from Sporting Lisbon, Dier has had a flying start to his time with Spurs scoring in two of their opening three games from defense and also the introduction of Fazio from Sevilla who will play a key part in their defence after a poor defensive display at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Some player’s also leaving White Hart Lane with Sandro out the door with a ten million price tag which is great business for a player that hasn’t always shone in a Spurs shirt.

West Brom - West Brom another team to break their transfer record with the signing of Ideye who impressed in Russia during his time with Dynamo Kyiv. They have also brought Varela from Porto to bring goals and Andre Wisom and Lescott to make them stronger at the back. And only bringing in Blanco for their midfield. 

West Ham - The hammers have brought in several players for the new term and most importantly new attackers with Enner Valencia who impressed a lot in the World Cup and Zarate who has had a bright start to his career in claret and blue. They've also brought in Amilfitano formally of West Brom, he impressed lot's of people during his loan spell with them last season and will be key and Nolan looks set for a lengthy injury. The last signing I will talk about will be Koyuate who will be very important seeing as they have let Hull snatch Diame from them, Koyuate use to play his football for Anderlecht and received lot's of praise for his defensive and midfield abilities. Also Alex Song on a loan will be great fir the Hammers.

Leave a comment on who you think was the best signing this summer. Also are you happy with your clubs business?

Mario's Introduction And a Superb Team Performance

Today saw Liverpool rekindle there performances from last season after a questionable first two games to begin the Barclays Premier league.

This game was one of the one's to watch this weekend because one simple reason...Mario Balotelli! Everyone's eye's were on the Italian as he made his return to the English game. Liverpool and Mario started strong with the red's getting some quality chances in the final third, just eight minutes in Raheem Sterling gave the mersey siders the lead and to me it looked as if the Tottenham player's gave up from then till the final whistle, they allowed the key Liverpool player's such as Gerrard and Sterling work and were too nice and let Liverpool play their game.

Last week I was praising Spurs for playing the best since the departure of Gareth Bale. But they didn't look like the free flowing, defensively solid side they were last week. Tottenham suffered the same way QPR suffered against them a week earlier, they let the key players run the game as I said earlier as Erik Lamela did against Ranger's, a perfect example of how to handle this would be Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen, often underrated during the career with the Red's in my opinion but as soon as Lamela got the ball one of the two was on him. This frustrated the Argentinean and this showed in the way he played,  he was sluggish and didn't provide the killer crosses he did last week.

Tottenham's problem's today stemmed from their lack of worthwhile transfers. Younes Kaboul can't be starting for Tottenham if they want to be up there and give the big teams a run for their money when they come head to head with them, a replacement is in imminent need for Tottenham.

Liverpool later doubled their lead after a blatant penalty as Allen was pulled back in the box, Gerrard slotted home from the spot, Liverpool continued to impress and one player who impressed the Liverpool fans for the whole 90 minutes was Alberto Moreno who's performance was summed up by his goal in sixtieth minute after a superb solo run showing off his pure pace and drive to get forward as well as defend. A truly wonderful performance by the young Spaniard. But a dreadful performance by Andros Townsend who looked very poor in the thirty five or so minutes he did play, losing the ball most times he was given it.

Another plus from Liverpool's performance was a clean sheet, these have been pretty non-existent since Liverpool found their amazing goal scoring form, they can't really seem to balance out the two. But today minus one or two questionable passes from Mamadou Sakho Liverpool seemed defensively sound. A great performance from Dejan Lovren making some last ditch tackles, although I'm not 100% persuaded by Simon Mingnolet in Liverpool's goal, having fumbled one after sprinting out of his box and not looking very confident although having one standout moment after saving a powerful shot by Nacer Chadli.      

If Liverpool keep on playing like this especially away from home I don't see why they can't replicate their league performance of last season, a very good day for Red's!

Give me your opinion's on the game by leaving a comment!

Liverpool's Great Dane

Daniel Agger, made 232 appearances for Liverpool has just completed a three million move to former club Brøndby. Agger has been a phenomenal servant for Liverpool and truly love's the club you can tell that by just looking at him as he has 'YNWA' tattooed on his knuckles. His form on the pitch and special connection with the fans will make him go down in Liverpool history, maybe not looked at as one of the standout players but will always have a special place in Liverpool fans hearts.

His top moments at LFC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mox4DAIpBlE This game will be remembered by a lot of Liverpool fans which saw Agger score a sensational goal blackburn and saw another ex Liverpool play score an amazing goal with Fernando Torres lashed in a half volley. 

Next up is a moment also featuring Fernando Torres, but this time he was a blue. Minutes into the game he collided with Torres and seconds later the Spaniard was on the floor, at a time when reds despised Fernando this was a bit of compensation for loosing their star striker, this picture sums it up.
 

The next moment was not so special to the fans but to Danny himself, where his at the time old club Brondby lined up a friendly against Liverpool, he later said he has been waiting for the fixture for many years, he led the team out as captain, a very special moment for the great Dane.

Personally I would like to thank Agger for being one of a small group of players that show loyalty over money in the modern game after rejecting many offers from top European clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City, also thank Agger for the great memories, YNWA Daniel!

Champions League Draw 2014-15

Today we saw the champions league group stage draw. And it's given us some big games to look forward to! Four English teams in the draw with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Chelsea's draw will see them come up against Schalke, Sporting and Maribor. Chelsea will really fancy themselves in this group and I feel they will win every game at home when these clubs come to stamford bridge and I think they will top the group. With Schalke coming second. No real big fixtures in this group but should be interesting to see if Chelsea play as fluently in Europe as they have been in premier league.

Manchester City are set to play Roma, Bayern Munich and CSKA Moskva and this is the group of death of the draw, the big eye catcher is Manchester City vs Bayern Munich, what a game it will be, hopefully as exciting as the clash between these two sides was last time! Manchester City will favour themselves against Roma and CSKA but Roma will be no easy game and don't be surprised if City don't get through this one easily. My prediction is Bayern to top it and City runners up.

Next up is my team Liverpool who are going to be facing Real Madrid, FC Basel and lastly Ludogrets. I can see Liverpool having a tough time away against Basel and away to Ludogrets might not be a walk in the park like everybody assumes, although I can see Liverpool progressing and what a game it will be when Madrid travel to Anfield and we get the classic Anfield European night atmosphere back. And honestly I can see Liverpool topping this group, Liverpool have proved over there previous European campaigns that they are capable of beating the odds. Mainly I don't think Liverpool are unhappy with this draw, they are excited with the prospect of playing the best clubs.

And finally Arsenal will be coming up against Dortmund, Galatasary, Anderlecht. Arsenal v Dortmund is a fixture we have seen quite a few times over recent years and we are set to see them  battle it out another two times. Arsenal I think will top this group with flying colours and Dortmund a close second, although Galatasary away will be a fixture that neither of the favourites will be looking forward too.

If things go according to plan and my predictions are right it will be a fantastic year for all English clubs in Europe, but everything doesn't always go according to plan!

The Rise and Fall of El Niño.

Fernando Torres looks set to make a move from Chelsea to Italian side AC Milan following many reports saying his agent is in Italy finalizing the deal, so we take a look back on his best parts of the premier league.

Torres came to Liverpool from Spanish club Athletico Madrid he went on to be a hero on merseyside and scored many great goals, my personal top three of all his eighty one goals, my first pick was his super strike against Blackburn, here it is...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzG5dWIMckI

My second pick is Torres' strike against Inter Milan in the champions league https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXbtorLxvgQ this clip shows the highlights of his performance against the italian side, AC Milan will hope he can do this against Inter again during his stay in Italy.

My third and final goal is his second in a game against Chelsea, his future employers. This goal really just shows how easy he made goalscoring look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRz6R4_sA9Y

After his four year spell at Liverpool he broke many transfer records as he completed a fifty million deal to another premier league team Chelsea. Being a Liverpool fan myself I have to admit this was very sad for me to see an idol and hero of mine leaving...especially to another premier league club. Although his incredible price tag he never lived up to standards with Chelsea and scoring a miserable 44 goals in 151 games, although he has got a lot of silverware with the Blues he has never really personally blossomed in a blue shirt and hurts even more to see Fernando like this. Even though you see glimpses of the old El Niño.

Hopefully the phrase "Form is temporary, class is permanent" apply's for Fernando Torres and he gets his pace and quick skillful play back.

Some reports came in that Torres wanted to make a return to Anfield but Liverpool didn't want him, this is a deal that I would have liked to see go through but I couldn't really see him getting any game time and I think although many Liverpool fan's would take him back, when he left in 2011 he supposedly forced his way out of the club so the club's staff may not want him back.

If he does stay in England it will be nice if he can find his shooting boots again. Even if it is for Chelsea.

Rooney set to lead The Three Lions.

So Roy Hodgson has announced his first England team since the disappointment in Brazil, this time there is a few surprise players, no Gerrard or Lampard and a new captain. This team will face Norway and Switzerland hoping to get their UEFA Euro qualifying off to a good start.

I'll start off with the new picks, firstly Jack Colback or as Hodgson has labeled him the 'Ginger Pirlo.' Colback completed a move to Newcastle this season and has been decent in what we have seen of him in a Newcastle and Sunderland shirt, but has he been good enough for a call up? But you never know he could be a a good young asset for Hodgson, next up see's Andros Townsend return to the squad after a injury prior to the World Cup, this is a good decision by Hodgson as he looked quick and brought energy into the three lions team in games he did play, being a key role in England's 2-0 win over Poland to confirm their place in Brazil. The next player is another from White Hart Lane in Danny Rose, this player a long with Jack Colback is what I was most surprised by Hodgson, both have several players ahead of them for these positions and aren't stand out talents in the Premier League. Next on to the sixteen million pound man Callum Chambers, who has had a bright start to the new chapter of his career with Arsenal and there is no questioning this player should be in the squad but why not earlier? He was the same great talent for Southampton and was having a fantastic season? Fabian Delph and John Stones are the last of the newcomers to the three lions, these two picks are very good from Hodgson in my opinion, Delph who had such great potential but is only now starting to fill it and John Stones who possibly been on the flight to Brazil.

Summing up the newcomers, some have a lot to prove like Colback, Delph and Rose but if it they make themselves known we will be looking at a completely different England side for the future with many different possibilities of how they will line up and a completely different style of play.

Onto the new captain Wayne Rooney, and I'm surprised by the lack of support he has from thousands of fans, yes there is obvious reasons people are unhappy with previous incidents in Wayne's career but who else could it have been? The only one with a shout at it apart from Rooney is Hart. But I think Wayne is the right choice, maybe this is just what he needs to kick his national performances up a gear. Many players look up to him for what he has done on the field for Manchester United. In the hot Brazilian sun I think his work rate was well for the Italy and Uruguay games but if he wants to keep this role he must take it by the scruff of the neck and really lead from the front. There can't be anymore incident's like at the 2010 World Cup where he criticized the fans, a captain has to take responsibility and it will be interesting to see if he can do it for England.

Weekend Three AUG 30-31

Welcome to weekend three, this is where I pick three Barclays Premier League games from each weekend and predict scores and explain my reasoning behind them. This week I will be predicting Newcastle vs Crystal Palace, Tottenham vs Liverpool and Everton vs Chelsea.

My first game of the weekend that I would like to talk about is Newcastle vs Crystal Palace. Newcastle still yet to get a goal this campaign but I really think they can finally get it this weekend. Newcastle, one of many clubs in the premier league this season who have made a lot of recruitments this transfer period and the most impressive of all for me has been the young French talent of Remy Cabella, actually Im surprised Newcastle snapped him up and I think its good to see a player of his quality and potential go to a club that isn't in 'the top six.'

Alan Pardew has new tactics for Cabella this campaign, in a post match interview after his side battled out a disappointing 0-0 draw he said 'I felt he was trying too hard,(Cabella) I was just trying to get him to smile.' I've never really seen this from Pardew and he has certainly taken a different route to Cabella than he has with any other player, but if Cabella's smiling and playing well I think he could really be key in picking the ball up and beating defender's and it is something the Magpies lacked last season.

Onto a Crystal Palace team that are falling into chaos no manager and no points. In contrast to Newcastle, Palace haven't brought in many new recruits but I think they have bought well when they did make a signing, my pick of the bunch so far would have to Martin Kelly from Liverpool, being a Liverpool fan and watching him progress at the club for many years I think Palace have got a really good young centre back, with a lot of potential, and the way I see it the only reason he didn't properly break through into the Liverpool squad was injuries, the Achilles heel of this player. He is very injury prone.

I can't really see Palace having any attacking threat this saturday and I think they need a new manager and fast, the main threat for Palace this weekend will be Yannick Bolasie, simply because of his blistering pace, I think he will give the Newcastle full-backs something to think about. Other than that I don't see much.

After talking about both clubs I'm going for a 2-0 victory for a Cabella inspired Newcastle, I just think they will overrun Palace completely in midfield.

The next game takes us to White Hart Lane as Tottenham take on a battered and bruised Liverpool following there monday night defeat to Manchester City and Tottenham on the other hand fresh from a superb win on the weekend against QPR. And as some people in my household support Tottenham I have to watch them very reguarly and I don't like to admit it but against QPR was probably the best i've seen them play since Gareth Bale. The most impressive thing about there result was the first goal from Nacer Chadli that had forty eight passes behind it.

Although all is not well with Tottenham, I still think they need a big name striker as Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor aren't the most reliable and don't show up in big games, I think if they do find that key talisman in this transfer window they will be a formidable force...that is if the Argentinean Erik Lamela keeps up his form from this weekend, he was skillful, fast and clever whenever he received the ball on the weekend and if you mix him with a twenty five plus goal a season striker then hey look a good candidate for a top four finish. With rumors of Andros Townesend on his way out of White hart lane, I think another winger is in need for Tottenham as well as possibly a replacement for the experienced Aaron Lennon.

The second thing that really impressed me about Tottenham on the weekend was how defensively sound they looked for most of the match as the main problem last season was conceding goals. The impressive signing of Erik Dier really makes me think Mauricio Pochettino really knows what Tottenham need and is due for a successful reign at White Hart Lane.

Now onto Liverpool, there has only been little glimpses of the beautiful fluent football that they were renowned for playing last season. And after the critical blow by Sergio Agüero on monday they received three injuries, Glen Johnson, Alberto Moreno and Martin Skrtel. Moreno was said to be leaving the Eithad with his ankle heavily strapped, this is bad news for Liverpool as they are left with little choice on the full-back positions. But you can't rule out this Liverpool side with Mario Balotelli incoming and set to make his debut for the mersey siders and I can really see him making an impact and I think he will mark his return to the premier league with a goal, that is if he starts though. After Monday nights game, Liverpool's first ever Belgian player Simon Mignolet came under a lot of criticism for his performance, but I will only start to question his talent if this poor run of form continues.

My prediction is a 2-1 win for the home side, Tottenham. I think it will be a good game and very important in both sides seasons.

My final prediction for this weekend is heading to Goodison Park as Everton take on Chelsea. This is Chelsea's first real test against a top half team, they looked very convincing in their first game against Burnley and decent against Leicester, the new Spaniards Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas look to have settled in perfectly with Cesc reprising his form his Arsenal days.

But this match is bound to have some drama as Romelu Lukaku, Everton's record signing has arrived on merseyside after a successful loan spell and has left Chelsea to start a new chapter in his career and it doesn't stop there, Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o has also made the trip from Stamford Bridge to Goodison Park signing on a free two year deal. Wether Eto'o will start or not is unsure with Steven Naismith starting this campaign strongly for the Blues although Everton themselves haven't had the best of starts drawing both of their first two games 2-2. At times they look tired going into the last twenty or ten minutes in both games, this really showed as Arsenal seized on their wariness by pegging Everton back from 2-0 to 2-2 in the last seven. Chelsea's front three are very skillful and tricky and they have even more pace and firepower on the bench so this is where Chelsea could really go up a gear.

I wouldn't be surprised if we see Chelsea scoring early on and keeping that lead until late on where they will overrun Everton and extend there lead later on. But you can't rule Everton as they have a strong attack themselves with Aidan Mcgeady in good form after impressive display's in his opening games this season and the new firepower from Chelsea in Lukaku and Eto'o and as I said earlier an in form Naismith.

I think it will be a tight contest for most of it but i'm going to say a 0-2 win for Mourinho's team.

Manchester CIty - Liverpool FC

Manchester City - Liverpool FC

Yesterday saw Liverpool fans buzzing with excitement for many reasons, with the prospect of many new faces being introduced to the Liverpool team for the first time yesterday, such as the young Spanish fullback Alberto Moreno, also the twenty million pound talent of Lazar Markovic. It would be very interesting to see how these players actually coped with premier league life, also another reason to be gleeful if you were a Liverpool fan would be the confirmation from the club that Italian bad boy Mario Balotelli would be joining the club for a fee of sixteen million pounds. This signing, just one of eight for Liverpool this summer, may be seen as the marquee signing of the summer for Brendan Rodgers and most likely the last of an eventful and exciting summer for Liverpool, and in my opinion this could be the most important signing Liverpool have made this transfer window; with the departure of Luis Suarez to FC Barcelona the dynamic duo known as the 'SAS' is no more.

I think that one half of the former 'SAS'- Daniel Sturridge revels in a duo upfront, he doesn't shine as bright without a partner in crime, although some may argue that he did it early on last season I don't think he could keep the form by himself for the duration of the campaign. Now, this could be a new era. Despite Mario and Daniel being renowned for their big egos in the past this is really a great time for Brendan Rodgers to have the pair at his disposal, with Mario coming to a make or break moment in his career he wants to prove everyone who has doubted him from his first stay in England with Manchester City. Also with Daniel who wants to show anything Suarez can do he can do better. 

Onto the game with Mario Balotelli watching his old and new team mates from the stands. Liverpool started with the first five minutes of their game being clunky as they couldn't really find their passing rhythm but later did they were up a gear compared to Manchester City for a good thirty minutes after that odd first five spell though, with Raheem Sterling running at defenders and beating as we were use to seeing in the second half of last season, these dazzling runs resulted in him being brought down by several different players and earned Liverpool some set piece opportunities in some decent positions bud oddly Gerrard couldn't provide any decent balls. As the first-half was coming to a close and Liverpool looked the most likely to nab a goal against the run of play the reds were stunned as they went 1-0 down to the blues from Manchester via a Stevan Jovetic goal. And unfortunately Alberto Moreno had to get use to the premier league the hard way although he had a pretty good half in truth, he made one mistake and it seemed to be all on his shoulders.

The second half saw and even start with Liverpool having another odd first five as they couldn't really find their rhythm again. We didn't see as many dazzling runs from the young and energetic Raheem this half and Liverpool looked like they had some problems in the final third. And as a result of not taking chances and missed opportunities Liverpool found themselves 2-0 down just ten minutes into the second half and the goal was scored by that man again Stevan Jovetic.

Liverpool now saw the game slipping away from them...quickly so a quick change was in order for Brendan Rodgers, introducing Emre Can and Lazar Markovic to premier league life. Lazar had some really good first touches and slotted in Alberto Moreno who almost found Jordan Henderson in the box to reduce the deficit, and Lazar was impressive in my eyes he is a Sterling type of player and very similar in what he brings to the team, injection of pace and running at players. Soon after Lazar was introduced Manchester City brought on Sergio Agüero and before you knew it he had bagged himself a goal. Liverpool falling asleep at the back and all in all were very frustrated since the first goal, and it showed in their play.

Minutes after the third goal another new LFC boy was introduced, Emre Can, he failed to get into the game with the time he was given but I'm sure he wont have a problem settling into the premier league or as he labeled it earlier this week in an interview 'the league of beasts.' Liverpool made their third and final change in life long fan Rickie Lambert, and he marked his arrival with his first goal in a Liverpool shirt...well sought of, as he met Sturridge's cross with his head it took a deflection off of City fullback Pablo Zabeleta. 

All in All it was an up and down Monday for Liverpool, I'm sure they will be back next Sunday at White Hart Lane where they meet an in form Tottenham side, it should be a very interesting game.