Tonight sees reigning champions Montpellier kick off the new Ligue 1 season at home to Toulouse. The champions will be missing some key names from last season - Belhanda is injured for tonight, but if he remains at the club he will be crucial in their slim hopes of retaining the title. One reason for those slim hopes is the loss of last seasons joint top scorer Olivier Giroud, who has joined Arsenal. The leagues other joint top scorer, Lille's Eden Hazard, has also departed Ligue 1, to join European Champions Chelsea. Lille have intelligently reinvested €40 million transfer fee on free agent Salomon Kalou, going in the opposite direction to Hazard, and Sochaux wide man Marvin Martin for around €10 million - good business it seems. The 2010/11 champions will hope to mount a title challenge with these replacements.
It is the contrast in Lille's 'good business' to Paris Saint-Germain's aggressive attack on the transfer market which has caught the eye of everyone in Europe. PSG have shelled out near to €100 million on Ibra, Lavezzi and Silva, to name a few, and could still plunder more money in to the European transfer market. The phrase 'money talks' has never been so fitting, and many people expect PSG to run away with the league this season. Though it is not only the Ligue 1 title they are tipped for, following an impressive pre-season display and victory over Champions League holders Chelsea, many see the French side as serious contenders. Despite this, they were heavily tipped for the title last season and fell just short losing out to an 80/1 shot and this is Football - anything can happen.
With PSG and Lille likely to take up the first two Champions League spots, it is the race for the third spot which may enthral people the most. Montpellier will be hopeful of building on last seasons surprise success to sneak in to 3rd, whilst in contrast it is Lyon who will look to use last seasons disappointment to regain a Champions League place, this season will be the first time they have missed out on the Champions League since 1999. Marseilles seriously underperformed last year finishing 10th and with the quality in their squad they ought to be in the top 5 at the very least. Surprise candidates for the Champions League qualifying place may be Stade Rennes, although like most of the clubs in France they will need to keep hold of their star players - Yann M'Vila being that man.
Ligue 1 produced some brilliant football last season, and a brilliant title race at that. For 12/13 it seems the latter may be out of the question, PSG will dominate - won't they?
Thank you for reading, please follow me on Twitter: @RobBaney25
Showing posts with label Champions League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Champions League. Show all posts
Friday, 10 August 2012
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Champions League: Last 16 Draw
Two of the bookies favourites for the Champions League who also are the top two in the Premier League had to wait until past midday for their European Knock-out stage draw. Following elimination from the Champions League group stages Manchester City and Manchester United will have to get passed Porto and Ajax respectively, two other big names dropping out of 'Elite' in to 'Average.' The Premier League's only two group stage survivors face risk of elimination after drawing tough 'Italian Jobs' in the Last 16. Both Chelsea and Arsenal won their respective groups but nevertheless in the first leg Chelsea have to travel to Napoli and Arsenal to AC Milan. Both English clubs will be wary of their Italian counterparts yet will still consider themselves favourites; Arsenal have an incredible record against Italian clubs and beat Milan, at the San Siro, 2-0 in 2008, Chelsea's record versus Italian clubs is not so great but with the strength of their side they will fancy their chances.
Elsewhere defending champions Barcelona face Bayer Leverkusen and despite the loss of David Villa, Barca ought to walk in to the Quarter Finals. Arguably their biggest threat this season, for both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid face CSKA Moscow who too will expect to reach the Last 8. Although the Russians flaunt some dangerous attacking threats in Vagner Love and Seydou Doumbia. Russia is well represented in this years knockout stage with Zenit St. Petersburg facing Benfica in their first appearance at this stage. Similarly Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia are making their knock-out stage debut and have been the surprise side of the tournament so far, they face French giants Lyon. Basel, who knocked out Manchester United in the Group Stage, face third favourites Bayern Munich. Marseille, who got through in dramatic fashion, face Inter Milan in the final match of the Last 16. That rounds up the draw, which has produced some mouth watering matches. Games to be played 14/15 of Feb and 21/22 of Feb.
Elsewhere defending champions Barcelona face Bayer Leverkusen and despite the loss of David Villa, Barca ought to walk in to the Quarter Finals. Arguably their biggest threat this season, for both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid face CSKA Moscow who too will expect to reach the Last 8. Although the Russians flaunt some dangerous attacking threats in Vagner Love and Seydou Doumbia. Russia is well represented in this years knockout stage with Zenit St. Petersburg facing Benfica in their first appearance at this stage. Similarly Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia are making their knock-out stage debut and have been the surprise side of the tournament so far, they face French giants Lyon. Basel, who knocked out Manchester United in the Group Stage, face third favourites Bayern Munich. Marseille, who got through in dramatic fashion, face Inter Milan in the final match of the Last 16. That rounds up the draw, which has produced some mouth watering matches. Games to be played 14/15 of Feb and 21/22 of Feb.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Weekend Preview (09/12/2011)
After an extraordinary Matchday 6 in the Champions League, both Manchester clubs will look forward to getting back to the routine of Premier League. Although United and City will soon have a different routine to get used to; Thursday to Sunday. Similarly the fans will have to get used to watching Channel 5 Europa League coverage on a followed by watching MOTD2 late on a Sunday. They join Stoke in the next round of the cup, whereas Spurs, Fulham, Birmingham and Celtic all face uphill tasks to meet the 'Champions League losers.' Chelsea and Arsenal are England's only representatives in Europe's elite competition and go in to next Friday's draw still both dreaming of winning their first Champions League trophy. The biggest game of the weekend features one of those in the Champions League and one in the Europa League.
Chelsea v Man City: Chelsea will look to take their unstable momentum in to arguably the biggest game of the season so far. Villas Boas believes that with failure on Monday City will "have one less contender" in the Premier League title race. Despite Stamford Bridge being less of a fortress in recent times Chelsea will still believe they are favourites against the Premier Leagues only unbeaten side. My prediction: Draw! With the hurt of Wednesday still prominent in the minds of the City players I think a point will be much appreciated away at Chelsea
Arsenal v Everton: Think back a couple of months and Arsenal are the most unlikely of the bare two Premier League representatives still in the Champions League. And if it wasn't for some, what at the time seemed like panic buys, the Arsenal side may not have even made the Europa League. One of these crucial, deadline day signings was Arteta who plays his former club for the first time since his arrival. My prediction: Arsenal win! The form of Arsenal and in particular Van Persie should prove too much for an Everton side in transition.
Bolton v Aston Villa: Bolton have been struggling of late as a result of some unfortunate decisions. They will look to beat a Villa side who themselves are yet to set the league alight. My Prediction: Draw. Bolton know a win will take them outside of the relegation zone but will settle for a draw as they look to get their season back on track.
Liverpool v QPR: Following Liverpool's disappointing result on Monday night, they look to get their challenge for 4th spot back on track. Whereas QPR know with a win they will be all but half way to the ellusive 40 point mark of survival. My prediction: Liverpool win! Liverpool seem overdue a win at Anfield this season and the quality of the side should overcome an experienced QPR side.
Man Utd v Wolves: United's week went from bad to worse with the news Vidic will be out for the rest of the season, I expect Jonny Evans to replace him as Jones continues in Midfield. I think if United want to succeed this season only a Ferdinand-Jones partnership could see that happening. Wolves travel on the back of a good win last Sunday. My Prediction: United win! But only just as United to scrape the 3 points.
Norwich v Newcastle: Newcastle travel to Carrow Road following a controversial defeat to Chelsea last weekend. They risk facing back-to-back defeats as Norwich have been looking dangerous recently and in Steve Morison they have guaranteed goals. My Prediction: Norwich win! With the injuries suffered last week Newcastle will look for somebody to fill in at centre back.
Swansea v Fulham: This may be the surprise match of the weekend as both sides play with attacking flair and like to keep the ball on the ground. Dyer, Sinclair, Graham, Routledge take on Ruiz, Dembele, Duff and Zamora in the battle of some threatening front 4s. My Prediction: Draw! It will suit both sides as they will look to build on their mid-table positions as the crucial festive period gets closer.
West Brom v Wigan: Come the end of the season this may well have been seen as a bit of a six pointer, but I expect Wigan to go down and West Brom to stay up. The difference in the two sides being goal scorers - Long and Odemwingie will always score goals in this division, Di Santo and Rodallega not so certain. My Prediction: Draw! Wigan surely cannot lose again...
Sunderland v Blackburn: Martin O'Neil has never managed his first game at home, he has only ever got 3 points in his first match in charge. Sunderland fans will hope 3 more points goes O'Neil's way. Blackburn know a win will take them above Sunderland and out of the relegation zone. My Prediction: Sunderland win! If they can stop Blackburn "feeding the Yak" then they have the quality to beat Blackburn but need to score themselves from somewhere.
Stoke v Spurs: Many people have said if they could have a season ticket anywhere they would have it at White Hart Lane. But Spurs' real test will come away from home, especially at places like Stoke, where their true title credentials will be shown. My Prediction: Spurs win! If they keep on winning people will have to take notice of them as they are capable of being mounting a title challenge.
Norwich v Newcastle: Newcastle travel to Carrow Road following a controversial defeat to Chelsea last weekend. They risk facing back-to-back defeats as Norwich have been looking dangerous recently and in Steve Morison they have guaranteed goals. My Prediction: Norwich win! With the injuries suffered last week Newcastle will look for somebody to fill in at centre back.
Swansea v Fulham: This may be the surprise match of the weekend as both sides play with attacking flair and like to keep the ball on the ground. Dyer, Sinclair, Graham, Routledge take on Ruiz, Dembele, Duff and Zamora in the battle of some threatening front 4s. My Prediction: Draw! It will suit both sides as they will look to build on their mid-table positions as the crucial festive period gets closer.
West Brom v Wigan: Come the end of the season this may well have been seen as a bit of a six pointer, but I expect Wigan to go down and West Brom to stay up. The difference in the two sides being goal scorers - Long and Odemwingie will always score goals in this division, Di Santo and Rodallega not so certain. My Prediction: Draw! Wigan surely cannot lose again...
Sunderland v Blackburn: Martin O'Neil has never managed his first game at home, he has only ever got 3 points in his first match in charge. Sunderland fans will hope 3 more points goes O'Neil's way. Blackburn know a win will take them above Sunderland and out of the relegation zone. My Prediction: Sunderland win! If they can stop Blackburn "feeding the Yak" then they have the quality to beat Blackburn but need to score themselves from somewhere.
Stoke v Spurs: Many people have said if they could have a season ticket anywhere they would have it at White Hart Lane. But Spurs' real test will come away from home, especially at places like Stoke, where their true title credentials will be shown. My Prediction: Spurs win! If they keep on winning people will have to take notice of them as they are capable of being mounting a title challenge.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Monthly Round-Up (November 2011)
The travesty of Gary Speed's unexpected death has put everything in to perspective for football fans across the world. Just like the saying "it only takes a second to score a goal" the same can be said for the event which occurred early on Sunday morning, the 27/11/11 is a date few will forget. Not only has a great footballer been lost, not only has a potentially astonishing coach been lost but an unbelievable man has been lost. Our thoughts are with the Speed family and all the people that knew of Gary.
The tributes have rolled in for Speed and he more than anyone would want the football to continue... and that it did with some great games on display. The last game of the month was Crystal Palace's 2-1 victory, after extra time, at Old Trafford and now face Cardiff City in the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup. Cardiff united after an emotional few days to knock Premier League strugglers Blackburn out. Meaning one Championship side will be facing a tough task in the final against either Manchester City or Liverpool, two top Premier League sides.
Man City sent out a star quality side to make sure of victory versus Arsenal, Aguero getting the only goal at the Emirates. Whereas Liverpool travelled to Stamford Bridge for the second time in 9 days winning on both occasions. Another nasty November for Chelsea looks to ruin another season, starting with defeat on Halloween weekend to arch rivals Arsenal the month didn't get any better, a late snatch and grab from Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League summing up their indifferent month. Many have called for the head of AVB, some wonder why the head of a Carlo Ancelotti is nowhere to be called.
Villas-Boas is yet to "goas" as the Sun recently described the possibility of his departure. Although, Steve Bruce has become the first Premier Division manager to get the axe this season being sacked 3 days before the 'Black Cats' face a possible "six pointer" against fellow felines Wolves. Incidentally Ancellotti is one of the contenders to take over at The Stadium of Light. Nevertheless Martin O'Neil or Mark Hughes seem more likely.
AVB is under much scrutiny largely due to Chelsea's form in the Champions League and like many other English clubs, are finding the group stages of European football a tough task. Only Arsenal seem secure, and have turned their season around in the past month. Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham, Birmingham and Stoke are unsure of places in the knock-out stage. The 'chicken and egg' conundrum springs to mind when pondering the reasons for England's poor form in Europe; is it the tough and straining and such high quality football suffered each week in the EPL taking it out of the teams and hindering them in Europe or otherwise is the lack of quality in the Premier League resulting in clubs not having the quality to cope against some of Europe's top names. In my opinion, and I very much hope, its the former as so many clubs are "tough places to go" and "a real threat" that the effort put in on a Saturday disadvantages those on a Wednesday. Despite this I am confident the majority of English clubs will qualify as most still have it in their hands entering 'Matchday 6'
Despite what a thrilling month November has been for Football fans the overriding memory will be that of the Gary Speed tragedy. Hopefully December will avoid the bitter taste this saddening event has caused the world of Football. The fans will be able celebrate the festive period with all the football they need. I for one get excited when I see the Sky Sports Christmas advert at the start of December and those Sky Sports snowmen scoring diving headers left, right and centre signifying that there is a LOT of Football on the way.
The tributes have rolled in for Speed and he more than anyone would want the football to continue... and that it did with some great games on display. The last game of the month was Crystal Palace's 2-1 victory, after extra time, at Old Trafford and now face Cardiff City in the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup. Cardiff united after an emotional few days to knock Premier League strugglers Blackburn out. Meaning one Championship side will be facing a tough task in the final against either Manchester City or Liverpool, two top Premier League sides.
Man City sent out a star quality side to make sure of victory versus Arsenal, Aguero getting the only goal at the Emirates. Whereas Liverpool travelled to Stamford Bridge for the second time in 9 days winning on both occasions. Another nasty November for Chelsea looks to ruin another season, starting with defeat on Halloween weekend to arch rivals Arsenal the month didn't get any better, a late snatch and grab from Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League summing up their indifferent month. Many have called for the head of AVB, some wonder why the head of a Carlo Ancelotti is nowhere to be called.
Villas-Boas is yet to "goas" as the Sun recently described the possibility of his departure. Although, Steve Bruce has become the first Premier Division manager to get the axe this season being sacked 3 days before the 'Black Cats' face a possible "six pointer" against fellow felines Wolves. Incidentally Ancellotti is one of the contenders to take over at The Stadium of Light. Nevertheless Martin O'Neil or Mark Hughes seem more likely.
AVB is under much scrutiny largely due to Chelsea's form in the Champions League and like many other English clubs, are finding the group stages of European football a tough task. Only Arsenal seem secure, and have turned their season around in the past month. Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham, Birmingham and Stoke are unsure of places in the knock-out stage. The 'chicken and egg' conundrum springs to mind when pondering the reasons for England's poor form in Europe; is it the tough and straining and such high quality football suffered each week in the EPL taking it out of the teams and hindering them in Europe or otherwise is the lack of quality in the Premier League resulting in clubs not having the quality to cope against some of Europe's top names. In my opinion, and I very much hope, its the former as so many clubs are "tough places to go" and "a real threat" that the effort put in on a Saturday disadvantages those on a Wednesday. Despite this I am confident the majority of English clubs will qualify as most still have it in their hands entering 'Matchday 6'
Despite what a thrilling month November has been for Football fans the overriding memory will be that of the Gary Speed tragedy. Hopefully December will avoid the bitter taste this saddening event has caused the world of Football. The fans will be able celebrate the festive period with all the football they need. I for one get excited when I see the Sky Sports Christmas advert at the start of December and those Sky Sports snowmen scoring diving headers left, right and centre signifying that there is a LOT of Football on the way.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
A crucial week awaits after a disappointing defeat for Chelsea
Chelsea let lead slip to just one point after 2-1 defeat away at Spurs, earlier in the day, Manchester United moved to within one point of leaders Chelsea after beating rivals Manchester City who gave Spurs the chance to move into 4th. That chance they took. At the start of the day the door for the final Champions League spot looked wide open, whilst the door for the Premiership was almost shut: by the end of the day the hinges had swung, the title race was now wide open whereas the door for 4th spot had swung in the opposite direction needing one last push. That final push is to come on Saturday, a pivotal day for both Manchester City who lie in fifth and Spurs 2 points above them in 4th. Spurs head to Old Trafford to play United in the days early kick off and in the evening kick off Manchester City travel to the Emirates Stadium facing Arsenal, who to have hopes of the Premiership themselves. If Spurs can beat United they will have beaten the top 3 clubs consecutively, if they manage this incredible feat this could prove the end of United's title challenge, and with the form Spurs are in who is going to bet against them. Chelsea play in the 4pm kick off on Sunday at home to Stoke, in which many would expect a Chelsea victory, especially after Stoke had a rare defeat at home to Bolton today. The only thing that's for definite is that it shall undoubtedly be a thrilling end to the Season
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