Russell – We want City win

Norwich City defender Russell Martin insists the newly-promoted side will be going for the win against Manchester City this weekend.

The Canaries returned to winning ways on Saturday following a crucial 2-1 success over fellow new-boys QPR at Carrow Road.

Next up for Paul Lambert’s men is a trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to face the unbeaten Premier League leaders.

Few expect Norwich to return to Norfolk with any points, but Russell, who scored against QPR, insists they will be positive in Manchester.

Positive

“(City) is probably going to be one of the toughest games of the season going up there and trying to stop them because they’re in really good form,” said Martin.

“But the way we play as a team, we will go up there expecting to get a result because that is how we do it.

“We will go up there and give it a good go, but it is a tough run of games and we needed the three points (against QPR) because it doesn’t get any easier.

“It comes in between really tough games - Arsenal and Manchester City. It doesn’t get much tougher than that, but every week is tough in this league.”

TRIPLET SCORING FOR BARCA

It was a therapeutic game, as if he had designed the calendar to shake off the bitter taste of defeat against Getafe played a game that left Barca but left untouched the forwards especially the team. Among them, a name, Alexis Sanchez, who was beginning to collect some criticism for his lack of scoring.

Not scored since the first game of the season, against Villarreal, and the Chilean goal needed as the air we breathe. Just half an hour to recover needed. It was a goal of ‘crack’ when his team needed him most, especially against Lightning dared uneasily. With a subtle touch, crossed the bottom left of Cobeño after a dry cut, Alexis opened the way to victory. Important for the club, but more important for the ‘Boy Wonder’, which drew too many days without celebrating a goal with a long injury involved. 

In his best days as Barca, Alexis closed his personal account with the goal that Barca definitely reassured. The merit of Alexis was not only hit the shot, but accompany a move that was born in Messi‘s boots in the midfielder position.

 The Chilean Xavi pounced on a rebound to control with his chest and beat the goalkeeper Ray. The doublet of Alexis returns the best version of Chile last year, even as Udinese player, signed four goals in one match against Palermo in Udine set victory by 0-7. 

It was undoubtedly his best performance since he landed in Europe. However, despite their initial impressions as a player means Barça have left many fans Catalans, Alexis had never come to the Christmas break with more than two goals in his private account and now adds three, who scored against Villarreal and the doublet with the Lightning. Mark out of the house now becomes one of his unfinished business. 

It is the fifth career double in the Chilean, a player reached the boat to open the field and create spaces that define the face-to-door. However, his goals against the Lightning rescued the team at a particularly delicate and Tocopilla make the player a candidate to remain in the ownership during the next team commitments. Alexis and he started the match against Real Madrid in Spain Super Cup at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Villa: Farewell to the bad taste of San Siro and Getafe with his ninth goal of the course 

There was a certain ‘buzz’ with the figure of David Villa, multiplied by the lack of luck in Getafe, but the Camp Nou finished chanting the name of ‘Guaje’ in a match that served to reconcile the goal after two games especially uncomfortable for Villa, San Siro and Getafe, which was not entirely successful. It had scored against Zaragoza his eighth goal of the season (interestingly, the same as last year added at this stage of the championship, almost the same number of minutes) and against the Lightning, took a pass from Alves to beat Cobeño and set it 3-0 before the break.
Villa goal needed to calm some debates about its performance in recent games and incidentally, to remain a second best scorer of Barca this season with nine goals, behind only Leo Messi. 

Interestingly, Villa found the net in the drawing Guardiola team reworded: Pep ahead of Alves, who became almost at the end of the relay, placed Alexis in the left and put Villa as theoretical ‘nine’, escorted by Leo Messi. Here, closer to the penalty spot, David Villa was more comfortable and quickly find the net in a move that was released in which Pique and Alves, touching the outside of the game, assisted him. 

Asturian striker signed a good game, beyond the success of face-to-door, combined with their peers and creating spaces both outside and inside. And the second part was about to make his second goal after taking advantage of a ball pumped coming from Victor Valdes in an improper play Barça.Villa tried to control possible at the edge of the area and beat Rayo Vallecano Cobeño output with a chopped ball but the ball went over the crossbar. The former Valencia completed their night playing 90 minutes, unusual for the ‘Guaje’, not just this season but since signing for the club. 

Messi: Leo sum ​​and 26 goals in 22 games 

The best player on the planet remains committed to breaking records every season and returned last night to offer a new touch of his usual magic to close the scoring at the Ray Vallecano. 

It was the 49 minutes of the game when Leo Messi took a pass from Dani Alves and into the area to star in a spectacular ride that ended by sitting and surpassing Cobeño measured with a shot that slipped touching the long pole. 

With last night, the Argentine won his sixteenth league both, and thus equalized Cristiano Ronaldo top scorer in this tournament. Last season, Messi had managed 15 goals in the first 14 games of the season. 

Leo already marked 26 goals in 22 matches he has played taking into account all competitions (only lost the Cup in L’Hospitalet), resulting in a spectacular figure of 1.18 goals per game. In this regard, Rosario is ‘key’ numbers of last year, when he signed also 26 ‘targets’ in their first 22 entries with the team, either as principal or alternate.

PEP GUARDIOLA: “IT WAS A STRANGE GAME”

Barca striker Asturian spoke today at a press conference after the victory over Rayo Vallecano last night at the Camp Nou. The crack has become FC Barcelona has expressed confidence about the possibilities that all have to get a good result in their match against Real Madrid “We will go to the Bernabeu in different circumstances than other years, but with the same idea: try to win. In this Similarly, the iron tip wanted to play down the next “Classic” and also noted that “There is still a lot and hope to make a great season.”

As for the controversial yellow spotted yesterday to Gerard Pique, which allows the defense to get the classic clean the Bernabeu: “The referee gave his verdict on the record, the rest is the interpretation of each, there you have the record.”

About the feelings that have the equipment at this stage of the League has proven safe and emphatic “I have the same trust or more than last season,” he said. He also was pleased with the results garnered by the team yesterday and his personal rendimientio with their peers, which stood out from his partner Alexis Sanchez “was a great game yesterday,” he acknowledged.

Moreover, the number 7 of Barca said the party has to play his former club Sporting de Gijon to Real Madrid, which has admitted that “I’m always happy when they win” and also took time to ask for assistance the price “to see if we can do a favor.” So far as he has not forgotten to remember either the front, Pep Guardiola’s only have the head on the next and important league match against Levante.

Inter plot £40m raid on Arsenal & Liverpool

Inter Milan are thought to be willing to pay £40 million forArsenal and Liverpool target Eden Hazard

Interest in Arsenal and Liverpool target Eden Hazard is set to be stepped up – by Italian giant Inter Milan.

Talksport is reporting that the Nerazzuri are ready to gazump the Gunners and the Reds by testing Lille’s resolve with a bid of around £40million.

Arsenal were thought to have made a move for the Belgian international in the summer, but manager Arsene Wenger was put off by the asking price quoted.

Lille president Michel Seydoux recently said Hazard could leave if an offer upwards of £43million came in – a fee likely to put off famously thrifty Wenger.

Even Liverpool, who have been willing to pay inflated transfer fees in the past, seem to have been put off by the large numbers being asked.

Hazard had expressed a desire to leave the French champions in the summer, news that was expected to spark a bidding war among Europe’s top clubs.

The 20-year-old is considered one of Europe’s brightest young prospects and, should Lille fail to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, a move could come sooner than next summer.

Inter look to have taken the initiative by indicating their willingness to come close to Lille’s valuation, though Real Madrid are likely to have some say in the matter.

Liverpool vs Manchester City

Liverpool should feel upbeat about their chance of toppling Premier League leaders Man City at Anfield this weekend, and they look decent value at 2.63 with bet365 and Betfred to do just that.

Kenny Dalglish‘s side continued their unbeaten run with a good solid performance to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bride last weekend and ran out easy 3-0 winners over the Citizens when the two sides met in this fixture back in April.

It was a tactical triumph for Dalglish at The Bridge, and Craig Bellamy, Maxi Rodriguez and Luis Suarez linked together well and  always looked capable of scoring.

There must be a chance however that the gaffer will change things around a bit for this one and give Andy Carroll a start given that he netted two in the aforementioned 3-0 win over City.

He is an 8.5 shot with Boylesports and Paddy Power to open the scoring and that looks a bit of value given his proven ability to unlock the City defence.

However even better value could be the 3.5 on offer with Boylesports for him to score anytime in the 90 minutes. he is as short as 2.75 to do so with other firms and the Irish boys offer looks too big to ignore.

This does look like a game that has goals written all over it, and City are sure to be keen to bounce back from their 2-1 midweek defeat at Napoli in the Champions League where Roberto Mancini admitted they let in “two stupid goals”.

However for the first time this season they looked to run out of ideas when things didn’t go according to plan, and if Liverpool can keep it tight early doors and frustrate them a similar scenario could be on the cards.

The Reds certainly have players at their disposal who are capable of causing their back-line plenty of problems, and my idea of the outcome is a 2-1 for Kenny’s men.

That score line can be backed at a top priced 12 with Betfred and definitely looks worth a small interest.

Betfred also go a standout 1.67 about both teams scoring and that looks a solid bet for those that like to play odds-on.

Match Preview: Liverpool v. Chelsea

It’s back to Stamford Bridge for Liverpool as they seek progression to the semifinals of the League Cup for the first time since 2005. The timing of the fixture makes it challenging for both sides—for Liverpool, who’ve sent out strong squads in each of their three wins in the competition, it’s cause for serious questions about who and what we’ll see. Selection might not be as challenging for the hosts, as Andre Villas-Boashas opted to use squads with clear second-string and younger players, but regardless, it’s going to make for an interesting meeting.

It’s doubtful this one will look anything like Liverpool’s trip to West London last weekend, when they spent the first half on the front foot and pressured Chelsea relentlessly before getting the winner in the final minutes. That’s not to say Liverpool can’t come away with the win; rather, I think they have a really good chance at advancing, but I’m guessing they’ll go about it differently. Or they won’t and they’ll still win, and I’ll come off looking like a moron, as per usual.

Whoever it ends up being, they’ll face a Chelsea side with highly touted youngsters rounding out what’ll likely look like a reserve squad. Their first time out in the competition was plenty nervy, as they survived a missed penalty from Fulham early in the second half and the sending off of Alex to win in a shootout. Against Everton in the last round they managed a 2-1 victory despite another sending off—this time back-up goalkeeper Ross Turnbull—as Daniel Sturridge got the winner in the second half of extra time.

As mentioned, Chelsea have used a fairly predictable mix of backups and youngsters; Josh McEachran, Ryan Bertrand, Romelu Lukaku, and Oriol Romeu started in both wins, but it’ll be interesting to see what Villas-Boas does given Romeu’s inclusion on Saturday and the fact that Fernando Torres hasn’t made a start since the draw with Genk at the beginning of the month. I’d guess McEachran and Bertrand are locks in the midfield and left-back respectively, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Romeu and Lukaku were on the bench to start. Some combination of veterans round out the rest of their eleven, with Branislav Ivanovic, Paolo Ferreira, Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou, and Florent Malouda all getting starts across the two matches, while John Terry (suspension) and Raul Meireles (cup-tied) are both ruled out.

For Liverpool:

Who starts for Liverpool?

Reina
Kelly Carragher Coates Aurelio
Lucas Spearing
Kuyt Maxi
Carroll Bellamy

—Steven Gerrard remains injured, and Jack Robinson, who would have at least made the squad tomorrow, is out as well. As Kenny Dalglish mentioned earlier in the day, though, it’s likely there’s a whole host of fitness concerns given the fact that barely 36 hours have passed since the draw with City at Anfield.

—The back line seems to be the only area where there’s a fairly predictable set, with Martin Kelly and Jamie Carragher certain to make their returns, and Sebastian Coates likely to get another start. Coates has played in two of the three matches so far, sparkling last time out against Stoke aside from the lapse in judgment that led to their opener. That leaves left back as the only question mark, and with Robinson injured and Jose Enrique yet to make an appearance in the competition, a possibly fit Fabio Aurelio is the best guess. Outside shot that he pushes forward to the midfield alongside Spearing, in which case I’d bank on Danny Wilson’s involvement.

—Spearing’s a near-lock to start, and his partner will either have to be Lucas or Charlie Adam. If it’s one of these two I’d guess Lucas, but it’d be nice to get him some rest on the front end of a four week stretch that sees Liverpool play six matches. Further forward I’m sure Maxi returns, and Dalglish will have Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, or Dirk Kuyt to choose from. Given Kuyt’s inability to get tired, ever, I’d pick him, even though the other two might be just as likely.

—Andy Carroll’s got to start up front, and if Craig Bellamy’s ready to go, he’ll provide support either alongside or just off the number nine. A start for Luis Suarez would be suprising but not necessarily a complete shock—he’s started every League cup match so far and scored three in the competition, although for the amount of running he does, on the back of a busy summer, 48 hours just seems too short a recovery time.

What’s the most important factor for the Reds?

Dalglish has made no secret about how much importance he’s placed on this competition, and so far he’s been rewarded with three mostly solid displays. Tomorrow’s easily the biggest test, and regardless of who he ends up picking, and despite the fact that I don’t think they’ll approach it the same way they did last Sunday, they’ll need to continue to play confident, aggressive football. I think top to bottom, any eleven Dalglish picks can give Chelsea a run for their money. For all the inconsistencies that we’ve seen this season, the one thing we haven’t questioned is the commitment of whatever squad is selected, and that’ll need to continue tomorrow.

Right now there’s no listing for UK viewers, and Fox Soccer Plus is the only viewing option stateside, but I’m sure Australian supporters are basking in the sun, drinks in hand, waiting for their HD glory to appear. The rest of us will have to rely on streams, which will be linked in the matchday thread a few hours before kickoff. As usual, team sheets will follow shortly after as the opening whistle approaches.

So while it might be challenging for the squad, and yet another cock-up by the English footballing bureaucracy, this many matches in such a short period of time is something to be relished, particularly with the club seemingly on the up. See you all back here in a bit.

Chelsea planning another raid on Barcelona

Chelsea are keen on landing yet another Barcelona kid as they prepare a swoop for Sergi Roberto.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas landed Oriol Romeu in the summer and the midfielder has made an instant impression at Stamford Bridge.

He was handed his first league start of the season against Wolves on Saturday and impressed in midfield – and now Villas-Boas is keen on another product of Barca’s famed academy.

Roberto, 19, also plays in midfield and is highly regarded at Barcelona – but Chelsea are ready to tempt them with an offer.

Roberto, a Spain Under 21 international, would be available for around £5m but Barcelona would insist on a buy-back clause if they did part with him.

Marouane Chamakh ‘nearing Arsenal exit as PSG plan £10million bid’

Marouane Chamakh could soon be leaving Arsenal as Paris Saint Germain are understood to be readying a £10 million transfer bid.

The Moroccan forward, whose promising early performances in an Arsenal shirt have given way to a series of ineffectual bit-part displays, looks set to be offered a chance to restart his career with the ambitious French club.

Gunners captain Robin van Persie has been in devastating form this season, netting 17 goals in all competitions, leaving Chamakh with few opportunities to prove his worth.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger still considers the 27-year-old to be an important part of his plans, but accepts that the player may wish to move on in search of regular games.

‘We have (Marouane) Chamakh and Park Ju-Young, who I think are quality, but at the moment they are not getting the opportunities because Robin is in such fantastic form,’ Wenger said.

‘It will be up to them to show they can take the relay when needed because the season is long and we play in many competitions, hopefully for a long time. Everybody will get a chance.’

Chamakh has started just one game so far this season, and having signed from Bordeaux in the summer of 2010 on a free transfer, £10 million may prove to be good business for a forward who will be 28 in January.