Brazil bow out following defeat to Belgium

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Five-times World Cup champions Brazil bowed out of the World Cup last week after a mediocre campaign was finally brought to an end by Roberto Martinez’s Belgium side in Kazan.

In a crunch match in which Brazil would have to show their mettle and championship-winning credentials if they were to continue into the latter stages of the competition, the side found themselves behind early on when Nacer Chadli’s corner struck Fernandinho’s arm, beating an unsuspecting Alisson.

Brazil had conceded just one goal in their past four games in Russia and their opponents took advantage of the malaise that followed the surprise goal – creating a Continue reading

Marcus Rashford has to leave United to further his development

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Whether or not England go on to lift the World Cup title, or go further than the quarter final against Sweden, one thing has become abundantly clear under Gareth Southgate.

His astuteness and nous has seen a number of his young players going out onto the pitch fearless and able to fully express themselves. Not constrained in any way, they’re given the confidence to play their natural game and, where possible, enjoy themselves.

Compare and contrast Marcus Rashford’s demeanour with England to when he’s playing for Manchester United. Continue reading

Martinez deserves credit for brave decisions

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Roberto Martinez is a manager who has certainly faced his critics in English football, especially following a tenure as Everton boss that saw his sides often blow hot and cold.

However, with his side 2-0 down against minnows Japan and in the face of a shock exit from the World Cup, the former Wigan manager showed his nous to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Many were quick to malign the Spaniard’s tactical decisions when he opted to bring on Maroune Fellaini and Nacer Chadli in a bit to turn the game around.

Those people were soon left with egg on their face as the introductions quickly turned Continue reading

Japan eliminated but entertain the World in the process

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Japan felt confident walking into the stadium, the pressure all on their opponents Belgium. The European outfit brought back in superstars Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku whilst Vincent Kompany came into the back three sandwiched between Tottenham defenders Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Japan unsurprisingly moved back to the same lineup that got four points from their first two games and looked to cause a big shock in a World Cup full of upsets.

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Japan can make history against Belgium

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Many people think this round of sixteen tie between Japan and Belgium is going to be the most one sided knockout tie of this World Cup and the Asian team will be out to prove many a doubter wrong. Belgium may have pushed aside all in their way during the group stages but Japan also deserved to qualify from what was perhaps the most evenly spread group in terms of competition.

The game at the Rostov Arena will see the big names and familiar faces come back into both line ups as the two sides rested players amid rotation during the last set of group game fixtures. For Belgium, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne will be the big hitters and Japan would’ve liked to see them remain on the sidelines. For Japan, Akira Nashino will bring back in playmakers Shinji Kagawa and Takashi Inui, captain Makoto Hasebe and perhaps striker Yuya Osaka who has impressed with regular goal scorer Shinji Okazaki battling back to fitness.

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Premier League predictions

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With this being the last weekend of Premier League action, every sides that will be keen to end their season with a win. Here are our predictions for the upcoming games!

Burnley vs AFC Bournemouth – home win

Burnley have been truly phenomenal this season, securing Europa League action against the odds, and will be hoping this game rounds off a fantastic campaign.

With Nick Pope (12 clean sheets) cutting an inspired figure at times this season, this could well be his last chance to make a late bid to become the England keeper come the summer’s World Cup in Russia. Continue reading

Premier League Predictions

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With only a handful of fixtures ahead this weekend, due to the disruption of the FA Cup, we take a look at the games that could shape the bottom of the table come the final day of the season.

West Bromwich Albion vs Liverpool – draw
Prior to their unlikely victory over Man United last week, you’d have bet on this going only one way.

However, with the potential that players like Salah (166 points) or Firmino (103 points) may be rested with a view to targeting a place in the final of the Champions League, don’t be surprised if Moore’s men come again with some unlikely points yet again.

Watford vs Crystal Palace – away win

Wilfried Zaha has secured 40 points so far in 2017/18 and will have been a huge factor in the Eagles renaissance following an abysmal beginning to the campaign that saw them rooted to the bottom of the table prior to Roy Hodgson’s arrival at Selhurst Park.

With Palace up against a Watford side that appear to have very little to play for after the promise of their early form fizzled out, don’t be surprised if the visitors secure a win that puts them safe from the threat of relegation.

Arsenal vs West Ham United – home win

Despite the meek performances they’ve put in on the road, Arsenal have remained a beast at the Emirates.

With Aubameyang’s six goals and 26 points in eight Premier League games proving that he has adapted quickly to life in England, expect him to prove to much for the Hammers’ backline.

Stoke City vs Burnley – draw

Their performance against West Ham showed a team that is willing to give everything in pursuit of Premier League survival.

Whilst Dyche’s men are pushing for an unlikely sixth placed finish as Arsenal flounder away from home, he can expect a Stoke City that is fighting for its life to greet him.

Veteran striker Peter Crouch bagged his fourth goal of the season as he hit 18 points and Paul Lambert will likely be hoping that he can lead the line in this critical fixture.

Manchester City vs Swansea City – home win

Whilst their season may be over, having been crowned Premier League champions last week, there is no indication that the Citizens will be taking their foot off the gas this weekend as they pursue the potential of a record number of points in a season.

The midfield duo of Kevin de Bruyne (86 points) and David Silva (75 points) have been inspired for Pep Guardiola this campaign and will be looking to put their prints on this tie, as they have so often across the course of 2017/18.

Everton vs Newcastle United – draw

Whilst Benitez’s team secured a victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park last weekend, the Toon are yet to show the sort of consistent form that would make them favourites today.

Expect a player of Sigurdsson’s quality, a player who has secured four goals and three assists this season, to be a difference maker today – a factor that possibly puts his side as favourites in this clash.

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Premier League Predictions

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Check out our predictions for the upcoming Premier League fixtures, will Manchester CIty secure the Premier League title at Wembley this Saturday?

Southampton vs Chelsea – away win

There can surely only be one winner here. Whilst Chelsea have underwhelmed this campaign, the Saints have been truly dreadful.

Expect 11 goal Eden Hazard and co. to cause Mark Hughes’s men a fair bit of trouble this weekend.

Burnley vs. Leicester – draw

Two teams that are fighting it out to secure the ‘best of the rest’ accolade, both sides have impressed across the 2017/18 campaign.

Whilst Vardy (61 points) and Mahrez (71 points) have shone in attack for the Foxes, the fact that Heaton and Pope have kept 12 clean sheets between them exemplifies why this will be a tight affair.

Crystal Palace vs Brighton – home win

Whilst Hodgson’s men are on a poor run of results, their performances against big sides like Liverpool have been far from uninspired.

With the Selhurst Park faithful behind them, expect the likes of Zaha (33 points) and Benteke (10 points) to be real difference makers here

Huddersfield vs Watford – draw

Whilst Huddersfield have made the John Smith’s Stadium a tough place to travel to, they remain in a tough battle for survival.

The Hornets seemingly no longer have much to play for this campaign but one would suspect that a player of Doucoure’s talents (seven goals and 39 points this campaign) will be favourite to be the difference maker tonight.

Swansea City vs Everton – home win

Whilst the Toffees have largely stabilised since the appointment of Sam Allardyce, their dour brand of football has left a lot to be desired.

Swansea have made the Liberty Stadium an intimidating arena so far this season and a player of Tammy Abraham’s calibre (five goals on loan from season) could be enough to unsettle the visitors.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth – home win

Liverpool will need an extra bounce off the back of their gruelling midweek Champions League exploits but with the likes of Mane (65 points), Firmino (97 points) and Salah (160 points) leading the line, they’ll be confident of securing another victory at Anfield.

Jordon Ibe has found good form in recent weeks, hitting six assists and 29 points, and he will be will be keen to cause an upset against his old team.

Tottenham vs Man City – home win

A really tough one to call, this depends entirely on how City react to three consecutive defeats within a week.

If Guardiola’s men, led by De Bruyne (87 points) and Silva (75 points) can show a bit of mettle then they’ll be favourites to secure their third Premier League title. Anything less than their best, however, would open the door for the likes of Harry Kane (97 goals) to take full advantage.

Newcastle Untied vs Arsenal – home win

Newcastle’s form since a productive January transfer window has been particularly good, with the likes of Matt Richie 29 points inspiring them to a drive towards mid-table safety.

Arsenal’s away form will be of concern to them. With one eye firmly on the Europa League, this might prove a tough day for them up at St James’ Park.

Manchester United vs West Brom – home win

United will be buoyant after their spectacular comeback at fierce rivals Manchester City and eager to compound that great performance with another win here.

The attacking exploits of the likes of Lukaku (68 points) and Jesse Lingard (64 points) should be far too much for a West Brom side that is rooted at the bottom of the table to handle.

West Ham United vs Stoke City – home win

Both sides have had underwhelming seasons, with Stoke now one of the favourites to go down to the Championship.

Whilst West Ham have largely disappointed this season, the form of Arnautovic  has largely been a pleasure across the campaign. Expect the 39 goal attacker to be the difference maker this weekend.

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Premier League expected line-ups – Week 32

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Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)

Wayne Hennessey; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mamadou Sakho, James Tomkins, Patrick van Aanholt; Luka Milivojevic, James McArthur; Wilfried Zaha, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Andros Townsend; Christian Benteke

Questionable: Jeffrey Schlupp, Alexander Sorloth, Joel Ward, Wilfried Zaha
Out: Scott Dann, Jason Puncheon, Bakary Sako, Julian Speroni, Connor Wickham Continue reading

Premier League predictions for the weekend ahead

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Another week of Premier League action looms ahead of us with some valuable fixtures at both ends of the table, check out our predictions here!

Manchester United vs. Liverpool – home win

Still widely considered to be the biggest game in English football, this threatens to be a real cracker this weekend.

Whilst Mo Salah has been in incredible form this season – leading Liverpool’s line with 24 goals and 134 points – United have overcome some big sides at Old Trafford this season, a factor that probably makes them marginal favourites.

The exploits of David de Gea, who has conceded just 22 goals in 29 appearances could Continue reading