They often say that the best things in life come in threes and that’s hard to disagree with when you take a look at some of the most successful footballing trios over the years. While in terms of football, you might be familiar with famous double acts, such as striking partnerships including SAS (Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton) or managerial duos – Brian Clough and Peter Taylor come to mind; but the world of football isn’t short of a trio or two (or three!) either.
The attacking trio has come to force in recent years as managers across Europe have opted to play the 4-3-3 formation. Jose Mourinho was one of the first bosses in the Premier League to use this formation, with Chelsea still playing the trio of Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka / Salomon Kalou today, although £50 million man Fernando Torres might have something to say about that!
However, the greatest exponents of the attacking trio are the Spanish giants, Barcelona. Whether he’s in a striking two or three, Lionel Messi will strike fear into any defence, and alongside David Villa and Pedro (formerly Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry) Barca have a fearsome attacking line-up. Alongside the front three you of course have the midfield trio too, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better trio of midfielders than Barcelona’s Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets anywhere in the world.
Arsenal’s trio of Robin van Persie, Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott can’t be held in the same regard as Messi and co, but this trio of Gunners are still capable of tearing opposition defences apart on their day. The same goes for Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, Nani and Javier Hernadez when they play in a three, which Sir Alex Ferguson has used sparsely in recent weeks. However, when the forward three is working in harmony and they are all in form, they are ‘simply unstoppable’…
One trio to keep an eye on are Travis Barker, Tinie Tempah and Katie Taylor. Featuring in the latest Lucozade ad ‘Yes’, the Blink 182 drummer Travis , pop star Tinie and Irish boxer Taylor are a formidable trio. Taylor herself has played football for the Irish women’s national team, so she’s pretty handy with the ball at her feet. Watch the three ‘Ts’ do their stuff in the video below, featuring a rework of ‘Simply Unstoppable’ – something that can be attributed to Messi right now…
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You can see more of the trio of Travis, Tinie and Taylor at www.facebook.com/lucozade and play the game. Don’t forget to let us know which football trio from past or present are ‘Simply Unstoppable’ too!
LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham believes the MLS All-Stars can spring a surprise when they meet Manchester United.The two sides face off in a friendly in New Jersey on Wednesday, where Beckham will be joined by the likes of Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan in the MLS All-Stars squad.
The match is a repeat of last year’s friendly which Sir Alex Ferguson’s side won 5-2, and although Beckham admits it will be tough to beat his former club, he says an upset is not out of the question.
“I think we have a chance on Wednesday,” Beckham said.
“It will be tough. It’s never easy coming up against Manchester United, no matter where you play in the world.”
Given the prestige of the opposition, Beckham also urged his team-mates to embrace the occasion.
“It’s going to be a difficult game, but it’s going to be a game to enjoy,” he said.
“You don’t get many opportunities to play against the likes of Wayne Rooney and Chicharito (Javier Hernandez) and so many other players that they’ve got.”
“As much as we want to win the game it’s important that we enjoy it.”
Hernandez will feature in Wednesday’s game and wants to improve on a superb debut season at Old Trafford, during which he scored 13 Premier League goals.
“The only thing in my mind now is to work hard every day, keep improving and learning and do my best to help the team,” Hernandez said.
“I am still enjoying my dream, but I just want to keep improving to help my team. If I score goals it’s a consequence of the team’s effort.”
“I’m happy. I’m enjoying it a lot. It’s a dream come true for me. I want to keep improving and do my best to help my team.”
Charlton powered their way to the League One title this season, with an amazing 101 points. So it makes you wonder do they really need to upset this team rhythm by bringing in more new faces over the summer?
Well with 25 summer signings last summer I certainly don’t feel Chrissy Powell needs to reach the same figures this time to become a decent Championship outfit.
I look at the team and pretty much the first eleven are brilliant and can all go on to bigger and better things. Then I take a look at the bench and if I’m honest there is usually about one player who may be able to make a difference, and that’s why I’ll now give my views on who should leave this summer.
Firstly John Sullivan no disrespect for this player but he is nothing better than League One standard. He did a decent job when called upon during Hamer’s suspension but he was nothing spectacular and for this I feel we need a new backup keeper. There were areas of criticism for Ben Hamer this season by Charlton fans which I felt was wrong as he’s still young, improving and therefore I feel he can still cut as being our number one in the Championship But for me we need an experienced goalie to compete as cover we saw last season how experience goalies like Ian Bennett and Maik Taylor proved to be beneficial for Millwall and Huddersfield respectively.
Paul Hayes may be a prolific goal scorer as he has shown at Scunthorpe and Barnsley plus an excellent spell with Wycombe this season but unfortunately for him he does not seem to fit in the Charlton style. For this reason I feel for the sake of his career that can certainly still go places we may have to let him move on.
In utility man Andy Hughes we have a man who gives his all in every game, and is always the first to start his warm-ups on the side in hope that he might get some minutes on the pitch. I have a lot of respect for him and he is a real squad player who would probably play anywhere asked of him. But he just has not been given the minutes that maybe he deserves this season and again for the sake of his career maybe a move would be beneficial for the midfielder.
This time of the season rumours tend to fly round with players, being linked with clubs and the majority of the time nothing seems to happen. However two player names that have been mentioned on numerous occasions include Brentford defender Karleigh Osbourne who is out of contract this summer. He has already made no secret of wanting to ply his trade at a higher level and it could well be a good move as decent cover for the best defence in England this season as possesses bags of pace. Another name that has been mentioned is winger Southampton Jason Puncheon who was linked with us in January. He was frozen out at the Saints towards the end of the season and with their promotion to the premier league confirmed he could be seen as some of the deadwood to release. He’s another player with pace to burn and could add extra competition to the wings with Jackson picking up injuries most seasons.
One position that Charlton do need to add to is up front as BWP has not done enough at League 1 level, to give me confidence he will be banging them in at Championship level. To have a successful season we need a consistent goal-scorer like the Lambert and Holt for Southampton and Norwich respectively. If Powell can find one of these I don’t see why it cannot be a very promising return to the Championship for the Addicks.
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When a 34 year old Sol Campbell signed a five-year deal with then League Two side Notts County twelve months ago, nobody would have been ridiculed for claiming the former England centre half had had his day.
After playing just one game for County – an away defeat at Morecambe the defender left by mutual consent.
The move was a statement of intent from Notts County’s consortium which they hoped would attract other players of a similar calibre to the club for promotion but Campbell grew dismayed about the lack of investment which was promised at Meadow Lane from secretive owners Munto Finance. Unconvinced by the clubs long-term aims, after just 29 days with them he left due to a lack of faith leaving himself and everyone else wondering where next for the man with two Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his career.
This however was before Arsene Wenger offered him a chance to rehabilitate his career at Arsenal.
Campbell appeared 14 times for Arsenal scoring his first goal in his second stint at the club with a headed goal against Porto in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 and it was here that he put himself back on the market due to injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas towards the end of the season.
Despite being offered a new deal by Arsenal, his move to Newcastle was finally completed after numerous top-flight clubs were vying for a signature which would bring experience, quality, and leadership to any defence. For Campbell the huge transition from “washed up League Two footballer” to a player that has every chance of disdaining those who criticised him.
It comes as a welcome relief to Chris Hughton who will be without Steven Taylor for the start of the season due to a shoulder injury and the increased likelihood of first-team football may also have been pivotal in Campbell’s decision.
His importance to Newcastle is immeasurable considering his substantial pedigree, not only in terms of leadership but also with regards to having an experienced head around the dressing room in order to help guide other additions such as James Perch through his Premier League berth.
Newcastle begin at Manchester United on the 16th August and in the absence of Taylor, Campbell’s Premier League know how will be vital at Old Trafford.
Campbell said: “At this stage of my career I couldn’t have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.
“I’d like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top tier of English football.” (Sun)
The move follows what is undoubtedly the most turbulent seasons of Campbell’s career and this may well prove to be the right Magpies move for him working under Chris Hughton who knows all about the defender from their time together at Tottenham.
Whatever path Campbell’s career may follow, he is evidently relishing another crack at the Premier League and has come a long way since his departure from Notts County. His importance to Newcastle is immeasurable considering his substantial pedigree, not only in terms of leadership but also with regards to having an experienced head around the dressing room in order to help guide other additions such as James Perch through his Premier League berth.
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Newcastle begin at Manchester United on the 16th August and in the absence of Taylor, Campbell’s Premier League know how will be vital at Old Trafford.
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
Here are the top 10 biggest World Cup 2010 disappointments so far:
10. Vuvuzelas
It is apart of the culture in African football but they are very annoying to hear throughout 90 minutes. To be fair it has died down a bit since the departure of the host nation but still manage to make an appearance in the remaining games. It’s disappointing only for the fact we don’t hear no football chants and crowd reactions towards certain decisions.
9. The Jabulani Ball
The Jabulani ball has taken some criticism since the tournament began over 2 weeks ago and by the evidence we have seen it deserved it. Many players who have played with the ball in South Africa have struggled to adapt with the new Adidas ball, claiming that it is to round…what do you want guys, a ball shaped like a square or something? It seems a bit of an excuse to me, however, having watched all the games in South Africa so far, it’s clear to see that it is very different from previous tournament balls. Players have misjudged the flight and bounce, as well as failing to really hit it properly (exclude Carlos Tevez of course). For those reasons stated above, it does make for disappointing viewing at times.
8. Fernando Torres – Not performing like he is capable of
The Spanish striker does not look like he is in the grove this summer as he has been in previous tournaments, and so far in this World Cup, Torres has not been able to find the back of the net. The Liverpool hitman does not look the same player prior to the competition beginning, and its visible to see that he is either unfit or has other things on his mind. Many (including me) thought that Torres would be amongst the other elite strikers in the world battling for the illustrious golden boot. Unfortunately this is not the case this year. Generally, Torres has been poor in South Africa, and for those who placed a bet on the 26-year-old to be top goal scorer of the tournament, well it looks like you guys have lost your money.
7. France – So much Talent, yet no cohesion
The French have got to be the biggest joke in world football today. So much talented stars like Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Patrice Evra and Thierry Henry yet they failed in what was one of their worst World Cup campaigns for a number of years. Raymond Domenech was useless as ever as the French manager, and trouble within the camp prior to the tournament and during it certainly didn’t help the cause either. A number of problems caused the Les Bleus to underachieve and evidently failed miserably in their attempt to qualify to the next round. It’s disappointing because we expected better performances from some of the players the football world has to offer, but instead everybody was sucked into the mayhem off the pitch. The FFF has a big crisis on their hands.
6. Didier Drogba – Not seen as much as we expected
The Chelsea hitman had a great season for the West London club and was tipped to be amongst the contenders for the golden boot. Unfortunately, during a friendly game against Japan a week before the commencement of the World Cup, the Ivory Coast striker broke his arm. Drogba struggled and many thought he was out of the tournament. However, the 32-year-old recovered in time and managed to appear in all of the Ivory Coast matches. He only scored one goal against Brazil but this was only a consolation. Africa’s star man was not 100% fit and because of this, he was unable to replicate what he did last season in this years World Cup. A big disappointment for the continent of Africa in whole.
Check out the top 5 on page 2, click here
5. Cesc Fabregas – Can’t get into starting XI
One of the best midfielders in the world, yet the 23-year-old Spaniard still can’t get into the starting eleven of the Spanish team. Many fans of the player (along with me) find it hard to believe that the Arsenal captain still cannot feature in the starting line-up in this summer at the World Cup. Fans may say that it’s because Spain acquire too much creativity in the midfield already, so there is no need for Cesc to start, which is maybe a fair statement. However, Fabregas could get in the team if Del Bosque alters a few players around. Instead of playing Sergio Busquets who plays as the anchor midfielder in the team, Xabi Alonso should drop into this role, which would allow Fabregas to play along side Xavi in the centre, leaving Andres Iniesta and David Silva on the flank. Get Cesc in, we want to see him perform more in the World Cup.
4. Italy – Defending champions out after 3 games
The Italian national team were a big disappointment this summer in South Africa. The Defending world champions were tipped to qualify from their group which featured Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, they didn’t succeed and were an embarrassment to say the very least. The Azzurri were poor in results and performances and only managed to conjure up 2 points and worst still, ended up bottom of the group. They are one of three World Cup teams that as world champions have failed to get through to the round of 16. The only bright note to take back to Italy this summer was Fabio Quagliarella’s audacious chipped goal which deceived the Slovakian goalkeeper, other than that, Italy were poor and many expected better.
3. Referees – Bad Calls
There have been a number of bad refereeing decisions in the World Cup, four instantly come into mind. German striker Miroslav Klose received his marching orders for two ridiculous bookings against Serbia. The challenges deemed to be fouls but they do not justify two yellows and a red card. Another incident was when USA faced Slovenia. USA had a massive goal disallowed in the 85th for absolutely nothing, thankfully for the US fans it didn’t really matter in the end. Mexico were hard done by against Argentina this week when Carlos Tevez netted a goal from a visible offside position, which the officials failed to spot, and of course who could forget what happened to England this past Saturday. England were cruelly disallowed a clear over the line goal against Germany which has called for goal line technology to be introduced. A fair amount of refs have done well, but others have spoilt many promising games this summer…sort it out FIFA.
2. Wayne Rooney – Does it for club but not his country
Wayne Rooney alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world…Do me a favour. The England international was a ghost of the player we saw last season at United, and was clearly one of the worst performers in an England jersey this summer. The 24-year-old bagged 34 goals in all competitions for the Red Devil’s, and was in scintillating form leading up to the World Cup this summer. For some reason he did not perform and failed to even net a goal in South Africa…360 minutes on the pitch and nothing to show for it, garbage.
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1. England – Over hyped and underachievement at its finest
This is definitely the biggest disappointment (if you support the national team of course) the World Cup has seen this year. The Three Lions were so disappointing this summer that they made Greece look brilliant. England had arguably one of the easiest groups in the World Cup yet they couldn’t beat USA and Algeria and barely beat Slovenia. They scraped through the group behind USA who finished top (what a joke) and were faced with the task of Germany in the last 16 this past Saturday. Fans, the media and pundits alike all thought they were going to smash Germany and rip them apart…what happened? England got taught a massive lesson in how to actually play football. Too many overrated and overpaid player’s in the squad and there was simple no excuse for the way they played in South Africa. Fabio Capello and the English players all share the responsibility of coming home earlier than expected. Absolute joke and believe me or not, that’s me being nice.
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Get the latest World Cup 2010 news on Twitter
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Click on image below to see the BRAZILIAN babes at the World Cup
South Korea coach Cho Kwang-rae believes a meeting with Iran was always likely if his side were to reach the latter stages of the Asian Cup.Ranked third in Asia going into the tournament, South Korea beat India 4-1 in their final match of Group C, but the margin of victory could and perhaps should have been greater in Tuesday’s one-sided encounter.
Their failure to convert multiple opportunities – while also conceding a soft goal from the penalty spot – means Korea finish second behind Australia in the group.
They must now overcome relative heavyweights Iran in the quarter-finals of the Asian Football Confederation’s elite competiton.
“I don’t worry so much about the chances we missed tonight,” Cho said.
“When it comes to Iran, they are one of the powerhouses of Asian football so we’d likely have to beat them at some point to win the tournament.”
“I am quite satisfied about the result of tonight’s match, we had chances to score many goals but I was happy with the players’ attitude towards the game, they took it seriously and did their best.”
“If we can continue these performances, I believe the team will do an excellent job for the quarter-final match.”
Cho believes his team have improved since their last meeting with Iran – a 1-0 home defeat in September – and is confident of progressing to the last four at their expense.
“I’ve seen the Group D games and I’m comfortable about meeting Iran because we played a friendly match in Seoul and if you compare our team from then, we’re much better now,” he said.
“I believe we can control the game against Iran.”
Despite his side losing all three of their matches in Group C, India coach Bob Houghton believes the tournament was an important experience for his players.
“It was the third of three difficult games in eight days,” Houghton said.
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“For our team, it was a real challenge, we got through it, we’re richer for the experience, the boys enjoyed it and they’ve learned a lot from it.”
“So I think we can go home and push on from here and do even better things in the next four years.”
“They don’t give up. In all three games we’ve been goals down at half-time and they’ve kept going and kept it close in the second-half. They’ve battled until the end and you can’t ask for more than that.”
Article courtesy of the excellent Live4Liverpool website
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What, above all, strikes me is the accuracy of the phrase ‘mid-table’ as it currently stands. Six points behind the Champions’ League Places, Five above the relegation zone. Few Liverpool supporters would openly admit it, but that represents six very good weeks for the new regime and for Roy Hodgson and his men. It was a mere 39 days ago that Everton quite frankly dismantled the Reds in a very one sided Merseyside Derby, leaving them marooned firmly in the bottom three.
Of course, the pessimists will point to Wigan and particularly Stoke as dropped points and poor performances, but six league games have seen four wins, including two against sides in the top five, signs that things are going in the right direction.
I have been very interested to see the criticism being thrown in the direction of Roy Hodgson, particularly as much of it would appear to come from internet and media forums, as opposed to those supporters inside Anfield on match day itself. It is not my place to decide on Hodgson’s future, although I will openly admit that I do not think that he is the appropriate manager to rebuild the club.
However, I do believe that he has the right to more respect than that afforded by some of the derisory and derogatory comments that I have noticed on various sites. In fact, anyone deserves more respect than some of the vitriol that has been aimed from certain quarters at the Liverpool manager.
Liverpool supporters need to be absolutely honest about where the club is right now. That status is as a former giant brought to its knees and rocked to its very foundations by the previous regime, and with a playing squad boasting some enviable talent but lacking in depth.
Bolton, Stoke and Sunderland apart, Liverpool are finally very much on the periphery of the battle that supporters expect them to be fighting this season, and that is competing with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur for the final Champions’ League place.
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In this respect, Sunday afternoon’s clash at White Hart Lane becomes Liverpool’s most important game of the season. Defeat is not an option as it would leave the Merseyside club some six points behind Spurs, and potentially nine points behind the top four. A draw would be no disaster, whilst a win would be a real confidence boost.
There are no reasons why Liverpool should not head to North London with confidence. Although they have lost on their last two visits to the Lane, it has historically been a good ground for the Reds. Spurs have notoriously struggled this season after midweek European fixtures, and Liverpool should be brimful of confidence after last week’s victory, albeit against a very poor West Ham. Whilst the loss of Steven Gerrard is an undoubted blow, it has afforded Raul Meireles with an opportunity to play in a more natural position, in which he seemed to thrive last weekend. In addition, Fernando Torres is looking more like himself with every passing week.
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This does bring me to a real area of concern with regard to Roy Hodgson, and those are his terribly negative tactics away from home. I understand that he might wish to employ a 4-2-3-1 counter attacking formation, but even counter strategies work only if you get enough bodies forward to support the lone front man. Torres has, at times, been woefully isolated away from Anfield, and this will have to be remedied if Liverpool are to have any success. Such is the gap behind the deep midfield and the front man, that possession is consistently ceded.
I, like many others, grew up in a period when Liverpool Football Club dominated British and European football. It gives me absolutely no pleasure to speak about Liverpool in peripheral battles and fighting to rise from mid-table obscurity. However, that is the reality of things right now. There is talent in the squad, if not depth, and certainly Mr Hodgson needs to be more demanding of them.
They said that Rome wasn’t built in a day, yet Liverpool Football Club conquered it twice. Liverpool Football Club was certainly not built in a day, but two utterly despicable men brought it to its knees. Time is an enemy in modern life, but time is exactly what will be required to rebuild this club from its foundations. For now, Liverpool supporters should be grateful to have banished the Texans to the past, and to be climbing what is a very tight Premier League table.
Read more Liverpool blogs at the excellent Live4Liverpool website
The FA has charged John Terry with alleged abusive and threatening behaviour towards QPR’s Anton Ferdinand. Only last month the Chelsea captain was cleared by the Magistrates Court, however the FA is now looking to undertake a fresh enquiry of their own. A statement read: “It is alleged that Terry used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand, contrary to FA rules. It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Anton Ferdinand. This charge is the result of The FA’s long-standing enquiries into this matter, which were placed on hold pending the outcome of the criminal trial, and relates to rules governing football only.” John Terry has until the 3rd August to respond to the charge.
Elsewhere in the news Arsene Wenger has said that no club has made a bid for Robin van Persie; Andy Carroll would consider loan move to a Premier League club playing in Europe, while Manchester United temporarily shelve their floatation.
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Headlines
John Terry is likely to request a personal hearing with the FA after they charged him for abusive and threatening behaviour towards Anton Ferdinand – [Guardian]
Andy Carroll said he will be happy to go out on loan but only to a Premier League club that is in Europe – [Guardian]
Manchester United is thought to have temporarily halted plans for a New York share flotation – [Guardian]
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he has been working “over 15 years” on manifesto for club’s owners – [Daily Telegraph]
Arsène Wenger was angered by questions over Robin van Persie’s Arsenal future following defeat to Man City – [Mirror]
Roberto Mancini airs his frustrations at Manchester City’s lack of transfer activity – [Independent]
Tim Cahill said it was the ambition of the New York Red Bulls that convinced him to make the move to the MLS – [Independent]
Tottenham are weighing up a move for Swansea’s Joe Allen who reportedly has a £10m buyout clause in his contract – [Daily Star]
Manchester United are set to make a last ditch attempt to sign Brazilian midfielder Lucas Moura from Sao Paulo – [Metro]
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Randy Lerner to sell Cleveland Browns NFL team – but warns Aston Villa not to expect cash windfall – [Mirror]
Liverpool will be eager to get one over on former boss Roy Hodgson as they travel to the Midlands to face West Brom desperate to avenge the 2-1 defeat suffered at the Hawthorns in April.
Hodgson endured a nightmare six months at Anfield after replacing Rafa Benitez in the summer of 2010 before being shoved out by new owner John W. Henry in favour of Reds god Kenny Dalglish. His time at the Hawthorns hasn’t been as eventful as his spell on Merseyside although despite providing the inspiration and experience in helping them pull away from relegation the current campaign has been disappointing. A disappointing start saw fears creep in about another relegation battle but two consecutive wins have raised the levels of optimism in supporters minds. Beating Midlands rivals Aston Villa in their own backyard certainly allayed fans fears of another flirtation with the dreaded drop as they stretched their unbeaten run to four games. If they beat Liverpool on Saturday it will be their longest winning run in the top flight since 2002 when Gary Megson guided them to three victories on the trot. They’ll have to do it without Shane Long who was ruled out for six weeks after suffering an ankle injury last week. With only three goals going in at the Hawthorns this season the onus on Peter Odemwingie and the likes of Chris Brunt and James Morrison to find the back of the net in what will be their 100th Premier League game at home. Their record against Liverpool isn’t the best and Hodgson will need to provide some telling words to inspire his team to victory.
Dalglish’s men have an admirable record at the Hawthorns having remained unbeaten in 12 of the last 13 meetings against the Baggies until April’s defeat. Their mid-week Carling Cup victory over Stoke will have sapped energy levels but don’t expect the Reds to slack off as they continue their hunt for a top four place. Luis Suarez’s goal took him to seven for the season and his tenacious approach up front will surely give the West Brom defenders nightmares prior to the game. His partnership with record signing Andy Carroll is slowly starting to blossom and if the pair strike the right chord on Saturday then the home side could be in for a world of hurt. Dalglish has worked hard to get the Geordie striker up to speed following a slow start to his Anfield career but recent performances seem to indicate he is getting back to his bulldozing best. The return of Steven Gerrard has also provided a boost with the captain looking fitter and more motivated than he has done in the last 18 months. A win this week is imperative for Merseyside’s though after drawing the last two at home to Manchester United and Norwich.
Key Players
Chris Brunt – Albion skipper Brunt has finally started to show the form that made him one of the most feared left footed wingers in the Premier League. A loss of form coupled with injury had seen the Northern Ireland international man’s performances drop but he now looks back to his best but will be off penalty duty after his embarrassing miss at Villa last week.
Luis Suarez – Seven goals already this season with more certain to come. The Uruguayan has been a revelation since signing from Ajax with Liverpool’s system designed to get the best out of him. It’s certainly worked as Suarez has terrorised defences all season with his pace and determined approach up front.
Prediction: 1-3
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West Brom covered 110.005km in that game, with goal scorer Paul Scharner covering the most ground in that game with 11.104km Jonas Olsson scored his first Barclays Premier League goal of the season against Villa, but the Swedish defender has been using his power in the air for more defensive duties so far this season, having made more clearances than any other player (25) Luis Suarez saw the post and an inspired performance from Norwich ‘keeper John Ruddy prevent him from getting on the score sheet against Norwich The Uruguayan striker is surely due a change in fortunes, as he has now had 36 attempts returning just 4 goals. Suarez has got 67% of those attempts on target, and is second only to Robin van Persie in both overall attempts and efforts on target.
John Terry has been recalled by Roy Hodgson for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine, despite facing FA action for alleged racial abuse.
The former England captain is due at a Football Association disciplinary hearing over charges of racially abusing defender Anton Ferdinand in a match at Loftus Road last season.
The controversy surrounding the affair prompted Terry to be stripped of the armband for the second time, and led to Fabio Capello’s resignation as England manager.
However, the controversy has not deterred new manager Roy Hodgson from selecting the Chelsea captain, who was one of his stand-out performers during England’s Euro 2012 campaign, and will be recalled having being rested for England’s recent friendly victory over Italy.
Ashley Cole is in line to earn his 100th England cap if he features in both matches, and is one of three left backs in the squad alongside Leighton Baines and Chelsea teammate Ryan Bertrand.
Hodgson is without the injured Wayne Rooney, and has named four strikers including Andy Carroll, who has just completed his loan move to West Ham.
Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley have kept their place in the squad, but there is no place for Ashley Young who started every game of Euro 2012.
The England squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).
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Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Sunderland), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).
Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).