Premier League 2011/2012 Thread

**beavis** · 22-08-2011 21:10

Wrong mindset sees Modric ruled out

Harry Redknapp is not satisfied with Luka Modric's mindset and has ruled him out of Tottenham's Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The Croatia midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea and has publicly criticised Tottenham's chairman, Daniel Levy, for breaking a verbal agreement that was in place to allow him to move from White Hart Lane should a bigger club seek his signature.

Redknapp believes Chelsea's imminent signing of Juan Mata is likely to put an end to their interest in Modric, but despite this, the Spurs boss insists that the 25-year-old will not feature at Old Trafford on Monday.

After a quiet close-season in the transfer market, Redknapp confirmed his side are set to bring in two players before the close of the window, with Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor expected to join the north London outfit.

pt house

**house** · 23-08-2011 00:38

Mesaj iniţiat de beavis

pt house

pai cine e pe primele 2 locuri ?

Man City Man Utd

---------- Post added 22-08-2011 at 23:40 ----------

Liverpool have confirmed that defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos has joined Wolfsburg.

The Greece international has signed a two-year contract with the German club although no fee has been announced.

Kyrgiakos made 49 appearances for Liverpool after joining the club from AEK Athens in the summer of 2009.

The 32-year-old made 28 of those last term although his first-team opportunities were reduced when Kenny Dalglish returned as manager.

**beavis** · 24-08-2011 23:51

Premier League - Team of the Week 2

Pepe Reina (Liverpool)

Kelly (Liverpool) - Gabbidon (QPR) - Ryan Taylor (Newcastle) - Enrique (Liverpool)

Silva (Man City) - Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) - Barkley (Everton) - Jarvis (Wolves)

Malouda (Chelsea) - Welbeck (Man United)

**beavis** · 27-08-2011 17:50

United to face Leeds in Cup clash

Manchester United will face old rivals Leeds in the third round of the Carling Cup.

Ferguson will be looking to avenge the 1-0 FA Cup defeat to the same side 2 years ago at Old Trafford when Leeds were in League 1.

Brighton, following their fine start to life in Championship, were drawn at home to Liverpool at Amex Stadium, while holders Birmingham City - entering the competition at this stage because of their involvement in Europa League - begin the defence of the trophy they won against Arsenal with a trip to face big-spending FA Cup winners Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.

There are 4 Premier League ties with Chelsea at home to west London rivals Fulham, Aston Villa at home to Bolton, Stoke City taking on Tottenham Hotspur and Everton welcoming West Bromwich.

Shrewsbury's reward for their round 2 defeat of Swansea is a trip to play Arsenal, while Nottingham Forest will hope to upset Newcastle at City Ground.

Rochdale, winners against QPR, visit either Aldershot or Carlisle in a second-round tie held over as a consequence of the riots which caused numerous first-round matches to be put back.

Cardiff City vs Leicester City

Wolverhampton vs Millwall

Chelsea vs Fulham

Aldershot Town/Carlisle United vs Rochdale

Arsenal vs Shrewsbury Town

Burnley vs Dons

Leeds United vs Manchester United

Brighton vs Liverpool

Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle

Manchester City vs Birmingham City

Blackburn Rovers vs Leyton Orient/Bristol Rovers

Swindon Town/Southampton vs Charlton/Preston North End

Everton vs West Bromwich

Crystal Palace/Wigan Athletic vs Middlesbrough

Aston Villa vs Bolton Wanderers

Stoke City vs Tottenham Hotspur

**FREAKTUNING** · 27-08-2011 19:34

incepu Liverpool - Bolton, sa vedem cum mere treaba

---------- Post added 27-08-2011 at 20:41 ----------

deja 3-0 pt liverpool minutul 53

**beavis** · 28-08-2011 09:33

Manchester United - Arsenal preview

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be boosted by hopefully being able to call upon Rio Ferdinand, after the England international limped off injured during the Old Trafford side's late opening day win at West Bromwich.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher, who has been called up for Scotland's EURO 2012 qualifying fixtures against the Czech Republic and Lithuania, could find a place on the Red Devils bench after recovering from the virus that sidelined him at the end of last season.

De Gea - Smalling, Ferdinand (C), Jones, Evra - Nani, Anderson, Cleverley, Young - Welbeck, Rooney

Arsene Wenger will have slightly less pressure upon him after the north Londoners made their way into the Champions League proper with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Italian side Udinese.

Wenger will have to do without the suspended trio of Emmanuel Frimpong, Gervinho and Alex Song and with the recent departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, the Gunners midfield will be stretched during their visit to Old Trafford.

Szczesny - Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Jenkinson - Walcott, Ramsey, Rosicky, Arshavin - Chamakh, Van Persie (C)

Manchester United will look to extend its undefeated home record at Old Trafford, which stretches back to April 2010 when they were beaten by Chelsea.

Last weekend, during their respective games against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, the clubs fielded sides with an average age of 23, which was amongst the youngest in Premier League this season.

Arsenal claimed victory the last time the two sides came face to face, when the team defeated the Red Devils as a result of a second half goal from Aaron Ramsey at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have failed to score on their previous 2 visits to Old Trafford, in Premier League and FA Cup, while they have also not claimed all 3 points since a late Emmanuel Adebayor strike sealed victory for Wenger's side in September 2006.

Tottenham - Manchester City preview

Harry Redknapp chose not to include influential midfielder Luka Modric in his squad to face Manchester United at Old Trafford due to speculation concering his future, but the Croatian should return to the starting line-up for this encounter.

Emmanuel Adebayor is unavailable for this fixture as it is against his parent club, while youngster Yago Falque - who arrived on loan from Juventus - is unlikely to be handed a start right away.

William Gallas and Ledley King are both recovering from calf and knee injuries respectively and are expected to be sidelined for this clash.

Friedel - Walker, Dawson (C), Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto - Lennon, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale - Van der Vaart - Defoe

Roberto Mancini may hand new signing Samir Nasri a start, but could also opt to stick with James Milner after the former Aston Villa man put in a strong performance in the 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Nigel de Jong is out due to a foot injury sustained against Swansea City in the club's first league game of the season.

Hart - Richards, Kompany (C), Lescott, Clichy - Barry, Milner - Silva, Yaya Toure, Aguero - Dzeko

Harry Redknapp's men will be hopeful of a result as they are unbeaten at White Hart Lane in their last 17 league games.

Spurs have triumphed on 31 occasions when City has come visiting for a league clash. The visitors have won 14 times, while 17 other matches have ended in a draw.

Manchester City has won only one of its last 6 games against Tottenham.

In City's last 4 matches, the club scored only one goal against Spurs. Even that was an own goal from Peter Crouch last season, which saw City qualify for the Champions League for the first time in its history.

**beavis** · 30-08-2011 17:05

Premier League - Team of the Week 3

Tim Howard (Everton)

Bosingwa (Chelsea) - Skrtel (Liverpool) - Kompany (Man City) - Baines (Everton)

Young (Man United) - Henderson (Liverpool) - Lampard (Chelsea) - Nasri (Man City)

Edin Dzeko (Man City) - Rooney (Man United)

**FREAKTUNING** · 30-08-2011 18:01

chelsea nu mi-a placut cum a jucat in prima etapa, sa vedem daca isi revin

**house** · 31-08-2011 00:46

Atasament 730547

**beavis** · 02-09-2011 22:28

Awards joy for Fergie & Dzeko

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named Barclays Manager of the Month for a 26th time, with Edin Dzeko scooping the player accolade for August.

Defending champions Manchester United have made a fantastic start to the season, winning all 3 games, including the remarkable 8-2 home victory against Arsenal.

To kick-off the club's title defence, United claimed a 2-1 win at West Bromwich and then beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at Old Trafford.

The phenomenal 8-2 win over Arsenal cemented the club's place at the top of the table alongside rivals Manchester City, who also have a 100% record.

Ferguson has seen the likes of Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley slot into the first team with great success.

Manchester City striker Dzeko has been named Barclays Player of the Month for August after an outstanding start to his first full season with the club.

The Bosnian scored in both of City's opening fixtures against Swansea City and Bolton Wanderers, leading the club to 4-0 and 3-2 victories respectively.

Dzeko then bagged 4 of his team's 5 goals in a memorable 5-1 away victory against Tottenham last weekend.

City are now second in the Premier League table, only below rivals United on goal difference.

The decisions were made by the Barclays Awards Panel that includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

**FREAKTUNING** · 02-09-2011 22:31

nici nu ne mira sincer

nu cred ca o sa mai existe cineva care sa ii egaleze recordurile din Anglia.

**beavis** · 03-09-2011 16:41

Van der Vaart out for 6 weeks

Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has been ruled out for 6 weeks after suffering a hamstring tear, his club have said.

The Holland international suffered the injury in his left leg in last weekend's 5-1 home defeat by Manchester City.

He has since been diagnosed with a hamstring tear after an MRI scan and is not expected to return until the middle of October.

Van der Vaart missed his country's EURO 2012 qualifier with San Marino on Friday in which they recorded a record 11-0 victory over the European minnows to move within one win of securing a spot in the finals.

He is set to miss the Premier League clash with Liverpool on 18 September plus the derby match with Arsenal on 2 October.

Gerrard targets return at Tottenham

Steven Gerrard is eyeing the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in a fortnight's time as a possible comeback date as the Liverpool skipper edges closer to a return after more than 5 months on the sidelines following groin surgery.

Gerrard, who has been absent since mid-March, admits he is desperate to get back on the pitch and has full confidence that the troublesome groin is now completely fixed and "as strong as ever".

The 31-year-old, who has only played 6 games for the Reds since Kenny Dalglish returned as manager, is now looking to see how things go as he takes part in full training and during a practice match that is being scheduled, but he hopes to be back in first-team action in the near future.

He said: "I feel really good and I'm back kicking balls again - it's all positive. I should be back in full training with the team on Thursday or Friday of next week".

"I won't be involved against Stoke City next Saturday but my plan is to hopefully be involved in the game against Tottenham. It will be Kenny's decision when I come back in."

**beavis** · 04-09-2011 11:12

Wilshere out for 3 months

The 19-year-old midfield star has failed to start a competitive game this season because of a persistent *problem with his right ankle.

He is currently wearing a *surgical boot - and it will stay on for another month as the club *attempt to manage the injury *conservatively.

It comes as a massive blow to under-fire Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger and also Fabio Capello, who will be without him for the remaining EURO 2012 qualifiers.

Arsenal's medical team are hoping that when he starts a light training programme in mid-October, the rest will have sorted the problem.

But if Wilshere breaks down again, then the insertion of a screw into the joint may be needed - and that could keep him out until December.

Arsenal have consulted *specialists worldwide through their network of contacts about how to manage the *injury which was aggravated while playing for England against Switzerland in June.

During the 2-2 draw at *Wembley, Wilshere was on the *receiving end of a heavy *tackle and did not feel *comfortable after a week of pre-season training.

He tried to make the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Udinese 11 days ago, but was not ready.

Arsenal are now determined that when he does return, he will be fit and pain-free.

Meanwhile, full-back Kieran Gibbs has given Arsenal a boost by returning to full training following his recent problems.

Toure prepares for comeback

Kolo Toure hopes to return a new player after completing his ban for failing a drugs test.

The Ivory Coast international is now eligible to play for City again after an enforced 6 months on the sidelines.

Toure, 30-year-old, missed the final 3 months of last season, including City's FA Cup triumph, after taking a diet pill which contained a prohibited substance.

Toure told City TV: "I feel totally recharged and as fit as I've ever been in my life".

"Hopefully, it will be like having a new signing because I am back and want to challenge for a first-team place."

"I know it won't be easy because the team is playing so well, but I'll be pushing hard for an opportunity."

"I'm just so happy to be back and I will give everything I have to the team, this club and our fans. I can't wait to get going."

**RaduCiolacu** · 06-09-2011 00:53

Salut. Admir ideea voastra de a face un topic dedicat Premier League. Sunt un mare fan United şi de aici aflu mai multe veşti decât aş putea afla de pe ProSport sau alt aberant ziar de sport românesc. Dacă se poate sa faceţi un preview pentru etapa urmatoare.

Multumesc anticipat.

**beavis** · 06-09-2011 11:05

Arshavin laments loss of star duo

Andrey Arshavin believes the recently departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are irreplaceable.

Fabregas and Nasri left for FC Barcelona and Manchester City respectively in August, weakening Arsene Wenger's squad as they try to mount a challenge for the Premier League title.

Arshavin, 30-year-old, believes the pair cannot be replaced, despite Wenger bringing in several players to try and fill their places.

"The loss of Fabregas and Nasri is very significant", Arshavin told Russian newspaper Sport.

"When sitting on the bench during the Udinese game, I told Bendtner that we have no players who can feed Van Persie or use the strong sides of other forwards. Bendtner said that only Xavi could have replaced Cesc."

"I'm glad I had the opportunity to play with such a great footballer. Some are irreplaceable."

After the departures of Fabregas and Nasri, Wenger brought in midfielders Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun, forward Park Chu-Young and defenders Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos.

Arshavin said Arsenal would be forced to play differently with their new signings and was unsure whether they could challenge title contenders Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

"With Arteta and other players in his position, we will play different football from that of Cesc and Samir period", he said.

"It's difficult to say whether Arsenal can fight with the Manchester clubs and Chelsea, but those teams look very intimidating."

Arsenal are yet to record a win this Premier League campaign and host Swansea City on Saturday.

Vermaelen out for 2 months

The Belgian defender underwent surgery in Stockholm on his left Achilles yesterday - and could be out for 2 months.

It is a hammer blow for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after losing midfielder Jack Wilshere for up to 3 months.

Mirror Football revealed last week Arsenal were worried about Vermaelen's latest injury which is on the other leg to the Achilles injury which kept him out for almost all of last season.

Vermaelen took a kick on his leg during the Udinese game nearly 2 weeks ago which forced him out of Arsenal's humiliating defeat at Old Trafford.

Centre-half Vermaelen pulled out of Belgium's squad and Arsenal wanted to see if the injury calmed down but took a decision to operate quickly rather than risk a repeat of last season.

Arsenal nursed Vermaelen through last season and eventually ended up operating so this time they want to solve it quickly.

Vermaelen is hoping to be back quicker than 2 months and Arsenal will be anxious for a speedy recovery as he is regarded as one of the best centre-halves in Premier League.

Vermaelen's latest injury setback is the reason why Wenger suddenly decided to sign Brazilian left-back Andre Santos before the transfer window shut.

Wenger was planning to use Vermaelen at left-back in some away games but signed Santos for £6 million from Fenerbahce to compete with Kieran Gibbs over fears about his unlucky centre-back.

Arsenal will now be hoping that new signing Per Mertesacker will slot straight into central defence but the Vermaelen blow is devastating.

**beavis** · 07-09-2011 11:25

Bent a doubt for Everton game

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is rated "touch and go" to recover from a groin problem in time for Saturday's Premier League clash at Everton.

Bent was forced to withdraw from England's EURO 2012 qualifier with Wales because of the setback.

Villa's £18 million record signing is now being assessed by the club's medical staff and manager Alex McLeish is unsure whether he will be ready to face the Toffees.

McLeish said: "It is touch and go. There is no doubt about that because he is missing the England game".

"We will be working around the clock to try and get him fit for the Everton game."

"But at this moment he is injured and that is a fact. You never know by the weekend."

"We don't think it is too serious and it is not going to keep him out for a while - but hopefully he'll still be available for the weekend."

Cech recovery ahead of schedule

Chelsea have received a boost before Saturday's Premier League trip to Sunderland with Petr Cech returning to full training ahead of schedule.

The goalkeeper had been ruled out for 3 to 4 weeks after damaging knee ligaments in a training ground collision last month but has made a quicker-than-expected recovery.

Understudy Hilario has failed to keep a clean sheet in the 29-year-old's absence, producing a horrible error to gift Norwich City an equaliser in Chelsea's 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge 10 days ago.

**beavis** · 08-09-2011 09:15

Nasri breaks hand

Manchester City may be without new signing Samir Nasri for their Premier League clash with Wigan Athletic on Saturday after reports emerged that he broke a bone in his hand while on international duty.

Nasri played the full 90 minutes for France in Friday's EURO 2012 qualifier away to Albania, which Les Bleus won 2-1, and he came off the bench for the final 15 minutes of Tuesday's goalless draw in Romania in Group D.

The 24-year-old finished that match in Bucharest with no apparent problems, but reports have emerged that he may have either damaged his hand or broken a finger at some point during the latest round of international matches.

Nasri has only made one appearance for City since making the move from Arsenal for a £24 million fee, claiming 3 assists in the 5-1 drubbing of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on 28 August.

**beavis** · 09-09-2011 08:50

Sandro signs new Spurs deal

Tottenham have announced that midfielder Sandro has signed a new 5-year contract at White Hart Lane.

Sandro, 22-year-old, joined Tottenham in an £8 million deal from Internacional in 2010 and after a slow start developed into an important player for the club last season.

His finest performance arguably came away at San Siro in Champions League as Tottenham secured an unexpected victory.

Though he started only 11 Premier League games during the 2010/2011 season, Sandro made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring once.

He has not appeared for Tottenham this season due to a knee injury that required surgery in July and is expected to be sidelined until the middle of October.

Sandro sustained a torn lateral meniscus during Brazil's campaign at the Copa America in Argentina.

Chelsea targeting United clash for Drogba

Didier Drogba is facing a race against time to be fit for Chelsea's Barclays Premier League game at Old Trafford as he continues his recovery from a sickening head injury.

Andre Villas-Boas revealed the striker would miss Saturday's trip to Sunderland and Tuesday's Champions League opener against Bayer Leverkusen.

Drogba is still struggling with the concussion he suffered in the 3-1 victory over Norwich City 11 days ago and Villas-Boas claimed the club would "push it to the limit" to ensure he was available for the trip to Manchester on Sunday week.

There was good news, otherwise, on the injury front for Villas-Boas, who confirmed goalkeeper Petr Cech will be available against Sunderland after making a quicker-than-expected recovery from his knee injury.

Defender David Luiz is also back after missing the start of the season with a thigh problem.

Villas-Boas also said that the club are unlikely to make a renewed attempt to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric when the transfer window opens in January.

Chelsea reportedly offered £40 million for the Croatia star, only to be informed that Spurs had no intention of selling.

**beavis** · 13-09-2011 08:53

Dawson faces 2 months out

Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson will miss at least 2 months of football due to an Achilles injury.

The England centre-back picked up the injury during training last week, which ruled him out of Saturday's 2-0 triumph over Wolves at Molineux, Tottenham's first Premier League win this term.

Spurs have confirmed the 27-year-old will not be available until at least the latter half of November, leaving manager Harry Redknapp with more concerns across his backline.

With William Gallas and Vedran Corluka already sidelined, pressure will now be placed on the injury-prone Ledley King to stay fit in Dawson's absence.

King will be most likely partner Younes Kaboul in the heart of defence as Spurs juggle an Europa League campaign as well as domestic demands.

Tamaş hit by FA charge

Gabriel Tamaş has been charged with violent conduct over the clash which left Norwich's James Vaughan needing hospital treatment.

The Football Association took action over the incident which occurred late in the Baggies' 1-0 Premier League win at Carrow Road on Sunday.

West Bromwich defender Tamaş was given until 6 PM on Tuesday to respond to the charge, which would carry an automatic 3-match ban if accepted.

The 27-year-old Romanian caught Vaughan with an elbow to the face during a stoppage-time corner, something Norwich City boss Paul Lambert insisted should have brought a penalty.

He added: "James has gone to see the plastic surgeon. It's a bad one. It has gone straight through the lip and they can't just stitch it up".

West Bromwich manager Roy Hodgson defended Tamaş, saying he was "100% convinced it is unintentional".

He added: "It does not make it any better for Vaughan whether you have got caught intentionally or accidentally - it is still a painful blow".