All posts by Riley Allen

Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A

This weeks Champions League Preview

March 11, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

Atletico vs Milan, probably the more lower key of the two ties tonight but still an interesting one, this is how the first leg went:

Our prediction is: Atletico go through.

Another of this weeks games is the face off of two of Europe’s titans, Barcelona vs Manchester city, after winning the first led comfortably 2-0 at the Etihad, Barcelona will be looking for a similar sort of tie as last time:

Our Prediction is: Barcelona go through.

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal, another dominant display is expected by the Germans after their 2-0 win in the first leg:

Our prediciton: Bayern go through.

PSG vs Bayer, Zlatan to score another bag load of goals and PSG qualify with ease. first game 4-0 to PSG.

Our prediction: PSG go through.

La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League

Bale, Benzema and Cristiano, the best striking force in Europe?

March 7, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

The “BBC” partnership formed of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo seems like an unstoppable force right now, many are saying it’s the current best in the world but is it better that Europe’s other top clubs?
With Liverpool, PSG, Barcelona and City all boasting of great attacking forces themselves with:
Liverpool (Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling), PSG(Cavani, Ibrahimovic and Moura), Barcelona(Neymar, Messi, Pedro), City(Aguero, Dzeko, Negredo) do these other partnerships have anything to envy the popular “BBC”? the answer is YES, yes they do, why? It’s quite simple really, Pace, Power, Skill and bags and bags of goals.
Throughout the whole year Madrid have been growing stronger and stronger under new manager Carlo Ancelotti whom took over the Spanish club in the summer. With a not so convincing start to life in the capital and having lost both Madrid derby and El Clasico early on in the season. It’s safe to say they have turned things around, with their last loss coming on the 26th of October against Barcelona themselves where they saw themselves go 6 points behind their rivals, they are now 1 point ahead at the top of La Liga.
With Injuries to Bale early on, a misfiring Benzema, Madrid were mainly relying on the Fifa World Player of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the goals, which is enough on its own. But since the beginning of 2014, Karim Benzema seems to have found his shooting boots and playing like an inspired and happy player and Gareth bale seemingly sorting out his injury problems and looking even better than last season where he won PFA player of the year and since Ronaldo coming back from his three game ban in La Liga. The three played together in the 6-1 away win against Schalke 04 each scoring two goals each sending a clear message to their rivals.

Here are some videos of the BBC both for Madrid and their nations:

La Liga, Premier League

Unhappy Messi set to leave Barcelona in the summer

March 6, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

According to sources surrounding the Argentine star is upset by his current situation in his current team, the arrival of Neymar hasn’t helped the situation but with the team looking less convincing every year and with Real Madrid seemingly starting an era of dominance themselves leaving may be a good way out for Messi.

With Manchester City favourites to sign him in the summer if Messi does leave, they would apparently be prepared to pay 200 million Euro release clause on his contract.

There are apparently two main reasons for his unhappiness and reasons of why he would leave the Catalan side. The first would be he feels undervalued in the dressingroom and also annoyed at how little support he has had from the club during his injury, tax evasion and talks regarding a new contract. Also some of the main figures in the dressing room apparently pulled him aside asking more from him and asking him to do more for the greater good of the team. But Messi didn’t take it well and his performances have been those similar to someone who no longer cares and is uninterested.

The second reason for anger Messi would be problems with the IRS and the media coverage of his case. Also influence the possible departure of Tata Martino, whose continuity seems likely and City could be the perfect way out. Joining one of England’s heavy weights and a team on the rise instead of a team seemingly on the fall like his current team.

Uncategorized

Highlights from last nights Champions League games.

February 19, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

Manchester city vs Fc Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG

Uncategorized

Three way race to the title in Spain

February 10, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

Three teams all on level points at this stage of the season, hasn’t happened in La Liga since 1982-83, Real and Barcelona are always favourites, but Atletico have managed to keep their underdog fairy tale dream alive for a lot longer that many thought they would, but is it all slowly crumbling? Madrid and Barcelona are both favourites for the title, Madrid due to their outstanding performances in the past few months and managing to get themselves level with their two rivals having previously been trailing by 5 points. Barcelona however seem to only be favourites due to their past 5 years, because they’re form of late has been dubious, scrapping past teams that you would expect them to chew up and spit out, all that said, they are top on goal average and that is an achievement in itself.

To see a similar scenario to the one we currently have in La Liga we have to look back to the 82-83 season, 31 years. Back then, it was Barcelona, Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the top with all three on 33 points each. That year Bilbao won the title.
Although, Atletico will feel very hard done to after some terrible refereeing decisions cost them the game in Almeria on Saturday night having fallen 2-0. They dominated with ease just couldn’t find a goal and then going behind to 2 late goals and a penalty that the referee invented all by himself, sending off Aranzubia, leaving Gabi to put of his goalkeeper gloves and failing to prevent the penalty from going in.
Real Madrid however dominated with patches of brilliance showing they’re not a one man team in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the likes of Bale, Jese and Benzema all turning on the magic to overhaul Villareal 4-2 in a well contested game that the whites never looked like losing.
Barcelona last night made the league a three-way title with all the contenders on 57 points as mentioned before with their convincing 4-1 win away to Sevilla, in a game that could have gone either way until Lionel Messi’s brilliance appeared right when his team needed it the most.
Alexis Sanchez’s header, Lionel Messi’s exelence and Cesc Fabregas’ late goal canceling out Alberto Moreno’s opener.

La Liga

Copa del Rey Roundup

February 6, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad

After their 2-0 victory at the Nou Camp last night it is safe to say, Barcelona were far from great, but they won’t be complaining after taking a 2-0 lead into the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal. After a monotonous first half of Barcelona passing the ball around with no real conviction and looking slow and lacking ideas they finally took the lead after Sergio Busquets scored late on the first half. Although Sociedad will feel hard done to as just minutes before Carlos Vela was denied a stone wall penalty having being dragged to the floor by Mascherano who could have also seen red, to then moments later go down a goal and being having a man sent off, after that, it really was a uphill battle. Second half was more on the same for Barcelona and thing were made worse for Sociedad after conceding one of the craziest own goals ever seen making it 2-0 and basically ending any hopes of a upset in the second leg.

FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad (All the goals)

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Its safe to say Real Madrid fans will be the happier of the two bunch of fans after last nights Copa Del Rey semi-final first leg. Watching their side absolutely out play, out class and out man their counterparts in the 3-0 demolition at the Bernabeu. Many will be calling it revenge for last year’s loss in the Cup Final ending nearly a 20 year wait for a win derby win for Atletico fans. But for me it is more a statement of intent and dominance from Madrid. Having not lost since October the 26th against arch rivals Barcelona, Madrid have been on the up ever since going from strength to strength with the likes of Modric, Xabi, Ronaldo, Ramos having been stand out performers for the Whites, its no wonder why they’re doing so well. The defence has tightened up having conceded 1 goal in 10 games and playing like a team dominating possession and seemingly winning with ease this could be the year for the Galaticos.

Having taken the lead from a fluky Pepe goal, that took a massive deflection of Insua to send Courtois the wrong way.

The home side then went on to dominate the derby as Courtois kept Madrid from making it more with some good first-half saves before Jese made it 2-0 in the 57th guiding the ball into the back of the net after a great through ball from Angel Di Maria.Having let frustration get the better of him, Diego Costa will now miss the second leg after seeing a yellow card in the 61st minute.

Di Maria capped of a great performance with another goal from a deflected shot in the 73rd. Coming just after a goal line clearance from Modric, stopping Atletico’s only goal scoring opportunity.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (All the goals)

Premier League

Betting odds on the Premier Leagues top three

February 5, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

Having just passed the half way mark of the season, it is safe to say things are really spicing up, with the premier league top three separated by just 2 points with Arsenal at the top of the tree. With Chelsea having re-entered the title race on Monday night with a stunning win over Manchester City at the Etihad after a master class in tactics from Jose Mourinho.
With the transfer deadline having now passed us a matter of days ago and with some teams being more active than others, let’s take a look at how the top three strengthened their squads.
Chelsea: after being linked to absolutely everyone, after letting Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne leave they needed to make a statement of intent and fill the gaps those players left, players brought in: Matic and Salah.
Arsenal: having shown interest in the German winger Julian Draxler, having set Europe alight this season with his performances in the Champions League and the Bundesliga, his £38 million price tag could have been justified, but turned out to be too much for Arsene Wenger and kept him from completing the deal. The Gunners did need a new signing though and turned their attentions to Kim Kallstrom, a strange choice of player, not a bad one, just a strange one. Especially with him being injured until March. Many thought he may come in to replace crocked Aaron Ramsey, who’s out for another 6 weeks and Theo Walcott out until July, the ideal man would have been Draxler, but Wenger is known for his sometimes weird ways, so let’s no judge him just yet
Manchester City: Having not improved their squad at all in January apart from the return from injury of Stevan Jovetic, whom could prove to be that injection of class they need to see out their impressive title charge.
Who will come out victorious in the next fourteen game? Only time will tell, but if you think you know who will be crowned champion in May, here are the latest odds for the top 3:

1. Manchester City: 8/11

2. Chelsea: 11/4

3. Arsenal: 5/1

La Liga

Atletico top nearly 18 years on.

February 3, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

An unhinged Real Madrid drew their first game at the New San Mames against Athletic Bilbao last night with a 1-1 that isn’t a bad result, but could have been a lot worse. After Barcelona falling 3-2 at the Nou Camp to Valencia on Saturday, gave both Real and Atletico the chance to move above them. Real didn’t take their chance, although a draw is probably a good result after losing Cristiano Ronaldo to a red card in the 75th minute. Their rivals Atletico Madrid did in fact take their chance to move 3 points clear at the top after thrashing Real Sociedad 4-0 at the Ramon Calderon Stadium. It is the first time since May 25th, 1996 since Atletico were leaders of La Liga before going on to with the domestic double later that year. That year their current manager Diego Pablo Simeone was at the heart of their midfield and was one of the main reasons for their success and now having a lot of success as their manager 18 years on. Atletico who are now on an impressive 57 points, three more than their closest rivals, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, should now be considered serious contenders for this La Liga title. Having won against Real and having drawn against Barcelona last month, they now rely on themselves for the title, meaning that if they win every game from now or even if they draw against their biggest rivals they will still win the league. A weekend to forget for Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti not that the result was bad, but the dismissal of Cristiano Ronaldo 15 minutes from time and with him facing maybe up to 3 games out, they really are going to have to dig in during this manic month with the cup semi-finals and Champions League last 16 coming up. Was the Ronaldo dismissal fair? I think not, it is sad to think that players now drop to the floor at the slightest brush trying to get their peers penalised, or In this case, get Ronaldo sent off.

Bundesliga, La Liga, Premier League, Serie A

Top 10 young footballing talents

January 28, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

In the following article we are going to take a look at the top ten up and coming talents in the world that are 21 years old or younger.
The list includes players from Europe’s top clubs with the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan etc.
In the following article we will be highlighting the players “pros and cons” and what they need to develop in the following years.
In no particular order, here is the top 10:
-Isco: a magician on the ball, exquisite technical ability, great ball control, precision passing , dribbling and balance, eagle eye vision and his prolific goal scoring, makes him one of the most exciting talents today with the likes of Zidane tipping him to become one of the worlds best.
Still to improve: sometimes bad tempered when things aren’t going his way and his inconsistency in matches are two of his main downfalls.
Club: Real Madrid
DOB: 21-04-1992

-Thibault Courtois: this young Belgium international has been highlighted as the goalkeeper of the future by many. His incredible Agility, his reaction speed and being good in one on one situations.
Still t o improve : Commits errors, probably common of someone his age and could do with being more confident on the ball and taking his time to pick out a team mate up field.
Club: Atlético Madrid and Chelsea
DOB: 05/11/1992

-Julian Draxler: two footed and is very fast, which makes him very dangerous. He has a great shot, but his other great quality is he is great at assisting his team mates with a through ball or a cross from the wing.
Still to improve : At the tender age of 19 , Draxler could do with building more muscle to strengthen his body. Should be more consistent during games. Also is a bit like Ozil in the sense he disappears if his team does not have the ball.
Club: Schalke 04
DOB: 09/20/1993

Stephan el Shaarawy: he’s fast and has a great change of pace. If you give him space, he can be lethal, he has a great shot and pin point pass accuracy.
To improve : He has no real stand out qualities like other players, he’s good at many things but not outstanding, he isn’t a game changer nor a impact player but he can cause damage to his rivals.

Club: AC Milan
DOB: 27/10/1992

Mario Gotze: elegant with the ball at his feet, dodges defenders for fun, he can be decisive in the big moments, his vision and skill are his main qualities but composure on one on one situations is second to none, especially for a midfielder.

To improve: should take on more responsibility in big games and try and become more of a goal threat.
Club: Bayern M.

DOB : 03-06-1992

Romelu Lakaku: he is powerful , is around 6’ 4” and weighs around 100 kg , fast , gels into new teams well and is what we would call the definition of a number 9.

To improve : He has adapted to the Premier side . It still has to learn to get more out of his body and participate more when his team has the ball or create or make the most of space on the field.

Club: Everton
DOB: 13/05/1993

Paul Pogba: physically strong, fast, a natural leader with great character and an all-round class act. He can pass like Xavi, win the ball like Ramos, score goals like a striker and is basically a younger and probably soon to be better Yaya Toure.

To improve: should control his temper. His youth and inexperience can play tricks on him. Could either be a great or end up like a Mario Balotelli.

Club: Juventus
DOB: 15/03/1993

Raphael Varane: calm, controlled, elegant, fast and very safe on the ball despite his age. He has great positioning, has a cool head and can rob world class attackers the same he would a non-league player, he is truly outstanding and if you don’t believe us, ask Messi.

To improve : Perhaps lacks forcefulness and character, but he plays more games he will get better. After all he is only 19.

Club: Real Madrid
DOB: 04/25/1993

Jack Wilshere: Extremely technical, has a great vision, oozes star quality and could be a great leader for both club and country.

To improve: for his young age he has had serious injuries that could stunt his career and also a few off the pitch incidents have sparked controversy with him being caught smoking and fighting on nights out.

Club: arsenal
DOB:01-01-1992

Neymar: This your man is nothing else but fantastic, he has an unbelievable amount of skill, technique and scored goals for fun in Brazil. Many compare him to the greatest ever, Pele, does he deserve this sort of comparison? Only time will tell, what we do know however is he has the quality to be.
He hasn’t got much to improve but he has to prove, he hast to prove he is worth the money Barcelona paid for him which is escalating by the day recently, starting off at £50 million and not close to £90 according to various sources. Brazil is no Europe and he is going to have to Prove he is great on the biggest stage and against the biggest rivals.

Club: Barcelona
DOB: 05/02/1992

Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Premier League

Transfer Gossip from around Europe

January 27, 2014 Riley Allen Leave a comment

Rogers targets Shaquiri
After missing out on Salah to rivals Chelsea, Liverpool have turned their attention to the young Bayern Munich winger Shaquiri. It would turn out to be a deal that favours all aswell after the young attacker has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola with the growing competition in the squad.

Baines signs new 4 year deal

The Evertonian has signed a new 4 year deal for the Mersey club taking him off the market after the interest from Manchester united. The deal means he will stay at Everton until 2018 .The club made official this morning making a statement to their Premier League rivals by keeping their star player.

Reus, last call for Moyes
The Manchester United manager wants more than just Mata and Reus is the latest fad that he’s been craving. The Scottish coach wants to strengthen the depth and all-round quality of his squad.

The signing of Reus seems , right now , impossible. Borussia wont want to lose their star player or at least keep him until the end of season . The ‘Red Devils ‘ know that but it isn’t going to faze them as they are set to offer a bumper £40 million for the German international this summer after the 2014 World Cup.

Edinson Cavani linked to Chelsea

The PSG striker could leave next summer. Cavani , who has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with playing out of positio, reports suggest he is looking to go to a team in place to give him more importance and let him play where you feel most comfortable with Chelsea looking like the ideal destination.

Jose Mourinho is looking for a reference in attack and seems very interested in Cavani. According to the bid could be around the £50 million mark. Other reports suggest that Mourinho may even include Lakaku in the deal, sources claim the Belgium international hasn’t got many fans back at the Bridge and could be looking for a new club wether it be PSG or Everton.

Luke Shaw , on both United and Chelsea’s radar.

Southampton’s Luke Shaw’s future looks to be far away from St Mary’s Stadium. After the arrival of Juan Mata to Old Trafford, the Red Devils manager David Moyes is now looking at bringing in a long term replacement for Patrice Evra and he seems to have found his man in Shaw. If United want Shaw though it will not be an easy task with Chelsea also in contention for the highly rated left back and after selling Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne, they do have money to burn do Jose Mourinhos men.

Reports claim that United have already made a big in the region of £20 million, but it seems Mauricio Pochettino is sticking to his guns and wants no less than £30 million for his star asset. We can be sure to expect a busy next few days in the transfer window for sure with these two heavyweights going head to head.

PSG big to land French international

PSG have offered Newcastle £15 million for the French international Yohan Cabaye to strengthen the midfield after Roma closed the door on the possible exit of Miralem Pjanic .

Just five months beofre the World Cup in Brazil , Cabaye would be should competing for a place in the PSG starting eleven with players such as Thiago Motta , Marco Verratti and Matuidi.
Reports claim Cabaye is favouring a stay in the Toon until the summer though as he bids for a World Cup spot for France.