Spurs close in on one in, one out in defence plus other transfer rumours

Podolski appears to have fallen out of favour at the Emirates and wasn't in the match-day squad for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

Bonus transfer rumours this morning and Spurs are set to let go of a stalwart to bring in an exciting new talent. This and more from the fingers of Alex Johnson.

Tottenham could complete the signing of Frederico Fazio by the end of this week, according to the Daily Mirror.

Despite seeing his side keep clean sheets in their opening two league games of the season, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to further bolster his defensive options.

With Michael Dawson poised to join Hull City, Tottenham are ready to spend £8million to bring Sevilla centre-back Fazio to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, SportinaStorm.com report that Sunderland are set to take Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates on a season-long loan deal.

The Uruguayan defender has not played for the Reds in over a year, after suffering a serious knee injury at the beginning of last season. Despite now returning to full fitness, the 23-year-old has dropped further down the pecking order at Anfield, following the arrival of Dejan Lovren.

Sunderland currently have just six senior defenders at their disposal and Coates would offer some healthy competition for places for boss Gus Poyet.

French daily L'Equipe are suggesting Marseille may add to their squad ahead of Monday's transfer deadline, with Alex Song believed to be a target for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Song looks like he may struggle for regular action at Camp Nou this term, after Barca's capture of Jeremy Mathieu and Ivan Rakitic this summer.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been a target for several Premier League teams this summer, including Liverpool and Manchester United, but France could be his next destination.

Meanwhile, the agent of Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has denied claims that his player is currently speaking to both Juventus and Napoli about a potential move.

Podolski appears to have fallen out of favour at the Emirates and wasn't in the match-day squad for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

There had been suggestions on Monday that the Germany international had flown to Italy to discuss a possible summer switch to Serie A. But agent Ali Pektas insisted: "There has been no approach from either of those clubs. The only certainty is that Lukas has a contract with Arsenal."

Finally, Southampton are looking to make a raid on La Liga champions Atletico Madrid before Monday's transfer deadline.

The Times claim Ronald Koeman has enquired about signing Belgium international defender Toby Alderweireld, although Saints face competition for his signature from French outfit Monaco.

Amazon Watches Center

Manchester United go to Arsenal with a point to make ahead of title defence

"Before the worries of next term, United still have four more games to play this year – with Chelsea’s record points tally of 95 in sight."

With Chelsea's Premier League record in sight, Sir Alex Ferguson won't go on easy on the Gunners - but he's got work to do to keep the pack at bay next season, writes Hannah Duncan.

With Manchester United having sealed their 20th top-flight title last night - and Sir Alex Ferguson's 13th league crown - it might seem daft to ask where the club goes next.

But, although they have won the title at a canter with just four Premier League defeats all season, there is one big question that seems to produce conflicting answers. Is this really one of the strongest United squads in recent times? Or is that everyone else in the league was weaker?

There's no doubting over the summer that Chelsea and Manchester City will bolster their playing staff with big-money acquisitions, with certainly the former - and possibly the latter - also bringing in a fresh manager with fresh ideas (or maybe even an old face).

Rafael Benitez is an enormous outside bet at 34.033/1 to remain at Stamford Bridge next term, and for many Chelsea fans even those odds aren't long enough. 

So with changes afoot elsewhere, Fergie and the United board can't rest on their laurels.

Paul Scholes, having not been seen since January, may well retire for a second time this summer and Ryan Giggs, while being instrumental in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa to clinch the title, isn't getting any younger.

There's also talk that Javier Hernandez could seek pastures new for guaranteed first-team football, while Rio Ferdinand's injuries could finally catch up with him. And there are still question marks over the (admittedly improving) David De Gea.

Radamel Falcao is the latest in a string of names to be linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, which if they pulled it off, would certainly help keep Chelsea at bay.

United have also been linked with a long-anticipated move for Borussia Dortmund hitman Robert Lewandowski, who they tried to sign last summer.

They are two big names which would certainly do no harm in the Old Trafford dressing room. But whether signing either or both would spell the end for Wayne Rooney's United career, or enable him to play more frequently in a deeper role - in which he has flourished - remains to be seen.

While strengthening their attack wouldn't hurt, goalscoring hasn't been a problem for United this season. But their defence, particularly at the start of the season, has looked very shaky at times.

Of course they can blame injuries, with Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans all missing periods of the campaign. But that would be papering over the cracks, and that's not Fergie's style.

The Scot said last night - possibly in a moment clouded by euphoria and champagne - that Phil Jones could be the club's greatest ever player. Well he's good, but he's got some stiff competition.

And with him only really being utilised at centre-back in an emergency, the former Blackburn man isn't about to solve their defensive concerns any time soon.

Centre-half is certainly an area Ferguson will need to address in the summer and it wouldn't be surprising if he plumped for a new goalkeeper too.

As much as De Gea has improved on his turbulent debut season, he still has too many flappy moments - and Ferguson hasn't won 13 league titles by being sentimental.

But before the worries of next term, United still have four more games to play this year - with Chelsea's record points tally of 95 in sight.

They begin their latest challenge with a tough trip to Arsenal on Sunday - where Robin van Persie could be afforded a guard of honour, along with his title-winning team-mates. 

That alone is bound to spur on the Gunners, who are 2.245/4 favourites to beat Manchester United, with the draw looking a good outside bet at 3.65n/a.  

But while Ferguson may not view records in the same manner as a manager such as Jose Mourinho, he'll demand his players carry out a professional job for the rest of the campaign and send out a message to those eyeing up the Premier League title next year.

Recommended Bet
Manchester United to draw with Arsenal @ 3.65n/a

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

WTA Sony Open Betting: Radwanska to edge closer to title defence

''These two have only met once before, with Radwanska coming out on top in straight sets in a Fed Cup meeting back in 2010. She is a strong favourite to produce a repeat performance''

The competition is heating up in Miami as we reach the quarter-finals stage, with defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska eyeing a place in the final four. First up though is world number one Serena Williams, as she comes face-to-face with the relentlessly hard working Na Li...

It was a busy day of action on Monday but with little in the way of upsets as those expected to advance did so. Four of the top five seeds remain in the tournament, with the injured Victoria Azarenka the only absentee.

Williams had looked impervious ahead of her meeting with Dominika Cibulkova in the last round, losing just a handful of games as she breezed through the draw. 

However, an inspired performance from her Slovakian opponent had her on the brink of defeat, before she displayed the kind of mental fortitude that has set her apart from her rivals to battle back from a set and three games down.

Relieved to have passed that test, she faces another difficult day's work on Tuesday, when she faces fifth seed Li. The former French Open winner was also given a scare in the opening stages of her match with wildcard entrant Garbine Muguruza, but came through unscathed and is yet to drop a set in Miami.

It's been a remarkable return to the court for Li, who had been inactive since the Australian Open with a troublesome ankle injury. Any doubts she may have had heading into the tournament have now been dismissed as she continues to dominate her opposition.

History favours Williams as she leads the head-to-head between the two 6-1. Li's only triumph against the American came back in 2008 in Stuttgart, with Serena winning all five of the other meetings on the hard surface.

Li will certainly pose Williams problems despite her poor record in previous meetings, as they have all been close with several heading into tie-breaks. However, after Serena overcame a real scare yesterday she should be more focused and it's difficult to envisage an upset so back Serena to come through at 1.330/100.

Reigning champion Agnieszka Radwanska is also in action, she takes on Kirsten Flipkens. Both these ladies have had grueling three-setters in the last two rounds. Flipkens has impressed so far, the Belgian accounted for Petra Kvitova's early exit and will work Radwanska hard.

However, the Polish world number four has continually found a will to win, and despite dropping the first set to Sloane Stephens on Monday, she only lost two games thereafter en route to a comfortable win.

These two have only met once before, with Radwanska coming out on top in straight sets in a Fed Cup meeting back in 2010. She is a strong favourite to produce a repeat performance, but expect another struggle before she eventually seals the win.

As a result we could see a mouth-watering clash between Williams and Radwanska in the semi-final and the pair will await Wednesday's outcome to see how Maria Sharapova fares in the bottom half of the draw.

Recommended Bets:
Back S. Williams to beat Li @ 1.330/100
Back S. Williams to beat Li 2-1 @ 4.47/2
Back Radwanska to beat Flipkens @ 1.241/4
Back Radwanska vs Flipkens Over 19.5 Games @ 1.8910/11

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Champions League Multiple: Trust in Real Madrid's defence

Champions League / Michael Lintorn / 22 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Sergio Ramos is part of a defence yet to concede in the Champions League

"Dinamo Zagreb are the sole side without a group-stage goal to their name."

Shaky domestically yet solid in Europe, having faith in Real Madrid's backline frustrating Dinamo Zagreb may be the secret to multiple success on Tuesday night...

CSKA Moscow v Lille (17:00, Sky Sports 2)
There are certain scenarios in which Lille can extend their wait for their first victory tonight and still qualify, but the reality of the situation is that they desperately need three points on the board, and that necessity should contribute to a goal-heavy affair. The initial clash in France finished 2-2 and the hosts have the most prolific attack in Group B, whereas the visitors possess the weakest defence.
Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [2.2]

Otelul Galati v FC Basel (19:45, Sky Sports Red Button)
Despite being stranded at the bottom of Group C without a point, Otelul Galati's debut Champions League campaign has been no disaster, and things could be different had they not conceded three penalties and an own goal in their first four games. They are heading out though while FC Basel have it all to play for and a nine-match unbeaten run on the road to defend, which includes four wins in five.
Recommended Bet: FC Basel to win @ [1.87]

Real Madrid v Dinamo Zagreb (19:45, Sky Sports Red Button)
Though three points clear at the top of the table, Real Madrid have one of the worst home defensive records in La Liga. However, for no obvious reason, they have avoided such frailty in the Champions League and are the only team yet to concede. Given that in Dinamo Zagreb they are facing the sole side without a goal to their name, the case for opposing both teams to score is a very strong one.
Recommended Bet: Both teams to score? No @ [1.54]

A treble combining those suggested wagers using the Betfair Coupon provides odds of [5.82], so for a £10 stake, you would record a £48.20 profit if they all deliver.

If you trawl through the record books you'll see that predicting which teams will be the last two standing in the Champions League this year, is actually easier than it looks. So bet accordingly, says Matthew Walton....

After a rare Serie A victory on Saturday, Michael Lintorn is backing Inter to march on in Europe with three points away to Trabzonspor......

Ajax head to France in a position of power in Group D, however judging by their recent form, things are unlikely to look so rosy come full-time......

Play Casino & Poker here

Rugby World Cup: Pumas defence should hold firm against Georgia

Match Previews / Geoffrey Riddle / 01 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Argentina look set for the knockout stages

"Now that England have beaten Scotland, Argentina only need a point to progress... "

Argentina are only a point away from the quarter-finals as they face Georgia in a match that Geoffrey Riddle expects to be dominated by defence...

Argentina v Georgia, Sunday 01:00 (ITV1)

Argentina

In all four of their matches in 2011 the Pumas have scored the first points of the match.

They have scored the first points of the second half in all of their three matches at the World Cup, also.

Argentina have missed 20 shots at goal in their four matches this year - the worst strike-rate of all the teams in the tournament

Argentina's lineout fell apart against Scotland. The Pumas lost four of their 12.

Georgia

Georgia have been handicap winners on the main line in all three of their matches during this Rugby World Cup.

Georgia's starting VX have 563 caps between them - the most experienced side the Lelos have fielded at a World Cup.

Match stats

Georgia have named Toulon prop David Zirakashvili in an effort to combat the Pumas' giant front row, although he faces a late fitness test due to a respiratory infection. Record try scorer, Mamuka Gorgodze lines up at flanker but Merab Kvirkashvili, who scored 17 points against Romania on Wednesday is on the bench.

Santiago Phelan has named an under-strength side. He has made five changes to the side that defeated Scotland last weekend.

Preview

Argentina's defence is one of the most watertight in the tournament. Scotland never looked even close to crossing the whitewash when the two teams clashed last weekend and only a sublime piece of inspiration from scrum-half Ben Youngs saw England touch down.

How Romania managed to score a try against the Pumas is anyone's guess and the Oaks are a far more dynamic team going forward than Georgia.

Now that England have beaten Scotland, Argentina only need a point to progress to the knockout stage. Santiago Phelan has named an under-strength Pumas side and although there is a danger the game could open up both teams have proud and effective defences which should hold firm.

Recommended Bet (1-5pt staking plan):
2pts Back under 41.5 total match points

Geoffrey Riddle sees few bright spots for Martin Johnson's men ahead of their second test against a pumped up Australia...

Martin Johnson has made some big changes for Saturday's match in Paris but could France buckle under the pressure as they pursue a Grand Slam? Geoffrey Riddle selects the best bets....

It's round five of the Six Nations and the final step on the tournament ladder.

Warren Gatland has put his faith in youth for Saturday's clash at the Millenium Stadium but the Italians can take some positives from last week's defeat in Paris and may be set to spring a few surprises. John Woodford selects...

Play Casino & Poker here