..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton Vs Manchester United

Southampton Starting Line-up

Fraser Forster
Nathaniel Clyne
Maya Yoshida
Jose Fonte
Ryan Bertrand
Steven Davis
Sadio Mane
Victor Wanyama
Shane Long
Dusan Tadic
Graziano Pelle

&

Manchester United Starting Line-up

David De Gea
Marcos Rojo
Chris Smalling
Patrick McNair
Juan Mata
Michael Carrick
Ashley Young
Antonio Valencia
Marouane Fellaini
Wayne Rooney
Robin van Persie
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Good Luck Manchester United!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Half Time

Southampton 1 Vs 1 Manchester United

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United 1st Half play karapu widiyanam anthimaiDefending,Passing & Attacking hari naha

2nd half 1ke improve une nathnam sorryma thamai

Good Luck Manchester United
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City 1-0 Everton: Aguero injury sours victory

Sergio Aguero went off injured as Manchester City defeated Everton 1-0 to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to three points.

The Argentinian has been in blistering form in recent weeks, his brace in Wednesday's 4-1 demolition of Sunderland taking his tally for the season to 19 goals in all competitions.

But the City striker lasted just seven minutes at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday before hobbling off, to be replaced by Jose Angel Pozo.

After losing their talisman, another of City's key players stood up to be counted as Yaya Toure tucked away a first-half penalty to earn the champions their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions, capitalising on Chelsea's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United earlier in the day.

Everton, who were denied a late equaliser when Joe Hart produced a stunning save to keep out Romelu Lukaku, have taken just one point from their last three games as their inconsistent form continues.

While City will undoubtedly be thrilled with another win, the injury to Aguero will cause major concern, especially with a crucial UEFA Champions League clash at Roma to come on Wednesday.

Roberto Martinez brought in Samuel Eto'o for Ross Barkley and Tony Hibbert for Leon Osman - perhaps seeking defensive cover for Aguero - but he was barely able to have any impact before limping off the field.

After stumbling under a challenge, the striker fell awkwardly while attempting to regain his balance and, following treatment, was unable to continue.

But the hosts managed to recover their poise and were ahead through Toure's spot-kick in the 24th minute.

James Milner - recalled to the City side along with Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando from the win at Sunderland - beat Phil Jagielka to the ball near the byline and went down under the defender's challenge.

With Aguero off the field, Toure stepped up and placed the spot-kick into the bottom left-hand corner for his fourth league goal of the season.

Samir Nasri's powerful drive was headed away by Sylvain Distin in the 34th minute and Everton threatened for the first time five minutes later when Kevin Mirallas' first-time strike was deflected wide by Fernando.

Pozo should have doubled City's lead five minutes into the second half, but shot straight at the legs of Tim Howard after being picked out by Milner six yards from goal.

Milner then wasted another chance 12 minutes from time, blazing a volley over after substitutes Frank Lampard and Edin Dzeko had combined.

Hart had been relatively untroubled for much of the game, but the England international pulled off a superb one-handed save to tip Lukaku's volley around the post with eight minutes remaining.

With that stop, Everton's best chance of an equaliser came and went as City held on to secure the win and keep the pressure on Chelsea.

Aguero out for minimum 4 weeks

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Southampton 1 Vs 2 Manchester United

Southampton Goal(s)

Pelle 31'

&

Manchester United Goal(s)

Robin Van Persie 12',71'
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!

RVP the ManGoals 2kema finish 1ka patta

De Gea adath pattapattama savings set 1kak kala

Anyway ada nam Lucky win 1kak wage thamai.Allround performance hari nahaPassing,Defending & Attacking nam anthimaiJust 3 shots.2 shots on target(Both RVP's goals).Defending unath godak weak.Expose wenawa wadi & passing nam worst of the season so far wage thamai

Meeta wada hoda attack 1kak dei kiyala hithuwa

So January wala defendersla gana balanna wei.Nathuwa mehemanam baha next season Champions League Qualification gana hopes thiyaganna.

Good Luck Manchester United!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero out for minimum 4 weeks

Aguero nathi 1ka loku paduwak wei Roma clash 1kata.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton 1-2 Manchester United: Van Persie strikes twice to send visitors third

Robin van Persie scored twice as Manchester United beat Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's to move into third place in the Premier League with their fifth win in a row.

The Dutchman took advantage of some poor defending to open the scoring in the 12th minute although the hosts were back on level terms on the half-hour mark as Graziano Pelle lashed home from close range.

However, Van Persie was on hand to give his side all three points, directing Wayne Rooney's free kick home as Louis van Gaal's side leapfrogged the Saints in the table.

Both teams probed for an opening without success during cautious opening exchanges before Fonte endured a moment to forget on his 200th Southampton appearance.

Under no more than gentle pressure from returning United captain Rooney, the Portugal defender under-hit a backpass and Van Persie needed no invitation to collect the loose ball and slot calmly past Forster.

United's defensive injury woes struck again in the 16th minute - Chris Smalling hobbling off with an apparent groin strain and replaced by Jonny Evans on his comeback from an ankle complaint.

Sadio Mane looked lively on Southampton's left after a recall to Koeman's XI, pouncing on Paddy McNair's heavy touch and storming into the United area, only for the chance to fizzle out before Pelle tested David de Gea from Dusan Tadic's cutback.

Southampton were posing increasing questions and they proved too taxing for Marouane Fellaini in the 31st minute as he carelessly gave away possession to Steven Davis.

The Northern Ireland international drove toward the United area, with the ball eventually finding the feet of Pelle after defensive dithering and the Italian slammed home.

Long blazed over from close range as United displayed further defensive uncertainty, prompting Van Gaal to reverse a change to his starting XI and haul off McNair in favour of Ander Herrera six minute before the interval.

United were on the back foot once more when the action resumed and Southampton should have taken a 52nd-minute lead.

Tadic's teasing cross again exposed vulnerabilities on the left-hand side of Van Gaal's defence and Long should have done better than planting a header into De Gea's midriff.

Southampton continued to push on so it was therefore against the run of play when Van Persie directed Rooney's delivery into the net with the outside of his boot for the winner.

De Gea added to his catalogue of magnificent saves over recent outings in the 77th minute - the Spain international plunging to his left when Pelle fizzed a strike goalwards on the turn.

United leapfrog Southampton and go third ahead of West Ham, lying six and eight points behind champions Manchester City and leaders Chelsea respectively.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone: Atletico braced for 'best Juventus'Simeone: Atletico braced for 'best Juventus'

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has warned his players to expect a raucous atmosphere and the "best Juventus" in Turin on Tuesday night.

The Rojiblancos sit three points clear at the top of Group A and have already qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League, thanks in no small part to a 1-0 win over the Italian titleholders on matchday two.

Massimiliano Allegri's men need a draw to ensure their progression at the expense of third-placed Olympiacos but can still finish first if they defeat Atleti by two clear goals.

As a result, Simeone believes the Italian champions will go all out for victory in front of their home fans.

"It is an important match," the Argentine told a news conference on Monday. "At home, they are even stronger, with a very good atmosphere.

"We have to play with our heads. What we're going to find here will be very different [to their previous meeting at the Vicente Calderon] and it is not going to be like what we have experienced in other stadiums.

"Tomorrow's game is different, with respect to those who we have already played [Olympiacos and Malmo].

"It is also very important to see who finishes first, who finishes second and also to see who will get through the group, because if Juventus lose they may not get through [Olympiakos need an eight-goal swing to progress].

"Juventus, because of their history, are not allowed to fail to qualify. All this will be in the game, on the field. We have to play the game well.

"I'm expecting the best Juventus. Tomorrow [Tuesday] we will have to deal with the atmosphere of a final."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp denies dropping Weidenfeller for Langerak

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has denied that Mitchell Langerak has displaced Roman Weidenfeller as his first-choice goalkeeper.

Weidenfeller was dropped to the bench for Saturday's crucial Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim, with Langerak starting in his stead in the 1-0 win at Signal Iduna Park.

However, Klopp denied a report that he has informed Weidenfeller that Langerak is Dortmund's new No.1.

"If I had decided to let Mitchell play the rest of the season, I would have told Roman, but that's not the case," the BVB coach told reporters on the eve of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Anderlecht.

"It is always about the moment and not about previous achievements. [Saturday's] was a decision taken for that moment.

"I believe in Roman Weidenfeller 100 per cent, but in Mitchell, too. That's all.

"I won't say who will play against Anderlecht."

However, Klopp confirmed that Mats Hummels is fit for a game that BVB need to win in order to win in order to seal top stop in Group D.

"He is fine," the 47-year-old trainer said of the Germany international defender. "He is benefitting from all the training sessions, so there is no problem.

"Sebastian Kehl is not available, though. He is suffering from a costal cartilage injury, but the rest of the team are fit."

Meanwhile, Marcel Schmelzer has admitted that he and his team-mates have been lifted by Saturday's victory over Hoffenheim, which has lifted BVB off the bottom of the Bundesliga.

"We fought for the win," the defender said. "Afterwards, we were very happy about it. It was a huge joy.

"But it was just the first step. The next should follow next weekend [against Hertha Berlin]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Koscielny to miss Galatasaray trip

Laurent Koscielny will miss Arsenal's Champions League clash with Galatasaray through injury.

Following an eight-week absence due to a persistent Achilles problem, the centre-back played against Southampton and West Brom in quick succession, but was not risked in the 3-2 defeat to Stoke City on Saturday.

And manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the 29-year-old will not feature against the Turkish outfit, while Alexis Sanchez will also be absent, with Arsenal guaranteed progression.

"A few players [will not travel] because there's not a lot at stake and we have given a lot in the last two weeks," Wenger said.

"We have to recover a little bit. Alexis will not travel and I don't think I can play, for example, Koscielny.

"[Koscielny] didn't play on Saturday and I don't see why I should risk him for a game where’s there's not a lot at stake - first place hypothetically, but there’s maybe a 10 per cent chance."

Arsenal will top the group with a win if Dortmund lose to Anderlecht or, if the Bundesliga side draw, then Wenger's men will need to win by a big enough margin to overtake Jurgen Klopp's charges on goal difference or goals scored.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

We will stop Arsenal - Hamzaoglu

Hamza Hamzaoglu has warned Arsenal his Galatasaray side will not take Tuesday's Champions League clash in Istanbul lightly.

Gala are unable to qualify for the next stage of the competition but can thwart Arsenal's bid to finish top of Group D in what will be Hamzaoglu's first European outing as a coach.

He was appointed Cesare Prandelli's replacement at the start of the month with the former Turkey assistant having taken maximum points from two league games so far.However, ahead of his European bow, Hamzaoglu warned Arsenal his side are eager to finish with a flourish.

"In our last two games, we've shown a decent performance so we'll see how much we can repeat it at this level," he told a media conference."Not only will we try to stop Arsenal but also we'll try to play well ourselves."It’s a plus for us not having any pressure tomorrow. The pressure is our desire to win and we've created it ourselves.

"We'll try to pressure Arsenal up front and not let them get up the field easily
"If Arsenal react well to our pressing, then we'll be strong in the defence and aim for a counter-attack."Striker Umut Bulut, who is yet to score in this season's Champions League, added that the change in coach had led to renewed confidence around the Turk Telekom Arena.

"We've regained our self-confidence following the arrival of Hamza Hamzaoglu as coach," the Turkey international added."Tomorrow's game against Arsenal will be a matter of prestige. Nevertheless, we aim to finish with a win."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cech has role to play at Chelsea, says Mourinho

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech still has a role to play at the club despite losing his place to Thibaut Courtois, insists manager Jose Mourinho.

The Czech Republic international had been a regular starter prior to this season, which has seen Courtois play all but 66 minutes of his maiden Premier League campaign.

Cech has been linked with a move away, but Mourinho underlined the 32-year-old's importance to the squad.

"The most important thing is what he brings to the team on the pitch, which is top quality," he told Yahoo-Eurosport.

"When Courtois was injured against Arsenal and Petr Cech comes to play on minute 20, I was so calm. I wasn't worried about a change of goalkeeper.

"So when you have on the bench a super goalkeeper like Petr Cech this is the most important thing.

"Obviously he wants to play, which is why sometimes I make him play. I have to feed the natural ambition of somebody who feels he is a top goalkeeper.

"I have to feed that ambition to keep him. I'm not saying [to keep him] happy, because to be happy a player must play every game, but at least to make him feel that we like him, we respect him and we need him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi the best ever - Busquets

Sergio Busquets has hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest player of all-time after making his 300th appearance for Barcelona.

The 26-year-old clocked up the milestone in the 5-1 victory over Espanyol on Sunday, during which Messi scored yet another hat-trick.

Busquets spoke highly of the influential figures who have played key roles in his career so far, with the Argentina star coming in for particularly high praise.

"Messi is the best player ever," he told the club's official website.

"Although I did not live in a time of 50-100 years ago, I think he is the best because of the sheer talent that he has and the record he seems to break every day.

"It's impossible to think that there has been anyone else as talented as him."

The Spain international also remembered his early days in the Barcelona side under Pep Guardiola, and spoke of the excitement he felt at playing alongside some of the game's biggest names.

He added: "I was very young, very excited, and eager to seize the opportunity Pep gave me at that time and, above all, to share a dressing room with players who until recently I had been watching on television."

Busquets has played with a host of world-class midfielders at Camp Nou and was quick to highlight the attributes of two of his current team-mates Javier Mascherano and Xavi.

"Xavi is the best team-mate I have ever had. He is very professional, involved in everything with the team and always helps us.

"Mascherano is the best in his position. He is a very complete player and gives everything for the team. It is an honour to share a dressing room with him and I can learn a lot for him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi: I was targeted by doping control

Lionel Messi has claimed he was subjected to more rigorous anti-doping controls than his Barcelona team-mates ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Officers from AETSAD (Spanish Agency for Protection of Health in Sport), who work in conjunction with Uefa, visited Barcelona and conducted tests on five players - Messi, Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo and Jordi Alba - prior to Monday morning's training session.

Afterwards Messi took to his Instagram account to reveal he came under particular scrutiny. “Doping control. Of the five chosen, I was the only one who had to give urine and blood samples... bit strange isn’t it?" he wrote.

On Saturday, Messi grabbed another hat-trick - his 21st in La Liga - as Barca thrashed city rovals Espanyol 5-1.

The Argentina forward has scored 13 goals in 14 La Liga appearances this term, while netting an additional seven goals in five Champions League appearances.

On Wednesday, Barca have the chance to secure top spot in Champions League Group F by beating PSG at Camp Nou.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No injury setback for Wilshere, insist Arsenal

Arsenal have dismissed reports that Jack Wilshere has suffered a setback in his return from an ankle injury.

The England international suffered ligament damage during November's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United and was subsequently ruled out for three months after undergoing surgery.

According to one report in the British press on Monday, Wilshere was set to be sidelined for up to five months, keeping him out until March, after falling behind schedule in his rehabilitation.

However, the club's communications director Mark Gonnella rubbished that suggestion, insisting the 22-year-old remains on course for a return early in the new year.

"Jack Wilshere has not had a setback. On schedule for return to squad as per original plan. 12 weeks from injury," he wrote on Twitter.

Wilshere is part of a lengthy injury list at the Emirates Stadium that also includes the likes of Mesut Ozil, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lucas Silva dreams of playing alongside Ronaldo

Lucas Silva has revealed he has long dreamt of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, as talk over a move to Real Madrid intensifies.

On Monday afternoon, Carlo Ancelotti admitted he is keen on signing the Cruzeiro midfielder, having previously rejected reports of his interest in the player.

Silva has responded to that by talking up a possible move, with the Brazil Under-21 star admitting he is a huge fan of Ronaldo.

He told AS: "I’ve followed his games since I was a kid – from when he was at Manchester United and now, even more since he’s been at Real Madrid.

"He keeps getting better and better – he’s making history. I could never have imagined, not for one moment, that one day I might have the chance to play alongside him – it might happen and it would be a dream.

"I have had many dreams since I was a boy. I couldn’t have imagined things happening so quickly to me and reaching my objectives so soon. I’m thankful to God for all that I am experiencing and playing in Europe would be another dream come true for me."

Cruzeiro president Gilvan de Pinho Tavares has already stated he would be open to selling the 21-year-old if his €15 million valuation is met.

Silva has rose to prominence over the past two years as part of a Cruzeiro side that have won back to back Brasileiro titles.

A deep-lying midfielder by trade, he could be just the player Madrid need in the absence of Luka Modric, who is out of action for three months with a thigh injury, though he says he is capable of playing in more than one position.

"I see myself as a modern player, a good passer of the ball, with good positional sense and a player who directs play for the team.

"When I was a boy, I played more as a striker, after that I dropped back to midfield and then became a winger. I’ve adapted to all of those positions well. I am happiest in the position where I play best and I hope it continues that way."

Silva's current deal with Cruzeiro runs until June 2017.