EPL Preview: Predicting the Manchester United Starting XI vs. Arsenal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Danny Welbeck of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 22, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

(Bleacher Report)Manchester United currently are joint top of the table as they look to keep their streak going against an Arsenal team that is experiencing loads of change this season. The Red Devils have had great success so far this season with an invigoration of new youthful talent.

The Gunners made their way into the Champions League this week thanks to a superb effort in the second leg to assure they went through against Udinese. It means there once again is hope of an all English semi-final round but Arsene Wenger has to sort his team out in the league as well.

Sir Alex Ferguson has managed his team well through the first two games by securing victories over a tough West Bromwich Albion team, as well as an unimpressive Tottenham Hotspur club last week.

However, the Red Devils have experienced an injury crisis of their own with their two star center half's in Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand being out for the time being as well has having lost Rafael Da Silva. Patrice Evra is touch and go but should once again be in the starting line up.

Great performances against Tottenham by both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have many believing that the returns of Vidic and Ferdinand will be met with a tough test to get back into the first 11 automatically as Smalling in particular has shined since the FA Community Shield Victory.

I expect a great matchup as even though the Gunners are down, Wenger always has them ready for a good hard fought battle against his old rivals up north at Old Trafford.

Keeper

David De Gea is sure to start. Despite his early rattlings in the opening match's, most notably being caught out at times appearing to be behind the pace, the young Spaniard has shown much promise. I believe he will only get stronger under Ferguson's tutorship.

The Back Line

Jonathan Evans and Phil Jones are my believed men to hold their places at the center of defense. Both have continued to display poise and class beyond their years and they look very promising for United's future.

Patrice Evra will start on the left and will be his leadership at the back that will guide the three youngsters and his keeper to keep making forward moves. Chris Smalling has proven a great stand in at the right back position and his versatility will see him get much playing time this season.

The Midfield

Ashley Young has been excellent since his arrival and I expect nothing less of him as he retains his place in continuance of his great form. Nani as well has been on top of his game and his creativity has had great influence in what could be the season in which he comes of age.

The center of midfield has been held down by an unlikely duo that emerged as the summer preseason went on. Tom Cleverly returned from a great loan spell and has been a permanent fixture in Sir Alex Ferguson's line-up since. Just as well Anderson looks to finally have developed to his potential and is reaping the rewards.

The Attack

Wayne Rooney as always is one of the most deadly and well rounded strikers in the game. Rooney also has already gotten himself into the top of the scoring charts with a goal in both the West Brom and Tottenham victories.

Danny Welbeck returned from loan this season after having a good showing for Steve Bruce and Sunderland last year. He scored against Tottenham last Monday night and looks to have a good run of form going as he is holding the place of Javier Hernandez while he recovers to complete fitness.

Supersubs in Waiting

Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez will most likely be the striking options on the bench. Berbatov could be leaving the club before next week, while Hernandez is still not at 100% fitness as he is making his way back from the head injury he picked up in preseason.

Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ji-Sung Park will be the likely candidates for a possible run out in the middle or wide areas of the park should the need arise.

Rounding out the last two places on the bench are Fabio da Silva and Tomasz Kuszczak. Fabio will be the only real option available for a defensive run out as the United defenders available and still fit are slim.

Conclusion

The Red Devils will surely be looking to take advantage of a much weakened Arsenal, and are the most likely to take the majority of the points. However, you can never count out Wenger and any group he puts on the pitch as he has the ability to prove you wrong every single time.

I think it will be cagey for the first half with United getting ahead 1-0 around the 30th minute. Arsenal should hold until after the break and despite getting at least one past De Gea I see the Gunners going out 3-1 away to United.

You can read my full match preview from Thursday here.

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FA Community Shield Analysis: Seven Players That Impressed

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(Bleacher Report)The FA Community Shield provided just the kind of match that the English Premier League needed to build this coming weekends opening fixtures.

Manchester City stormed out of the gates to take a 2-0 advantage into the break, and nearly ruined my Manchester United victory prediction from last Thursday. However, the Red Devils gave their noisy neighbors a lesson in the game.

That lesson, there are two halves to any football match. You may have won the first half but we destroyed you in the second. Goals from Joleon Lescott and a belter from Edin Dzeko were cancelled out by two Nani strikes and a great free kick winning shot from young defender Chris Smalling.

With the action now three days past, I thought I would take a look back and really talk about who impressed the most in the 3-2 United victory......Click Here to Start the Slideshow.

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English Premier League Predictions: The FA Community Shield Manchester Derby

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(Bleacher Report)It is truly almost that time. This weekend sees the Barclay's Premier League fans get a glimpse at two of the most talked about teams for next season. With Manchester United out to defend their record 19th English Championship, their cross town rivals Manchester City hope to knock the mighty Red Devils off their perch.

Last season saw all the money that has been pumped into City finally pay off as they defeated Stoke City at Wembley to claim the 2011 FA Cup. It was their first piece of Silverware in 35 years as they last lifted the League Cup in 1976 over Newcastle United.

The season also saw the Citizens break into the UEFA Champions League by securing a third place finish in the table. It is the closest they have come to a top flight Championship since they last finished second in 1976-77.

Manchester United are fresh off a record breaking League season, while suffering another European failure thanks to Barcelona. Sir Alex Ferguson led the Red Devils to their 13th League title under his tenure, and it is their third in the last five seasons.

No longer do they share the top spot with Liverpool for the most English Domestic League titles, and it has them ready to continue broadening the gap.

However, they will have to face off against a tough and determined Manchester City squad, that has much left to prove. City was last involved in a Community Shield competition in 1973 when they lost to Burnley at Main Road.

United have had much more recent success in the early season fixture as they have won four in the last ten years. Their most recent was last years 2010 edition when they took down 2009-10 League winners Chelsea in a 3-1 victory in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.

This year the game will be an excellent competition as City will want to start their season off with a win by showing they are genuine title contenders, and this will probably be the make or break season for Roberto Mancini at the helm of the money rich club.

His most recent addition, Sergio Aguero will probably not be on display at the start, but his selection process will be difficult none the less as he now has a plethora of front men to choose from even more than before.

Sir Alex Ferguson will approach the match as he always does, with the intent of winning outright, and he has some new faces that will be seeing their first action with the Red Devils while their is a piece of Silverware on the Line.

I truly believe Mario Balotelli will be one to watch for City if the mouthy striker plays. Carlos Tevez could also be a thorn in the side if he makes a cameo, as he is always out to stick it to his former employers. Wayne Rooney has a lot to prove after being highly criticized last season for his believed dip in form, although his bicycle goal against City in the last match where these two faced off is one to remember.

Predicted Line-Ups

Manchester City Starting XI: Joe Hart; Micah Richards, Vincent Kompany, Stefan Savic, Gael Clichy; Nigel De Jong, Gareth Barry; David Silva, Yaya Toure, James Milner; Mario Balotelli.

Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea; Rafael Da Silva, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra; Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Ryan Giggs, Park Ji-Sung; Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen.

Match Prediction: Manchester United 3 - 1 Manchester City.


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Ashley Young Wants Champions League Football and Manchester United can Provide

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(Bleacher Report) England wide man Ashley Young fired home the equalizing goal against Switzerland on Saturday and continues to show his massive talent even after the close season.

In an interview following the match, he was quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying:

"I want to test myself at World Cups, European Championships and the Champions League.

"As a kid you always want to play in the best competitions. As a kid I wanted to play in the Champions League—and hopefully one day I will.

"People say the prime of your careers is aged 25, 26, 27. I'm 26 next month so hopefully I'm coming into my prime."

With that said it still remains unknown where he will end up.

The prospect of near-immediate playing time at Anfield will be the biggest bargaining chip for the Merseyside club. However, the likes of Manchester United, who seem to the be primary opponent in the race for the Three Lions attacker, offer Champions League football, as do also Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea who all could do with Young's skills.

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Ashley Young to Decide Future Soon

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(Bleacher Report) England International and hot transfer prospect Ashley Young has pushed talk to a transfer aside until after this weekends Euro 2012 England qualifier. The highly sought after wide player is the target of both Liverpool and Manchester United.

Liverpool's non action in Europe next season is believed to be a key factor in his decision making, and it will be interesting to see where he will be playing next year.

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Ashley Young Claims He Will Decide His Future at Season's End

(Bleach Report) Aston Villa's English starlet left winger Ashley Young is claimed to be deciding his future when the season ends. Well, its almost over so he best sit down and decide what he wants to do.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

He has a host of English sides chasing him, and the competition will be steep to sign him with Manchester United, Arsenal, and primarily Liverpool being linked with him.

The appeal of Liverpool might be lessened if they fail to even reach Europe after tomorrow, but he will get to end the season against them since the Reds travel to Villa Park for the most important game of their season, and if anything else Young can get a chance to taste of the faces he might be seeing on the training pitch before the summer is over.

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Liverpool FC: Charlie Adam and the Reds Top 20 Realistic Summer Transfer Targets

Who Will Fill the future Ranks of Liverpool following the Summer Window?

by Thomas Atzenhoffer on The Bleacher Report
April 18, 2011

Alex Livesey/Getty Image

The summer transfer window is quickly approaching, and with so many names in the press over the past few months as possible targets for the Reds, it seems like it would be prudent to try and weed out the ones that are actually feasible.

It has been an up and down year, but the ups have come more often in the last few months. The ship seems to have been set right with Kenny Dalglish back in the driver's seat for the club, and his influence continues to be seen more and more each and every week.

With so many injuries, and an ever shrinking chance at European Football next season, the Merseysiders are constantly being linked with the next group of stars to head their way since the arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

The defense is the most suspect area as it has been decimated by injury time and time again over the last few seasons. However, the Reds' need for one or two natural wide players is ever more pronounced now that they have Andy Carroll up front.

David N'Gog also has played a great part for the club, but he needs time on loan to truly develop and the Reds are short on a reliable striker to step in behind Suarez, Carroll and Dirk Kuyt to alleviate the pressure on the three and also to push for a place in training to cause the team to work harder and progress even higher.

It is truly hard to determine which of these is the most important area. There is also growing concern that Steven Gerrard needs a replacement in the wings to learn from him before his legs and body run out.

So, in no particular order, here is a list of the players that seem the top 20 most likely to don the Red of Liverpool and come out to the Anfield Kop's full voice ringing out the verse's and chorus of "You'll Never Walk Alone."

CLICK HERE TO START THE SLIDESHOW AND READ MORE

6 Youthful Signings That Could Brighten Liverpool's Future Under Kenny Dalglish

Check out Six Youngsters that could be Great for the Reds under Dalglish

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
March 15, 2011

All eyes were on the Liverpool Reds during the January transfer window as the Merseyside giants made two of the biggest signings and possible the biggest sale in their club history.

The departure of Fernando Torres, whom traded his beloved Red for Chelsea Blue, saw a fan backlash for the ages as his picture and jersey were burned on national television in England.

The arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll made for waves across the globe as Reds fans were impressed with Fenway Sports Group's declaration of intent to bring the club out of the abyss......READ MORE HERE

Tuesday Transfer Talk for Liverpool FC

Article first published as Tuesday Transfer Talk for Liverpool FC on Technorati.
Once again the Reds appear back on the Attack as they are linked with Another group of young Attackers.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 15, 2011

All eyes were on Liverpool during the January transfer window as the Merseyside giants made two of the biggest signings in the clubs history with the Arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, and possible the biggest sale in their history as Fernando Torres traded his beloved Red for Chelsea Blue that saw a fan backlash for the ages.

Boateng Flips in Celebration

Now that the dust has settled, Suarez scored on his Debut, Carroll is looking to debut against Manchester United next month according to multiple sources, and Torres failing to impress since arriving at the Bridge, it is time once again to get down to business in regards to the Reds adding width and attacking options during the summer.

Lets face it Maxi Rodriguez and Joe Cole both are failing to make the grade as support for the attacking line. Dirk Kuyt is one of the hardest workers in the league, but he just doesn't have the final finishing touch he had as a young striker in the Eredivisie. Chock that up to years of being deployed on the right under Rafael Benitez. None the less the hard nosed Dutchman is still a key force in the Reds line-up as opposed to the other two.

First up in the rumors in journey man young attacker Kevin Prince Boateng of AC Milan. Though only 23 years of age, the German born Ghana international has already acquired loads of experience in three of Europe's top leagues. Coming through the ranks of Hertha Berlin and then moving to Tottenham Hotspur, during such time he spent a second season on loan back in Germany at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Portsmouth until their relegation and being sold on to AC Milan.

Elia Ready to come to the UK

Such time has allowed him to garner quite an international dose of footballing for his age, and would likely aid him should he move to Anfield for the reported possible fee of £10 Million pounds during the summer. However, the deal could be left wanting since Genoa and AC Milan own the player together and Genoa are reportedly the only side interested in the sale.

Ashley Young from Aston Villa has again been linked with the Merseyside club this week as has 24-year old Dutch winger Eljero Elia. The frustrated young playmaker has be out of sorts with Hamburg HSV this season as his first team chances have evaporated despite no visible lack of commitment or form. Liverpool tried to wrest away the former FC Twenty starlet during January but the move appeared more apt to wait for summer.

Benzema failing to Produce at Real

The biggest name thrown around this week has been that of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. He was reportedly a target for both the Reds and Tottenham on deadline day but he was not allowed to move from the Spanish Capital. Former Liverpool great Jaime Redknapp has voiced the opinion of a contingent of the teams Alumni that they should look no farther than the French International for a new out and out front man for the Reds.

A summer move could be possible as he would pair up with Andy Carroll and either push Suarez out to a wide position making runs into the box as he did on the left at Ajax in his early days. Or a move could be left off the table since the arrival of Carroll. However, I would look to see an offer still being made as he would make another option available for Dalglish next season and would give more youthful talent the chance to evolve in front of the Kop.

Torres? Coming or Going

Article first published as Torres? Coming or Going on Technorati.

The Final Day of the Transfer Window Sees Torres Eye his Exit, and And Luis Suarez Eye Stoke Debut

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 31, 2011

Suarez Completes Move

The weekend came to a close with new signing Luis Suarez passing his medical for Liverpool and setting his sights on a Wednesday debut when the Reds face Stoke City. Suarez was indeed excited to say the least about having joined Liverpool as his desire to play for a high profile club is satisfied for the moment. The fans will be happy to see someone that wants to be at the club after the past five days of Torres transfer debate has many of the fans reeling.

The Uruguayan international may not be forming a partnership with the world cup winning Spaniard after all as Liverpool have been trying to find a replacement of quality for the almost certain to leave Torres. The weekend saw Chelsea table the possibility of a cash plus Nicolas Anelka deal which the Reds favored as a means to have a proven goal scorer in the Premiership take Torres' place. However, reports this morning from Liverpool's NESN column say the Frenchman is against the move and it looks like Chelsea will table an offer of £50 Million in order to reach the buy-out clause in Torres' contract.

Carroll to leave Toon

Liverpool have been as firm as possible from my point of view in the desire to have Torres fulfill his long-term contract. If he does so, it is likely he will not be offered another one or any form of extension. The real problem that has arisen is if he truly wants to leave, what is the point of keeping him? A player the wants to move on will never truly give the performances he is capable of. This I believe has the Reds attempting to cash in.

An offer of £30 Million has been reported to have been rejected by Newcastle for front man Andy Carroll. The Reds apparently are actively looking for a replacement for Torres, and this move by Liverpool also guarantee that their No. 9 will be on the move by this evening or the summer at the latest. Carrol's size and strength could be just the right match for Suarez's speed and movement.

Young to follow O'Neal out Exit Door

Improved bids for Aston Villa's Ashley Young, and Blackpool's Charlie Adam are also expected as this could be a very busy last day for the Reds and other teams across Europe. Young is out of contract in the summer and his refusal to commit long term to the Villan's with a new contract insists that they may need to go ahead and cash in before the player becomes a Bosman Free Transfer target and they get nothing. It is also reported that Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United are to enter the biding for Charlie Adam against Liverpool.

Also in other reports Left Back Paul Konchesky has agreed to a loan move to Nottingham Forest for the remainder of the season as his return to Fulham looks to be a priority in the summer as negotiations over goal scorers is taking president on Merseyside for the time being.

What Comes Next for Liverpool? The Reds by the Numbers

Article first published as What Comes Next for Liverpool? The Reds by the Numbers on Technorati.

The King has the Reds on the Rise, But Just How Far Can We Go From Here

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 27, 2011

Its 7th Heaven for the Reds for the moment after a second straight win under Kenny Dalglish has propelled the club into the top half of the table. The Reds finished 7th last year and booked a UEFA Europa League spot, but knowing the King he will be aiming higher than that. Champions League Qualification is still a possibility believe it or not because of how crazy this season has been in the English Premier League. With the club finally mounting a climb in the table I thought it would be interesting to see just where the Reds could possibly end up based on a couple different situations.

Champions League?

I know it seems like a long shot but there is still that chance for the Reds. This year confined to the UEFA Europa League, which we reconvene on February 17 in Prague against Sparta Praha in the first leg of our Round of 32 knockout stage tie. Dalglish has the team and fans reunited, but can they push their new found confidence enough to challenge Sunderland, Tottenham, and Chelsea ahead of them for 4th.

Qualifying for the Champions League domestically will take even more effort but it is still possible. Liverpool sit 7th in the table with 32 points from 9 wins 5 draws and 10 losses. If the Reds win out the last 14 games of the season we would have a total of 74 points. That is the highest we can manage no matter what we do. However, if you look at the past five seasons the average number of points needed to place 4th or higher was 71. So it is possible. The highest total of the past five was 76 points which Liverpool amassed in the 07-08 season.

The statistics give us an outside chance on averages but it is still a long shot. Chelsea is currently in 4th place on 41 points with a game in hand. That means the Reds currently have a 9 point swing to make up for, if the Blues win the missing match it will be a 12 point swing. Best case scenario we start by beating the Blues for the double over them at Stamford Bridge on February 6th.

As much as I want to see Liverpool in the Champions League next season I truly don't know if we can over come the gap, nor keep Tottenham from beating us in that same race. If the planets aligned just right I see Liverpool getting out of the next 14 games with 9 wins 3 Draws and 2 Losses. That would bring our points total to 62.

The Lowest 4th place finish in the last ten seasons belongs to Liverpool from the 2003-2004 season where we finished with 60 points, and Everton Finished 4th on 61 Points the following season. So numbers wise if we can obtain at least 60 points we have 5/1 odds on a Champions League spot. Given as upside down as this season has truly been who is to say we cant still make it.

Transfer Impacts?

The final say in whether Liverpool add some extra ability to increase the likelyhood of such a push for the 4th spot in the table remains to be seen. The controversies surrounding all the transfer targets of the Reds is increasing, and with every waking moment the window is closer to being shut as there are only 4 days left. If deals are going to be made they need to be made now.

Luis Suarez is still the top target along with Charlie Adam. Stephen Warnock is still on the cards to replace Paul Konchesky, if the later does indeed return to Fulham, and the cash and time is available to complete a move for the former Liverpool Academy starlet.

Other outside transfer targets in and out of the media have been Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Ashley Young and Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), David Bentley (Loaned to Birmingham City), Charles N'Zogbia (Wigan), Matt Jarvis (Wolves), and even Ronaldinho was linked with both Liverpool and Blackburn before he marked his return to Brazil. Also Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich) and Danial Sturridge (Chelsea) were mentioned looking at loan moves before the opening of the transfer window in January, but neither ever seemed to have carried any weight.

At the rate it is going I truly don't see many moves being completed, and the King will have to take what he has and mold it to his pass and move offense to get the best finish possible.

Liverpool to Abandon Suarez Pursuit?

Article first published as Liverpool to Abandon Suarez Pursuit? on Technorati.

Reds to Call off Chase for World Cup Star in Favor of Summer Move.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 27, 2011

Ajax Amsterdam put a Saturday deadline on Liverpool for them to submit what they believe is a more "respectable" bid for target Luis Suarez. The player was expected to open talks with his current club in hopes of lowering the asking price on his head to force a move to the English Premiership Side.

With an asking price in the range of £30 Million Pounds a summer move for Suarez is looking ever more likely. Further reports yesterday evening from Liverpool's NESN site suggest that the Reds have called off their pursuit altogether with the more possible likelihood of a summer transfer for the Uruguayan.

The abandonment of the bid for Suarez puts an even greater strain on the January transfer hopes of the Reds because of their need to sign a replacement attacker for departed Ryan Babel, and the need to sign a strong attacking presents to partner lone front man Torres.

It is yet to appear whom the Reds would pursue in the place of Suarez. It is rumored that Aston Villa's Ashley Young is an alternative. However, the Villan's winger also has a highly inflated price tag. Wigan Athletic's Charles N'Zogbia would be the other option that has had loose ties throughout the transfer window, but that moves seems equally unlikely.