Spudsy2061
2 years ago
Ahead of tomorrow's MLS games, here's a look at the news and rumours making headlines in the papers.
1. Gareth Bale's agent has said he will not leave Real Madrid this summer. (Source: http://www1.skysports.com/transfer/news/11835/9839689/manchester-united-target-gareth-bale-staying-at-real-madrid-says-agent)
2. Daniel Sturridge is set to miss the opening 2 months of the season next season due to his hip surgery. (Source, SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/07/daniel-sturridge-liverpool-next-season-hip-surgery)
3. Manchester United are going to try and bid for the signing of Mats Hummels and Nathaniel Clyne. (Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/memphis-depay-to-manchester-united-signing-of-psv-forward-set-to-kickstart-louis-van-gaals-latest-spending-spree-10233595.html)
4. Atletico Madrid is set to rival Manchester City for the signing of Danny Rose. (Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-city-face-transfer-battle-5654166)
5. Liverpool are interested in Aston Villa's Christian Benteke. (Source: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/premierleague/article4433836.ece)
Spudsy2061
2 years ago
Daniel Sturridge's hip injury, suffered on back on the 2-1 loss to Manchester United in late March, has undergone a successful surgery in the United States. The injury did not force him out of action right away, but the striker who scored 24 goals for the Reds last season has not played since Liverpool's triumph over Blackburn in the FA Cup Quarterfinal.
There is currently no timetable for his return but the striker is expected to be out the rest of the season.
Spudsy2061
2 years ago
After Barcelona's impressive 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, here's the latest news and rumours making headlines.
1. Manchester City are looking to bid high for Juventus's Paul Pogba. (Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-city-plot-50m-plus-transfer-5648133)
2. Chelsea are interested in buying 22 year old Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan. (Source: http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-await-decision-from-22m-striker-mauro-icardi-as-paul-pogba-hopes-are-dealt-a-blow-10228360.html)
3. Charlie Adam has said Stoke City teammate and keeper Begovic will only leave for a top four club and if he's guaranteed a starting place. (Source: http://talksport.com/football/exclusive-arsenal-and-liverpool-target-asmir-begovic-wont-leave-stoke-be-no2-claims-charlie#vl31Y66S3uYT1lvh.99)
4. Winger Nani will not stay at Sporting Lisbon after spending the season on loan there. (Source, SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/6443775/NANIS-STATE.html)
My Thoughts:
Spudsy2061
2 years ago
Bayern striker Robert Lewandolski is set to play the first leg of Munich’s Champions League semi-final first leg in a protective mask after he broke his nose and jaw in the German Cup semi-final loss on penalties to Borussia Dortmund. The German champions will also be without forwards Arjen Robben & Franck Ribery, along with David Alaba and Holger Badstuber. On the other side of the pitch, Barcelona are only without centre half Jeremy Mathieu for the tie.
Background
Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has some history heading into the fixture. A player at Nou Camp for 11 years, Guardiola won 6 La Liga titles and the Champions League crown before managing the side for 4 years, securing another 14 trophies in the process. Now at Bayern, he’s won 2 Bundesliga titles and the Club World Cup as well as the Champions League 2 years ago.
Prediction
I fancy Barcelona in this one but it will be tight. Bayern are without the players that carried them and won them the final 2 years prior and Barcelona have way too much class not to capitalize on it.
Barca 1-0 Bayern
Spudsy2061
2 years ago
A Carlos Tevez penalty is the difference as these two sides look set to go into the second leg of the Champions League Semi-Final at Real Madrid next week. Morata sent the Italian side in front early, finishing a well worked goal before Ronaldo was found wide open in the box to head in from about 1 yard out. Tevez then capitalized on a good counter-attacking run winning and scoring the penalty that gives The Old Lady a 1 goal lead ahead of next week's return leg.
Well Earned
Juventus were not in a smash and grab however, with 7 shots on target and 49% possession, the hosts manage to upset the Real midfield lacking Benzema and threaten with runs often. Juventus will need to replicate that performance in Spain, where Real have not themselves been at their best but have so far been able to see themselves through with their home performances.
The 2nd leg is next Wednesday.
Bio
Sleep deprived, sociable football addict following 10 leagues:
Premier League Championship League 1 League 2 La Liga Bundesliga MLS J K & A Leagues
