Goal Zone

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Juventus VS Lazio Preview

After wrapping up a fourth consecutive league title and reaching the Champions League final, the Bianconeri have their sights set on the Coppa Italia

Juventus meet Lazio in Wednesday's Coppa Italia final, looking to complete a domestic double and secure the second part of a historic treble.

With a fourth successive Serie A title comfortably in the bag, Juve could be forgiven for focusing on next month's Champions League final against Barcelona.

But first, Massimiliano Allegri's side must turn their attentions to tasting glory in the Coppa for the first time in 20 years.

In 1995, Juve defeated Parma 3-0 over two legs to lift the trophy for the ninth time, but since that success the Turin giants have just three losing final appearances to show for their efforts.

Lazio, meanwhile, have won the Coppa five times in the intervening period, most recently in 2013 when Senad Lulic's goal saw off fierce rivals Roma 1-0.

Stefano Pioii's men are third in Serie A and look well placed to at least return to the Champions League qualifiers, with next weekend's derby with Roma looking likely to decide who takes the second automatic spot behind Juve.

Their form of late has been mixed, with just two wins from their past six league outings, although Saturday's 1-0 win at Sampdoria was a timely boost ahead of meeting Juve at their home ground, Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

"We go into the Coppa Italia final, we deserved our place there," Pioli said. "We'll be facing the best side in Italy, one of the best in Europe, but we earned the final and want to play it.

"Juve are extra motivated by targeting the treble. Clearly we need the so-called perfect game, we are in Rome in front of our fans, so we'll give it our best.

"We have the final we were dreaming of. It can be such a big event that it could affect Serie A, so we have to keep focused."

Lazio reached the showpiece with a 2-1 aggregate success over Napoli, while Juve advanced after seeing off Fiorentina 4-2 over two legs.

Alvaro Morata was sent off during the second leg of that semi-final, meaning he will miss Wednesday's game, but the Spaniard believes his team-mates can add to their haul of silverware this season.

"I'm sorry that I won't be able to be there, but it's always like that for me - I'm never happy when I don't play," said Morata, who scored in both legs of Juve's Champions League semi-final win over his former club Real Madrid.

"I'm convinced, however, that my team-mates will give it their all to win the cup. The team always wants to win, just like the boss tells us. It doesn't matter who plays."

Aside from Morata's suspension, Allegri has no new injury worries, while Lazio have concerns over Lucas Biglia, who missed the victory over Samp with a knee problem.

Kick Off Time - 19:45HRS

Arsenal vs. Sunderland Preview

son takes place at the Emirates on Wednesday night as Arsenal host Sunderland.

The duo have a game in hand on the rest and both still have plenty to play for, with Arsenal trying to secure a top-three place and Sunderland hoping to beat the drop.

Arsenal

Make it 11 seasons without a Premier League title for the Gunners, who have enjoyed some of the best form this season but not quite had the consistency to match fellow Londoners Chelsea.

However, it's now 19 seasons in a row that the North London side have finished in the top four. They are guaranteed to be in the Champions League next season, but a win here will ensure a top-three spot which secures automatic entry to the group stage.

Sunday's 1-1 draw at Manchester United also means that one more point will all but seal third place because of their superior goal difference over the Red Devils.

A week ago it looked like Arsenal would finish second as they were on a run of nine wins in 10 league games, but a surprise defeat at home to Swansea last Monday and yesterday's draw at Old Trafford means that the Gunners must win their last two games and hope that Manchester City lose at home to Southampton on Sunday to snatch a runners-up spot.

For the first time in over 10 years in the Premier League, Arsene Wenger's side failed to have a shot of any kind in the first half against United, but they improved after the interval and earned a point thanks to Tyler Blackett's own goal as the defender deflected Theo Walcott's cross-cum-shot into the far corner.

Ander Herrera's opener at Old Trafford was the first time since New Year's Day that the Gunners had conceded in the first half in the league. In total this season, they have conceded just 13 times in the opening 45 - the fewest of anyone in the division.

Recent Premier League form: WWDWLD

Recent form (all competitions): WWDWLD

Sunderland

At the start of May Sunderland were in the bottom three and in real danger of being relegated back to the Championship after eight seasons in the top flight.

Although they're not yet safe, a haul of seven points out of a possible nine since the start of the final month has put Dick Advocaat's side within a point of guaranteeing their Premier League status.

However, their last two games are both away at Arsenal and champions Chelsea, so it's likely that they will not add to their points total of 37. If both games are lost and Hull City beat Manchester United on the final day of the season, Sunderland could go down.

They would have secured safety with a win against Leicester City on Saturday, but a 0-0 draw meant that it was the Foxes dancing wildly at the final whistle having guaranteed another season in the top flight.

No side has drawn as many games as Sunderland (8) at home, while Burnley are the only side to score fewer goals in front of their own fans.

Like Arsenal, Sunderland have taken 11 points out of a possible 18 from their last six games. Ignoring the 4-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace, Advocaat's men have conceded just two other goals since the end of March.

Recent form: WLDWWD

Team News

Mathieu Debuchy and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain out of action for the hosts, while Danny Welbeck could return after missing the last three games with a knee injury.

Walcott will hope to start after making an impact on Sunday, but Wenger could name an unchanged XI and if he does, it will be the seventh game in a row that he has done so in the league - the first time he has ever done this as Gunners boss.

Advocaat, meanwhile, is likely to be without Billy Jones after he was forced off late on against Leicester. Anthony Reveillere took his place at right-back and could start at the Emirates.

Elsewhere, Jack Rodwell is close to returning from a hamstring strain, while Steven Fletcher could get the nod over Danny Graham in attack.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis; Giroud

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Pantilimon; Reveillere, O'Shea, Coates, Van Aanholt; Bridcutt, Cattermole, Larsson; Defoe, Fletcher, Wickham

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Head To Head

Arsenal have won the last four meetings between the two sides and not suffered defeat to the Black Cats in the last 10 Premier League encounters, winning seven times.

The reverse fixture in October was settled by Alexis Sanchez, who pounced on a pair of sloppy Sunderland errors to score two of his 16 league goals so far this season.

The Gunners have been winning at both half time and full time in their last four matches against Sunderland.

Kick Off Time - 19:45HRS

Manuel Pellegrini: 'Wilfried Bony will be key player next season'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that striker Wilfried Bony is a key part of his plans for next season.

Bony has started just two games since leaving Swansea City for the Etihad Stadium, but as the Ivorian prepares to return to his former club on Sunday afternoon, Pellegrini believes that the £30m forward will become a "very important player" for the club.

The 61-year-old told reporters: "It's important to have this clear - we didn't bring in Bony just for this year.

"Maybe it was a difficult start for him here mainly because of his injury. Maybe he's not playing the amount of minutes he must play, but I'm sure that he'll be a very important player next season."

City can guarantee a top-three finish in the Premier League standings with a win at the Liberty Stadium.

Real Madrid make Van Persie enquiry

The Dutchman has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford and the club will listen to offers for him in the summer, with the Spanish giants showing an interest

Real Madrid have made an enquiry regarding the availability of Robin van Persie this summer.

The Spanish giants, knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage this week by Juventus, have been talking with Manchester United about the future of Javier Hernandez, the Mexican forward who has been on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu this campaign.

United are keen to offload Hernandez on a permanent basis for a fee, though it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will remain with Madrid into next season.

That has prompted the Spanish club to consider their options as they look to strengthen their forward options alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo - and Van Persie’s name has come up in discussions.

The Dutchman has made a total of 25 appearances for United this term, scoring 10 goals. But despite lofty expectations upon Louis van Gaal’s takeover at Old Trafford last summer, he has failed to establish himself as his countryman’s key striker.

He will also be a free agent in the summer of 2016 with just one year left on his current deal, though as that amounts to nearly €16.5m, Madri and United may need to come to an agreement to settle Van Persie’s outstanding earnings if any move comes to fruition.

It is thought United would be willing to make a significant contribution to his final year’s wages by way of a pay-off to smooth his exit from the club, while Real are attracted by the idea of taking a quality striker who could provide formidable striking cover or even challenge Benzema for a starting position, form and fitness depending.

United are increasingly unlikely to retain Radamel Falcao’s services next season after a disappointing debut Premier League season and have already identified Harry Kane as a key summer target to replace the misfiring Colombia international, though Tottenham insist he is not for sale.

Barcelona/Juventus receive 20,000 tickets each for Champions League final

Barcelona and Juventus have been allocated 20,000 tickets each for the Champions League final on June 6 in Berlin.

Despite the stadium being able to host over 70,000 fans, both sides will only be able to fill half the Olympiastadion with the rest of the remaining seats going to sponsors, corporate partners and UEFA members.

Six thousand seats have gone on general sale, leaving sponsors and the corporate partners with over 24,500 seats, according to the Independent.

However, tickets are no longer on sale, meaning supporters will have to shell out up to £12,000 on ticket exchange websites if they are to watch the game live.

Tickets quickly sold out when they went on sale in March.

Louis van Gaal: 'I know who will replace David de Gea'

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has intimated that he already has a replacement in mind for goalkeeper David de Gea if he leaves for Real Madrid this summer.

Speculation is rife that the 24-year-old will join the Blancos, with reports on Friday suggesting that the Spaniard has already agreed personal terms in Madrid.

Van Gaal admits that he wants De Gea - who was nominated for PFA Player of the Year - to stay, but says that he has contingency plans in place should a departure materialise.

"We want him to sign but he has to want to stay here at Manchester United," the Dutchman told reporters. "I don't know why he has not made the decision.

"We know who already shall be the next goalkeeper. We have a list of goalkeepers who can replace him because we have to be organised also, not only for that position but every position.

"We want him to stay so hopefully he shall sign."

Reports earlier this week had suggested that Van Gaal was lining up a move for Stoke City stopper Asmir Begovic, whose contract expires next summer.

Carlo Ancelotti agrees pre-contract deal with Manchester City

Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Manchester City to take charge of the Premier League side next season.

The Real Madrid manager has admitted that he does not know whether he will remain with the La Liga side next season after failing to win a trophy this season.

With Manuel Pellegrini's position also thought to be under threat because of a year without silverware, The Mirror reports that the Italian has signed a pre-contract deal with the club.

Ancelotti has won the Champions League three times with AC Milan and Real, while previously claiming the Premier League title and FA Cup during a stint at Chelsea.

James Milner to snub Arsenal for Liverpool

Manchester City winger James Milner is poised to snub Arsenal in favour of joining Liverpool this summer, according to reports.

Milner, whose contract expires in June, has been offered an extension but the 29-year-old is reportedly reluctant to sign after becoming frustrated with his wide role.

Both Premier League sides are said to be rivalling each other for his signature, but the England international would favour a move to Anfield.

The Gunners boast the advantage of Champions League over Liverpool, but Milner prefers a switch to Merseyside in the belief that his first-team chances are better, according to The Mirror.

He has netted four times in 30 league appearances this season.

Earlier today, City boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted that he was keen to see him sign a new deal.

Arsene Wenger determined to seal third place in the Premier League

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is determined to guide his side to victory over Manchester United to ensure that they avoid the qualifying stages of the Champions League.

The Gunners are currently in third place in the Premier League, which would guarantee them an automatic spot in the group stages of Europe's elite competition.

However, United trail Wenger's side by two points ahead of their clash on Sunday, and the Frenchman has insisted that they have to take the initiative in the game to end the Red Devils' challenge for third place.

Wenger told reporters: "At the moment we are focused on finishing as high as we can and finishing the season well. After that we will deal with the consequences. We know we are in the top four. We know we can do better, so let's go for it.

"At the end of the day, the team who finishes fifth would love to have that tension [of a qualifying tie], so we cannot complain. We have had to deal with that for a few years now and if we can get straight into the competition it would be better.

"You have more chance to lose the [European] game than to win it, so sometimes you pay the price in the Premier League."

Arsenal face United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur renew hope of signing Morgan Schneiderlin

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly renewed their interest in Southampton's French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

The 25-year-old is being linked with a move away from St Mary's this summer, with Arsenal dubbed as the favourites to acquire his signature.

However, the Gunners are allegedly cooling their interest in the Frenchman due to other options becoming available to manager Arsene Wenger, which is now opening the door for Arsenal's North London rivals to come in and take advantage of the situation, according to The Telegraph.

Schneiderlin has previously revealed that he wants to play in the Champions League, which could potentially scupper a move to White Hart Lane and the chance to link back up with Mauricio Pochettino.

Despite being unable to offer Champions League football, Spurs allegedly remain hopeful that they can tempt the midfielder into a move, with a reported £10m fee enough to gain his services.

Gerard Pique: 'Barcelona are bomb-proof'

Gerard Pique has described the current Barcelona team as "bomb-proof" as they edge closer towards sealing the treble.

The Catalans have the chance to win the Primera Division title this Sunday but will have to overcome reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in the process.

Barca are already in the finals of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey and their Spanish defender believes that the team can deal with anything that is thrown at them.

"To have the chance to win the treble is very good and rare," Pique told reporters.

"We didn't have these expectations in January and not at the beginning of the season. It's very difficult. You always go through difficult moments as we did the last time we won the treble but we have got through those times. This team is bomb-proof.

"We haven't won any titles yet. We have to keep our feet on the ground. I want to win La Liga. I don't care when or where. Hopefully, it will be at the Calderon but players don't decide where they win trophies."

Barca need one win from their last two games to confirm their status as the best in the league, with just four points separating them and their rivals Real Madrid in second.

Jose Mourinho: 'If I owned an English team, I would make Tony Pulis manager'

Jose Mourinho has hailed Tony Pulis's style of management by saying that if he were to own an English football club, he would want the West Bromwich Albion boss in charge.

The 52-year-old believes that the former Stoke City boss is underrated and always delivers what the club asks of him.

Pulis took over the Midlands side in January as they sat one point above the relegation zone but has now led them to safety, guaranteeing them another season in the Premier League.

"It's simple. If I own an English club, which I don't and which I'd never do, I'd sign Tony Pulis. It's as simple as that," Mourinho said in his pre-match press conference.

"It's a guarantee to achieve what the club wants. He never managed a club that wants to be champions. He never managed a club that wants a top four place. He's always managed clubs who want to survive and who want stability, and he's mathematic - what the club wants, he gives.

"His record is absolutely amazing, and he does what some people don't understand – but I do – and what other people sometimes don't rate, but I do. Which is the relation between what the manager wants and what the team is."

The Portuguese manager will travel with his Chelsea side to The Hawthorns to face Pulis and the Baggies on Monday night.

Jamie Carragher: 'Gareth Bale should return to the Premier League'

Jamie Carragher believes that Gareth Bale should leave Real Madrid in the summer to return to the Premier League.

The Welshman joined Carlo Ancelotti's men in 2013 for a world-record £86m and had an impressive first season for Real as the club won the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

However, Bale has had a troubled second campaign with Madrid due to injuries and a lack of form, which was displayed in his side's aggregate defeat to Juventus in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: "Watching from the sidelines on Wednesday night, as Juventus destroyed Real's hopes of retaining the Champions League, I saw a player who was timid and lacking confidence. The spark that made him so scintillating to watch had gone.

"To get it back, he should return to the Premier League this summer. Never mind what some people are saying about sticking it out in Spain for the sake of British football - this is about a young lad's career. He would not be taking the easy way out. Who benefits from him being unhappy?

"A move home would make sense on a number of levels, not least as while Cristiano Ronaldo is there, scoring a goal per game and dominating the agenda, Bale - no matter what he does, not even after a debut campaign that included 22 goals and 17 assists - is in a fight he will struggle to win."

Bale has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur 'warn Manchester United Harry Kane is not for sale'

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to rebuff any summer offers for Harry Kane, amid reports that Manchester United are keen to sign the England international.

The 21-year-old burst onto the scene this season with his scoring prowess and is now a regular first-team player at White Hart Lane.

Reports this morning claimed that the striker, who also earned his first senior England cap earlier in the season, is at the top of United's wishlist ahead of their predicted summer splurge on signings.

The North-West outfit are believed to be prepared to part with £40m for the young forward, but according to Goal.com, Tottenham are confident of keeping hold of Kane after he signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal in February.

Kane scooped the PFA Young Player of the Year award last month.

Michael Essien to join Panathinaikos

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is reported to be on his way to Greek giants Panathinaikos.

The 32-year-old will be a free agent when his 18-month contract with AC Milan expires in the summer.

According to Todomercadoweb, Essien has been offered a two-year deal worth €1m (£728,000) a year by Panathinaikos.

The Ghanaian has only made 10 Serie A starts since joining Milan from Chelsea in 2014, after a short loan spell at Real Madrid.

Essien made 257 appearances during a nine-year spell at Stamford Bridge in which he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Saturday, May 16, 2015