Betting: Groundhog day on the cards for Arsenal against Bayern Munich February 15, 2017 As sure as night following day, or Manchester United remaining in sixth, Arsenal will once again take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League this evening. The round of 16 tie is the fourth time they’ve been drawn together in the past five seasons, and the third occasion at this stage of the competition. After being [...]
The business secrets behind Real Madrid’s Champions League success (hint: it’s not just the galacticos) February 15, 2017 Any mention of Real Madrid and most would think of lavish transfer fees, “galáctico” celebrity signings, huge riches and — of course — a sparkling trophy cabinet stuffed with silverware. Madrid take on Napoli in the Champions League tonight ranked among the favourites to win the competition, a feat that would secure them both a record [...]
Former Manchester United winger nets twice as Paris Saint-Germain crush Barcelona in Champions League last-16 clash February 14, 2017 Barcelona will have to make Champions League history if they are to progress to the quarter-finals after suffering a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital. No team has overturned a four-goal deficit in the competition but that is the mountainous task facing Barcelona in the second leg at Camp [...]
Arsene Wenger confirms David Ospina, not Petr Cech, will line-up against Bayern Munich, although Mesut Ozil left to sweat on his place February 14, 2017 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists back-up goalkeeper David Ospina is owed a place in the side after confirming he will start Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Ospina is set to make his ninth appearance of the season and play ahead of regular No1 Petr Cech, who is [...]
Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus faces lengthy lay-off as club confirm fractured metatarsal injury February 14, 2017 Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus could face months on the sidelines after suffering a fractured metatarsal in Monday's 2-0 victory over Bournemouth. The 19-year-old has made an instant impact at City but lasted for just 15 minutes before limping off at the Vitality Stadium. He underwent tests on Tuesday morning and will now "face further examinations in [...]
Why dropping Mesut Ozil might be Arsenal’s best chance of getting a result at Bayern Munich February 14, 2017 Uncertainty reigns at Arsenal as they prepare for their latest Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich tonight. Will Arsene Wenger sign a new contract, and what about the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez? At the heart of it lies the fate of the manager, but it all feels a little unanswerable at the [...]
Betting: Barcelona to break PSG hearts on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2017 Barcelona travel to the city of love on Valentine’s Day to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the opening match of the Champions League knock-out stage. The Spanish giants won the 2006 edition of Europe’s premier competition in Paris, and the clash between two of the continent’s largest sides is sure to set hearts fluttering. Unusually [...]
Bournemouth 0, Manchester City 2: Pep Guardiola refuses to engage in title race despite City trimming Chelsea’s Premier League cushion February 13, 2017 Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola continued to douse his side’s chance of reeling in runaway leaders Chelsea despite cutting their rivals’ lead at the Premier League summit to eight points with victory at Bournemouth. City chalked up their third successive league win and seventh in 10 matches since mid-December courtesy of Raheem Sterling’s first-half strike [...]
Newly-appointed England Test captain Joe Root backed to eclipse predecessor Alastair Cook February 13, 2017 England cricket chief Colin Graves has backed newly-installed Test captain Joe Root to lead his country to loftier heights after he was confirmed as Alastair Cook’s successor. As expected, the 26-year-old was named as the nation’s 80th Test skipper, replacing Cook who oversaw two Ashes victories, impressive series wins in India and South Africa and [...]
Swansea City 2, Leicester City 0: Claudio Ranieri demands more determination after resurgent Swansea beat free-falling Foxes February 12, 2017 Swansea City 2, Leicester City 0 Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri accused his players of lacking determination after a fifth Premier League defeat in a row deepened the free-falling champions’ relegation worries on Sunday. Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson’s sweet volley put the hosts ahead and left-back Martin Olsson blasted a second to clinch their fourth win [...]