Euro Qualifying Round 5 Preview

You either love or hate the international break. It's like Marmite and I love it. No, not the spread, the football. We're back for Round 5 of the Euro 2016 Qualifying campaign and the home nations will be looking to be one step closer to the tournament come Monday.

England kick us off on Friday night with a tie against Lithuania. It should be a relatively straightforward tie in a relatively simple group for Roy Hodgson's men. With England at the top of the pile with four wins out of four, another three would be a step closer to booking their flights on the plane across the channel to France next summer. All the lights will be on Harry Kane who is set to win his first cap for his country. I don't think there could have been a more suited tie for his debut as the Three Lions are expected to coast past a side sitting fourth in the group. A call up for Kane has been well deserved considering his goal scoring form this year. Another Spurs player, Ryan Mason has also been included for the first time who has replaced the injured Adam Lallana. It will be a massive shock if England do not win at home, meaning that Hodgson can use the youth that he has at his disposal.

Wales face a difficult trip to Jerusalem to face Israel in a tricky group B game. Currently sitting behind Israel in the table, it will be a titanic battle to see who will come out on top. Neither side has met each other in a competitive fixture since since Wales beat them 4-0 to progress to the 1958 World Cup Finals in Sweden - their only appearance in the competition to date. Israeli International football is going through a rough time as of late, with many fans getting apprehensive over their sides recent failures to qualify for a major competition. Without someone of the calibre of Gareth Bale, I doubt whether Wales would be able to go their and get any sort of a result. However, with the recent tension between Madristas and Bale, he will probably see this as a welcome break to get away from all the pressures he faces in his everyday life as a Real Madrid footballer. I don't think Wales will be able to come away with all three points, but I do think that Bale can rescue a vital draw for the Dragons, and give them confidence going into the remaining qualifying matches.

Some may say that Scotland face a 'week off' when they take on Gibraltar at home on Saturday, but we all know that they can turn the easiest of games into a battle in recent years. However, Gordon Strachan and Scotland seem to be on an upward turn this campaign, with a respectable performance against Germany and a wins against the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Gibraltar will not offer any competition to Scotland and I would expect them to put at least 3 goals past them. This would give Strachan the opportunity to try other combinations to ensure that is side has strength in depth for the rest of the qualifying campaign. Level on points with Germany and the Republic of Ireland, they will be looking to distance themselves from their Irish neighbours. They don't have as good a goal difference as Ireland, and with them facing leaders Poland, they will be hoping to score goals, particularly if this group is decided on goal difference. A couple of early goals, could see Gibraltar fold, and a barrage of goals could follow. Scotland to win comfortably.

As mentioned previously, the other team in Group D, Republic of Ireland face a crunch match against Poland in the Aviva Stadium. Having beaten the World Champions already in the group phase, Poland will go into this match with confidence and will hope to pile the pressure onto Germany. It will be a tough ask on Sunday, particularly with the injuries to several key men. Darren Gibson has returned to Merseyside after suffering a groin injury. Concerns have been raised over the fitness of Burnley fullback, Stephen Ward, who is doubtful also with an ankle injury. After limping off a training session earlier this week, James McClean was confirmed that he will be '100% ready to play' come kick off on Sunday. With Scotland facing an easy task and Germany travelling to Georgia, there is no room for error for Martin O'Neill's men. A 'play for a draw' mentality could back fire and leave them on the back foot, playing catch up for the rest of campaign, if they harbour any ambitions to qualify for the finals. It's a must win game, and also a tricky affair. The crowd could play a massive part in an Irish victory and I am predicting a smash and grab job for O'Neill's men. 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland.

Last but not least, Northern Ireland hope to continue their impressive start to the qualifying campaign with a game against Finland on Sunday. A win would see them move onto 12 points level with Romania, who are likely to beat the Faroe Islands at the weekend. Lee Hodson has been called up to replace the injured Paul Paton who was set to make his debut appearance. Also on the injury front, Sammy Clingan and Shane Ferguson were ruled out and both will be blows to Michael O'Neill. Top scorer, Kyle Lafferty is set to play, while Jonny Evans is set to make his return to competitive international football after a 16 month lay off. Looking at Finland, they sit in fourth position, five points behind their opposition. Expect the crowd to get behind the Green and White Army, and I wouldn't be surprised if Finland were to become the latest victim of Michael O'Neill's Ulstermen. I think Northern Ireland can sneak it, 1-0.

It's the new year in the qualifying calendar, and every one of the Home Nation sides will be hoping to carry their form from 2014 into 2015. Round 5 marks the half way point, and teams will be on the home straight in order to confirm their place on the plane to France next summer. An intriguing weekend of international football awaits. 

Champions League Quarter Final Draw 2015

For the second time in three years the Champions League Quarter Final round will be an English free zone. Eight teams make up the four ties with the marquee match being the rematch of last years final, an all Madrid derby. Here, I'll offer you my predictions as to how I think this round will pan out.

Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona

Both teams met against each other in the group stages with each side picking up a victory. PSG have two team of the year centre backs, but Messi and co will be looking to exploit this considering David Luiz is likely to play. The first leg in Paris will suit PSG, as a positive result would mean they have everything to go and defend for in the Nou Camp. For Barcelona they will definitely target Luiz and try to pull him out of position and this shouldn't be too hard considering the wealth of talent at the disposal of the Catalan giants. Both sides play similar 4-3-3 formations with Marco Veratti playing similar role to Sergio Busquests in the middle of the park. I do think the first leg will be a tentative, cagey affair with the game in the group stages fresh in Barca minds and PSG not wanting to concede an away goal. I think PSG will come win at home, leaving a enthralling encounter to be had at the Nou Camp but I do believe Enrique's Barca will come through the tie as their class and panache will be evident in the second leg.

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
Atleti want to banish those memories of Lisbon 2014 when Real ran riot in extra time to score three unanswered goals and clinch La Decima. For Real, they want to avenge the 4-0 drubbing their opponents dished out last month in February. Atleti know how to beat their City rivals, having only lost to them once in the last seven matches. The Rojiblancos scraped through a tie against German side, Bayer Leverkusen on penalties and will certainly need to play a lot better if they are going to out muscle their city counterparts. As for Los Merengues, a comfortable away win against Schalke was enough to secure a victory in the tie even though they lost in the home leg. Madristas expressed their frustration at the final whistle of the game with the waving of white tissues in the air. Carlo Ancelotti will now be feeling the pressure. It's predictable how Simeone will line up his side, defensive and solid - not looking to concede and looking to punish on the counter. Ronaldo and co. will have the majority of possession but it will be what they do with the ball that determines the outcome of the tie. I will not be surprised if this goes the full distance but do think Atleti will edge out Real and hammer the final nail into the coffin of Carlo Ancelotti.

Porto v Bayern Munich
On paper this match looks incredibly one sided, but having rarely witnessed Porto play, it's difficult to say whether this is true or not. A draw for Porto in the first leg, preferably goalless, would deny Bayern the away goal which could be a deciding factor in the tie. . By the time the tie comes around, Bayern will be able to rest a few key players in domestic fixtures in order to prepare for the game. On the other hand, Porto have everything to play for in the Portuguese league and they trail Benfica who are on top of the pile by four points. The Portuguese side have a few useful operators in their ranks, including Casemiro, the loanee from Madrid, Bruno Martins Indi and Jackson Martinez. Casemiro is a sturdy defensive midfielder with a useful shot on him, but his discipline can let him down sometimes. Up front, Martinez is an experienced striker who knows where the goal is. I am confident in predicting a comfortable Bayern win and passage into their fourth semi final in since 2010.

Juventus v Monaco
Probably noted as a tie that not many will take an interest in, I think Juventus versus Monaco has to be taken seriously. It's a tie that both sides have the potential to win. Juventus have completed domestic domination in Italy, but have not been able to translate their supremacy in Serie A to Europe.  At the start of the season, Monaco were faltering and losing games, now however, Leonardo Jardim has turned them into a defensively solid unit - they have just lost three of their last 23 games in all competitions in regulation time, conceding just nine goals over that spell. Impressive. Juventus are also defensively solid, having kept nineteen clean sheets already this season and haven't conceded since a 2-1 home loss against Fiorentina on 5th March. Monaco have pace in Fererra-Carrasco and Anthony Martial up front, mixed with the guile and charisma of Dimi Berbatov. It will be interesting to see how this progresses against, Chiellini and Bonucci. Paul Pogba has been majestic this season and is certainly the jewel in the Old Lady's crown, but Monaco have a similar type of player in Geoffrey Kondogbia. I'm looking forward to this tactical tie, and think the match winners in Tevez and Pogba will keep the Italian flag flying in this years edition.

For the likes of Monaco and Porto, not many people expected them to get to the quarters and be in with a shout. I don't think we will see any exceedingly one sided ties in this round, and there is the possibility of an upset. Even if Monaco do not progress, they will have reached expectations in the tournament and with a young squad, it won't be the last we hear of them. First leg ties will be played the week commencing the 13th April with the return legs on 22nd April.

A Square Peg in a Round Hole.

It's deadline day, 1st September 2014 and Louis Van Gaal has confirmed the signature of Colombian number 9, Radamel Falcao. With a striking force of Falcao, Van Persie, Di Maria and Wayne Rooney, many thought that United would be up there in the title challenge. The four scored a over 50 goals between them last season, with Falcao netting 11. So why has it all gone wrong for Radamel Falcao?

I will be highly amazed if he is signed for the reported €43m in the summer after the loan deal this season worth £6m. Scoring 4 goals in 19 games for The Red Devils has done nothing to inspire Van Gaal to stump up the money to make his signing permanent. Injuries have also hampered his playing time, having been ruled out of the World Cup having got injured in a match for Monaco. Injury worries are probably why he was only signed on loan - a smart move from Louis Van Gaal.

It is evident that Falcao is a confidence player, and right now his morale is rock bottom. This is not helped by the constant bashing he has received in the media. Falcao needs a 5 yard winner and a run of games in the first team. Anytime he has netted, he has either been benched or picks up an injury. He has also had to adapt to the tactics used by Van Gaal in Manchester. Radamel Falcao excels as the front man in a 4-2-3-1 formation with a playmaker in behind. At United it would be Juan Mata or Wayne Rooney, but LVG has been experimenting with a hybrid 3-5-2/5-3-2 or a 4-1-2-1-2 formation. 

Louis Van Gaal doesn't know his best tactic and starting 11 and this is hampering both Falcao and the rest of the squad. Earlier in the season, the Colombian was played in a front two alongside Van Persie. It is safe to say that he didn't enjoy this and prefers to be a lone wolf up front. Van Persie and Falcao are similar types of players, strong and like a traditional centre forward. Both were running into each others space and frustration was apparent in their body language. Van Gaal is obviously going to prefer the Dutchman, with Falcao seemingly moving on to new pastures in the summer.

The media jumped at the chance to hammer Falcao for being substituted in an U21s match where he was largely ineffective. This is the last thing everyone expected to hear when he completed the loan move back in September. Also, Adnan Januzaj was preferred on Monday night when Manchester United were a goal down to Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter final tie. He pretty much sums up El Tigre's career in Manchester when a 20 year old academy graduate gets the nod over a seasoned striker.

Again, Louis Van Gaal overlooked Falcao for his selection to face Spurs on Sunday, in favour of Rooney and Fellaini with Mata in behind. Unlike the Arsenal result, United delivered an accurate, professional performance and comfortably won 3-0, meaning that Falcao's troubles will not be documented as readily as he was over the past week.

On Sunday however, Van Gaal played a 4-3-3 formation, something which could benefit the Colombian. Mata and Ashley Young were the two wide men and both had decent outings. Ashley Young has the ability to whip in a venomous ball and if Di Maria plays on the right, those pesky inswingers are a nightmare for defences to defend. This could be the attacking lineup that sparks a comeback for Falcao, however it doesn't look like he will be able to displace Wayne Rooney anytime soon.

His pickle also asks another question. Is the role of the 'traditional number 9' dying out? Like Falcao, Fernando Torres never excelled at Chelsea, even though he did at Liverpool, and Andy Carroll has failed to make any impact after a one hit wonder season at Newcastle. While Diego Costa shows similar traits to that of the number 9, he tends to like to drift wider in order to bring the midfield of Fabregas, Willian and Hazard into play.

Giroud is probably the closest we have to another Shearer, however it's insulting to Geordie to compare the Frenchman to him. In the modern era, teams are preferring to adopt a playmaking number 10 in the hole. United has Rooney, Chelsea have Hazard, Arsenal have Ozil and Liverpool have Coutinho. This type of player has become more dominant in the modern day and are more of a focal point than the traditional striker.

In the number of appearances he has had this season, I remember the away game in the FA Cup to Cambridge United. He was heavily criticised after a poor team performance from his side, yet he received substandard service from his midfield, and that is being generous. The battering he took from the media, will have done more damage than good to his morale. I don't think anyone can doubt that he has got a dead eye from goal, and is lethal in front of goal, but he needs Mata, Herrera, Rooney to do their job in the centre of the pitch.

If Radamel Falcao wants to prolong his stay in Manchester, then he will need to come up with the goods sooner rather than later. However, it looks like he is on borrowed time in Old Trafford, and will be travelling back to the French Riviera once the season concludes. I don't think United are suited to him, and there definitely will be plenty of suitors in the summer if he is looking to part from Monaco. 

The Transformation of PSG

A stunning, disciplined performance from 10 man PSG ensured a confident victory over Chelsea in the Champions League last 16. The game was not without its controversial moments, including the red card to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a penalty shout for Diego Costa in the first half. However, the thing I found most commendable was the transformation that has taken place since the New Year.

Before Christmas, rumours of a fractured dressing room in the French capital appeared, with strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani in the thick of it. A disagreement between the pair saw, queries over the future of Cavani at the club and the future of Laurent Blanc as manager. I remember seeing one clip in particular where Ibra was in a 2 on 1 with Cavani against a defender with a simple pass to the side would have allowed Cavani to have an unchallenged shot at goal, instead, he didn't pass and the move broke down. The look of disgust on the Uruguayan's face was unforgettable.

It is worth noting that the Parisians did not lose a game until the Champions League away match against Barcelona in December and the next loss followed suit against Guingamp 4 days later. However numerous draws halted their climb up the Ligue 1 table. During the month of September they recorded just 2 wins and 4 draws, not good by the high standards set at the club. December was another bad month, as they only picked up 8 points out of a possible 18 in all competitions. Worse was yet to come.

The January game against Bastia is probably the lowest point of the season to date. PSG raced into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes through goals from Lucas Moura and Adrien Rabiot and were entirely commanding in the opening exchanges. There is only one explanation as to why they conceded 4 unanswered goals. Complacency. PSG had by far the superior starting 11 on paper, but gifting them 2 goals gave them the momentum and then it was very hard for the Parisians to get back to the top. 

The Christmas period was particularly difficult as fresh rumours of discontent rumbled in the air. Again Cavani was in the middle of it. Both him and fellow countryman Ezequiel Lavezzi were suspended internally for 2 games after they failed to report back to the training camp in Morocco after a week off. The dressing room was divided with some players jealous at the privileges others got. Players that were out of form seemed undroppable leaving those on the bench irritated and confused. Laurent Blanc had his hands full of many problems in the French capital. 

What happened last night against Chelsea and can Blanc carry this on into the closing stages of the season?

To start with, no one can deny that Chelsea were diabolical, and this would have made it a whole lot easier for Blanc's men even if they were down to 10 men for 90 minutes of the match. Blanc hit the nail on the head with the tactics and was able to take advantage of PSG's unknown superiority at set pieces. It was nothing less than what they deserved.

Looking at the controversial incidents during the match, the challenge from Ibra looked like a leg breaker but it was a 50/50 challenge with both players having a keen intent on going for the ball. It's easy to criticise the referee, but it's occasions like this where they would benefit greatly from the introduction of a television match official or 'TMO'. It is also simple to condemn the despicable Chelsea players from surrounding the ref, but it's commonplace in today's game - not that it makes it acceptable.

Diego Costa was a constant liability during the game and it amazes me as to how he was never sent off, but he had a 'stonewall' penalty appeal refuted as some would say. It was terrific skill from the ex Brazilian but it was quite clear he never had any intention of getting a shot away. There was contact but it needs to be emphasised that not all contact is considered a foul. If it was, then I would go to write about chess or something daft like that. Costa has got a tremendous amount of ability, but his temperament can cost his team.

Looking at PSG themselves, they knew all their roles. Marco Verratti was at his niggly best, Javier Pastore ran himself into the ground and Sirigu produced several fine saves to keep the Parisians in the tie. It was written in the script for David Luiz to score against his former club last night, following suit with Klass-Jan Huntelaar the night before and Danny Welbeck on Monday. As much as we all like to abuse him for his distinct lack of defensive qualities and just being an all round shambolic defender, Luiz does try his best. That statement may seem like a bit of a cop-out, but he showed a tremendous amount of passion, unlike a few others on the pitch and looking back on it, did so through out the World Cup.

PSG put in a professional performance last night, similar to Chelsea's against Barcelona in 2012. The task for Laurent Blanc will be to keep his players singing from the same hymn book and they definitely topple Lyon at the top of Ligue 1. As for the Champions League, it is probably a bit further in the distance yet. Managing a dressing room packed with egos is difficult, but I take confidence from the victory of Stamford Bridge that Blanc is the right man to lead them to glory.

Qatar 2022: A Blessing in Disguise for English Football?

I have been very vocal about FIFA and the decision to reward Qatar with the 2022 World Cup. Recently though, it has been confirmed that the first Winter World Cup will be in the offing with the final being played on the 23rd December. This decision has been heavily criticised (and rightly so) but could this be a blessing in disguise for English football? 

For so long, football divisions across the world have been disrupted to make way for the greatest footballing spectacle in the world, now FIFA have proposed a Winter World Cup - slap bang in the middle of the Premeir League season. This has outraged many English fans, but I personally believe that it could serve English football well.

Every year, the 6 Nations kicks off in the middle of the Guinness Pro12/Top14/Aviva Premiership season, meaning that rugby clubs have to say good bye to their star players as they go off to represent their country. It's a nuisance, but no one bats an eyelid. It is often a nervy time, but exciting, as coaches have to call some younger players to fill the void left by the internationals. This is a scenario in which football clubs could lock horns with, and I very much hope the FA continues the season while the World Cup is on. 

Currently in the Premier League, it is only the very best youth prospects, the crème de la crème, that will get game time. I can see fans getting very upset at the thought of the Premier League being disrupted and I sympathise with them, to an extent. This provides the perfect opportunity for teams to use rotational players, and they could stake a claim for a first team spot. 

Several weeks ago, I was watching an U21 match between Manchester United and Chelsea. On the Chelsea side there were no household names, and by this I mean names that people will not of heard of (excluding Chelsea fans for obvious reasons.) I was amazed at some of the talent on show from that side. It also made me wonder, what would happen if these players got more first team action? There is definitely talent in the youth ranks, it just needs nurtured and developed.

However if this scenario comes true, it would be likely for the FA to raise the amount of registered players. This has both pros and cons. It would allow clubs to register more of their youth players for the league, but on the otherhand, others may take this as an opportunity to spend more money in order to add strength and depth to their sides. Can you really blame them? I think the proposals made by FIFA will offer short term pain but long term gain for English sides.

Unless there is a massive power change, the top sides will only be affected. If 2014 World Cup was played in November/December 2014, Manchester United would have the most players missing (14). Chelsea would have had 12 players missing, while Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City would have had 10 players each called up. I think we could agree that these clubs are among the top clubs in England and would have sufficient players on their books to fill the void left by the departures. We must also consider that 'injuries' could occur meaning that players may not be able to travel, giving them time to recover at home and chances are, that may make a miraculous recovery in time for the league games.

Following on, it may make the league more interesting. Weaker teams battling relegation may see this as a prime time to pick up lucrative points facing the stronger sides who have been weakened by the Winter World Cup. The club managers would really earn their money then. I have regularly emphasised my point that Southampton have been a revelation this year. Undoubtedly they would have key players missing, but not to the extent of the other sides. A team in Southampton's position could mount a serious charge for European football in 2022.

A Winter World Cup would throw up an abundance of trials and tribulations for English football. While this article definitely has a 'glass is half full' taste to it, I still think it is despicable that FIFA can award such competition to a nation who cannot even keep their word on when it would be played. As the saying goes, every cloud certainly has it's silver lining.