Tag Archives: carroll

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Preview: West Ham vs Swansea, Sat 15:00

Michael Laudrup’s impressive Swans have lost just 1 of their last 11 matches in all competitions, and they’ll fancy their chances against Sam Allardyce’s out-of-sorts Hammers on Saturday afternoon.

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Swansea players celebrate rounding of a routine win against West Ham earlier in the season.

Team News:

West Ham:

  • Daniel Potts (head), George McCartney (knee) and James Collins (hamstring) make up the long term injury list for West Ham.
  • Striker Andy Carroll returned to action against Fulham in midweek from the bench. He’s likely to start as a sub once again as his recovery from a knee injury continues.
  • Manager Sam Allardyce is likely to name the same side that featured in the 3-1 loss at Craven Cottage, with Marouane Chamakh as the starting forward.

 

Swansea City:

  • Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm is still sidelined by a knee injury and will again be replaced by Gerhard Tremmel.
  • The Swans will have fewer attacking options to select from after Danny Graham’s departure to Sunderland on transfer deadline day.
  • Michu and Itay Schechter are likely to start in the forward roles for the Swans in the absence of Graham

 

Think you can predict the line-ups? Play our Facebook game ‘The Insider’ and win great prizes: PLAY NOW

 

Premier League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

West Ham: L-L-D-L-W                         Swansea:  D-W-D-D-W

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

WEST HAM

SWANSEA

WINS

6

2

DRAWS

2

 

When these sides met in the Premier League back in August, the Swans outclassed the Hammers on every level at the Liberty Stadium. Angel Rangel, Michu and Danny Graham found the net for Swansea as they romped to a 3-0 victory.

 

The Stats:

  • West Ham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 Premier League games at Upton Park.
  • West Ham have put in more crosses than any other Premier League side this season (556).
  • Swansea have drawn five of their last seven league games, winning the other two.
  • Only Norwich and Villa (2) have taken fewer points from their past six games than West Ham (4).
  • The Hammers have only drawn eight of the 51 Premier League games they’ve played in February (W22 L21).
  • 15% of Swansea’s Premier League games (all-time) have ended goalless, a higher proportion than any other team in the division’s history.
  • West Ham (3) and Swansea (4) have drawn seven games 0-0 between them this season.
  • The Swans have won four points more (34) this season than they had at this stage last season under Brendan Rodgers (30).
  • Michu has now gone five Premier League games without a goal.

 

Follow Saturday’s Premier League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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Preview: Fulham vs West Ham, Wed 20:00

An all London clash between two out-of-sorts sides. Fulham are the only team yet to win a Premier League London derby this season.

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Reid-westham.jpg

West Ham celebrate after Reid put them 2-0 up against Fulham

Team News:

Fulham:

  • Martin Jol has a few injury concerns ahead of this London derby with some of his squad players unable to make the game.
  • Welshman Simon Davies (neck), Kerim Frei (groin) and Kieran Richardson (calf) are all doubts for the visit of West Ham.
  • There is a chance that Mahamadou Diarra (knee), could return but it may be just too soon for the midfielder to make his comeback.
  • The Cottagers have signed Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong on loan, he is likely to be in the squad but may take a place on the bench rather than head straight into the starting line-up.

West Ham:

  • West Ham have numerous injury worries of their own- George McCartney (knee) and Danny Potts (concussion) are still stranded on the side-lines.
  • Andy Carroll (knee) could return, but as he looks to recover fully from a long-term absence, he may have to settle for a place on the bench 
  • Winston Reid (groin) is a doubt but could play
  • James Collins (hamstring) is another looking to make a comeback, but Sam Allardyce will be wary of rushing back a defender with them so short-stocked at the back.

 

League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

Fulham: L-D-W-L-D                                    West Ham:  L-D-L-W-L

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

FULHAM

WEST HAM

WINS

1

6

DRAWS

3

When West Ham hosted the Cottagers at the beginning of September, Andy Carroll dominated the away defence and set up two goals on an impressive debut. Kevin Nolan scored in the first minute with Reid and Taylor adding to the scoreline and making it 3-0 before half time. Both sides will be looking for a vital win to end their poor run.

 

The Stats:

  • Martin Jol’s side have only one victory since their 2-1 win over Newcastle on December 15
  • The Cottagers have only won two of their last 15 league games (W2, D6, L7)
  • They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league matches
  • Fulham are the only team yet to win a Premier League London derby this season (D2, L3)
  • Fulham have only won two of their 17 Premier League meetings with West Ham (W2, D5, L10)
  • Neither side has a player in the top 20 Premier League goal-scorers this season
  • The Hammers have taken just two points from their last eight games
  • The Hammers have won six of their eight Premier League games away to Fulham (W6, D1, L1)
  • Sam Allardyce’s men have scored six away league goals this season, fewer than any other Premier League side. Stoke (eight) are the only other side not yet in double figures
  • The Hammers have claimed eight points from the last 33 available, and have lost five of their previous six away league games (D1, L5)

Follow Wednesday’s Premier League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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Preview: West Ham vs QPR, Sat 15:00

Harry Redknapp’s reformed QPR have won their last 2 away matches without conceding in all competitions, but they’ll have the work cut out making it 3 at West Ham’s fortress, Upton Park.

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West Ham players celebrate finding the net at Loftus Road earlier in the season.

Team News:

West Ham:

  • George McCartney, Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun (all knee) make up the long term injury list for the Hammers. But we understand that striker Andy Carroll is nearing a return to fitness after his latest lay-off.
  • West Ham will be boosted by the return of midfielder Mohamed Diame after over a month out with injury. Diame came on from the bench in West Ham’s 3-0 loss against Sunderland last weekend, and played 90 minutes in the Hammers’ FA Cup loss to Manchester United in midweek.
  • He will start alongside Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble in midfield this week.
  • Marouane Chamakh made his West Ham debut from the bench in that match, but he’s unlikely to start ahead of Carlton Cole or Ricardo Vaz Te this week.

 

QPR:

  • QPR will be without Bobby Zamora (hip), Andy Johnson (knee), Armand Traore (ankle) and Junior Hoilett (hamstring) through long term injury.
  • Samba Diakite is the R’s only other absentee, having departed London to play in the African Cup of Nations with Mali.
  • QPR’s new signing Loic Remy will be handed his debut this week after his move from Marseille was completed earlier this week. Remy will start alone up front for the R’s.

 

Think you can predict the line-ups? Play our Facebook game ‘The Insider’ and win great prizes: PLAY NOW

 

Premier League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

West Ham: L-W-L-L-D                                    QPR:  D-W-L-L-L

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

WEST HAM

QPR

WINS

3

5

DRAWS

2

 

When these sides met in the Premier League back in September, the Hammers ran out 2-1 winners at Loftus Road to cement QPR firmly to the bottom of the Premier League. Matt Jarvis and Ricardo Vaz Te scored inside the opening half an hour for Sam Allardyce’s side, before Adel Taraabt grabbed a consolation for the R’s.

 

The Stats:

  • West Ham have won 2 and lost none of their last 3 meetings with QPR at Upton Park.
  • QPR now have 14 points from their first 22 games of the season. Only one of the nine teams to have won 14 points or fewer from their first 22 games of a PL season have avoided relegation (West Brom – 2004-05).
  • Victory at Stamford Bridge last time out on the road ended a run of 23 Premier League away matches without a win for Rangers (W0 D5 L18).
  • Since Harry Redknapp took charge, QPR have taken more points in four away games (5) than they had in the previous 20 (3).
  • QPR have netted just two goals in their last five Premier League matches.
  • QPR and West Ham are two of the only three Premier League teams yet to concede a penalty in the league this season (along with Manchester United).
  • The Hammers have lost just 3 times at home all season, all of which came against sides in the top 7 of the Premier League.
  • Harry Redknapp has won four of the last five Premier League meetings with Sam Allardyce as opposition coaches (W4 L1)
  • If the league had started after Harry Redknapp’s appointment, QPR would be 13th in the Premier League.

 

Follow Saturday’s Premier League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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FA Cup Replay: Man United vs West Ham, Wed 20:05 (live on ITV 1)

Rooney looks set to return for United adding further trouble to West Ham overcoming their poor record at Old Trafford

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Screen shot 2013-01-15 at 13.31.37.png

 

Team News:

Manchester United:

  • Ashley Young and Nemanja Vidic both picked up knee injuries against Liverpool
  • Wayne Rooney is set to return for the first time since injuring his knee on Christmas Day.
  • Nani and Anderson also look set to return for United
  • Johnny Evans is still unfit with a hamstring strain
  • Ferguson may chose to rest some of the big stars as they have a massive match at White Hart Lane against Spurs in the Premier League next weekend

 

West Ham:

  • Marouane Chamakh is ineligible for the Hammers’ after not being registered for the original tie, so Carlton Cole is likely to continue up front.
  • Joey O’Brien, James Collins (both hamstring), George McCartney and Andy Carroll (both knee) remain sidelined for the Hammers.
  • Mark Noble may return from a calf problem, while Mohamed Diame has returned to fitness, but may be kept fresh for the weekend.

 

Domestic Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

Manchester United: W-W-W-W-D                                 West Ham:  L-W-L-L-D

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

MANCHESTER UNITED

WEST HAM

WINS

8

1

DRAWS

1

 

The last time the two sides met at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, United ran out massive 6-0 winners.

 

The Stats:

  • This will be the 10th time the two sides have met in this competition, with West Ham enjoying the upper hand, winning four times compared to the Red Devils’ three
  • United are unbeaten in 8 games stretching back to December’s 3-2 league win over Man City
  • United have won the last five home matches in a row against the Hammers, and have kept four clean sheets in the last four as well
  • West Ham have won just once in 7 games
  • They have only recorded a single victory on the road since October
  • The Hammers have hit just 5 goals away from Upton Park this term
  • Manchester United have not won the FA Cup since 2004. For the Hammers, cup glory last came in 1980.

 

Follow Wednesday’s FA Cup clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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Top 5 International Goals of 2012

PlayUp’s goals of 2012 series continues with the best international goals from a sensational year of football. Enjoy!

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David Silva (Spain) vs Venezuela (29/02/2012)

It’s nothing short of a privilege to watch the World and European Champions Spain terrorise teams on the international stage; and when they took on Venezuela in a friendly back in February, they were at their very best. The Spaniards ran out 5-0 victors, with David Silva scoring one of the best, most patient, cutting edge goals you’ll ever see. 39 passes were put together between the team before the Manchester City winger’s sublime finish, truly a joy to watch.

 

Andy Carroll (England) vs Sweden (15/06/2012)

England went into Euro 2012 with lower hopes than O.J Simpson’s lawyer, but the Three Lions still managed to produce one of the goals of the competition in Roy Hodgson’s first major tournament in charge. Liverpool striker Andy Carroll was a controversial selection ahead of England’s second Group D match against Sweden, but he quickly answered his critics with a phenomenal header just 23 minutes into the match. The cross, the run, the technique, and the occasion make this goal an absolute cracker!

 

Lionel Messi (Argentina) vs Brazil (09/06/2012)

Goal scoring record-breaker Lionel Messi produced yet another match winning performance for his country against South American rivals Brazil back in June, in a match where the Brazilian defence seemed to just step back and admire the striker. The Barcelona man helped himself to 3 goals in a 4-3 victory for the Argentines, the third of which was the pick of the bunch. Back off of Messi at your peril.

 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) vs England (14/11/2012)

Swedish sensation Zlatan Ibrahimovic single handedly dismantled a strong England side back in November, scoring all 4 goals in a 4-2 victory for the Swedes. His 4th of which was no ordinary strike, it’s one that’ll make goal compilation videos for years to come. There’s not many men in the world that would even attempt such an audacious goal, and probably only one man in the world that would score it! Acrobatic brilliance.

 

Jordi Alba (Spain) vs Italy (01/07/2012)

Occasions don’t come much bigger than the final of an international major tournament, especially when your country is chasing a record-breaking 3 successive titles! Spanish left back Jordi Alba rose to such an occasion, scoring the goal that sealed the European Championship, and earning the title of best international team ever. It’s a vintage Spain goal; with fluid movement, incisive passing, sublime touches, and a cool finish.

 

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Preview: West Ham United vs Everton, Sat 15:00

With just 1 win in 6, Sam Allardyce’s West Ham will be desperate to find a victory against Everton to cement their place in the top half of the league and ease the worries of the Upton Park faithful.

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West Ham will be boosted by the absence of Everton's star man Marouane Fellaini, who is suspended for the clash because of this challenge.

Team News:

West Ham:

  • West Ham remain without key players Andy Carroll (knee) and Mohamed Diame (hamstring) until around February 2013.
  • Jack Collison (fitness) Alou Diarra (thigh) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) join the influential pair on the long term injury list.
  • Manager Sam Allardyce is likely to name the same side that drew 0-0 with West Brom on Sunday; with Matt Jarvis, Matt Taylor, Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Gary O’Neil making up a midfield quintet.
  • Carlton Cole is expected to start up front in the absence of Andy Carroll once again; though his place in the side is becoming increasingly under threat from Modibo Maiga, who has impressed as a substitute lately.
  • Yossi Benayoun and George McCartney (both knee) are major doubts for the match, but may be given a place on the Hammers’ bench.

 

Everton:

  • Everton will be without in form midfielder Marouane Fellaini for the match with West Ham after he was handed a 3 match suspension.
  • The Belgian deliberately head butted Stoke player Ryan Shawcross in last week’s 1-1 draw with the Potters, and will miss most of the Christmas programme.
  • Leon Osman and Darron Gibson will start in central midfield in Fellaini’s absence, in a rarely used 4-4-2 formation for the Toffees.
  • Tony Hibbert (calf), Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) and Phil Neville (knee) are all out through long term injury, and will play no part.

 

Think you can predict the line-ups? Play our Facebook game ‘The Insider’ and win great prizes, including a copy of Football Manager 2013: PLAY NOW

 

Premier League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

West Ham: D-L-W-L-L                         Everton:  D-W-D-D-D

 

Head to Head (Last 8 Matches)

 

WEST HAM

EVERTON

WINS

1

5

DRAWS

4

GOALS SCORED

11

18

 

These sides last met was in the 2010/11 season, in the campaign by which West Ham were relegated to the Championship. The sides played out two draws in their fixtures last season – 2-2 at Goodison Park before a 1-1 draw at Upton Park.

 

The Stats:

  • West Ham have won none of the last eight Premier League games against Everton (W0 D4 L4), drawing the last three in a row.
  • Everton are unbeaten in their last four Premier League trips to West Ham; winning three and drawing one.
  • The Toffees have lost more points from conceding last minute goals than any other side (6).
  • Since the start of last season, Everton have won only one of their six Premier League games without Marouane Fellaini (17%), compared to a 41% win percentage with him in the side.
  • Should West Ham lose this game, it’ll be their 100th Premier League defeat at Upton Park.
  • Everton have scored in each of their last 14 Premier League games; the longest-such run seen in the competition this season.
  • However, they have also conceded in their last 12 Premier League games – no side are currently on such a long run.
  • West Ham have won just one of their last six Premier League games (W1 D2 L3).

 

Follow Saturday’s Premier League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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Preview: West Brom vs West Ham, Sun 16:00

injury plagued Hammers meet out of form Bagges. Has the West Brom bubble burst or will the West ham bubbles get blown away in the Midlands

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Down and out. Star men Mohammed Diame and Andy Carroll will face lengthy spells on the West Ham treatment table after suffering injuries in recent weeks.

Team News:

West Brom:

  • Craig Dawson (eye) and Ben Foster (groin) are the only long term injuries for Albion, though Foster is closing in on a return.
  • Liam Ridgewell (ankle) and Claudio Yacob (hamstring) are slight doubts for the Baggies. Ridgewell lasted just 6 minutes in West Brom’s 2-0 loss against Arsenal last week, and has around a 50% chance of starting.
  • Steve Clarke is likely to name the same side that featured at Arsenal last weekend depending on Ridgewell’s fitness, though he could change things up front.
  • Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long started at the Emirates but failed to make an impact. Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku may be called in from the start.

 

West Ham:

  • West Ham suffered a massive blow last week as their start player Mohammed Diame tore his hamstring muscle – the midfielder will be out for around 3 months with the injury.
  • He joins Andy Carroll (knee) Jack Collison (knee) Alou Diarra (thigh) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) on the Hammers’ injury list.
  • Sam Allardyce will name the same side that lost 3-2 against Liverpool last Sunday – minus Diame, who is likely to be replaced by Matthew Taylor in the diamond midfield formation.
  • Carlton Cole will again start alone up front in the absence of Andy Carroll.

 

Think you can predict the line-ups? Play our Facebook game ‘The Insider’ and win great prizes, including a copy of Football Manager 2013: PLAY NOW

 

Premier League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

West Brom: L-L-L-W-W                                  West Ham:  L-W-L-L-D

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

WEST BROM

WEST HAM

WINS

3

3

DRAWS

4

GOALS SCORED

15

15

 

The last time these sides met was in the 2010/11 Premier League season, where they produce 2 thrilling draws; 2-2 at Upton Park and 3-3 at the Hawthorns. Current players Carlton Cole and Peter Odemwingie were on the score sheet for their clubs in that campaign, and are likely to line up from the start on Sunday.

 

The Stats:

  • The last 3 Premier League matches between West Brom and West Ham have ended as draws.
  • The Hammers have lost just once at the Hawthorns in all competitions since the turn of the century.
  • However, they have only won two of their last 13 Premier League away fixtures (W2 D3 L8).
  • Sam Allardyce’s side have only managed five goals in their seven Premier League matches on the road since returning to the top flight.
  • Meanwhile, West Brom have kept seven clean sheets in their last 12 home Premier League matches, but just one in the last five.
  • There have been three penalties awarded in the last four Premier League meetings between West Brom and West Ham.
  • West Brom have mustered just one point from a losing position this season, a joint-league-low.

 

Follow Sunday’s Premier League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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PlayUp’s 10 Christmas Wishes

We've been good eggs this year, so the child inside us couldn't help but write a list of things we want for Christmas to jolly old Saint Nick.

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Fernando Torres has struggled to find the net since his £50m pound move, but his record this season is better than others'...

1. For the world to cut Fernando Torres some slack

It’s a sorry state of affairs when your striker scores a Champions League brace, only to acknowledge his feat with a sullen face that would put Susan Boyle to shame. You may not believe this, but Torres has scored 9 (NINE) goals in all competitions this season; the same amount as Wayne Rooney, Mario Balotelli and Andy Carroll put together. Granted, of late, he’s missed the target more times than an inebriated lavatory-goer, but with a bit of support from his fans, rather than sarcastic applause when he scores in the warm-up, he may just overcome his writer’s (or scorer’s) block.

 

Parlez-vous française Joey Barton?

2. Elocution lessons for Joey Barton (and Steve McLaren)

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed or not but something fishy seems to be going on when an English footballer makes the rare move away from their native country. Joey Barton perfectly encapsulated this when he gave an interview to the French media sounding like Pepe Le Pew. Riddling his sentences with grammatical errors and raising the pitch of his voice at the end of each oration, Barton continued to tag the French premiership as “uhhh… Boring” with the arrogance of a born and bred Parisian. Let’s just hope the next thing the French pass on to him is a bit of their apprehension to fight.

 

Could Guardiola be coming to England?

3. Pep Guardiola to the Premier League

Whoever isn’t excited about the thought of having Pep Guardiola, or Jose Mourinho, bringing their mutual animosity to the Premier League should seriously reassess their life. For all the good that Sir Alex Ferguson has done at Manchester United, he’s in the twilight years of his managerial career and with Roberto Mancini’s job at Man City as secure as a Greek bank account, there is certainly a possibility that Pep and Mou could both end up plying their trade on opposing sides of Manchester. Mourinho will not be renewing his contract at Madrid at the end of this season and has already managed in the Premier League. Guardiola has been a top priority for Chelsea but their countless advances have been ignored so far. Whatever the outcome, having the pair in the Premier League would be top drawer.

 

Unhappy customers: Chelsea fans want Benitez out.

4. Chelsea fans to stop whinging

It’s about time Chelsea fans stopped complaining about how they want Rafael Benitez out of Stamford Bridge. Fair enough, the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo left many of us flummoxed, and yes, a few things were said when Benitez was in charge of Liverpool. But the Spaniard was brought in on a short-term deal that was never going to exceed six months and his managerial record boasts 2 La Liga titles, 1 Uefa Cup, 1 FA Cup, a Champions League trophy, 1 Uefa Super Cup, an Italian Supercoppa and two Uefa Manager of the Year awards. Maybe Chelsea fans should be more interested in watching and supporting their team rather than anticipating the sixteenth minute to hail the late, great Roberto Di Matteo.

 

Harry Redknapp brings a whole new meaning to transfer window

5. Return of the through-the-window Transfer Deadline interview

Never has slouching around the house in your pyjamas whilst doing your best not to move from the sofa been more socially acceptable than on Transfer Deadline Day. Throughout the course of the day, the hot-off-the-press rolling coverage can get a bit repetitive and the only thing that will get you up out of your seat other than a multi-million pound signing is the traditional Harry Redknapp ‘through-the-window’ interview. Before the season started, we thought we’d seen the last of this bi-annual phenomenon, but thanks to QPR chairman Tony Fernandes bringing ‘Arry on board at Loftus Road, we can stop panicking.

 

Even though the net was empty he still managed to miss.

6. Emile Heskey back in the England squad

An absolute hit Down Under, Emile Heskey has his own song, his own red button player cam and if that wasn’t enough, he’s also scored five goals in eight games for Aussie outfit Newcastle Jets. Once revered for his ability as a striker who assisted more goals than he actually scored, Heskey has been taken under the proverbial A-League wing since moving in September. He’s also had time to practice his karate on an opposing goalkeeper during his debut game against Adelaide, knocking him out in the process. Classic Heskey.

 

Beckham and his sons celebrate with the MLS Cup.

7. David Beckham back in the Premier League

If we all look deep within ourselves it’s safe to admit that in one way or another, we have a man-crush on Mr. Beckham that is bordering on the unhealthy. What he has done not only for football, but also for sport in general is incredible. Working tirelessly to bring the Olympic Games back to London and acting as an ambassador throughout the whole process caused him to rise in a lot of people’s estimations. Now he has played his last game for LA Galaxy, we plead you David – Come back home!

 

Taking a dive: Gareth Bale has received criticism for his dramatic tendencies.

8. Put a stop to diving

A recent stat that had the PlayUp office furiously debating the dignity of the Premier League was the horrifying news that behind Serie A, with 19 yellow cards, the English top flight is the worst of the top five European leagues when it comes to diving. The worst offender is Gareth Bale who has racked up four bookings for simulation, making up over a fifth of the total bookings for simulation this season. Not far behind is Luis Suarez who has also received criticism for his play-acting. Whatever happened to staying on your feet? Not only are these players embarrassing themselves, they’re also putting shame to the reputation of English football.

 

Wouldn't that be a sight...

9. Freddie Flintoff to play centre-back for Chelsea

There’s something quite intriguing about watching sports stars take the leap from one sport to another. We’ve seen it before, with Michael Jordan trading the NBA for the NBL, Dwayne Chambers trying his hand in rugby and Ian “Beefy” Botham making 11 appearances up front for Scunthorpe United. Last weekend, Freddie Flintoff took to the boxing ring and won in his first professional bout against American Richard Dawson. Saying he would like to move on after his debut win, we think it would be brilliant for Flintoff to use his brawn to help out the struggling David Luiz in the centre of the Chelsea defence. Based on recent performances, who knows with a few months training he’d certainly challenge Luiz for his place!

 

Class act: Messi has almost levelled with all-time goalscoring legend Gerd Muller

10. Lionel Messi to beat Gerd Muller’s goal record

At number ten, what could be more fitting than making a wish for the best number 10 of this generation? Injured in Barcelona’s Champions League game against Benfica, Little Lio was taken off the field on one of those golf buggies the Spanish leagues love to use. As worried fans looked on, Barcelona headed to a 0-0 draw with Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year still in tact. With just four games remaining for Messi this year, the race is on. Fingers crossed he makes it back in time to finish the job.

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This Weekend’s Top 5 Head-to-Heads

As November's Premier League fixtures came to a close earlier in the week, we look ahead to the key battles in the upcoming fixtures.

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Redknapp will be hoping QPR can get into winning ways

Harry Redknapp v Paul Lambert

As Harry Redknapp looks set to take charge of his first home match as QPR manager, he will be looking forward to receiving a starkly contrasting reception to the one Rafael Benitez got at his first home game of his tenure as Chelsea coach. Having taken a point from his first game in charge against Sunderland on Tuesday, Redknapp will be looking to bag the Hoops’ first three points of the season against fellow strugglers Aston Villa, who sit eight points ahead of them in the table. Paul Lambert’s men have won just four games this season but will want to continue on from their victory against Reading earlier this week.

 

Goal Threat: Andy Carroll will be looking to add to his first goal for West Ham

Andy Carroll v Gary Cahill

After a fabulous start to the season, West Ham have won just one of their last five games in the Premier League. Boss Sam Allardyce, however, was convinced with the Hammers’ ‘resilient’ performance against Manchester United in midweek, despite losing the game 1-0. Against Spurs last weekend, Carroll nodded in his first goal for the east Londoners after his loan move from Liverpool in the summer. He looked strong against United and will certainly cause problems for Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, who has not played a minute since their 3-0 Champions league loss at Juventus.

 

Everton's Super Hair-o: Marouane Fellaini

Marouane Fellaini v Vincent Kompany

A constant threat throughout the season, Belgian attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini has scored seven goals in twelve league appearances for the Toffees this season. His ability to hold the ball up always gives defenders a tough day at the office and his four assists this season prove that he is certainly an all-round team player. On the back of a debatably undeserved 2-0 win over Wigan on Wednesday, Man City skipper Vincent Kompany will come up against stiffer opposition when Everton come to town. He’ll probably be given the task of dealing with Fellaini so expect a good challenge.

 

Gareth Bale has been tremendous for Spurs this season

Sascha Reither v Gareth Bale

Fulham’s recent scoreless draw in their west London derby versus Chelsea in the week was dubbed as ‘tedious’ by BBC Sport and they weren’t wrong. Although Chelsea had 13 shots on target, they failed to score against a hard working Fulham side. Sacha Reither has made a total of 0.43 fouls per match this season so will want to be careful if Bale lets rip against him on the left flank. Andre Villas-Boas expressed his wishes for the Welshman to stay at Tottenham after his sublime performance against Liverpool, a game in which he got an assist and a goal. All three of his assists have come from the left this season, so Reither will want to shut him out effectively if Fulham are to get the three points.

 

Proving a point: On loan Lukaku is working wonders at West Brom

Romelu Lukaku v Asmir Begovic

In-form West Brom continue to impress, and remain in the top four of the Premier League. They have won four of their last 5 games in the league this term, one of them a 2-1 defeat of Chelsea. On loan from the Blues is striker Romelu Lukaku who has scored five goals in 12 appearances for the Baggies this season and his physical presence will be needed against a sturdy Stoke defence. Stoke’s home record for conceding goals is impressive, having let in just two goals all season. However, they don’t fare so well when they go on their travels. They have conceded ten goals on the road this season, and with West Brom on the run they’re on at the moment, Begovic is going to have to be on his toes.

 

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PlayUp’s Six Standout Summer Signings

Rumour and double-dealing over, clubs and players now get down to the task of playing for points. We highlight the six player transfers that we believe will impact this season

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Robin van Persie

Sir Alex Ferguson has finally got the upper hand over arch rival Arsene Wenger – pinching his top goalscorer captain. After a stellar season in which RVP scored 37 goals, and having scored a sensational hat-trick on Sunday, it is clear RVP is just as prolific in a Manchester United shirt as he was in an Arsenal one.

Michu

One of the revelations of the season so far is Spanish attacking midfelder Michu. Signed from Rayo Vallecano for just £2million the Iberian goal machine has four goals in three Premier League games helping the Swans to a second place position.

Eden Hazard

Impressive against Wigan on his Premier League debut, the Belgian star has more assists than anyone else so far this season with four. Already a firm fan favourite, his £32million price looked chunky but the young player has a lot of years ahead of him and this is already starting to look like good business.

Andy Carroll

One of the mysteries of the summer transfer period for football fans throughout the country. Despite Liverpool splashing out a whopping £35million for the Geordie in January 2011, new manager Brendan Rogers didn’t have plans for him in his side. After an impressive debut against Fulham last week and with Liverpool’s lack of options up top, he has proved his worth to his owners who are now scrambling to recall him in January.

Javi García

At £16million the signing of the Spanish holding midfielder is a smart bit of business by Roberto Mancini. He can also fill in as a makeshift centre back if needed and will make a fine replacement for recent departure Nigel de Jong. Not sure how happy Jack Rodwell was when he saw him pulling into Eastlands, though!

Lukas Podolski 

After the imminent exit of club captain Robin van Persie, Arsene Wenger brought in two international strikers in the form of Podolski and Frenchman Olivier Giroud at a combined total of about £21million. Giroud is yet to score, but highly experienced Podolski, who has made 101 appearances for the German national team, opened his Premier league account against Liverpool on Sunday.

 

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