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Kompany red overturned

Boost for City as their captain escapes ban

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City skipper, Vincent Kompany has won his appeal against the red card he received at Arsenal on Sunday.

He was sent off in the 76th minute of their 2-0 win at the Emirates for a tackle on Jack Wilshere.

An official statement read: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has today upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal regarding Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany.

“The player was dismissed for serious foul play during his side’s match against Arsenal on Sunday 13 January 2013.

“As a result, Kompany’s three-match suspension has been withdrawn with immediate effect.”

Kompany is now able to lead City for their next league match against Fulham on Saturday.

 

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FIFPro World XI: Were some players unfairly overlooked?

This year saw the FIFA World XI squad picked purely from the Spanish first division. But many have been questioning whether or not the choice not to look elsewhere was a fair one

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FIFPro World XI: (back L-R) Ronaldo, Marcelo, Ramos, Pique, Dani Alves, Casillas, (front L-R) Falcao, Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Xabi Alonso

The supremacy of Real Madrid and Barcelona as footballing titans was again highlighted last night at the Fifa Ballon d’Or Gala with the announcement of the FIFPro World XI squad. All eleven of the players named in this year’s edition came from La Liga and included ten players from the two top teams in Spain. Ramadel Falcao (Atletico Madrid) was the eleventh, who also plies his trade in La Liga, to make it a full house of players who play their club football in the Spanish top flight.

The final team was as follows:

GK: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

DEF: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid)

MID: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

ATT: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)

What has had many football fans talking is the lack of players from other European leagues. Granted, there is no doubt that La Liga oozes players with immense amounts of talent and with regards to the six Spanish players, becoming the first team to retain a European Championship after 44 years without a major honour is a massive achievement.

However, there are some who would argue that the Spanish theme that runs through the FIFPro setections comes at the cost of the omission of a few players who more than deserved a place in the final XI.

Not many would argue about Iker Casillas’ inclusion in the squad for the fifth year running. Having led his country to retain their European Championship crown in Poland and Ukraine in the summer, it is no surprise that the Real Madrid shot stopper made it into the final XI.

Cech.jpg However, Petr Cech’s (and Manuel Neuer’s to a certain extent) performance outshone all other goalkeepers in the 2011 Champions League campaign. Cech played in 13 of Chelsea’s games leading to the final, the most of any goalkeeper in the tournament that year. He faced 222 shots, 93 more than Napoli’s Morgan De Sanctis in second place. He conceded just 12 goals despite facing numerous penalties, including a save from Arjen Robben’s spot kick in the final to keep them in the game, and two shootout saves to set up Drogba’s match winning penalty.

 

An area that certainly could have included some players from other nations was the defence. Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique was involved in just 22 league games for Barcelona last term, scoring two goals and playing in a total of 38 games in all competitions for the Catalan side.

Kompany.jpg Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund stars Vincent Kompany and Mats Hummels undoubtedly deserved a mention, having both helped their sides to domestic league victories.

Kompany captained the Citizens to their first league trophy since 1968 and was by far one of the best defenders in the world last season. He was recognised for this exploits when he was named the Premier League Player of the Season for 2011/12.

Hummels also won the German Cup with Dortmund, sealing the double for Die Schwarzgelben, and has been an influential force in their Champions League campaign this season.

Chelsea full back Ashley Cole should probably have also got some credit for his outstanding performances on the left for both his club and country. Arguably the world’s best in his position, along with Petr Cech, Cole won the Champions League back in May, an achievement of which none of the final FIFPro XI defenders can boast.

In midfield, although it would be extremely harsh to say that Xabi Alonso, Iniesta and Xavi were undeserving of a place, the oversight of Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo is tough to ignore.

Juventus went the whole 2011/12 season unbeaten and finished as Italian champions. Pirlo was pivotal in midfield for the Old Lady, ending the season with the most assists (13) and a pass completion rate of 86.8%, yet the 33-year-old went without inclusion in the World Team of the Year.

RVP.jpg Finally, it would suffice to say that despite coming up against the likes of four-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid marksman Ramadel Falcao, the absence of Manchester United striker Robin van Persie came as a surprise to some. His 30 goals in 38 league games for Arsenal was the most of any player in the Premier League and helped the Gunners to a third place finish ahead of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Now playing under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, Van Persie has shone in a United shirt scoring 20 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season. His goal scoring ability is certainly up there with the best and he will probably feel slightly hard done by regardless of the competition he faced.

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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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Rafa and the Boo Boys

It was inevitable. Rafael Benitez was welcomed to his first game in charge of Chelsea with a chorus of booing and jeering from the home fans, amongst chants that went along the lines of “we don’t want you here”.

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Rafa Out: Chelsea fans speak their minds

If there was one place in the world where he would rather not be, it was Stamford Bridge. But you wouldn’t have thought it. During Rafa Benitez’s post-match interview, the Spaniard claimed he was so focused on the game that he was oblivious to the abuse he was getting from the crowd.

When asked what he thought on the matter, he said, “When fans are singing in the stands, I don’t understand what they say. I was asking ‘what were they singing?’”

Despite the frosty November reception he got after emerging from the tunnel, Benitez’s first day at the office could have gone worse. With so much drama surrounding the West London club in recent weeks, Chelsea’s 0-0 draw was the first clean sheet at home in the league since September 22 and it was against the current English champions.

Although it was not the blockbuster that it could have been, Chelsea’s performance in the rain-sodden clash was a sturdy one. It was clear from the start that Benitez’s main concern upon joining the club was their deficiency at the back.

Although he was still victim of his own clumsiness on a couple of occasions, including one very nervy clearance, David Luiz looked a lot more disciplined in his role. Full backs, Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta were almost outstanding and the former was hailed by the previously discerning home crowd when it sang “Ashley Cole, we want you to stay”.

More defensive in style than the Di Matteo days, Chelsea played slightly deeper and Juan Mata and Eden Hazard both had one of their quietest games of this term.

After being given the chance to shine by his former boss at Liverpool, Fernando Torres put in a shift as a lone striker. The intent to get him involved was obvious and his runs were incisive, although he came up against a Vincent Kompany who was dogged and resilient. This meant he was shut out for the majority of the game, minus a couple of wasted opportunities.

It could have gone worse for Benitez, but the result could have been better. Chelsea are without a win in 5 league games and face West London neighbours Fulham – a team whom they have not beaten since 10 November 2010 – on Wednesday. Rafa will be wanting to come out of this derby with all three points in tact, or God help him.

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: Ajax v Man City – Weds, 19:45

Ajax sit bottom of Group D with zero points and Roberto Mancini's side have taken just one point from their opening two games. If they want to qualify, a win is imperative for both sides.

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Manchester City will be without David Silva after picking up an injury on international duty.

Team News:

Ajax:

  • There are no fresh injury worries for Ajax boss Frank de Boer following the 3-3 draw away to Heracles on Saturday, so unless he feels the need to change personnel, he could be set to name an unchanged lineup.

Manchester City:

  • David Silva will be absent after being granted permission to return to Spain for treatment on his hamstring injury. He is likely to be sidelined until the return fixture against the Dutch champions on Nov 6.
  • Midfielder Javi Garcia and full-back Maicon are both battling to overcome recent injuries in order to travel to Amsterdam, but it is expected the pair will be fit to take their place in the squad. 
  • Vincent Kompany, City’s captain, is continuing to play despite not having fully recovered from a calf niggle that has bothered him for some time.
  • Jack Rodwell will miss out with a hamstring injury that he sustained on international duty.

 

Domestic League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

Ajax: W-D-W-D-D                 Man City: D-D-W-W-W

Head to Head

AJAX

MAN CITY

WINS

0

0

DRAWS

0

GOALS SCORED

0

0

City need to win both of their forthcoming Champions League clashes with newly acquainted opponents Ajax to retain hope of qualification for the knock-out stages. So it will come as welcome news that the Dutch side have lost three and won none of their last four home games against English opponents in Europe and have also failed to score in eight of their last 12 matches in European competition.

 

The Stats:

  • Manchester City had 15 players away on international duty last week, compared to Ajax’s six.
  • Ajax’s victory over Manchester United in the Last 32 of last season’s Europa League ended a run of eight games in Europe against English opposition without a win (D3 L5).
  • Manchester City have lost four and won one of their five away games in the European Cup/Champions League.
  • City have only played three games against Dutch opposition in Europe, all versus Twente, winning both home games 3-2 and drawing 1-1 away in their only trip to the Netherlands.
  • Manchester City have allowed their opponents more shots on target against them than any other team in the Champions League (22).
  • All three of the goals Manchester City have scored so far in the Champions League have been netted by substitutes.
  • Roberto Mancini’s side have lost three of their four away games in the Champions League, having been in the competition the past two years.
  • Christian Eriksen has run the furthest of any player in the Champions League group stages, clocking up 26.075 kilometres.

 

Follow tomorrow’s Champions League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, and interact with other fans: CLICK HERE

Download PlayUp to your iPhone or Android and make your favourite sport social. DOWNLOAD NOW

 

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Top 10 Premier League moments 2011-12

6-1's, AVB and a shift of power - just a snippet of this crazy season - by Mary Meyer

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Kompany roars after scoring the winner in the crucial Manchester derby

 

10) Tim Howard’s goal for Everton against Bolton – 4 January 2012

This 100 yard effort doesn’t need much explanation. American Howard became the fourth goalkeeper to score in Premier League history with the first goal at Goodison Park. What were the odds on that? Continue reading →

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City vs. United – Key Battles

We take a look at where the big game will be won and lost

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Ferguson looks to keep Mancini and City in the background for now

Mancini vs. Ferguson

The young pretender versus the old master, Mancini has taken Ferguson on at his own mind games and could well win. The United supremo has seen it all before, but in admitting that this is the biggest Manchester derby ever shows how much of a threat City have become. Will Sir Alex go for just one up front to quell City’s midfield threat, or perhaps go bold? Mancini will not be too proud to admit that Aguero and Tevez are now certainties to start. You can’t buy Ferguson’s experience, however. Who has the edge: United Continue reading →

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City fall foul of themselves and Mancini will pay the price

In the last throes of summer and for the entire autumn, it seemed that the Premier League landscape would be changing colour.

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Kompany and Lescott partnership has been broken recently and City have suffered

The red of Manchester United was to be painted over with blue. And not just one coat of it. After the 1-6 derby day result at Old Trafford, it seemed that the land had never been red in the first place. Continue reading →

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