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After facing the side his team beat to a fourth place finish last season, the Tottenham Hotspur boss, Harry Redknapp’s comments were particularly forthright. A 0-0 home draw with Manchester City at the weekend was followed by this friendly concern for his opposite number, Roberto Mancini: “Can he keep the players happy? It’s difficult. He’s not going to do it.” He may have felt emboldened to make such a claim after his side largely dominated their opponents whose bench included Shay Given, Joleon Lescott and Emmanuel Adebayor. Redknapp went further by saying, “I wouldn’t tip them from what I’ve seen. I wouldn’t say they’ll win the championship. They have a long way to go.” The Tottenham boss has a vested interest in seeing their lavish football project fail but do his words speak an uncomfortable truth for Manchester City?

Having spent over £100 million this summer there is immense pressure on City to qualify for the Champions League at the very least this season. It is little wonder that Mancini can be depicted as having simultaneously the best and worst job in the division. Based on their performance against Spurs they may struggle to reach their ambitions targets. Tottenham were collectively strong and had outstanding individual contributions from Gareth Bale and Luka Modric whilst City were kept level by the outstanding performance of Joe Hart. Mancini proffered this explanation: “We are going to need time to learn how to play together. That is normal when you have new players.” The Italian will have the enviable task of assimilating Mario Balotelli and James Milner into the squad in the coming weeks.

It is to be expected that a revamped squad will require time to gel and bond. Redknapp contrasted City’s team unity with that of current title holders Chelsea. Yet the core of that squad has been stable for many years making it a slightly perfunctory analysis. It is surely too soon to speculate on the chances of a squad still in flux, especially since Redknapp only recently said they had a chance of winning the league. Nonetheless his comments struck a chord with pundits and commentators who similarly questioned the ability of Mancini to mould a coherent side. After using three defensive midfielders on Saturday the manger’s tactics were derided as being negative and typically Italian. Using Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and Yaya Toure certainly ostracised Carlos Tevez as their lone striker. Strangely they were in desperate need of a Stephen Ireland figure to bridge that creative divide. Mancini, however, should be applauded for the defensive discipline he has installed in his players. Judging by his record at Internazionale and the attacking players he has there will be room for flair in his team. Yet there is a balance which needs to be found which was missing under previous manager, Mark Hughes.

The bigger concern for Mancini’s City is instilling that togetherness which cannot be bought. He has already taken proactive action to remove divisive characters like Craig Bellamy from the dressing room with others set to depart the club. In an attempt to forge some unity and make room for new stars, Mancini should be cautious of not removing elements of the team which progressed five league places last season. Cardiff City’s latest signing left Eastlands saying, “I came here at a great period of the club’s history. I was brought to bring that club on to the next level and I believe I played a big part in doing that.” Bellamy who was popular at City was not engaging in self-promotion and his on-field effort neatly contrasts with Tevez’s statement that he is lacking motivation. If City’s highly paid stars are in need of extra motivation and spirit Mancini should remind them that the whole league is waiting for them to fail.

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Manchester United welcome Wolves to Old Trafford on Saturday knowing they have to keep winning if they are to close the gap on rivals City at the top of the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side lie five points behind their neighbours at the summit and know victory over Mick McCarthy’s side could see them close the gap with City playing Chelsea on Monday. The Red Devils have been at their formidable best since their derby day drubbing in October winning four of their last five games by a goal to nil. In typical United style they responded to that humiliating defeat at Old Trafford by shutting up shop and grinding out the necessary results to ensure they stay within touching distance of City at the top. Last week’s win at Villa typified the game plan employed Ferguson with his side giving nothing away in defence and limiting the home side to just a few shots on goal. The return of captain Nemanja Vidic and the form of teenager Phil Jones have ensured United have a stable presence at the back whilst the latter has also proved to be a big hit going forward too. His goal against Villa was his first for since joining the club from Blackburn in the summer. The only problem that remains for United is to get Wayne Rooney scoring again with the striker failing to find the net since September. He’ll be confident of regaining his deadly touch against a Wolves side who have won only once away from home all season.

The Midlands side will travel to Manchester full of confidence after their late win over Sunderland last week moved them four points clear of the relegation zone. However that victory simply papered over the cracks of a run that has seen them win twice in their last 11 games and plummet down the table. A strong start to the season saw the optimism levels rise at Molineux only for that to give way to a dreadful run of form that saw them become embroiled in yet another battle to escape the clutches of the bottom three. Whilst they’ve been able to keep their head above water for now with wins here and there Wanderers need to start stringing a consistent run of positive results together to avoid being pulled further into the mire. Defending needs to dramatically improve with Roger Johnson and Christophe Berra looking lost at times during games whilst the return of Steven Fletcher from injury should take some of the attacking burden off Kevin Doyle’s shoulders. The Scotland striker showed just how important he is to the club by scoring twice to win the game last week and McCarthy will be relieved to have him back to full fitness. Starting their run of festive fixtures off with a trip to Old Trafford isn’t ideal but with games against Stoke, Norwich and Bolton on the horizon Wolves will see an opportunity to pull themselves further away from trouble.

Manchester United −2nd

Last Five: Won 1-0 v Aston Villa (A), Drew 1-1 v Newcastle (H), Won 1-0 v Swansea (A), Won 1-0 v Sunderland (H), Won 1-0 v Everton (A)

Potential Starting X11: 1. D. de Gea 12. C. Smalling 6. J. Evans  5. R. Ferdinand 3. P. Evra 18. A. Young 24. D. Fletcher 4. P. Jones* 17. Nani 19. D. Wellbeck 10. W. Rooney

Injury News: Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez become the latest players to check into the United treatment room joining Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Michael Owen who all remain out.

Key Player: Phil Jones

Despite not expecting to feature much during his first season at Old Trafford Jones has become an integral part of the United side since his summer move from Blackburn. The teenager has come on leaps and bounds since pulling on the famous red shirt with some composed displays at the back whilst also offering a telling presence at the other end of the field. His first goal for the club proved to be the winner against Villa last week and Ferguson will be expecting more of the same from his latest young talent.

Match Fact: United enjoy playing Wolves having won four of their six Premier League meetings between the two sides.

Wolves – 16th

Last Five: Won 2-1 v Sunderland (H), Lost 3-0 v Chelsea (A), Lost 2-1 v Everton (A)Won 3-1 v Wigan (H), Lost 3-1 v Manchester City (A

Potential Starting X11: 1. W. Hennessey 23. R. Zubar 6. J. Craddock [C] 16. C. Berra 3. G Elokobi 11. S. Ward  8. K. Henry [C] 20. N. Milijas 17. M. Jarvis 29. K. Doyle 10. S. Fletcher*

Injury News: Wolves have no new injury worries with defender Richard Stearman likely to miss the trip to Manchester whilst Kevin Foley has been ruled out until Janaury with an ankle injury.

Key Player: Steven Fletcher

It’s been an injury laden season for the Scotland striker but whenever he’s played he’s scored goals. Fletcher proved his importance to Wolves last week the two winning goals against Sunderland on his return and McCarthy will be delighted to have his hit man back in business. His partnership with Doyle is one of the strongest in the league and he’ll be tasked with matching the Irishman’s work rate at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Match Fact: Wolves have beaten United only twice in the Premier League and have never recorded a top-flight victory at Old Trafford in their three visits thus far.

Match Fact: 

Last Time at Old Trafford

Premier League 6 November 2010

Manchester United 2-1 Wolves

Park (45, 90)

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Ebanks-Blake (66)

Attendance: 75,285

Referee: Phil Dowd

PREDICTION

United have shut up shop and gone back to basics following their deby day battering winning four of their last five by a goal to nil. The Red Devil’s are doing the bare minimum to secure maximum points as they continue their fight to regain top spot from rivals City. Wolves on the other hand are desperate to put more daylight between themselves and the relegation zone and will happily settle for a point at Old Trafford. However with Ferguson’s side conceding only one goal in five games it could be another miserable afternoon for McCarthy and his men.

Score 3-0

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Mixu Paatelainen has left his post as Kilmarnock manager to coach the Finland national team.Paatelainen was the target of recent interest from Championship side Scunthorpe United and Kilmarnock were also eager to retain his services, but the lure of coaching his national side, for which he made 70 appearances as a player, was too strong.

Kilmarnock assistant coach Kenny Shiels will take the reins for the side’s Scottish Premier League game at St Johnstone on Saturday.

“Following careful consideration Mixu has decided that the honour of managing his national team is one which he cannot refuse,” a Kilmarnock statement read.

“He will take up his duties with the Finnish FA immediately.”

Paatelainen was a fan favourite at Rugby Park, and has drastically reversed the club’s fortunes since his appointment in June last year.

Kilmarnock finished second from the bottom in 2009-10, but are currently fifth in the SPL and within grasp of a Europa League berth.

“Mixu’s short reign at Kilmarnock has witnessed a dramatic improvement in the club’s fortunes in the SPL,” the statement continued.

“Several club records have been broken, including longest scoring run in a league campaign.”

“Our travelling support has been treated to a feast of attacking football, which has yielded more goals than any other club away from home bar one.”

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish is hopeful of sealing a new contract in the near future.

The Scot is currently in the Far East with his squad as their pre-season preparations continue ahead of the new Premier League campaign and he is expected to put pen to paper next week after discussions with owner Carson Yeung and his assistant Peter Pannu.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, he said:"Peter was in touch with my lawyer and sent some figures to him.

"He has seen them, he's going to come down to me first thing next week when we're back and we're going to move it forward. The logistics at the moment, as we're here in China, means we can't get it done straight away.

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"But I know the parameters and we're going to try and get it nailed next week. We're due back to St Andrews on the Thursday and I will be meeting my lawyer that day and hopefully he will see Peter on Friday, if Peter's back in England by that time."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Blackburn have put an £18 million price tag on the head of star Junior Hoilett in an attempt to fend off interest from potential suitors Newcastle and Tottenham the Mirror reports.

Rovers boss Steve Kean is desperate to keep the winger at Ewood Park after his impressive performances this season as the club continues it’s battle to avoid relegation.

The 21-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the season and has yet to commit to a new deal with Tottenham and Newcastle both keeping tabs on his situation.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been a long-term admirer of the Canadian whilst Magpies manager Alan Pardew reportedly made an enquiry about his availability during the summer.

The clubs Indian owners aren’t prepared to sell him unless their hefty valuation is matched whilst Kean is convinced he can talk Hoilett into prolonging his stay at Ewood.

Negotiations over a new contract have hit a snag with a dispute over over the size of a potential sell-on fee causing the player to renege on signing a deal worth around £2 million-a-year.

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It’s thought they are prepared to let his contract run out if they have to and take the risk of going to a tribunal to determine what fee they will receive should he decide to move clubs.

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Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova acknowledges his side face a tough challenge when they travel to face Valencia in La Liga.Reigning champions Barca defeated Valencia 2-1 in the first meeting between the two sides at the Camp Nou in October.They won 3-0 at home in the 2009/10 season, but could only draw 0-0 away at Valencia’s Estadio Mestalla.And Vilanova knows to expect another battle when Barca hit the road to face the league’s third-placed team. “We think that it will be a game like the previous two against Valencia, who are a good team and never make things easy,” Vilanova said.”Unai Emery is a very good manager, and the team always play well. Their play down the wings is dangerous, if they can overcome our pressure. On the counter they are dangerous … They are a fast team and make things difficult. They have some clever players as well.” While the Mestalla has been credited with playing a role in Valencia’s strong performances at home, Vilanova believes their record has more to do with the quality of the team.”It isn’t hard to play at the ground, rather that the team are hard to play against,” he said.”We have beaten them at home, but not there yet. We were able to draw with them the first year that we played, and they had more chances the second year than we did. They do a lot well and they pressurise well, bring the ball out well and have a good strategy.” “They are good in defence and it will be a hard game. What can we do? Well, if we are at our best, and they aren’t, then it is possible to win.”

James Milner held 'amicable' talks with Aston Villa on Monday and will travel with the Midlands club on their pre-season trip to Portugal.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill revealed last week that the England midfielder wanted to join long-time suitors Manchester City.

The big-spending Eastlands club had an initial £20million rejected before the World Cup.

Milner was reported to be upset that O'Neill had made public his desire to leave Villa Park.

However, the pair and several representatives held face-to-face talks on Monday before the club released a statement.

"James Milner trained with the rest of the Villa squad today at Bodymoor Heath," it read.

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"He and the manager, along with chief executive Paul Faulkner and the player's representative, Matthew Buck, had an amicable conversation and, while James will not play in tomorrow's game at Walsall, he will fly with the squad to Portugal on Wednesday ahead of the Guadiana Cup in which Villa will compete with Benfica and Feyenoord this weekend."

Milner, who still has two years remaining on his existing contract, has made 90 appearances for Villa since arriving in a £13million deal from Newcastle United in July 2008.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Early on in the summer when it was clear that Liverpool were in the market for a quality left-back a number of names began to arise. There was Arsenal ’s Gael Clichy who ended up at Manchester City and Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre who suffered a serious injury and probably won’t be back before Christmas. Then there was more left-field choices like Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao who ended up at Real Madrid.

Although most of the names listed in conjunction with the left-back position at Liverpool belonged to quality players, I believe that they ended up signing the best possible player for the job in the form of Jose Enrique .

He was absolutely superb once more against United at the weekend, showcasing both the offensive and defensive side of his game.

Defensively he’s been a rock. He’s very difficult to get past, well built and will usually win in battles of strength and determination and can also put in a good tackle. Despite his stocky build he’s surprisingly pacey and can usually keep up with whoever is attacking him down the wing.

This in combination with his excellent reading of the game and his technical ability make him very difficult to contend with.

I’m particularly impressed with his crossing ability. It was my belief that Downing and Henderson were brought to the club to provide ammunition for the likes of Andy Carroll, but it seems the man actually providing the chances is Enrique. He flashed in a couple of great balls at the weekend and I’d like to see more Liverpool players making runs into the box to attempt to connect with his crosses.

It may well be early days in his Liverpool career but he already seems to have improved on his Newcastle days and he must be up there with Leighton Baines vying for the role of number one left-back in the Premier League.

Considering that Enrique was said to have cost Liverpool around £6m and Baines would have cost upwards of £15m I’d say the club picked up a genuine bargain. He’s got real quality and I struggle to see any player who could have been brought in for a similar price and provided as much as Enrique has and will do.

Surely he’s Liverpool’s bargain signing of the summer?

Article courtesy of Harry Cloke from This is Futbol

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Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has insisted he will send his team out to attack when they host reigning league champions Chelsea on Monday.Chelsea suffered a dip in form around the new year period but appear to be nearing their best again after beating English Premier League leaders Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.Blackpool were hammered 4-0 by Chelsea in west London in September and also shipped six against Arsenal in August.But despite those heavy defeats, Holloway will not encourage his side to sit back when they host Chelsea.”I’ll have to come up with something to try and hurt them and obviously we’ll try to attack because we want to win the game,” he said.But Blackpool will be without top scorer DJ Campbell and captain Charlie Adam, who are both suspended for the clash.And Holloway admitted: “I don’t think we’re the same team without DJ Campbell or Charlie Adam so I’m going to have to look for some different strengths in the players I’ve got left to pick.” “If you watched us last Saturday (when Campbell was sent off early on and Adam was suspended) we didn’t look anything like our usual selves and we weren’t playing the usual diagonal balls without Charlie.””It’s a good job we’ve still got him. He’ll be back in after this game because he’s an integral part of what we do.”On Chelsea’s mixed form, the Blackpool manager added: “I think they’re in fine fettle. They had a sticky spell.””The club has moved on and have just bought somebody (Fernando Torres) for 50 million pounds. Do I agree with that? Probably not. Can I argue with it? No. But they have and I have to deal with that.”There is good news for Holloway regarding some of the squad’s injured players. Defender Stephen Crainey could return in time for the clash after recovering from an ankle ligament injury he suffered in January.Meanwhile, midfielder Malaury Martin and defender Chris Basham are also in contention after featuring for the reserves during the week.

At this World Cup so far it’s been easy to see the impact that one attacking fullback can have: Philipp Lahm in Germany’s 4-0 group win against Australia, Maicon against North Korea and Chile, and Sergio Ramos in last night’s match against Portugal. The advent of attacking fullbacks goes back to the 40s and 50s but, for the younger generation, it is Cafu and Roberto Carlos who best represent the type and their memory certainly lives on in the game today.

In 2006 it was Grosso and Zambrotta, in 2002 it was Cafu and Roberto Carlos, in 1998 it was Lizarazu and Thuram, and in 1994 it was Jorginho and Branco. The team winning the World Cup has boasted the two fullbacks in the finest form – albeit a circular argument. It was Brazil who first shocked the world football consciousness by outmoding the W-M following their 1950 World Cup final defeat to Uruguay and shifting to a four-man defence. A natural progression of having four defenders resulted in at least one of the full backs being responsible for complimenting attacking play.

What’s interesting to note is how opposing formations of the era facilitated the attacking forays of fullbacks i.e. when a flat four-man defence lined up against a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 it was the fullbacks who had the space to run forward, relatively unopposed. But now less and less teams field a 4-4-2 (especially a flat one) and it has led to a diminished capacity for both fullbacks to advance. So what we’re seeing, again, is something similar to the 1970 Brazil outfit; the advent of one attacking full back and another more disciplined one, tucking in when the former is out of position to provide balance is precisely how Brazil operated in 1970 (Carlos Alberto moved forward and Everaldo tucked in). Lahm/Badstuber, Ramos/Capdevilla, Maicon/Bastos and (to a lesser extent) Van der Wiel/Van Bronckhorst all work in a similar mode.

Players like Roberto Carlos needed to be addressed, tactically, and the natural choice was to deploy an attacking winger in a bid to pen the fullback to defensive duties. But as we can see from Manchester United’s 2003 encounter with Madrid at the Bernabeu, the danger is for the fullback to continue his attack regardless. Madrid played supremely well, beating United 3-1. When it works it is devastating but the dangers are very clear: Walcott dismantled Croatia’s attacking left back Pranjic in Zagreb two years ago by pushing up very high and utilising his frightening pace. The prominence of attacking fullbacks has led to a second method of dampening their threat; the deployment of defensive forwards. Park Ji Sung and Dirk Kuyt have grown in stature over the past three or four years because they are specialists, to a degree, and are prepared to track the forward inclinations of a Maicon, Alves, Lahm, Cole or Evra.

What is intriguing, from a defensive point of view for the fullback, will be how a team wishes to address the issue of Robinho in the current Brazil setup. Instead of being a left sided winger he operates as an auxiliary forward out wide with zero defensive responsibility. The danger for a team will be if they try to call Dunga’s bluff on that flank and push their right back forward to gain the numerical advantage in attack because it plays into Brazil’s counter attacking strengths. Or the fullback may be instructed to sit defensively, leaving others to contribute in attack. There is also the option of a three man midfield shifting laterally to address the lopsided shape, creating very interesting choices for Van Marwijk; Kuyt will probably be used on Maicon’s wing and Robben on Robinho’s side, leaving Bastos and Van der Wiel to marshal the most important areas on the pitch.

The fullbacks’ ability to maraud has lessened since the 2002 Brazil World Cup victory but Roberto Carlos and Cafu are still very much in the memory of every team that utilise the tactic.

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