Month: April 2018

Rooney calls for Everton’s restore stability

Everton striker Wayne Rooney hopes the club can restore stability at Goodison Park and has backed manager Sam Allardyce to extend his stay beyond the current campaign.

Following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman and a short spell for David Unsworth as caretaker early on in the season, Allardyce took charge of Everton in November and led them away from the relegation zone and up to eighth in the Premier League.

“Obviously it’s tough having three managers in one season, that’s not the normal situation you face,” Rooney said. Bet Now NaijaBet

“I think the club, we all want stability, and I’m sure the owners will do that.”

Everton have picked up 33 points from 22 games under Allardyce but there has been growing discontent among some fans over the quality of football on display. Continue reading “Rooney calls for Everton’s restore stability”

Premier League Match Preview: Tottenham vs Watford

Tottenham have endured a disappointing week that saw them lose ground in the race to secure a Champions League spot next season and miss out on the chance of silverware.

Three successive defeats at Wembley is unlikely to have helped the side and they need to return to winning ways on Monday night to help end the campaign on a high.

They couldn’t be facing more welcoming opponents in Watford, who haven’t won away from home since the end of November. The Hornets have lost 10 of their last 11 away matches and have lost their last four away trips to Tottenham, scoring one and conceding 12. Place bet on LIVE matches online 24/7 on NaijaBet

Despite a downturn in form of late, Spurs should secure a key three points when they welcome Watford to Wembley.

Team New

Tottenham- Mauricio Pochettino is without Harry Winks once again as he looks to oversee a return to winning ways following a three-match winless run that saw Tottenham crash out of the FA Cup and stutter in the race for a top-4 finish. Continue reading “Premier League Match Preview: Tottenham vs Watford”

Tottenham years ahead of schedule

Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham are victims of their own success as they scramble to finish in the top four of the Premier League ahead of deposed champions Chelsea.

Fourth-placed Spurs, who host Watford on Monday, have stumbled in the league in recent weeks and crashed to their eighth successive FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester United last week.

But Pochettino, targeting Champions League qualification for a third straight year, said his approach would not change as he strives to take the club to the next level and win silverware after a barren decade.

Spurs are two points clear of Chelsea, with four games remaining. Antonio Conte’s side, who have won three successive league matches, have three games left. Place Bet on today’s games NaijaBet

“Tottenham needed when we arrived here to have a clear idea about discipline, rules, principles, a project to develop, to use young players, and that was how we created this project all together,” he said.

“Whether it is me or another, that is the right project to keep pushing, don’t be disappointed if we still don’t win a trophy, the expectation always is massive. Continue reading “Tottenham years ahead of schedule”

Real and Zidane look to sink Bayern again

Zinedine Zidane may have won two consecutive Champions League titles but he refuses to admit a third would brand this his very own era at Real Madrid.

Real stand on the brink of a trio of finals ahead of their second leg against Bayern Munich in the last four on Tuesday, when they will carry a 2-1 lead, and two away goals, to the Santiago Bernabeu.

It makes them favourites to go through and, for many, heavy favourites to win the tournament after already beating Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus in the knock-out stages.

For Zidane, a third European crown as coach is now in sight, which would put him level with Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley in the pantheon of successful managers.

Only the three triumphs of Paisley, however, came at one club, Liverpool, and over a single era, in 1977, 1978 and 1981. Ancelotti’s treble stretched across 11 years, with two clubs, Real and AC Milan. Continue reading “Real and Zidane look to sink Bayern again”

Andres Iniesta confirms he’s leaving Barcelona

Andres Iniesta has confirmed he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season after 22 years associated with the club.

In a press conference attended by members of the first team and the club’s board on Friday, Iniesta said he wanted to finish at Barca “feeling useful, feeling important and still winning titles”.

Iniesta is expected to continue his career in China but says his next move is yet to be finalised. The 33-year-old reiterated, however, he would never play against Barcelona. Start Forecasting your Weekend  games Now

After joining Barca’s academy, La Masia, aged 12, Iniesta blossomed into one of the Catalans’ greatest ever players, winning four Champions League and eight La Liga titles, and lifting the World Cup with Spain. Bet Now

Struggling to hold back the tears, Iniesta said: “I understand that in the near future I will not be able to give the best of myself in all senses, both physically and mentally. Continue reading “Andres Iniesta confirms he’s leaving Barcelona”

Barcelona set for title victory party at Deportivo

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said in February he was “in a hurry” to wrap up the Liga title and his side will almost certainly get to celebrate a 25th league crown at last when they play at Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.

Barca need a draw against Clarence Seedorf’s struggling side to clinch the title and the trophy could even be theirs before they kick off if Real Madrid fail to beat Leganes on Saturday and Atletico Madrid are unable to win at Alaves four hours before Barca’s game starts.

The Catalans have led from the front this season, topping the table in week two, and no-one can begrudge them a title which they have looked certain to win since they beat Real Madrid 3-0 on 23 December, marching 14 points clear of their arch- rivals and nine ahead of Atletico. NaijaBet

Barca’s surprise draws against Getafe and Espanyol briefly offered Atletico hope of chasing down Valverde’s side when they closed the gap to five points ahead of a top-of-the-table clash in March, but a superb free kick from Lionel Messi gave Barca a 1-0 win to lift them eight points ahead. Continue reading “Barcelona set for title victory party at Deportivo”

Europa League Match Preview: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid

Arsenal have won their last six home matches in a row. They have scored at least three goals in each of those matches.

Atletico Madrid have only won one of their last five and have failed to score in their last two. They are winless in their last four away matches, losing 3-0 most recently to Real Sociedad.

Atletico were the favourites when this draw was made but have Arsenal caught them at the perfect time? The Gunners will need to win well on Thursday as their away form has been dreadful all season.

Team News

Arsenal- Alexandre Lacazette will continue up front in the Europa League as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is cup-tied for Arsenal. Bet Now

Jack Wilshere has missed Arsenal’s last two matches but has since returned to training. Mesut Ozil and Petr Cech are also back in training.

Mohamed Elneny suffered ankle ligament damage at the weekend and is out for the rest of the season. Continue reading “Europa League Match Preview: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid”

We gave out the victory to Real Madrid – Mueller

Bayern Munich players were left shaking their heads after Real Madrid made the most of their few opportunities to earn a 2-1 comeback victory in the Champions League semifinal first leg on Wednesday.

The Bavarians, chasing a treble of titles, squandered a succession of good chances while the Spaniards were ruthless, scoring with Marcelo’s opportunist long-range shot and catching the Germans on the break through Marco Asensio after a bad mistake by Bayern’s Rafinha.

“I don’t know how we managed this,” Bayern’s Thomas Mueller told reporters. “We compensated well after the early injuries (to Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng) and we were really good. Place bet today on today NaijaBet

“But we were too naive and we did not make the chances we got, we just did not do it tonight. How Real did this is their thing but we certainly played our part in that.”

Robben went off after eight minutes and Boateng followed soon afterwards with a suspected adductor muscle injury. Continue reading “We gave out the victory to Real Madrid – Mueller”

Europa League Match Preview: Marseille vs Salzburg

Marseille have only lost one of their last 21 home matches in all competitions.

Salzburg have only lost two of their last 21 away matches in all competitions.

Salzburg have scored exactly two goals in their last three away games in the Europa League.

Marseille have scored 5 goals in each of their last two home matches.

Team News

Marseille- Hiroki Sakai is expected to miss Marseille’s Europa League semi-final first leg against RB Leipzig after coming off in the first half of their 5-1 win over Lille at the weekend. Bet now on NaijaBet

Valere Germain, Kostas Mitroglou and Clinton N’Jie are in competition for a starting berth up front, while Morgan Sanson, Maxime Lopez and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa battle for a place alongside Luiz Gustavo in midfield.

Boubacar Kamara and Steve Mandanda are also ruled out for the home side ahead of their meeting with Salzburg. Continue reading “Europa League Match Preview: Marseille vs Salzburg”

Iniesta leaving Barcelona is a rumour – Chongqing coach

Andres Iniesta’s move to Chongqing Lifan is just “a rumour”, the Chinese club’s coach said, as the Barcelona captain gets ready to reveal his future plans.

Reports in Spain and China say the 33-year-old Spanish international midfielder is close to sealing a transfer to the Chinese Super League (CSL), with Chongqing said to be his most likely destination.

Chongqing coach Paulo Bento, who was in charge of Portugal at the last World Cup, said: “This is a rumour and it is very difficult to comment on rumours. Bet Now 

“But I don’t think there is any fan or coach in the world that doesn’t like a player like Iniesta,” the Portuguese said, according to Chinese media reports, after Chongqing won 2-0 at Anhui Hefei in the fourth round of the Chinese FA Cup on Wednesday.

Iniesta, who has been central to Barcelona and Spain’s success over more than a decade, looks set to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season. Continue reading “Iniesta leaving Barcelona is a rumour – Chongqing coach”

Patrick Vieira ‘ready’ to manage in Europe

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira says he is ready to manage in Europe as speculation continues to link him with the job of replacing Arsene Wenger at the end of the season.

Frenchman Vieira has been manager of New York City FC since 2016 and said that while he is in no rush to leave the Major League Soccer side a top job in Europe was something he would be open to.

“I don’t want this to be perceived that I want to go because I don’t want to leave. But, if the question is as simple as, ‘Are you ready to manage any teams in Europe?’ then I would say yes. I am ready,” Vieira said.

“I think we’re all doing this job because one day we want to coach the biggest teams in Europe.” Place bet on tonight Europa league games on NaijaBet

Wenger won three league titles and seven FA Cups in his almost 22-year reign at Arsenal, and Vieira, who played under him for nearly a decade, said it was hard to understand the criticism aimed at the 68-year-old in recent seasons. Continue reading “Patrick Vieira ‘ready’ to manage in Europe”

Salah threatens Ronaldo & Messi rulerships

Mohamed Salah could be the man to finally break the Ronaldo-Messi duopoly at the top of world football after the Liverpool forward burnished his soaring reputation with a mesmerising Champions League performance against Roma.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi have locked down the Ballon d’Or award for a decade, winning five gongs apiece – for the past seven years they have occupied the top two slots.

But Salah is now second favourite with many bookmakers behind Ronaldo for this year’s award after scoring his 42nd and 43rd goals of the season in a thrilling 5-2 victory for Liverpool in the Champions League semifinal first leg. Bet Now on today’s game on NaijaBet

After his first strike against his former club on Tuesday, the man dubbed by fans as the “Egyptian King” stood motionless, hands raised in apology, as bedlam broke out on a night for the ages at Anfield.

Salah’s curling effort arrowed into the top corner with such accuracy his manager Jurgen Klopp labelled it “a genius strike”.

Soon after came the forward’s signature finish, a cute dink over advancing Roma goalkeeper Alisson for his 43rd goal in 47 games for Liverpool. Continue reading “Salah threatens Ronaldo & Messi rulerships”

Champion League Match Preview: Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Bayern Munich are looking to make the Champions League final for the first time since 2013. In their way stand a Real Madrid side that are bidding to win the Champions League for a record third successive year.

Madrid have won the last five competitive meetings between the two sides and have to be favoured given the form of Cristiano Ronaldo. They have conceded in 10 of their last 12 away matches in the competition, however.

Bayern are undefeated at home this season, even keeping clean sheets in five of their last six. They have scored at least five goals in five of their last eight matches on home soil, but can they repeat such fine form against the reigning champions? Bet Now

Team News

Bayern Munich- Robert Lewandowski, Franck Ribery, Thomas Müller, Javi Martinez, Joshua Kimmich, and Mats Hummels will all return to the starting XI here after being held back at the weekend.

Kingsley Coman, Arturo Vidal and Manuel Neuer are all sidelined for Bayern Munich, while Rafinha is expected to start at left-back with David Alaba a doubt. Continue reading “Champion League Match Preview: Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid”

We have to believe,in football everything is possible – Di Francesco

AS Roma’s coach Eusebio Di Francesco said they lost their heads in the 5-2 defeat by Liverpool in their Champions League, semi-final, first-leg at Anfield on Tuesday but added that his team had to believe they could turn the tie around.

“We had an excellent start but then we lost our heads and the ability to stay in the game and so we got ourselves into difficulty,” he said.

“We really weren’t good for 50 minutes and we lost all the challenges and duels and couldn’t even make simple five yard passes,” said the Italian whose team had been 5-0 down. Bet Now NaijaBet

But two goals in the final nine minutes – an Edin Dzeko strike and a Diego Perotti penalty — gave Roma hope they could make an unlikely comeback at the Stadio Olimpico next Wednesday.

Di Francesco’s side had lost their quarter-final first leg 4-1 at Barcelona but advanced with a 3-0 win at home where they have not conceded a goal in this season’s Champions League. Continue reading “We have to believe,in football everything is possible – Di Francesco”

De Gea says current season is his best

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea believes the ongoing season has seen him perform at his best at the Premier League club.

De Gea, who has been at United since 2011, has kept 21 clean sheets across all competitions this season and his impressive form has helped the club reach the FA Cup final and put them on the verge of sealing a second-placed finish in the league.

“Yeah, I’m pretty pleased with my performance. It’s been a fairly complete, all round set of performances from me,” De Gea said on Premier League Productions when asked if this season was his best.

“I’ve felt good, felt fit and in good form physically throughout the season. Let’s hope that these last few games to go before the end of the season continue the form, then leading into the World Cup, which is an important time for Spain.” Place bet on today’s games on NaijaBet

The 27-year-old Spaniard was named in Professional Footballers’ Association’s Team of the Year last week and is a favourite to win United’s Player of the Season award for the fourth consecutive campaign. Continue reading “De Gea says current season is his best”

Alaba, Tolisso might miss UCL match against Real Madrid

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes will decide at the last minute if full back David Alaba and midfielder Corentin Tolisso can play in Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at home against Real Madrid, he said on Tuesday.

The German champions, itching for revenge after last year’s elimination to Real in their fourth successive exit in the competition to a Spanish opponent, are already without Chile international Arturo Vidal, sidelined for the rest of the season following surgery.

“For David Alaba and Corentin Tolisso it will be decided tomorrow morning if they will be included in the squad,” Heynckes told reporters. Naija and Bet

Austria international Alaba has been nursing a back injury for some weeks and missed their final training session earlier on Tuesday while Frenchman Tolisso has just recovered from a shin injury.

“Teams in the last four of the Champions League have to deal with injuries,” Heynckes added. “Arturo is for me a very important player for example. But we need to compensate for that loss.” Continue reading “Alaba, Tolisso might miss UCL match against Real Madrid”

Champions League Match Preview: Liverpool vs Roma

Liverpool have kept clean sheets in each of their last four Champions League home matches, their best run in the competition’s history.

Roma have lost their last three away matches in the Champions League, falling to a 4-1 defeat against Barcelona most recently.

Liverpool have lost two of their last three home matches against Italian opposition but are expected to take a first leg lead to Rome.

Team News

Liverpool- Jordan Henderson is available again after missing their last Champions League game and will slot straight back into midfield. Bet Now on NaijaBet

Roberto Firmino, Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dejan Lovren and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will be recalled to the starting XI after being held back at the weekend. Continue reading “Champions League Match Preview: Liverpool vs Roma”

Mendy hope for more starting spot at City

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is keen to reclaim his place in the Premier League champions’ starting line-up after making his comeback from a lengthy injury layoff in last weekend’s 5-0 win over Swansea City.

France international Mendy, who was sidelined since September with a knee ligament injury, came on as a second-half substitute as Pep Guardiola’s side registered a commanding victory in their first match since sealing the title.

Midfielder Fabian Delph has been impressive at left back in Mendy’s absence but the injury-free 23-year-old is eager to reclaim his spot.

“It has been a very long time, but every day I worked hard… I knew with this injury we had to wait and work, but seven months on I am strong,” Mendy said. Place bet on today’s Champions League match and Other matches.

“Maybe he (Delph) will take my place… I need to work hard for my comeback but he has done great for the team this year, and (Oleksandr) Zinchenko the same. Continue reading “Mendy hope for more starting spot at City”

Jupp Heynckes chasing another treble with Bayern

Jupp Heynckes plans to down his ex-club Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal, first leg, and take the next step to leaving Bayern Munich with another treble.

Heynckes, 72, has already won the Champions League as head coach of both clubs.

He steered Real to the title in 1998, then Bayern in 2013, a season the Germans finished with a treble. Place bet on today’s games on NaijaBet

At an age when his contemporaries are busy playing bingo and looking after the grandkids, Heynckes is relishing a high-pressure European showdown.

“It’s a cracker – a gigantic meeting in a positive sense,” said Heynckes.

“These are two teams with a great tradition in European football, who play and love attractive football. It’s a difficult draw for both sides.”

Bayern are the only club left in the Champions League who can still win a treble. Continue reading “Jupp Heynckes chasing another treble with Bayern”

I have no problem with Mourinho – Pogba

Paul Pogba insisted on Sunday that he has no problems with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho despite a difficult season which has seen the French star dropped on several occasions.

Pogba, who has even been linked with a summer move away from Old Trafford, said that he always accepts Mourinho’s decisions and that the best response he can make to being snubbed is to improve on the pitch.

“I have no problem with Mourinho,” Pogba said NaijaBet on Sunday.

“I also believe that he has no problem with me. He is the coach, he makes the decisions. Me, I am a player, I accept it and I have to respond on the pitch, that’s all.” Place bet on today’s games on NaijaBet

Midfield star Pogba revealed that Mourinho never explains why he is getting dropped or substituted in a match.

“No, it all depends on the coach. There are some who like to talk to the players. Mourinho, when he makes a choice, you have to accept it.” Continue reading “I have no problem with Mourinho – Pogba”

Gomez, Lovren are ready to return for Liverpool – Klopp

Liverpool defenders Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren will return to the squad for Saturday’s Premier League trip to basement club West Bromwich Albion, manager Jurgen Klopp said.

Gomez featured in training this week for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury on international duty with England last month, while Lovren returned from a knock he suffered during last weekend’s league win over Bournemouth.

However, Klopp confirmed that right-back Nathaniel Clyne is expected to miss the match at the Hawthorns due to an injury. Bet now on week -end games on NaijaBet 

“Clyney struggled a little, he had a little muscle issue – unfortunately after a completely normal session. He is probably not available for tomorrow,” Klopp told a news conference on Friday.

“All the rest are available. Joe is back in full training, Dejan had only a little bit longer recovery but he trained yesterday as well.” Continue reading “Gomez, Lovren are ready to return for Liverpool – Klopp”

Wenger to leave Arsenal at of the Season

Arsene Wenger will finally bring his 22-year stay as Arsenal manager to a close at the end of the season, the Frenchman announced on Friday.

“After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season,” Wenger said in a statement posted on the club’s website.

“I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.”

Wenger, 68, won three Premier League titles, leading the only side to go a full league season unbeaten in 2003-04, and lifted seven FA Cups during his tenure. Start forecasting your weekend games Now  on NaijaBet

However, he has been under increasing pressure to step down from the club’s fans for several seasons as Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League for 14 years and risk missing out on Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season.

Arsenal’s only realistic chance of making the Champions League next season is by winning the Europa League where the Gunners face Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals on April 27 and May 4. Continue reading “Wenger to leave Arsenal at of the Season”

Match Preview : Burnley vs Chelsea

Burnley will leapfrog Arsenal into sixth if they beat Chelsea on Thursday, albeit having played a game more. The Clarets have won their last five on the bounce and will fancy their chances of beating Chelsea.

Chelsea survived a scare at the weekend after coming from 2-0 down to beat Southampton 3-2. They can pull to within four points of fourth place Tottenham with a win here, albeit having played a game more than their London rivals.

Chelsea have an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday and this is exactly the type of opponent Antonio Conte would prefer to avoid just days before their trip to Wembley. Burnley’s winning streak could well continue here. Bet Now on Naija and Bet

Team News

Burnley- Kevin Long has performed well in Ben Mee’s absence and may be rewarded with another start at the heart of Burnley’s defence here.

Sean Dyche has no reason to make any changes to his starting XI as Burnley close in on sixth place Arsenal. Continue reading “Match Preview : Burnley vs Chelsea”

Sterling hungry for more trophies after City PL win

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling says he is hungry to win the Premier League again, warning the champions against complacency as they chase more glory.

Pep Guardiola’s men were confirmed as champions with five matches still to play on Sunday when Manchester United were beaten by West Brom.

“This is my first Premier League title so who cares how you win it, whether it was on the pitch or on my sofa, I’m just delighted to win the title,” said the England international.

“It’s been a dream ever since I was a kid growing up playing football with my mates and winning it means everything.

“It’s important we don’t get complacent though. It’s amazing to win it, but now it’s about the next one.” Bet Now

The England international, who joined City from Liverpool in 2015, has progressed rapidly this season and Guardiola said at the weekend the 23-year-old could become one of the best players in the world. Continue reading “Sterling hungry for more trophies after City PL win”

Laliga Match Preview : Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid

Real Sociedad have won back-to-back games and kept consecutive clean sheets in recent weeks, with the Basque club looking to turn a corner in terms of confidence.

The hosts have kept three clean sheets in a row now in La Liga, with the balance being struck between creativity in attack and solidity at the back.

Atletico Madrid got back to winning ways against Levante last time out, and Antoine Griezmann continues to look in excellent form ahead of facing his former club. Bet Now on NaijaBet

Team News

Real Sociedad- Tono is expected to be preferred to Geronimo Rulli in goal, due to Miguel Angel Moya’s absence.

Diego Llorente is set to partner Raul Navas at the heart of the defence.

No changes are expected in the forward line, with Real Sociedad kicking on well since Eusebio’s sacking. Continue reading “Laliga Match Preview : Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid”