2014 FIFA World Cup™: The Fantastic Four must Do or Die

If you were to ask me "What's the best World Cup you've ever seen?", I would instantly give you the answer "Brazil 2014". Surprises, fantastic goals, exciting matches, crazy fans and yet more controversy has, in my opinion, shaped and given the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil its name. And what's more is that there are still four, potentially wonderful matches to still be played.

It all starts on Tuesday night, where there is a massive clash of two of world football's biggest titans: Brazil and Germany. The last time these two goliaths met at a World Cup was in the final of Japan-South Korea 2002, where Brazil were 2-0 victors over Die Mannschaft thanks to a brace from the great Ronaldo. Times have changed since, with Germany undeniably having emerged as a powerful force to be reckoned with, but still being "nearly men" at the last two World Cups and Euro 2008; Brazil meanwhile, have reached their first semi-final since 2002, having fallen at the quarter final stage at Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. 

"We'll be fine, thanks": All to be revealed against Germany

A Selecao will be without star striker Neymar for this clash through injury, as well as captain Thiago Silva via suspension. The absence of such major, influential players is a bitter blow to Luiz Felipe Scolari's men, which will mean that David Luiz will have to put in a bigger shift in defence, with Fred or Willian taking (or perhaps, sharing) the goalscoring burden. On paper, this looks heavily damaging for Brazil, but it could be all the more motivational for them, as Scolari's men will have the incentive to show that they are resilient under pressure, even with key men missing: essential if you want to prove that you are the best international team in the world. Germany's midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger even admitted that Brazil will "derive strength" from Neymar's absence.

As ever, the Germans must not be underestimated. We've seen at Brazil 2014 yet again that they are a bunch of cold-blooded, fearless and ruthless players who are desperate to win their first major international trophy since Euro 1996 and their first World Cup since Italy 1990. Thomas Muller has been Germany's standout performer, chipping in with four goals and two assists so far. What makes him so impressive is the fact that he can play anywhere in attack and even assists the back four when required. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels have been a pleasure to watch in defence, especially the former, who was impressive against Algeria in the round of 16. In tandem, they seem to be all the more unbreakable with Manuel Neuer's 'sweeper keeper' skills, seen in Die Mannschaft's matches against both Algeria and France. Germany haven't been totally convincing but will not go down without a fight this match.

Hard to get past: Hummels and Boateng

The outcome of the game is one that is hard to predict. Without doubt, the crowd will be in Brazil's favour, but the Germans will not be fazed. Expect to see lots of end-to-end action and even extra time. Bet against the Germans winning a potential penalty shoot-out at your own peril. But don't underestimate a galvanised and fired-up Brazil side.

And less than 24 Hours later, Holland meet Argentina in a re-match of the 1978 World Cup final, where La Albiceleste won 3-1. Holland have been infamously known as "nearly-men", losing also the 1974 and 2010 World Cup finals . Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie have been nothing short of spectacular at Brazil 2014, scoring 6 goals between each other so far. Louis van Gaal's approach to Oranje's matches so far has been dynamic, including almost surreal decision-making seen in the quarter-final victory over Costa Rica, where Tim Krul replaced Japser Cillessen in goal, solely for the penalty shoot-out. The Dutchmen's high-tempo counter-attacking football has mesmerised many thus far, but Robben's controversial diving may take its toll in a tense match against Argentina, as Holland continue their quest to make up for the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in South Africa, four years ago.

Watch it, you! - The experienced and world-class van Gaal won't tolerate defeat against Argentina

Will he be Argentina's 'Messiah' yet again?

Argentina, meanwhile have been stronger than ever. I said in April that they would at least make the semi-finals and that this would be an achievement in itself. As for an achievement within itself, I do not think coach Alejandro Sabella will like the nature of my words. The desire to win in your own rival country's backyard is something you don't get to do very often, and for La Albiceleste, this may well be their best chance to send the streets of Buenos Aires into party mode. Their defending is certainly not the best and they usually do not attack enough in my opinion; the exact opposite to the Dutch. But when they do, Lionel Messi (who else?) deals the ultimate blow, reminiscent of Maradona's one-man shows at Mexico 1986. Angel Di Maria's absence could be a major stumbling block here, as he has been very influential in most of Argentina's matches, taking away a certain 'sting' in attack. But Sergio Aguero's return from injury might work in Sabella's men's favour, although playing and not being 100% match fit is a massive risk.

The pressure in this match is equal for both sides. Argentina simply want to win in Brazil and Holland are desperate to make up for their defeats in every single final they have played in. Again, there is no guaranteed winner...

...and there really won't be one until Sunday.

2014 FIFA World Cup™: Final predictions and why Brazil will win on home soil

This time tomorrow, football fans' excitement and adrenaline levels will be high as they get ready for the 2014 FIFA World Cup's Opening Ceremony and Opening Game, where Brazil take on Croatia. It promises to be an absolute spectacle of a tournament, albeit in the midst of off-the-pitch conflict and troubles. What happens between then and the final will be what the fans have been eagerly anticipating since the draw was made on 6th December 2013. Here are my final predictions on how I think the tournament will go.


ADIDAS GOLDEN BOOT: 

Boy Wonder: Neymar da Silva Santos Junior

His first season at FC Barcelona following a £50 million move from Santos has been average at best, but Neymar will well and truly feel at home when representing Brazil on the 12th June against Croatia in Sao Paulo. Already Brazil's 11th top all-time goalscorer at the age of 23, Neymar's goals will be extremely pivotal in sending A Selecao kicking and screaming to the Final on 13th July. He's definitely not Pele, but the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the perfect opportunity for Neymar to help Brazil gain a 6th World Cup winners star on their iconic yellow jersey. Lionel Messi will come close to claiming such an accolade, as may the ageing yet ever-potent Miroslav Klose of Germany. Spain's Diego Costa is another contender for the Golden Boot, but with the euphoric Brazilian aura of the tournament, you sense that 2014 may still be Neymar's year. 

ADIDAS GOLDEN BALL :

This one's a tough one, given the sheer abundance of talent on display in Brazil this summer. But if one player, who's not a striker will claim the same accolade as Diego Forlan at South Africa 2010 and Zinedine Zidane at Germany 2006, that player will be PSG and Brazil centre-back, Thiago Silva. Silva definitely bears the hallmarks of previous Brazilian World Cup winning captains like Cafu and Carlos Dunga and is a true leader of men. His rock-solid defensive qualities speak for themselves, forming the very bedrock of Brazil's back-four. He is a Roy Keane/Steven Gerrard-esque captain and is top contender for the Golden Ball if he leads Brazil to World Cup glory in July.

BEST YOUNG PLAYER AWARD:

Mario Gotze had an impressive first season with FC Bayern Munich in 2013/14. His exquisite dribbling and acrobatic skills and ability to chip in with vital goals was all the more underpinned in Germany's 6-1 victory against Armenia last Friday, where Gotze grabbed a brace. Joachim Low may rely more on Gotze in the unfortunate absence of Marco Reus through a knee injury. Although I don't see Germany winning the World Cup, Gotze may perform for Die Manschaft in as great a manner as Mesut Ozil did in South Africa, four years ago. 

DARK HORSES:

All in: Belgium's youngsters

In my last article, I said that Colombia will cope well without Radamel Falcao, at least progressing to the second-round, with James Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez being Los Caferteros' stand-out performers. But if Colombia do not make it past the Round of 16, then the true surprise package will be Belgium, who have an awful amount of talent at their disposal and play brilliant attacking football, with players like Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Marouane Fellaini. Argentina will also take Brazil 2014 with storm, similar to how Uruguay did at South Africa 2010. 

BRAZIL VS ARGENTINA: THE DREAM FINAL

Ever since Brazil's phenomenal performance at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup on Home Soil, they have proved to football fans worldwide that they are indeed, a force to be reckoned with. The days of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Cafu are well and truly over, but Luiz Felipe Scolari has weaved together a team of potential champions, through household names like Neymar, Hulk and Dani Alves, as well as emerging world superstars such as Bernard and Paulinho. There is no reason why they cannot make up for the 'National Tragedy' of the 1950 tournament where they lost 2-1 to Uruguay, especially with a generally young squad, led by the experienced and enthusiastic captain. Not only does the 1950 home soil defeat provide motivation for A Selecao, but also the fact that there will be partisan crowds at each and every one of their games, absolutely roaring the team on. 

I believe that Argentina, who are without doubt Brazil's most fiercest rivals, will join them at the Maracana on the 13th July in a quest to claim their 3rd World Cup title, and their first since Diego Maradona led them to victory at Mexico 1986. La Albiceleste have a more advanced attack than Brazil, for Messi, Di Maria and Aguero appear, in tandem, more potent than Brazil's Neymar, Fred and Hulk. Their defence can be quite shaky at times, but yet again, the significance of mentality may outweigh that of physicality, as a win in their own arch-rivals' backyard would be a fairytale, one which many have thus far only dreamt of. It's hard to predict, but I see the glistening World Cup trophy being held aloft by Brazil captain Thiago Silva in Rio de Janeiro on 13th July. What happens in the game is a completely different story.

32 nations, 2 finalists - Brazil and Argentina : But there's only one winner

Germany, with yet another young squad will at least reach the semi-finals but are likely to face Brazil in the first semi-final on 8th July, where A Selecao will be expected to win and in my so-far humble opinion, will do so, although the Germans will push hard. Spain will be the best-adapted European team to the extremely hot Brazilian weather, but in a match-up against Argentina on 9th July, they will be involved in a major tussle which will be extremely tight and tough and will require some luck to beat La Albiceleste. 

WAIT...WHAT ABOUT ENGLAND?

They'll finish second in Group D to Uruguay and will, as I see it, win by the tightest of margins this Saturday against Italy. England will at best make the quarter-finals where a tense encounter against Brazil in Fortaleza may almost definitely destroy them.


This, ladies and gentlemen, is Joga Bonito (the Beautiful Game) at its best...


CREDITS:

Neymar pic:

 http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/002/645/482/hi-res-170866931-neymar-of-brazil-celebrates-scoring-the-opening-goal_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

Belgium team selfie: 

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/05/27/article-0-1E3F08DB00000578-814_634x635.jpg

Brazil and Argentina fan: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/images/2006/09/04/brazil_440x320.jpg

2014 FIFA World Cup™: Colombia, the potential surprise package

It has hurt and frustrated football fans worldwide, including me, that AS Monaco and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao will not play at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. His absence will mean that one less world class player will not be gracing 'the greatest show on earth'. Yet in context, the fact that the ex-Porto and Atletico Madrid man will not grace the 20th FIFA World Cup tournament, does not damage Colombia's World Cup credentials as much as one might perceive.

Los Cafeteros, whose World Cup campaign kicks off on 14th June against Greece, finished 2nd in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification group, behind Argentina. Their first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1998, Colombia will also face Japan and the Ivory Coast in Group C. They are, attacking-wise, a very underrated team, despite the fact that Falcao will not be leading the front line for them in Brazil. His absence puts pressure on coach Jose Pekerman to prove that Colombia are not, contrary to popular opinion, a one-man team. 

So who are the ones to watch?

James Rodriguez, Falcao's teammate at AS Monaco will be Los Cafeteros' main man, having netted 9 times in France's Ligue 1, as well as assisting 12 other goals for the Southern French outfit. Predominantly playing on the wing, the ex-Porto man has the power to cut in from the left and is not afraid to have a pop at goal. Rodriguez will be going to Brazil having less and lower expectations/attention than the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Rooney. Should he replicate his club form for country, then he may well develop the same reputation Mesut Ozil did for Germany in South Africa, four years ago. If that is the case, then expect a bidding war for the wingman across Europe, post-Brazil 2014.

Go get it son: James Rodriguez somewhat fills the void left in attack by Radamel Falcao

And it's not just Rodriguez who's the man to watch. FC Porto's Jackson Martinez will be carrying much of Los Cafeteros' goalscoring burden. Scoring 23 goals in 41 outings in all competitions for the Portuguese club, Martinez is impressively acrobatic and has a reputation for scoring headers and is indeed a target man. His ball control skills are very advantageous for an ice-cool finisher like him. Teofilo Gutierrez is likely to partner Martinez, but an injury or suspension for the latter could significantly crush Colombia's chances of progressing beyond their 1990 second round finish - their best at a World Cup finals. Carlos Bacca of Sevilla is another striker available to Jose Pekerman, should Gutierrez not play.

Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado will be instrumental in supplying crosses and assisting goals for the front two of Martinez and Gutierrez, in tandem with Rodriguez. On the flipside, Colombia's defence won't be among the best at the World Cup, which isn't helped with Christian Zapata's spontaneous clumsiness and an ageing captain in Mario Yepes. This leaves Colombia very exploited at the back, especially when the full-backs will support Rodriguez and Cuadrado. Carlos Sanchez will have a lot on his plate protecting the back-four. A 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 formation is the norm for Pekerman's Colombians, with predominantly-attacking football being at the very epitome of the South Americans' style of play.

Furthermore, the heat in Brazil will not be a  problem for Colombia given the fact that they are used to such conditions and will be expected to play comfortably in Belo Horizonte, against Greece, and in Cuiaba against Japan. 

Pekerman took Argentina to the Quarter Finals at Germany 2006

Colombia could face England in the second-round of the tournament in Rio de Janeiro on 28th June (if Colombia top Group C and England finish second in Group D; or vice versa). Colombia, being a South American team, will relish the chance to get at Roy Hodgson's men and may have a slightly more potent attack. But the pace of England players like Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling may catch Los Cafeteros' defence with their pants down, especially off the back of an unsuccessful counter-attack. If the Three Lions can keep the trio of Rodriguez, Cuadrado and Martinez under-control, then Falcao's absence may be a key deciding factor in a potential Colombian defeat to the 1966 FIFA World Cup champions.

Pekerman will no doubt guide his men to the second round at Brazil 2014, and they will do well to get there. Beating the Ivory Coast and Japan will be imperative, with Los Cafeteros' match against the latter potentially being one of the most exciting matches football fans will see this summer, when taking into account the sheer quality and fanpower held by either side. 

Whoever you support in Brazil this summer, do not take your eyes off Colombia...


CREDITS:

James Rodriguez and Falcao picture: 

http://www.beinsports.tv/di/library/bein_us/e9/62/james-rodriguez-radamel-falcao_1r02u8lx85zhh1wrbhz9lp3hdq.jpg?t=362158287&w=640&h=360&quality=97&cropTo=top

Jose Pekerman and player picture:

http://www.rpp.com.pe/pict.php?g=-1&p=/picnewsa/890415.jpg

2014 FIFA World Cup™: Why a youthful England will go further than they did in South Africa

I was only 13 years old when I saw Germany absolutely crush England to pieces at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It was clear that England had an ageing, average squad who were expected to at least reach the semi-finals. Yet another pathetic prediction by the media. But this summer, in Brazil, things will be different...

The World at their feet: Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana

...One thing which really pleases me about Roy Hodgson's England squad is the fact that he's opted for 2013-14's young standout performers in the form of Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley. The way Hodgson has selected such players reminds me of how Germany and Spain have blooded in youngsters to their respective national set-ups since 2004 and 2006, respectively. Hodgson's decision to pick Shaw over Ashley Cole indicates that he is not afraid of taking a risk which is necessary if England are to stake a claim as a good international side. But that is not to say that all responsibility will be on young players. Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney have played at the last two tournaments and know the extent to which there is pressure to meet expectations and will help keep the youngsters down-to-earth; especially the first two, who may be retiring from international duty come the end of the tournament.

A younger squad may ease the pressure on Hodgson and thus allow him realistically believe that his team will reach the quarter-final stage, although it is obvious that England will do their best to try and win their second world title. Yet the media will annoyingly and laughably expect the Three Lions to go all the way to the final at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro if they make it past the second round. I'll tell you why they won't win the World Cup below.

Talk the talk: But can Stevie G and Roy walk the walk?

Hodgson's men have flown to Miami today and will play both Ecuador and Honduras at the Sun Life NFL Stadium; the two opponents ironically face each other in Brazil in Group E. Of course England do not play their first game in Florida until Wednesday night, so at this early point, judging on the players available and their performances against Peru on Friday night, I see the team finishing 2nd in Group D. In the extreme heat of Manaus' Arena Amazonia, beating Italy will be crucial but also seems realistic, when considering that Gli Azzurri have an ageing squad, compared to England's youthful side. But, the heat will be a major deciding factor, and whether the Three Lions will be able to handle it will depend on their performances in the two warm-up games in the United States. Uruguay, (who finished 4th in the 2010 tournament) provided they have Luis Suarez fit to play, may prove too good for the Three Lions.

England, from a rational point of view, will finish 2nd in their group. I believe that at this early stage, they will face Japan or Colombia in the Round of 16, but will hope to avoid the latter South Americans who will be playing on continental soil. Depending on who they play and beat, a possible quarter-final set-up against Brazil on the 4th July will be extremely difficult, especially in the fiery heat of Fortaleza - perhaps the last city any team, including the hosts themselves, will wish to play in. We saw last year how Spain and Italy struggled to score even during extra time in Fortaleza's Estádio Plácido Aderaldo Castelo at last year's Confederations Cup tournament; expect the same from England. And even if the Three Lions do beat Italy in the humidity of Manaus, Brazil will be stronger opponents. Why? Because the likes of Neymar, Oscar and Thiago Silva will be playing on home soil, just as they did when they beat Spain to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and are arguably more skilled and experienced than Sturridge, Lallana, Cahill and co. 

Then again, it is too early to predict what will happen. Playing in a warmer climate may be a stumbling block for the Three Lions going far in Brazil, but the talent and team spirit will generally be quite high and will be crucial for a better performance than a mediocre at best campaign in South Africa, four years ago.

CREDITS:

Photo 1: http://static.allsports.com.gh/img/epl/origs2824744/797636761-w644-h960/lallanashawhighs-gj1fjfu2ifv112qz61e8bug3h.jpg

Photo 2: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/audio/video/2013/9/6/1378460659982/Roy-Hodgson-and-Steven-Ge-016.jpg 

Rant #1: Arsenal FC are all bark, no bite...

You and I hear it season-in, season-out, Arsenal FC promise everything, deliver nothing. After a horrendous 3-0 loss to Everton last Sunday, well, I among many football fans really wonder if they will mask a "hero to zero" league season with a win against Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend at Wembley.

On deadline day last summer, Arsene Wenger highlighted his intent to compete at the very top by pulling off a £42 million deal for German playmaker Mesut Ozil. I guess it's fair to say that Ozil has had an on-off season in 2013/14, but has nonetheless been an influential figure for Monsieur Wenger's team. Then again, just because you make one marquee signing, that does not guarantee that you will win your first Barclays Premier League title in a decade. Wenger's defenders have been hugely awful countless times this season, particularly against Manchester City and Chelsea where they conceded 6 opposition goals on both occasions. Not what you'd expect from a team who were "title contenders" earlier on this season.

The Gunners have developed a notoriety of being a "one-man team" in recent years and have somewhat still managed to end up in the top four. But on the flipside, has that brought any silverware back to Ashburton Grove? The answer is the opposite of what the average Gunner would like to think. It's true - Wenger made an absurd, pathetic decision to not sign a striker in January. Even ex-Lilywhite Dimitar Berbatov would have been a great signing. Wasted opportunity... 

It's all in your hands, Monsieur Wenger

One famous Hollywood scene which always stimulates me is Al Pacino's speech in "Any Given Sunday" - "We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time". Yes, that film is about American Football, but that little piece of motivation is destined to work anywhere, and I mean anywhere. Now, picture this: Wenger in full cry before the game, shouting and screaming into the ear of each one of his players the importance of togetherness, team-spirit and giving 100%. This is The Gunners' final chance to make a name for themselves this season. Can they do it? Personally, I think they can, but only if they can  make it over that hurdle. And can they make it over that hurdle? Well... 

...we'll see on Saturday.

2014 FIFA World Cup: Don't write off Argentina's chances

It's 29th June 1986. In a vibrant Estadio Azteca, the great Diego Armando Maradona captains his truly wonderful Argentina side to a stunning 3-2 victory over West Germany in front of a capacity of 100,000. Now, picture this: Lionel Messi, just inches away from lifting the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy after La Albiceleste beat Brazil in their own backyard; the Maracana. Speaking too soon? Perhaps, but 2014 may be the year Argentina take the football world by storm.

Argentina will be one of the most inspired, if not the most inspired team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste's long-term rivalry with Brazil is among the most fiery in global football, and certainly manifests itself at both professional and grassroots levels. The hosts have experienced "national embarassment" once in 1950, where Uruguay beat them 3-2 on home soil and Argentina will hope to follow in the footsteps of Los Charruas. The fans in particular, will be relishing an encounter between the two nations who cannot meet until at least the semi-final and see FC Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar go head-to-head on the world stage. 

Captain Lionel: He certainly won't accept any Messing up in Brazil

Argentina have a vast array of world-class superstars up and down the pitch. Sergio Romero looks set to be Alejandro Sabella's first-choice goalkeeper, who, as it appears, will be backed up by an abundant defence, which comprises itself of players such as Ezequiel Garay, Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta. Mascherano, Di Maria, Banega and Sosa make up a masterful midfield which will protect the back-four and supply ammunition to the stellar strike-force of Messi, Aguero, Higuain and Lavezzi. In terms of quality, second to none.  


So where does this squad lie in terms of utility? 

Choices, Choices, Choices: Alejandro Sabella

Argentina haven't the best defence in the world, with Sabella quoting in March 2013: "Sometimes, I have to cover my face when the opponents are attacking". The left-back void still needs be filled, leading to a selection dilemma for the Argentina boss, as to who will partner right-back Pablo Zabaleta. Further up top, La Albiceleste cannot afford further injuries to Messi or Aguero. Whether Carlos Tevez will be included in the final 23-man squad is another question. Argentina, in my opinion, may be better than Brazil in attack. Helped by a 4-3-3 formation, the aforementioned Argentinian strikers in this article have collectively been in fruitful form this season and have arguably performed better than the likes of Neymar, Hulk and Fred. However, that is not to say that they are definitely better than their rivals up top, when considering their latest 0-0 draw against Romania which falls well below the standards of a team of Argentina's calibre.

At this point, I see Argentina overcoming the quarter-final hoodoo they have faced at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups at the hands of Germany. They will do their best to get to the semi-finals at least and will be hugely inspired every step of the way but may, as I perceive, fall short of the final. Nevertheless, this could be a great achievement for a team which has appeared to be quite resurgent in the past year and is looking to claim a major trophy since their 1993 Copa America triumph against Mexico.

CREDITS:

Messi picture:  http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02754/Lionel_Messi_2754861b.jpg

Sabella picture:

 http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Sabella-Messi-Argentina.jpg

Barclays Premier League: Predicting the outcome of the 2nd half of the season

At every club in the Premier League, the pressure is increasingly mounting. No team is guaranteed anything right up until the last minute, be it a mid-table finish or avoiding relegation. If anything's certain, every game for every team will only get harder. Every fan expects...

Ole,Ole!: Solskjaer is intent on keeping his team up

...But before predicting who will finish where in May, the Winter Transfer window is a certain talking point. Arguably, the best deal of the window was Manchester United's acquisition of Juan Mata from Chelsea for a fee of £37 million. United, who currently sit 7th in the Premier League, are almost definitely out of the title race. That is not to say, however, that they cannot reach the Top 4 and still win the UEFA Champions League in May. Cardiff City, managed by ex-United man Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have pulled off great some great signings this window, including Wilfried Zaha on loan from Old Trafford and Kenwyne Jones from Stoke City. Chelsea also had a great window, re-signing Nemanja Matic, as well as acquiring Mohamed Salah and Wilfred Zouma for combined fees of £50 million. On the down side, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham were the losers of this transfer window, bringing in no marquee signings, although the Reds failed in a £16 million bid for Yehven Konoplyanka; Arsenal reportedly had a £37 million bid for Schalke prodigy Julian Draxler blocked.

In terms of the top four, the top three seem to have a firm grip on their current respective league positions, with the final fourth place spot to be hotly contested. Manchester City are playing like champions and will be hoping to add to their sole Premier League crown which they won in a high-octane manner in 2012. Chelsea and Arsenal will press hard and intently in order to claim the title, but City, although having made no signings in January, are playing some of the best football in Europe, alongside Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Liverpool, Tottenham, Everton and Manchester United will not back down in these coming months. All of these teams have major players injured and know very well that getting into next season's UEFA Champions League will be a mountainous task; especially in the case of United. 

The top 3 are locked in battle: But there's only one winner

What about the relegation battle? Crystal Palace and Cardiff City have conducted good business this transfer window but will still have to pit their wits against the face of relegation. Can they save their season? I for one certainly think so. However, Fulham, West Ham, Norwich, Hull, Sunderland and even Swansea will not give up without a fight. Rather sadly, three of these teams will go down to the Championship, which will act as motivation for these teams' respective managers to work harder than ever in order to keep their team in the Premier League. 

So what are my 'final' predictions at this point? Manchester City, I think will win the title, followed by Chelsea/Arsenal in 2nd place. 4th place can go to anyone of Liverpool, Everton, Spurs or Man United, and I do not think we can truly predict who will claim the final Champions League spot. As it stands, I see Fulham, West Ham and West Brom playing in the 2014-15 Sky Bet Championship season, though we should expect to see late-season drama at both ends of the Premier League table.

A sad farewell to Tony Hateley; the ex-Chelsea,  Liverpool and Aston Villa man passed away on Sunday. Ex-Spain boss Luis Aragones, famous for La Roja's Euro 2008 triumph will also be missed by football fans all across the globe.



CREDITS:

OGS Picture: http://e1.365dm.com/14/01/768x432/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-Cardiff-press-conference_3060500.jpg?20140102135041

Man City 2012 Title picture: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/13/article-2143702-13124E39000005DC-504_634x437.jpg

Barclays Premier League 2013-14: Mid-Season Review

In August, the Barclays Premier League entered its 22nd season - one which has had many ups and downs so far, with suprises and shocks at every angle. But how has it really fared up until now?

Was the future too bright under Mackay for Tan to bear?

Sackings. Before anything, the amount of sackings this season so far in the Barclays Premier League have been unbelievable. Starting in September, Paolo Di Canio's so called "controversial" reign at Sunderland came to an end after the Black Cats' dismal start to the season, with Gus Poyet coming to the helm. Just over two-and-a-half months later, Martin Jol was told at Fulham to pack his bags, as were Steve Clarke, Andre Villas-Boas and Malky Mackay from West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham and Cardiff City, respectively. But were some of these sackings justified? In the case of Malky Mackay's departure from Cardiff City, I for one certainly think not. His record proves that he is the greatest manager in Cardiff's history and he certainly worked his socks off getting them to the 2012 Carling Cup Final and promotion to this season's Premier League campaign. Vincent Tan, who claimed that "too much dirty linen had been exposed to the public gaze", following Mackay's public comments about transfer targets, can be rightly described as arrogant and domineering. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has replaced Mackay on an initial 12-month contract. AVB's sacking was right in the respect that they were underperforming despite having spent £100m on well-established world class players like Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado and on prodigies Paulinho and Christian Eriksen. Yet, it is logical to consider how a lot of these players came from different leagues and will still need to time to gel together - only then will Tottenham really manifest their on-field mojo.

Then there's Manchester United. In December 2012, they were leading the pack with 49 points. They went on to win their 20th Premier League crown later that season. December 2013? Well, they were in 6th and had attained only 34 points. Where will they finish this season? Well, to be honest, they still very much have a squad capable of winning the title although I personally believe that the Premier League trophy will be departing Old Trafford in May. I still maintain the opinion that David Moyes is the right man for United, just as I said in July last year, although he does not possess the aura that Sir Alex Ferguson so profoundly did for 20 of his 26-and-a-half years as Red Devils boss.Their activity in the transfer market will be pivotal in a potential resurgence for this second half of the season, with Ander Herrera, Sven Bender and Leighton Baines all possible targets for the current champions.

Three, is the magic number: Suarez is certainly magical

On the plus side, the season so far has been nothing short of exciting. Liverpool's Luis Suarez has scored 20 goals in 15 league games so far, following his return from his 10 match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic. Kopites have been left in awe and all the more re-assured of his future, following his signing of a new contract. Mesut Ozil has settled in well at Arsenal and without doubt, made the right choice to leave Real Madrid last summer. Wayne Rooney has been the stand-out performer at Man United, but the focus has predominantly been on Adnan Januzaj, who has hitherto been impressive for the Red Devils and could be a prodigy for England if he chooses to play for them - if not, then either one of Belgium, Albania, Turkey, Serbia or Croatia. Speaking of prodigies, Ross Barkley's displays for Everton have not gone unnoticed, although The Toffees will be fighting to keep him. Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas have been nothing short of impressive for Manchester City, who are the bookies' favourites to claim the title in May. Chelsea's strikers have stuttered this season, with Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o only scoring 7 league goals between them. Jose Mourinho says that he doesn't need to purchase a striker this transfer window, but could still delve into the market for the likes of Diego Costa, Leandro Damiao and could re-call Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

Wishing all readers a Happy New Year.

CREDITS:

Vincent Tan Picture http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02698/tan_2698722b.jpg

Luis Suarez picture http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02714/luis-suarez_2714818b.jpg