Stuart MacGill has replaced Andy Bichel in the only change to Australia’s twelve-man squad for the Second Test against South Africa starting in Cape Town tomorrow.Pace bowler Bichel was Australia’s twelfth man in the opening match of the three-Test series at Johannesburg two weeks ago. Though captain Steve Waugh has hinted that he expects the pitch to offer genuine assistance to slow bowlers, it is widely anticipated that leg spinner MacGill will assume the same role at Newlands.Fellow leg spinner Shane Warne is poised to play his 100th Test match for Australia, while opening batsman Justin Langer will embark on his 50th.A win would officially confirm Australia’s status as the world’s number one Test team.The squad is: Steve Waugh (c), Adam Gilchrist (vc), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill (12th man to be named).
After all the hype, anticipation and build-up, the FA finally revealed Fabio Capello’s 23-man squad for the World Cup at 4pm yesterday (an hour later than scheduled I might add). Unlike previous years, the squad selection sprung no major surprises or shocks, with Capello, for the most part, sticking with the tried and trusted players who saw him through the qualification process. As I mentioned on Sky News last night, the only really divisive decisions amongst supporters were the omissions of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and Sunderland hitman Darren Bent.
Following the announcement of the squad, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp unsurprisingly felt the urge to air his opinion on the subject. Aside from criticising the intermittent manner in which the squad was announced, Redknapp condemned Capello’s treatment of Tottenham defender Michael Dawson and West Ham United anchorman Scott Parker, claiming that the pair felt like ‘ghosts’ within the initial 30-man squad.
Speaking to The Sun, Redknapp said “People on the inside who I know tell me Scott [Parker] was fantastic in training every day. He worked his socks off and could not have done any more, but whatever he did he wasn’t going to go.
“Someone said to me he felt like a ghost on the trip, like Dawson – they were there but not there, and they could sense that. They never kicked a ball and the manager didn’t really speak to them or give them much feedback. Capello might as well have taken 25 to Austria instead of 30. They made up the numbers.”
Given the fact that many were unsurprised by their eventual failure to make the cut, Redknapp questioned the decision of Capello to call up the duo even though he had no actual intent of taking them to the World Cup. This view is supported by the fact that neither of the pair received the chance to feature in England’s recent warm-up games against Mexico and Japan. The England manager is clearly aware of what likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are capable of in defence, and aware of how well the likes of Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard perform in midfield, so eschewing the opportunity to try out the relatively untested pair of Dawson and Parker seems questionable. If Capello was not willing to give the pair the chance to prove themselves worthy of a berth within the final World Cup squad, then why did he call them up in the first place?
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Not much to report at Old Trafford this week where most of the column inches has been about Rooney’s outburst last Saturday. On the transfer front it has been relatively quiet with the only thing to report was the suggestion that United had dropped out of the running for Cole, as they are not prepared to meet his wage demands.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Man United blogs which has included…Why Piers should keep his opinion to himself; Park Ji Sung shows the PL are missing a trick and what will Fergie make of Evra World Cup actions.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Man United stories on the Web this week.
Does Wayne Rooney make a valid point?
Rooooooney…
What would Fergie and Wenger make of their player’s actions?
Why Piers should keep his views on Wayne Rooney to himself
Park Ji Sung is living proof that the PL is missing a trick
Joe Cole prices himself out of move
‘One to Watch in 2010′ – Federico Macheda
The Top TEN Premier League ‘dirtiest’ players
PL suitors need to cough up as World Cup quartet add millions to…
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Best of Web
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A Big Thanks To John Terry… Again – Republik of Mancunia
Captain Evra central to French implosion – United Rant
How long do you have to wait on the “waiting list”? – The Andersred Blog
Will we let history repeat itself at Old Trafford? – The Busby Way
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Rooney is England scapegoat: What next another mock hanging? – A kick in the grass
If the season began tomorrow Part 1 : The defence – The Busby Way
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Click image below to see a gallery of the SPANISH babes at the World Cup:
Concerned Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton fears that the shoulder injury Steven Taylor suffered in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Carlisle United could force the defender to spend a spell on the sidelines.
It had been the 24-year-old's first taste of action since he sustained a knee injury against West Brom in January but he had to be substituted after just 36 minutes at Brunton Park.
Hughton told the Chronicle: "The fact he's come off is obviously a big concern for us. I won't find out the extent until later on. He felt his shoulder and we hope it's minimal."
On the 3-0 win for the Magpies, Hughton added:"It was probably as we expected. Carlisle were a week in front of us in their preparations.
"We knew because of the quality they've got it would be a tight affair in that first half.
"What generally happens is that the game opens up over a period of time and it's who's able to capitalise on that.
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"We were, and I think we could have got more, but it was certainly a competitive game in that second half as well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Wigan Athletic have dismissed reports coming out of Paraguay that Antolin Alcaraz may not join up with his new club as planned following the World Cup.
The Latics snapped up the 27-year-old centre-half on a free transfer from Belgian club Club Brugge before the World Cup began.
Alcaraz was one of the stars of Paraguay's march to the quarter-finals in South Africa and was reported to have told a radio station back in his homeland that he was still open to offers.
"Yes, there is a preliminary agreement we signed, but there is the possibility we can realise other options," he was quoted as saying.
"In fact, at this point I don't know where I am going. At the moment, all the teams that have showed an interest have a chance of signing me."
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However, Wigan fully expect Alcaraz to report for pre-season training later this month after lodging the player's registration with the Premier League.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Xabi Alonso was undoubtedly an integral part of Liverpool’s most recent successes and he is still fondly remembered by the Anfield faithful for his defence splitting passes and long range shooting aptitude.
However, his advice for Dani Pacheco concerning a potential move to the club Alonso departed for Liverpool in 2004, Real Sociedad, will not be welcomed.
Alonso received a huge amount of support at Real Sociedad under manager John Toshack who acknowledged the enormous amount potential he possessed, devising a training method specifically for the Spanish midfielder which focused on his touch and control.
Whilst it is hard to criticise a player who plays the game with such elegance and class, his advice is undermined by the fact leaving Real Sociedad was arguably the best decision he ever made.
Alonso won the Champions League, FA Cup and the European Super Cup on Merseyside, earning him a dream 30 million pound move to Real Madrid perhaps his advice should centre on Pacheco fighting for a place in the first-team at a club which gave Alonso his big-break.
Pacheco was in iridescent form for Spain against England at the U19 Euro Championships getting himself on the score sheet but it is unlikely Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson will give him the chance to shine in the Premier League and this is the reason Pacheco is understandably considering a move back to his homeland.
For any young footballer who just wants to play, it is naturally frustrating to find your opportunities limited but Xabi Alonso seemingly trying to aid Pacheco’s departure is the last thing Liverpool need as they gear up for the new season under Hodgson’s leadership.
This will no doubt be looked upon by Hodgson as another unhelpful story to add to the list since he began his tenure at Anfield and Liverpool fans may be slightly aggravated if one of their most promising talents heeds the advice of a player who was worshipped by the Kop with good reason.
Before advising anybody, perhaps Alonso needs to carefully consider that it was at Liverpool he made a name for himself and the reverse move to the one he suggests for Pacheco acted as the catalyst for him moving on to greater things and becoming renowned for his eloquent midfield style.
Pacheco is clearly a talented footballer, who wants to press on with his career, but at 19 years of age he needs to keep working hard and most of all be patient as regards first-team opportunity.
A move to Real Sociedad would only be beneficial in a loan capacity in order for him to gain valuable first team experience in a highly competitive league where he may also benefit from Joseba Llorente’s experience.
Dani Pacheco Goals
With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery
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Bolton Wanderers midfielder Sean Davis is facing at least another two months out of action after suffering a major setback in his recovery from a long-term knee injury.
The 30-year-old former Spurs and Fulham schemer joined the Trotters from Portsmouth in the summer of 2009, but has been restricted to just four appearances for the club after undergoing cartilage surgery last September.
He had returned to action with the reserves in recent times, but suffering renewed problems with his knee.
Manager Owen Coyle told the Bolton News:"Sean played for the reserves the other week against Manchester City and he felt a little twinge in his knee.
"We've done a scan and he has been told to rest completely for six to eight weeks.
"It's disappointing for Sean and the football club because he has worked ever so hard to get himself in decent shape, but we have to make sure that we do the right thing.
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"It's the advice that we have been given and that's where we are with everything."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
The Internet has helped to make a whole host of activities much simpler to complete. You don’t even have to leave your own house to do the weekly shop or buy yourself the latest England shirt and you don’t have to brave the miserable British weather to have a little flutter either. Thanks to online casinos you can enjoy having a flutter from the comfort of your own home and experience the joys of a real casino on your computer.
This is ideal for the Wayne Rooney’s and Didier Drogba’s of this world who don’t have much time to spare due to their intensive training regimes, and it means that you won’t have to miss the big match in order to enjoy what casinos have to offer.
Online casinos really are as close as you can get to the real thing. On the Sky Vegas website you’ll find all the games you’d expect to come across at your local casino including all of your favourites. This makes it the perfect place to boost your morale after your team has just suffered a disappointing defeat in the league, or if you’re on a high because your team has just stormed to victory then a visit to an online casino will help to keep you in good spirits.
On the Internet you can decide to play table games or slot games and provide entertainment for yourself long into the evening. If you’ve just got half an hour to spare before heading out to watch a game of footy, then you can keep yourself entertained and if luck is on your side you can take some confidence into the big match; something all die-hard football fans need. The problem you might find is that you cannot just limit yourself to just a couple of games, but make sure you don’t miss the big match; maybe you could watch it on TV instead?
The thrills of a casino are one of the few things that can come close to the excitement offered by football matches and seeing your club’s hero score the winning goal. Nothing can beat that winning feeling, and as fans of football teams that regularly find their club fighting off relegation, winning feels even better when you’ve been on a losing streak. So what casino games will you choose for your fix of excitement at the online casino?
One of the most popular online games is roulette. This French casino game has had a big influence on these shores, just like French football has had on the Premier League, which has much to do with long-term Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. French for ‘little wheel’, roulette is a very simple game and it’s this simplicity that helps to make it so popular.
Simply choose red or black, odd or even, or a specific number, and watch in anticipation as the wheel is spun and the ball travels around the wheel until it comes to rest in a numbered pocket. Where the ball will land up is as unpredictable as a Peter Crouch shot and this ensures that your eyes will be glued to the wheel until the winning number is called.
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There are plenty of card games you can play online as well, with blackjack being one of the easiest to pick up. All you have to do is beat the dealer, which is harder than it sounds, and hope that you hit 21 with your cards. If you’re not feeling overly confident you can even play low stakes blackjack so that if you’re not lucky you won’t be rueing that for too long.
Online casinos have helped to make it much more convenient to play your favourite games and you can now have a flutter from your own home with just a couple of clicks of your mouse. On the Sky Vegas website there is a wide selection of casino games to choose from and once you’ve registered online you’re ready to try your luck and have a flutter just like you would at your local casino.
There was once a time when Michael Carrick was a permanent fixture in the Manchester United team.
Not so any more.
The former West Ham and Tottenham midfielder made only his second competitive appearance this season against Valencia and was largely disappointing on his return from an Achilles injury.
Carrick has been hampered by a lack of form which had its beginnings towards the end of last season. Granted, the Valencia game was his first game back from injury but his performance will have done little to shake off the cobwebs of last season.
The problem for Carrick is that he has set himself such high standards and to perform to anything less than that is considered a failure.
Since joining from Tottenham in 2006, Carrick has been an integral part of United’s success. His first season at United was a revelation with Carrick bossing the midfield with his positional intelligence and excellent range of passing. He was inspirational in the Champions League against Roma where he put in a performance of real class, scoring two goals as United romped to a 7-1 victory.
In his first three seasons at the club, Carrick helped United to three successive Premier League crowns as well as a Champions League success in 2007.
Carrick’s strengths have been well-documented. He provides an excellent shield to the back four and does an unfussy job of intercepting and breaking up opposition play while passing the ball with accuracy and efficiency.
Despite all of his talents, he has a tendency to underperform in the big games. He saw the Champions League final against Barcelona pass him by as United’s midfield were overwhelmed by the Catalan’s mesmeric display of passing.
Since that night in Rome, Carrick has looked a shadow of his former self. He had a highly indifferent season last season when compared to his previous campaigns and fell way down the pecking-order at United.
In Carrick’s absence this season, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher have featured regularly for Manchester United in the centre of midfield.
With the injuries that have been plaguing United’s midfield, Sir Alex Ferguson has chosen more often than not to play 4-4-2 this season in the Premier League which is a system that Carrick is not ideally suited to.
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Many teams who play Manchester United like to play 4-5-1 and crowd the midfield which doesn’t allow the United midfielders much time on the ball. This is not too much of a problem with a player like Scholes in the team who is able to pick out a killer pass in an instant.
A player like Carrick however thrives when he has time on the ball. Therefore, he is far better suited to playing in a 4-5-1 system where the extra midfielder will give Carrick more time to pick his pass.
As seen by his first two seasons at the club, Carrick is a player who thrives on confidence. He would benefit from an extended run in the team to rediscover some of the belief that made him such an important player for United.
He has shown that he can be a useful player. He just needs to believe it.
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Things aren’t exactly that rosy at Anfield right now. After suffering an embarrassing home defeat to newly promoted Blackpool in the Premier League, Liverpool finally looked to have got their ownership issues sorted. But things can never be straightforward when Tom Hicks and George Gillett are involved, can they? The Americans are trying to block the £300 million takeover club by New England Sports Ventures, so the Reds are struggling to even swap one lot of Yanks for another. If the sale of the club to the Boston Red Sox owners is not completed by October 15th then Liverpool could even go into administration as the Premier Club plunge deeper and deeper. The situation off the pitch combined with poor performances on it are proving too much for many Liverpool fans and they’re not alone, as here we see the frustration boil over for Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson and his number two at Anfield Sammy Lee. It’s amazing what anger does to you…
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