Richarlison primed to channel inner R9 as Brazil chase sixth World Cup
by Ben McAleer
at Jumamosi, Nov 26 2022 09:15
Unsurprisingly, Brazil got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start. There were some concerns over how Tite's side would live up to their favourites billing, especially having watched on as powerhouse pair Argentina and Germany both got their respective campaigns off to a disastrous start, lo...
Why Lucas Hernandez's injury could prove a blessing for France in Qatar
by Ben McAleer
at Jumatano, Nov 23 2022 13:40
As France seek to defend their World Cup crown, a succession of injuries hasn't aided their cause. Their starting central midfield pairing at Russia 2018 - Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante - were ruled out before the tournament forced its way to the forethought of France fans, while Ballon d'Or winner Ka...
Are Brazil's full-backs cause for concern at Qatar 2022?
by Ben McAleer
at Jumanne, Nov 22 2022 16:55
Brazil are the overwhelming favourites to win the 2022 World Cup, and it is easy to see why. There is a raft of talent within the Selecao squad, notably in attack with Tite able to call upon the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison, to name four, in what is arguably the mo...
England vs Iran: Can Taremi help cause an early World Cup upset?
by Ben McAleer
at Jumapili, Nov 20 2022 16:25
On their way to lifting the Champions League in 2021, Chelsesa beat FC Porto 2-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. The Blues did enough in Portugal to book their semi-final spot and while a fairly routine and mundane affair between the two sides, there was a moment of magic in the dying embers of ...
Can Van de Beek still rescue his Man Utd career?
by Ben McAleer
at Ijumaa, Nov 11 2022 17:03
It's fair to say that Donny van de Beek's time at Manchester United has been nothing short of a disaster. The Dutch midfielder was courted by Real Madrid back in 2020 on the back of a fine, albeit shortened, Eredivisie, with 2019/20 curtailed early due to COVID-19, but with eight goals and five assi...
Should Arsenal fans be concerned by Jesus' goal drought?
by Ben McAleer
at Jumatano, Nov 9 2022 09:15
When Arsenal signed Gabriel Jesus in the summer, they were never really bringing in an out-and-out goalscorer in the same mould as Erling Haaland or Dusan Vlahovic, the latter linked with a move to the Gunners back in January. Jesus only scored eight league goals for Manchester City last season, and...
'South Korean Van Dijk' Kim proving key in Napoli's Scudetto pursuit
by Ben McAleer
at Ijumaa, Nov 4 2022 12:20
That it took until November for Napoli to lose their first game of the season speaks volumes of the fine work Luciano Spalletti has carried out in Naples. Defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday night ended an impressive 13-game winning run, a streak that included fine wins over the Reds, defending Italian c...
Assessing Rodrigo Bentancur's importance to this Tottenham side
by Ben McAleer
at Jumatatu, Okt 31 2022 15:25
Deep into second half injury time at Bournemouth, and the ball fell to Rodrigo Bentancur after his glancing header had been blocked. Rather than snatch at the opportunity, the Uruguayan showed all the composure of a prime Dimitar Berbatov to beat Mark Travers and secure Spurs all the spoils. Tottenh...
Who is Mykhailo Mudryk? The 'Ukrainian Neymar' wanted by Arsenal and Man City
by Ben McAleer
at Alhamisi, Okt 27 2022 16:15
Shakhtar Donetsk have been a regular feature in the Champions League, yet so often fail to progress beyond the group stage. Seemingly always drawn alongside Real Madrid and another European powerhouse, there is a risk they'll miss out on a spot in the last-16 once more.They currently sit on six poin...
Creative force Fernandes heads Man Utd trio in Premier League midweek best XI
by Ben McAleer
at Ijumaa, Okt 21 2022 09:35
Manchester United put in their most complete performance under Erik ten Hag on Wednesday night as they saw off Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford, though having battered the Spurs goal, the scoreline did flatter the visitors. United have three players make the midweek best XI, so too do Crystal Palace, w...