The World Cup is a special event. Fans have the opportunity to watch the best players on the planet represent their nation, in an attempt to be crowned champions of the world. Expect trickery, flair, passion, and the odd upset. But one of the biggest anticipations in Brazil is goals. Lots of goals. The deadliest strikers, all in one place, looking to terrorise defenders. This could be fun to watch.

Whilst some of them, like England’s Wayne Rooney, will be looking for their first goal at a World Cup finals, others will be eyeing up their own personal award, the Golden Boot. Whist legends such as Gerd Müller and Brazil’s Ronaldo have won the award, the list of players to miss out is even more impressive. Zico, Karl-Heinz Ruminegge and Maradona all fell short of winning the star prize during their playing career. So who are the favourites to win the Golden Boot this year? Here are the bookies’ top 5.

Lionel Messi, 8/1

The Argentine is currently off the field recovering from a hamstring injury, but everyone is expecting him to return with a bang. The 4 times Ballon d’Or winner is expected to watch his rival Ronaldo win the end of year award, which could fuel Messi in the summer. The Barca star will be keen to show the world that he’s better than his Real rival, and what better way than to score stunning goals at the World Cup.

Messi has a relatively easy group on paper, facing Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia in Group F. But there will be two tough tests for the small forward. Firstly, he must outscore his teammate Sergio Aguero, who is in fine form for Manchester City. And secondly, it will be a test to see how he does without the service provided by Xavi and Iniesta. Whilst Barcelona’s Tika-Taka football suits Messi perfectly, how will he do with Banega and Biglia in the centre?

Neymar 14/1

Another Barca star, the Brazilian has the opportunity to repeat, or even improve on, his strong performances at the Confederations Cup. His 4 goals, and stunning tricks, earned him the Golden Ball award at the tournament, and Neymar will be eager to earn the award again at the World Cup, along with the Golden Boot. Starring at the Nou Camp, especially in Messi’s absence, Neymar is supposed to lead Brazil to tournament glory in the fans’ eyes.

The forward, who normally plays on the left, loves to confuse defenders, tying their legs together with stepovers and stunning tricks. As long as he remembers to shoot, and doesn’t focus on doing too much unnecessary footwork, then the Brazilian youngster has a great chance of being the tournament’s top scorer. Not bad odds either, averaging at 14/1 across most major bookmakers.

Cristiano Ronaldo 14/1

The Golden Boot is just one of many awards that Ronaldo could win in the next 12 months. With a possible Ballon d’Or coming his way this month, the Real Madrid superstar is also the joint top scorer in La Liga, with 17 goals from just 15 games. But he will have his work cut out in Brazil. Portugal have been drawn against Ghana, USA and Germany. Not the easiest of teams to play.

But with Ronaldo in the side, anything is possible. The former Manchester United star’s hat-trick against Sweden in the play-offs secured Portugal’s place at the World Cup, and the nation could be relying on his goals to get out of the group. The powerful forward can blitz past defenders comfortably, before unleashing a stunning, precise shot from long range. Could he win the Golden Boot?

Sergio Aguero 16/1

The striker has been deadly for Manchester City this season, scoring 13 goals in the Premier League and 6 in the Champions League. The scorer of City’s famous league winner back in 2012, Aguero has often been described as unstoppable. With pace and precise accuracy, the Argentine has delicately dribbled his way through tight gaps in the defence before calmly slotting the ball past the keeper.

In a strong team with Messi and Higuain, Aguero could be forced to share his goals tally with his star teammates. But often the finisher and not the creator, this summer could be the perfect end on what looks set to be an incredible season for the Argentine. Let’s just hope he can find his good form again when he comes back from his calf injury.

Luis Suarez 16/1

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

England fans beware, as Luis Suarez is on fire this season, Despite missing the first 5 games of the season, the Uruguayan has 17 goals to his name from just 11 fixtures. With two hat-trick balls already, the Liverpool forward has pretty much dominated every defence he has come up against this campaign, scoring in a variety of ways. Be it headers on the edge of the box, or 45 yard volleys, Suarez can score in every fashion.

Teamed up alongside Edinson Cavani for Uruguay, the Red could be key in deciding who qualifies out of group D. England, Italy and Costa Rica will face the forward, who is currently one of the most feared strikers in Europe. A strong dribbler, he must be tracked every second by the defence, because just half a yard is all he needs right now.

[divider]

Click on the banner below to join the boys in Brazil!

The current campaign has been a rather taxing experience for Jack Wilshere. While the rest of the Arsenal cast have dazzled and delighted, holding top spot in the Premier League table for a good four months, the midfielder’s performances have ranged from impressive to absent, with the dynamic displays of old few and far between.

Back in the summer, if through knowledge of a crystal ball you were informed the Gunners would awaken from their dormant state and take up a pivotal role in the Premier League’s title race, you would have automatically assumed that Wilshere would be at the centre of it. Having found just three goals and four assists in 23 league appearances however, the much-heralded England international has been a sideshow attraction, leaving his Arsenal team-mates to revel in the limelight.

After picking up a variety of niggling knocks throughout the season, the regularly-crocked midfielder now faces six weeks on the sidelines after being upended on international duty by Denmark and Liverpool defender Daniel Agger. He faces a race for fitness ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

Based on form and fitness throughout the season, the Gunners midfielder should not be going to Brazil. But through reputation alone, harking back to that award-winning 2010/11 campaign where Wilshere picked up the Premier League Young Player of the Year and Arsenal Player of the Year accolades, was anointed into the PFA Team of the Season and his world-class potential was obvious for all to see, the Emirates starlet’s name has already been written on Roy Hodgson’s team sheet in permanent marker.

Wait a second – doesn’t this story sound awfully familiar? An injury-striken Arsenal midfielder producing by no means his best form despite the obvious potential? In the mean time, his starting role for club and country almost virtually guaranteed? Barring the references to the England national team, for lack of a more applicable terminology, is Jack Wilshere doing a bit of an Aaron Ramsey?

The contrasting fortunes of the Welshman’s Emirates career are well known. Sourced from Cardiff City as a prominent teenager, the then-long-haired Ramsey arrived in North London as a high-in-confidence young buck, twisting. turning, creating and scoring in midfield and demonstrating the kind of promise that would make his £4.8million signing seem like absolute peanuts a few years down the line.

A leg break in 2010, courtesy of Stoke City shin-shatter enthusiast Ryan Shawcross, severely halted the 23 year-old’s development, not only due to the many months he was forced to spend out of the game in recovery, but furthermore the psychological fear of another serious injury that was left imprinted upon the youngster’s mindset.

Resultantly, Ramsey spent two years in the Arsenal first team verging upon boo-boy status at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger’s trust in the midfielder saw him miss just six Premier League fixtures in the space of two seasons, but the Wales international’s performances on the pitch failed to justify such a guaranteed role in the Gunners starting XI – much like Wilshere this season.

The breakthrough came this year – Ramsey claimed a sensational eight goals and six assists in 18 appearances in the first half of the season before being sidelined with a thigh injury in December, also averaging an astonishing 3.7 tackles per match. A far cry from his reputation just a matter of months earlier, where many suspected Ramsey’s lack of progress at the Emirates would result in an abrupt summer departure.

Back in September, Wenger told reporters regarding the Welshman’s almighty improvement; “He was resistant to go into the fights for a long, long time but now he’s over it. He had a difficult period last season where people became a little bit impatient with him. He lost confidence and sometimes, if you give the players a little rest, it can rebuild their confidence.”

Comparisons with Wilshere’s recent plight are obvious. Like his midfield team-mate, the England international burst onto the Emirates scene in a blaze of glory, heralded as a future star for club and country in his first season and his technical talents regarded as worthy enough of Barcelona’s legendary midfield. Inevitably unable to live up to that reputation since has been Wilshere’s biggest failing. The same can be said of the former Cardiff midfielder before this season.

But once again, likewise to the Welshman, the 22 year-old missed an entire campaign of his career through injury, and although he went on to make 25 Premier League appearances last term, the brief from Arsenal’s medical department was ‘to be used sparingly’ – starting runs in the first team were a noticeably rare occurrence. The following campaign – the current one – has been a period of frustrating stagnation for the Englishman, where performances have fallen some way short of lofty expectations.

With that in mind, could it be that Wilshere’s malaise in form this season can be sourced to the same psychological blockade that plagued Aaron Ramsey? Should we as fans have learnt from the Welshman’s episode not to overhype a talented youngster too soon, especially when injures are regularly involved?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Three Lions midfielder is often regarded as combative in nature, and although his repetitive injures may be a subliminal concern, by personal feelings are that Wilshere hasn’t been challenged enough throughout his career – his place in the Arsenal team, providing full fitness, has always been certain, and the same can be said for the midfielder’s regular participation in England starting XIs.

Either way, if in parody of Ramsey, this is Wilshere’s darkest hour before the dawn, Arsenal fans will feel little cause for concern. Wenger put his utmost faith in the Welshman and he’s become a far better player for it, after defeating his own personal demons. The Frenchman has made it abundantly clear that the Three Lions starlet will receive likewise backing.

But for England supporters, they’ll be hoping that this Ramsey-esque phase of Wilshere’s career doesn’t last too long. If they could pick between the Ramsey now and the Ramsey of the last two years to represent them at the coming World Cup, the result would be unanimous.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

There’s a strong case to be made that Arsenal’s most important signing this summer will come in central midfield, not centre-forward.

The team suffered for a lack of goals and ingenuity during the second half of last season. Olivier Giroud was entrusted with the burden of being the leading goal-getter for the side, but the paucity of alternatives throughout the campaign had the Frenchman running on empty when it mattered.

This team need goals if they’re to win the Premier League. The key, however, is that they need more. They also need inspiration from an individual of the class of Mesut Ozil, whose arrival at the club last summer did much for the apparent transformation, lift in spirits and trophy success with the FA Cup.

This Arsenal side aren’t lacking players who can score. Last season, Theo Walcott only made 10 league starts yet he still managed five goals. The season prior, the England international had a career-best 21 goals in all competitions. Aaron Ramsey is a player reborn, finishing this past season on 13 goals in all competitions. How much more would it have been if not for that thigh injury suffered in December?

There are concerns about Lukas Podolski’s defensive work, as well as his ability to fit in effectively to this system employed by Arsene Wenger. But if progress is made on that front, the Polish-born German international is comfortably the best finisher at the club.

The problem has been injuries. The problem has been a lack of consistency at fielding the team’s best XI. Injury causes confusion, a disruption of form and an ultimate struggle to attain the goals set out at the start of the season. It’s not to say Arsenal don’t need more goal scorers – they do, and it’s very much about depth – but central midfield is of vital importance to the continued development of this group.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news

Arsenal were horrifically exposed in the away losses to Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea – 6-3, 5-1 and 6-0 losses. The issue wasn’t so much that the attack was poor – I still struggle to see how blame can be placed at the door of Ozil for those losses, as some have felt the need to single out the German as the prime culprit for such capitulations.

Arsenal were not only overrun in midfield through Wenger’s disinterest in flooding the centre of the pitch, but they also lacked a specialist to suitably and effectively stem the tide towards their own goal.

Mikel Arteta should be commended for his efforts for the club in what was initially thought to be an unfamiliar midfield role. Mathieu Flamini may wear his heart of his sleeve and will never throw in the towel, but the Frenchman lacks the smarts and composure of some of the leading defensive midfielders around Europe.

Morgan Schneiderlin may become a part of the exodus at Southampton this summer and Arsenal have been touted as a highly probable destination.

The French international doesn’t have the glamour of Javi Martinez, nor does he have the experience of Sami Khedira, but there are few better suited to playing the Arsenal way than Schneiderlin.

Arsenal don’t just need someone to step into the team and play a one-dimensional defensive role. Wenger is well known for wanting his players to carry out multiple duties on the pitch. The team need a player who can play effectively at both ends of the pitch; they need someone who won’t disrupt the methodical build-up play of the rest of the team.

Schneiderlin fits that description. What Arsenal need is a blend of both Arteta and Flamini, someone who can fit in seamlessly with the rest of the squad and play the possession-based game as done by Arteta, as well as add the toughness and aggression regularly associated with Flamini.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Arsenal have regularly been criticised for their soft underbelly. Maybe it can’t simply be addressed by acquiring a specialist in an area that should, in theory, prevent the opposition racking up high score lines. There’s a lot that needs to be done with the mentality in the Arsenal squad, including preparation.

But the natural step is to ensure the right pieces are in place. Schneiderlin’s advantage over others who have been linked with Arsenal this summer is his familiarity with the Premier League. There’ll be no need for periods of adaption, while there is also little doubt about his credentials, having been instrumental in Southampton’s impressive form over the past two seasons.

Arsenal’s midfield needs to get younger. Both Arteta and Flamini are in their thirties. At 24, this is the right time to bring Schneiderlin in. With Arteta currently 32, there is still time for the Spaniard to assist Wenger in helping the Southampton midfielder adjust to life in north London, specifically in carrying out that anchoring role.

With everyone fit, Arsenal won’t struggle for goals. But a fully fit squad does still lack the adequate tools to prevent on-pitch humiliation in the form of five or six-nil hammerings.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

This weekend’s glamour tie will raise the curtain for the Premier League’s much-needed return following the international break. Arsenal and Manchester City have thrown up some fascinating ties over the course of the past few seasons, and the current champions will be confident of travelling home from London with three points.

Likewise the Gunners enter the game in high spirits after newbie Danny Welbeck netted twice for England and will look to use home advantage to get one over on their Middle Eastern-backed foes – whose spending irks Arsene Wenger.

With the excitement surrounding the Premier League’s return buzzing around FFC Towers, here are three players from each side we feel could influence this game…

[ffc-gallery]

CLICK ON DAVID SILVA TO REVEAL THE SIX

[/ffc-gallery]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Danny Welbeck

Fresh from a two-goal haul in England colours and a deadline day switch from Manchester United, Welbeck will want to continue his whirlwind few weeks. The versatile attacker convinced Arsene Wenger to blow £16m to lure him to London, where he could be fielded in his favoured central striking role given Olivier Giroud’s injury absence.

Welbeck has often shone in the position he craves to play in, and his pace and movement could test City’s backline, which has been far from its best so far this term.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Edin Dzeko

While Sergio Aguero still commands the attention at the Etihad Stadium, Dzeko quietly continues to grab goals and lead the line for the Sky Blues on a consistent basis. The Bosnian will once again need to be at his best against Arsenal, but the Gunners’ shaky showings against Everton and Leicester will give him belief that goals are on offer at the Emirates Stadium.

Dzeko will be without Stevan Jovetic for the trip, but he may be reunited with Aguero, whose pace allows him more space.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Aaron Ramsey

The Welsh ace has picked up where he left off last season with two goals in three games and is quickly becoming one of the first names on Arsene Wenger’s team sheet. A more reserved role against City is expected, but Ramsey has shown that he’s adept at arriving late to support his attackers, which could grant him a few opportunities against the Sky Blues.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

David Silva

Big players perform in big games, and Silva has shown through the years that he’s a top-notch performer. The Spanish magician’s weight of pass can open up tight defences, while his ability to find space in the box has seen him contribute big goals.

Manuel Pellegrini will be looking for Silva to drift in from his wide starting berth to link up with his attackers, which could test Arsenal’s back line.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Mikel Arteta

While Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil are more likely to win a game, Arteta can run the show from the middle. The Spanish veteran is fighting hard to be back in time for the kick-off following an ankle injury, and with his experience likely to be valuable Wenger may well gamble on him.

Arteta impressed in his solitary appearance of the Premier League campaign so far, and certainly boasts the grounded style needed to get the best from his attacking team-mates.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Yaya Toure

Part man, part force of nature. Toure, on his day, is an unstoppable midfielder, but those days come and go. The Ivorian does perform on the big stage, and he will be needed against Arsenal. Pellegrini may have to reign in the African veteran’s tendency to wander forward, but if Toure can be held in a little, Arsenal will struggle to find space in the centre of the pitch.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Social media is a wonderful thing; it helps get you through your working day as you search all corners of the internet for amusing vines, images and captions. Sometimes, though, your boss will catch you and you’ll miss Newcastle United fans’ banner from the weekend.

That’s where we, FootballFanCast, come in and save the day!

[ffc-gallery]

Click on the naughty children below to reveal all the best social media virals that you may well have missed.

[/ffc-gallery]

Lionel Messi sure knows how to dance his way around the football pitch

Got to get your priorities right

Not the best value for money…

Paul Merson with a little too much detail

Only FIVE Premier League wins for Newcastle so far in 2014

At least he didn’t print off a hymn sheet, I guess

What an assist

Xabi Alonso, the closest thing we have to the perfect male?

Needless to say that there’s no love lost between these two

It seems like Lovren was always destined to play for Liverpool

No wonder things didn’t work out for him at Chelsea

Robbie Savage has responded to a story about him in Roy Keane’s autobiography

The stuff of nightmares

Wonderful skill from United’s summer signing…

Roy Keane being Roy Keane

Second-placed Southampton travel to White Hart Lane on Sunday to face Tottenham Hotspur, with former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino now in charge of the Lilywhites.

Spurs have had a rather rocky start to the season. Supporters were thoroughly confident Pochettino was the man to lead them to glory after winning their first two games, but then only managed to gain two points from their last four fixtures.

Southampton, on the other hand, totally defied their critics after the mass exodus of players during the summer by sitting second on the table. Ronald Koeman’s tactics and the shrewd purchases of Dusan Tadic, Ryan Bertrand, and Graziano Pelle have seen the Saints win their last four games.

As the two sides meet this Sunday, we look at which battles can decide the much anticipated fixture between Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs and Ronald Koeman’s Southampton.

Here are FOUR KEY BATTLES that will decide Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE SAINTS TO SEE THE FULL LIST!

[/ffc-gallery]

Graziano Pelle vs. Younnes Kaboul

Graziano Pelle was purchased from Feyenoord with an amazing goal record of 55 goals in just 66 appearances, but due to his failure in the Italian Serie A several years ago many looked past the stats and ignored his potential impact.

But Pelle, who worked with Koeman previously at Feyenoord, has settled in at Saint Mary’s like a duck to water already with four goals in his opening six Premier league games.

Tottenham’s Younnes Kaboul will be the man responsible for stopping the in-form 29-year-old, as if Pelle is given any space in the box he could punish the Lilywhites with his finishing ability.

Emmanuel Adebayor vs. Jose Fonte

Unlike the form of Pelle for Southampton, Adebayor has not been performing to his full ability but will be tasked to trouble the Saints backline marshalled by the impressive Jose Fonte.

The departure of Dejan Lovren to Liverpool put Southampton’s defence into question but the summer acquisition of Ryan Bertrand at left-back and the amazing form of Nathaniel Clyne on the right have seen the Saints concede only four goals thus far.

However if Adebayor is in top gear, Fonte must make sure he can nullify his presence.

Dusan Tadic vs. Eric Dier

Dusan Tadic was another summer Southampton signing that looks like he’s been playing in the Premier League for the last decade. The left-sided attacking midfielder is the Saint’s number one creative force, already conjuring three assists and has been relatively unlucky in yet finding the net, hitting the woodwork on a number of occasions.

Tasked with marking him is Spurs’ Eric Dier, who had an amazing start to his White Hart Lane career by notching two goals in the first two games. However it has been downhill from there, as Dier has been shifted to play right-back for the injured Kyle Walker and hasn’t looked as comfortable.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The young Cheltenham-born defender will have to step up his game against Tadic, as the Serbian will be attacking the right-back to supply or finally grab his first Premier League goal.

Mauricio Pochettino vs. Ronald Koeman

When Pochettino was in charge of the Saints last season he was able to transform the likes of Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert into players that could trouble any Premier League squad. Southampton were a tricky team to beat for anyone, and Spurs employed him hoping he would do the same at White Hart Lane.

But apart from their first two games, the Lilywhites looked flat in attack while vulnerable in defence, which is what was expected of Southampton and Ronald Koeman with so many summer changes. Koeman, however, turned the Saints back into a unit and are possibly even better than last season.

They both have had around the same amount of time with their new squads, but so far Koeman is winning the battle of the managers. Yet if Pochettino can get the best out of his star-studded squad featuring the likes of Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela, then he could well redeem himself with the Spurs faithful.

As a club that receives over 80,000 passionate fans every home game and is run by an enigmatic coach who has become the envy of Europe, Bundesliga favourites Borussia Dortmund are currently experiencing a very bad turn of events in 2014/15.

BVB have already lost eight games so far this campaign, with a worrying goal-difference of -6. They are certainly not going to be challenging for the Bundesliga title this season, as that award seems to already have Bayern Munich’s name written all over it. The once invincible German side currently sit 14th in the table after propping up the league twice already in 2014/15.

How can a team go from imperious domestic champions and Champions League finalists to this current state of affairs?

One factor behind this dramatic decline has been the Bundesliga’s cruel transfer activity in recent years. Largely at the hands of arch rivals Bayern Munich, the loss of star talents, Mario Goetze and Robert Lewandowski, have been huge for Jurgen Klopp and have sent subsequent shockwaves throughout the mind-set of rest of his squad. How are Dortmund’s remaining stars going to stay focussed when they know that their team is literally falling apart around them?

The BVB players also share a slice of this blame, as bad career choices haven’t helped Dortmund either. The likes of Nuri Sahin and Shinji Kagawa have opted to move away from the club that saw them breakthrough in recent years, only to return to the Signal Iduna Park once their supposed transfer dreams didn’t go as well as planned. This has led to a dramatic lack of consistency in Klopp’s starting XI’s for BVB.

To make matters worse for Klopp, the Borussia Dortmund fitness team have had their work cut out for the past few years with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, and more recently Marco Reus, being struck down with lengthy spells on the sidelines. As several of their other stars returned late from World Cup duty in the summer, Jurgen Klopp has had only the bare bones of his squad to work with during spells of this campaign.

The most remarkable aspect of Dortmund’s fortunes this season, however, has been their Champions League form. They won Group D with 13 points from six games. BVB have only lost one match, to Arsenal, and have impressively won four and drawn one, scoring 14 and only letting in four in the process. This raises an important question in regards to Borussia’s form this season; has Jurgen Klopp prioritised the Champions League over Dortmund’s domestic duties for 2014/15?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Whilst this may seem true on the surface, another more subtle factor may come into play here. It could be argued that after their initial Bundelsiga success when they first broke onto the scene, German teams may have now finally worked out how to best deal with Dortmund in the league. Several weaker sides, such as Hamburger SV and FC Koln, have profited from sitting back against BVB and hurting them on the counter-attack. For both Klopp and his loyal Yellow Wall, this has been nothing but frustrating.

As we are only in December, however, there is still time for Borussia Dortmund to perform a dramatic turnaround in form. Jurgen Klopp has already stated that he has ‘unfinished business’ at the club and it seems that the crazy German coach won’t be leaving the Signal Iduna Park any time soon. Perhaps a slight change in style that offers a new and fresh approach to winning Bundesliga games now needs to be picked up by Dortmund. Coupled with a stronger emphasis on league success and the return of many star names to the starting XI, BVB have every chance of moving on from this bad spell and rising up the Bundesliga.

Former Wimbledon striker Marcus Gayle believes at least TWO matches at the height of the ‘Crazy Gang’ era may have been influenced by Far East match fixers.

The subject of criminal organisations influencing professional football matches is one that has popped up in recent times across all levels of football in both England and abroad, with some claiming that betting syndicates have attempted to fix games for a profit.

Although the high wages on offer at the very top of the game is thought to have made such instances rare, if present at all, the salaries players earn now and the money swilling around the biggest clubs was not present in the Gayle’s era at Wimbledon.

Nicknamed the ‘Crazy Gang’ the London side were famed for their boisterous playing style and wild antics, and now the 44-year-old has opened up on what he thinks may have been match fixing during those days, with games in 1997 at Derby’s Pride Park and his own side’s Selhurst Park when the lights failed suspicious:

“As a player and the lights go out, the game is abandoned, you think that they haven’t paid the gas or electric bill!” he told Zapsportz.com.

“The lads joked about betting syndicates, but you laughed it all off as being implausible.

“Now I look back I am not so sure. All those rumours about match fixing might well have been true.

“I can recall certain situations in the past where I shrugged my shoulders, but now when I cast my mind back I can see there must have been more to it.

“I am now thinking ‘what really went on, there?” The lights go out, they said the floodlights failed At the time you are oblivious to what really might have been going on. I never imagined these sort of things went on in the game.

“We all knew there were punters putting money on the games, but no one dreamed there was match fixing going on.

“Now it appears to have been going on all over the place. I look back and wonder.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Did the goalkeeper really let that one in? You thought at the time, that was a soft goal, he should easily have saved it. The lights went out more than once when we played, was that really coincidence?

“You can imagine what I might be thinking now.”

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Danny Welbeck, dubbed ‘Dat Guy’, was once loved at Manchester United. Fergie favoured him but Louis van Gaal saw no use for him. So he has moved on to pastures new, and burnt his bridges with his former club. But will he fulfil his potential to be a great footballer?

Following loan deals to Preston North End and Sunderland, Danny Welbeck became more of a regular at Manchester United. He started in the infamous 8-2 over Arsenal and even scored an equaliser away at Real Madrid.

Once Sir Alex Ferguson announced his departure from Manchester United and thus from football altogether, things began to chance for Danny Welbeck. Although he recorded more goals in the 2013/14 season for Manchester United (and played well for England), Welbeck claimed it was his unhappiest season thus far due to the fact he was being played out of position. He wanted to play up front, as opposed to on the left.

The arrival of Louis van Gaal at Manchester United was essentially the nail in the coffin for Welbeck’s Manchester United career. After assessing his team, Louis van Gaal got rid of those he felt he didn’t need for his side – both selling and loaning – and Welbeck did not make the cut for his new boss. So Danny Welbeck was sold to Arsenal for £16 million and he had the opportunity to show what he could do under a new team and manager, without leaving the Premier League.

The highlight of Welbeck’s debut season at Arsenal has to be the hat-trick over Turkish giants Galatasaray in the Champions League. Upon signing for Arsenal, there were doubts over Welbeck from the fans but Arsene Wenger urged his side to get behind the new signing. This was a turning point for Welbeck; it not only built his confidence but brought fans onto his side.

If there was ever a game to show up against your old side, Danny Welbeck certainly picked it. Scoring the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup resulted in Welbeck being splashed all over the papers. But, let’s call a spade a spade – Welbeck could not have had an easier chance to score. An open net, gifted the ball by Antonio Valencia; it was hardly a 40 yard screamer.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

So, can Danny Welbeck fulfil his potential? He has a far better chance of doing so at Arsenal. Competition up front was too much for Welbeck, the chances of starting ahead of Rooney and Robin van Persie were too slim, and it was best that he left Manchester United as opposed to rotting away on the bench. Will he be a world class star, and a Premier League legend? Doubt it. To put it simply, he is not clinical enough. His biggest asset is his pace, which is very valuable, but he is not an out and out goalscorer. Hopefully he enjoys a few more goals during his time at Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger has recently stated that it could be years before Jack Wilshere returns to his best; the midfielder has been dogged by injury problems for a number of years and his manager believes it could be quite a while till we see the Wilshere of old.

Now aged 23, Wilshere can no longer be deemed young in footballing terms and he is still yet to hit the heights many thought he would. Are Arsenal and Wenger right to hold out on the promise of potential?

Since becoming the youngest ever Gunner in 2008 aged 16, he has had a host of his ankle injuries which have no doubt stunted his development and through no fault of his own, he has yet to hold down a place for either club or country.

In the fits and starts that we have seen of the midfielder he has impressed, even his brief cameo against Hull on his long awaited return from yet another lay off, he drove his team forward with purpose and conviction. But still, arguably his best performance on a pitch was against Barcelona in the Champions League four years ago. Where that night there was unbridled hype and furore around the future of English football, there is now a much more quiet anticipation.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]

With rumours beginning to emerge of him being a potential target for some of Arsenal’s rivals, is he still indispensable at The Emirates? The Gunners’ central midfield is certainly not lacking in options, Ozil, Carzorla and Ramsey all inhabit a crowded area and Wilshere’s consistent injuries mean it is difficult to argue a case for him to dislodge any of them.

Add to this the emergence of Francis Coquelin in a more defensive role, the main issue with Wilshere is finding a place to play him. The fact that this is an even an issue Wenger must face, simply highlights how his career has stalled in the past four years.

For any English football fan the troubles that Wilshere has encountered have been difficult to watch, he is a footballer that makes people want to go to games. He makes people get out of their seats, on his day he is all-action like Gerrard, but with the technique of Carrick, but unfortunately his day does not come often enough.

He still has the potential to be the beating heart for the Gunners and England but you feel, even at his tender age his time is dwindling where promise alone can earn him reprise from criticism.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

It is a crying shame that through no fault of his own, it feels like he has lost his footballing adolescence; but if Arsenal want to contend for titles it seems illogical that they can carry him until he re-finds his best form.

For every football fan in England they should hope that day comes sooner rather than later and more importantly that an extremely talented player can finally overcome his injury woes and be the player he seemed destined to become.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]