Arsenal’s best chance for 3 points and four other things to expect this weekend

It’s back to business in the Premier League this weekend as England’s victory over arch rivals Scotland on Tuesday brought to an end the final international break of the year. We are approaching a crucial period in the season, as clubs begin to prepare for a demanding winter Premier League schedule which has so often curtailed encouraging starts and triggered alarming slumps in form. While there is plenty to look forward to in the latest round of fixtures, here are FIVE things that should be of particular interest:

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

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1. Arsenal’s best chance to break their United duck

Arsenal head into their crunch tie with Manchester United on Saturday evening having failed to beat the Red Devils in their last six meetings. Although the Gunners will regret not registering a win against David Moyes’s calamitous United side last season, they will be confident that they can stop the rot on the weekend, as Louis van Gaal’s already depleted squad suffered another costly casualty over the international break with the injury of Daley Blind. The Dutchman now joins fellow defenders Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Rafael on the sidelines, leaving United with a dearth of defensive options ahead of the fixture in North London over the weekend. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger must feel that this is as good a time as ever to face United, and a victory would also give his side a psychological advantage over their rivals for Champions League qualification.

2. Crucial match for last year’s title-winning manager

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is currently under the greatest amount of pressure that he has had to endure since he took over at Eastlands last season. His side are on the verge of a limp exit from the Champions League group stages, and their indifferent form in the league has left them eight points behind the indomitable league leaders Chelsea. The Chilean could have done with a relatively straightforward fixture this weekend to record a much-needed comfortable win, but in Swansea City, they face a side that are bound to cause problems. The South Wales outfit have made an excellent start under Garry Monk, and they go into the game full of confidence having beaten Arsenal a fortnight ago. Stoke City, Newcatle United and CSKA Moscow have all proven this season that the Etihad is not the fortress it was once considered to be, and if the Swans approach the match with a similar mentality, we could have a very tight game on our hands. Anything other than a win for Pellegrini will push him ever closer to the precipice.

3. …and for the runner-up

While Pellegrini might be having a tough time in Manchester, spare a thought for Brendan Rodgers. His Liverpool side have been quite frankly dreadful this season, and could sink as low as 13th by the time they take to the field against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Reds suffered another huge setback this week with the news that Daniel Sturridge is set to face another six weeks out through injury, and they could even be without the misfiring Mario Balotelli for the trip to Selhurst Park as the Italian faces a fight to regain full fitness after a hamstring strain. This potentially leaves Rodgers with Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert – neither of whom have scored in the Premier League this season – as their only two recognised centre forwards for the match. Rodgers will be hoping against hope that they can open their accounts on the weekend, otherwise the calls will only increase for 41 year-old to be sacked – just six months after nearly guiding Liverpool to a first league title in 24 years.

4. Newcastle for Europe?

Football – Swansea City v Newcastle United – Barclays Premier League – Liberty Stadium – 4/10/14Swansea’s Neil Taylor (L) in action with Newcastle United’s Gabriel ObertanMandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your a

Alan Pardew was a pariah on Tyneside at the start of the season, with his Newcastle side’s terrible form since the start of the year sending the Toon Army into meltdown as the 53 year-old was made public enemy number one. Alan Pardew remains a pariah eleven games into the season, but at least his team is winning games. Indeed, the Magpies are on a superb five-game winning streak, and if they overcome QPR at St James’s Park on Saturday and other results go their way, they could even finish the weekend in the Champions League places. Although a club of Newcastle’s size should surely be aiming for Europe, years of underinvestment under Mike Ashley’s watch has meant that a mid-table finish is considered a success for the Magpies. In this regard, Alan Pardew is surely doing exactly what is expected of him, and while it is highly unlikely that Newcastle will end the season in the top four, a Europa League berth is a possibility if spirits in the camp remain high and the results continue to come. It will be interesting to see how long the anti-Pardew brigade holds out if the team they are supposed to be supporting keeps on giving them the victories that they crave.

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5. Battle of the underachievers at the KC

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Much was expected of Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur on the eve of the new Premier League season; the former had been the star of the show on transfer deadline day with a number of high-profile signings, while the latter were looking forward to life under Mauricio Pochettino after a forgettable 2013/14 campaign with first Andre Villas-Boas and then Tim Sherwood at the helm. The reality has been somewhat disheartening for both sides. The Tigers have struggled with consistency as the big-name signings of Hatem Ben Arfa, Gaston Ramirez and Tom Ince – now on loan at Nottingham Forest – have failed to deliver, while Spurs have found it difficult to adapt to Pochettino’s high-energy pressing style, losing five games already this season, four of which have come at home. The Sunday afternoon clash at the KC Stadium therefore represents a chance for one team to kick-start their stuttering campaign while also heaping further misery on their opponent.

What do you think? Follow me on Twitter @GruffuddOwen

Mark Hughes sacked by Queens Park Rangers

Mark Hughes has been sacked as manager of QPR after a winless start to the season has left the club rock bottom of the Premier League.

Hughes, who has been in charge of Rangers for ten months helped the club to Premier League safety last season, but has left the club in an ominous position this season despite spending over £21million on new signings in the summer.

QPR’s last games against fellow strugglers was dubbed ‘El Sackico’ and the 3-1 defeat has proved the fate for the Welshman.

A statement from the club said “Queens Park Rangers as of today have terminated the contract of Mark Hughes with immediate effect.”

“Mark has shown integrity and professionalism during his time at the club, but ultimately the circumstances we find ourselves in have left the board with very little choice but to make a change.”

QPR travel to Hughes’ former club Manchester United tomorrow, with Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take control of the side.

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Rangers are the only club in all four division to yet win a game this season as they sit five points adrift of safety on just four points from the opening 12 games.

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has been made favourite to take over from the outgoing Hughes.

Garry Monk would be taking a £3m risk on John McGinn given his disciplinary record

According to reports in The Sun on Sunday, Birmingham City are one of three clubs interested in a £3m move for Hibernian midfielder John McGinn this summer, but Blues boss Garry Monk would certainly be taking a risk by splashing out on the 23-year-old.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun on Sunday says that the Midlands outfit, along with Championship rivals Derby County and Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, are all keen on the hard-running star, who is a key man for club and country.

The Sun on Sunday report that McGinn has strong connections with the Bhoys and they are still in pole position to buy him, but Monk and new Rams manager Frank Lampard both want to bring him to the second-tier of English football.

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How did McGinn do in the 2017/18 campaign?

He certainly made a big impression in the middle of the park for Hibs in terms of impact in the final third, scoring six goals and providing a further eight assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

While that is impressive, his disciplinary record certainly isn’t and he picked up a remarkable 18 yellow cards during those outings, although he never received a red.

That was 12 more cautions than he got during the previous campaign, which suggests that he has added more aggression to his game.

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Would he be a good Birmingham signing?

Because of his impressive record from a central midfield area he certainly would be, but his record of 18 yellow cards in all competitions against opposition that are almost certainly weaker than what he would come up against in the Championship is certainly a worry.

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Monk, who will significantly improve his side’s attack by signing £1.35m forward, will need his best players on the pitch consistently if the Blues are going to significantly improve in the upcoming season, and you just wouldn’t be able to guarantee that with McGinn when you look at his poor record.

The 39-year-old boss could choose to take the risk if he can convince him to move to England over Celtic, but there is no doubt that it would be a big one.

Manchester United fans heap praise on Lukaku after Palace victory

Romelu Lukaku has not enjoyed a smooth start to his Manchester United career.

His performances have come under greater scrutiny since moving to Old Trafford and there has been a lot of focus on what he can’t do.

His hold up play, his contributions in the games against top side, his work-rate off the ball and the perception that he is a flat-track bully have all been highlighted as reasons to criticise the Belgian international.

However, there are signs that things are starting to change. Lukaku was man of the match against his former club Chelsea recently, thanks to a goal and an assist, and netted a crucial equaliser last night as the Red Devils came from 2-o down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2.

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His passion was clear for all to see in his reaction to Nemanja Matic’s dramatic winner in stoppage time and in the message he posted to Twitter after United returned to second place with the comeback win.

It is clear from the responses to the tweet that the Red Devils fans are fully behind Lukaku and would love nothing more than him to net the winner in Saturday’s crunch clash with Liverpool.

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We’ve taken a closer look at some of the affection towards Lukaku from the United fans…

FIVE players Man United can turn to as Vidal turns down them down

Manchester United have finally been told that Arturo Vidal is not available to them this summer, after chasing the Chilean for much of the transfer window.

It’s another disappointment for the club, who have felt the sting of rejection multiple times over the past year. The protracted, fruitless chase of Vidal should be seen as nothing other than further embarrassment to the club, who failed to realise that the midfielder was not going to leave Juventus at this late stage of the window.

But even after the signing of Angel Di Maria earlier in the week, United are still desperately short of quality, both in central midfield and at centre-back.

With Vidal now firmly out of the picture, here’s a look at five alternatives for Man United to consider…

[ffc-gallery]Click on Blind to start the gallery

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Daley Blind

Daley Blind may have made his name as a full-back, but the Dutch international is just as good in central midfield, where he often played for Ajax last season.

It was widely expected that Blind would be part of the new arrivals at Old Trafford this summer, but a move has yet to take place.

The Dutch international, who is known well by Louis van Gaal, would be a great buy and the perfect complement to Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria in the midfield.

Sami Khedira

Real Madrid should be desperate to sell Sami Khedira in these final days of the transfer window, with the German international looking unlikely to extend his contract in the Spanish capital.

Manchester United have surprisingly not been linked with the midfielder, even though he’s exactly what they need. His all-action style would be an excellent fit in Louis van Gaal’s system, while his defensive work would allow Ander Herrera to thrive.

A former teammate of Angel Di Maria, Khedira would go a long way to helping United improve their fortunes on the pitch.

William Carvalho

Sporting are said to be willing to move on their initial price tag on William Carvalho, who has been attracting plenty of interest from English football.

The midfielder is one of Portugal’s most exciting talents and looks destined for a move to the Premier League in the near future. Considering United’s links with Portuguese football, it’s a surprise they have not made a serious offer for the Sporting midfielder.

There is a big price on Carvalho’s head, even with Sporting will to negotiate. But over time, he will prove to be the perfect addition to the midfield at Old Trafford.

Gokhan Inler

In recent years, the only major interest in Gokhan Inler to come out of England has been from Arsenal, who passed up the opportunity to sign the midfielder while he was at Udinese.

Now at Napoli and thriving, the Swiss international has been one of Europe’s most consistent holding midfielders over the past few seasons.

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He’s the no-nonsense, tough-tackling leader United are lacking in the middle of the pitch, and would represent a very good alternative to Arturo Vidal.

Alex Song

They don’t get much more underwhelming than Alex Song, especially when names like Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba have been mentioned in the past.

It’s telling that so few clubs have registered any interest in the Barcelona midfielder. Evidently his ties to the Catalan club and his history at Arsenal have done nothing to convince potential suitors.

But what it all comes down to is that Song is a player who performs the defensive midfield role; how well he does that is another matter. He’s available and willing to move back to English football.

Try and look at it from this point of view: Song would be better than nothing.

Fergie considers £20m Dortmund raid & United to remedy transfer mistake – Best of MUFC

Remedying United’s current defensive pitfalls is proving incredibly problematic for Sir Alex Ferguson as he approaches, what is being billed as, the seasons early title decider. Last week’s victory against the Potters at Old Trafford once again highlighted the Red Devils’ frailties at the back as did the narrow Champions League win in midweek. Annoyingly for Ferguson there isn’t much he can do treat the situation with Rio Ferdinand and Johnny Evans, both of whom have endured mixed campaigns, his only two fit centre backs. And the last thing he would want is to come up against a free scoring Blues side, who could to start pull away at the top should they win having already built up a four point advantage over United. Ferguson knows it is still early days in the title race but is also aware of the negative effect a defeat against one of their main rivals could have on his players as they struggle to find their form.

This week on FFC should United think about the financial benefits of selling Nani and could Ferguson be about to raid Germany for a second time?

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Best of FFC

Wag Weekly – Shinji Kagawa’s Mrs.

Wayne Rooney’s performance tells us all we need to know

Should Manchester United really consider cashing in?

How many times can Manchester United do this?

Time for Fergie to remedy this transfer mistake?

How long can Sir Alex Ferguson turn a blind eye to it?

Is this United ace a victim of bloated expectation?

Why the rest of the Premier League could learn from Tottenham and Manchester United

The man to get the best out of him at Old Trafford?

Fergie considers £20m raid on Dortmund to bolster options

Madrid set to offer unsettled United ace a route home

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Best of WEB

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Time To Move On At Stamford Bridge – Red Flag Flying High

The Greenhoff Column : Concentrate – 7Cantonas

Five Things We Learned – Manchester United vs. Braga – Red Flag Flying High

Ferguson on the defensive over errors – United Rant

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A Timely Reminder From This United Star – The Busby Way

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Quote of the Week

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“With the players we have I don’t expect to start every game. I am just trying to pick up games wherever I can and influence them like I have done in the past. I haven’t found it difficult. I want to play and I want to be in the team. But I am experienced enough to know that come the business end of the season, the experienced lads will be needed and I will be ready.” Ryan Giggs says he is happy to wait for his chance at Manchester United

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Featured Video

Newcastle fans react to Grenier speculation

Newcastle United are interested in signing Guingamp midfielder Clement Grenier this summer, according to reports in L’Equipe.

The Magpies are believed to have tried to sign Grenier back in 2014, but the attacking midfielder ultimately decided to remain with Lyon.

It has been a difficult and indeed injury-ravaged few years for Grenier, but he impressed in the second half of last season – scoring five times and registering four assists in 15 appearances for Guingamp, having joined the club on a free transfer in January.

According to L’Equipe, Grenier could be available for as little as £2.6m this summer, and Newcastle are seriously interested in a potential deal.

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That said, Everton, Fulham, AC Milan, Rennes and Fenerbahce are also all being linked with a player who has managed just 29 first-team appearances in the last three seasons. West Ham United, meanwhile, are also said to be in the race.

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The Newcastle fans have been reacting to the transfer speculation, and it would be fair to say that they are struggling to agree whether their club should take a punt on the 27-year-old.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Leeds fans blast Wiedwald following Derby match

Leeds United were on the verge of picking up a huge three points away to Derby County in the Championship on Wednesday night before conceding a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw.

It is now 10 games in all competitions since Leeds last won, and that run of form has seen them drop into 11th position in the Championship table.

The Leeds fans are not a happy bunch at the moment, and a number of the club’s players have been in the firing line in recent weeks.

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The latest of those to receive a few rockets is goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald, who has conceded 30 times in 26 Championship appearances this season.

The 27-year-old only joined Leeds from Werder Bremen last summer, but it seems that many of the Championship club’s supporters do not want to see him feature ever again following a dodgy couple of performances.

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Next up for Leeds is a home game against Brentford this weekend, and the supporters want Wiedwald to be dropped.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

SIX World Cup Stars Liverpool should sign from Group F

Liverpool surpassed all expectations when they challenged for the Premier League title last season, coming just two points short of winning their first league trophy in 24 years.

However to overthrow the powerhouses from Manchester and London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea again, Brendan Rodgers cannot and will not rest on his laurels.

And what better way to scout talent than to enjoy the ‘Biggest show on Earth’, the FIFA World Cup.

Group F, in which Argentina battled it out with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran to progress into the next round (along with Algeria) is full of talent, but who is worthy of Liverpool’s attention?

Here we take a look at SIX World Cup Stars Liverpool should sign from Group F.

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

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Javier Mascherano

Age: 30

Club: Barcelona

Position: CB, CDM, CM

Nationality: Argentina

Estimated Value: £14million

With Liverpool’s attack one of the best in the league, Brendan Rodgers will look to shore up the defensive aspect of the squad and could resign Argentine defensive-midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The 30-year-old already played for the Reds from 2007-2010, impressing enough to be purchased by Barcelona for £19million. Now deemed surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp, Liverpool should make an offer to bring back the former Liverpool man.

Edin Dzeko

Age: 28

Club: Manchester City

Position: FW

Nationality: Bosnia-Herzegovina

Estimated Value: £18million

Although Edin Dzeko has been a regular goal-scorer for Manchester City, the Bosnian isn’t as valued to the club as the other strikers. And with only one year remaining on his current contract, Liverpool would do well to sign the former Wolfsburg star.

Luis Suarez – especially with the new biting incident – is looking likely to leave the club and Dzeko would be an adequate replacement. In all competitions Dzeko scored 26 goals and provided 16 assists last season… numbers that prove he can score especially with the service he will be receiving from the Liverpool midfield.

Fernando Gago

Age: 28

Club: Boca Juniors

Position: CDM

Nationality: Argentina

Estimated Value: £4million

Another option for a defensive midfielder partner to play alongside Steven Gerrard is former Real Madrid star Fernando Gago. Touted once to become a great, Gago hasn’t developed to be an absolute world beater but is nonetheless a solid player in the middle of the park.

His impressive skillset includes tackling and composure on the ball, with a keen reading of the game to intercept attacking passes. The Argentine is a definite improvement to the injury-prone Lucas and could be snapped up for around £4million.

Miralem Pjanic

Age: 24

Club: AS Roma

Position: CM

Nationality: Bosnia-Herzegovina

Estimated Value: £18million

Miralem Pjanic has always been regarded as one for the future, but last season with Roma has seen the Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder become one of the league’s best. Brendan Rodgers will know well that Steven Gerrard isn’t getting any younger, and Pjanic would be a perfect understudy.

The former Lyon man scored six goals and provided another six last season, but this one is just pure class.

//www.youtube.com/embed/LBJpCDwQexY

Ogenyi Onazi

Age: 23

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Club: Lazio

Position: CM

Nationality: Nigeria

Estimated Value: £6million

Liverpool have been tracking young midfielder Ogenyu Onazi for some time and after a very successful season at Lazio, could now finally make a move for the highly-rated youngster.

Onazi is an adept player in the mould of Javier Mascherano, possessing an eye for the interception as well as getting in a crucial challenge. He is the perfect foil for a more attacking central midfielder and would work well with Steven Gerrard or his future understudy.

Ashkan Dejagah

Age: 27

Club: Fulham

Position: RM

Nationality: Iran

Estimated Value: £3million

Don’t let Dejagah’s choice to play for Asian side Iran fool you, the Fulham man has played for Germany in all Youth levels and impressed while doing so. The right winger is quick and good on the ball, but more importantly tracks back well, contributing to the team’s defence.

With Fulham relegated, Liverpool should swoop in to add some depth as they challenge in the Champions League next season. Dejagah played a pivotal role when he helped Wolfsburg win the Bundesliga back in 2008 (same team as Dzeko), and is by no means new to a challenge.

Weale impresses in front of the cameras as Shrews return to winning ways

Dropping a shot into the path of Luciano Becchio and conceding 4 goals in your first competitive game is not the best of ways to make a first impression at your new club.

Performances like that are certainly hard to forget however a good player always learns from their mistakes and Chris Weale has been the revelation of the season so far for Shrewsbury Town. His performance against Walsall on Sunday was his crowning moment of the season so far. Who say’s first impressions are that important?

Coming into the Walsall game Shrewsbury Town had failed to score a goal in their last three competitive league games and had just been knocked out of the Johnstone Paint Trophy to League one competitors Crewe on home soil. Things were not looking good for Graham Turner’s men.

The Saddlers started as they meant to go on, forcing Weale into two fine saves in the opening fifteen minutes and taking complete control of the game, Their continued pressure along with some leaky defending meant a goal was almost certainly on the cards, but not if Chris Weale had anything to do with it. The keeper constantly denying the Walsall front men and causing frustration amongst the travelling fans.

Then on 25 minutes Paul Parry hit the ball into an empty Walsall net following a strike from Asa Hall which came back off the bar. The goal coming against the run of play inspired Walsall and made them continue their onslaught on the Shrewsbury goal however Sunday was to be Chris Weale’s day and despite their best efforts the game ended 1-0 and Shrewsbury were lifted out of the relegation zone after only 24 hours of being in there.

Weale’s performance was one of the very few positives to be taken from Sunday’s game however as Shrewsbury’s Jekyl and Hyde performances appear to be continuing. Three points is always a positive, especially in a local derby but things need to start improving as we can not continue to rely on Chris Weale to save the day for us.

Shrewsbury travel to Fratton Park to take on an inform Portsmouth side this Saturday. Graham Turner’s men have yet to pick up a win away from home so far this campaign and Saturday is going to be a very tough game if they want to change this. Former Shrewsbury striker Luke Rodgers will be out to break his old team mates hearts and will certainly be a big problem for our defence.

On the plus side Darren Jones, Terry Gornell and Sam Winnall all look to be fit for Saturdays encounter and this should at least give Turner some options that we didn’t have last Sunday.

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