Recommendations for Barclays Premier League Matches (28 August 2011)

Tottenham Hotspur (20th) vs Manchester City (1st)

Luka Modric looks set to make his first Tottenham appearance of the season after taking part in full training on Friday. The Croatian has been carrying what has been diagnosed as a minor hamstring complaint but should be fit, along with Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton, who have recovered from recent Achilles and knee injuries respectively. William Gallas (calf), Steven Pienaar (groin), Ledley King, Wilson Palacios and Sandro (all knee) miss out while loan signing Emmanuel Adebayor is unavailable to play against his parent club.

New signing Samir Nasri could make his Manchester City debut in Sunday's Barclays Premier League match at Tottenham. Midfielder Nigel de Jong is out with a foot problem but manager Roberto Mancini has no other injury concerns. Carlos Tevez could also feature but is again likely to be on the bench due to a lack of match sharpness.

Harry Redknapp's men will be hopeful of a result as they are unbeaten at White Hart Lane in their last 17 league games. Spurs have triumphed on 31 occasions when City have come visiting for a league clash. The visitors have won 14 times, while 17 other matches have ended in a draw. Manchester City have won only one of their last six games against Tottenham. In their last four matches, though, they have scored only one goal against Spurs. Even that was an own goal from Peter Crouch last season, which saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. However, if Mancini continues to play with two strikers in an away tie, I believe his positive attacking tactics will be good enough to get a positive result out of this tie. Expect Man City to win this tie.

Manchester United (2nd) vs Arsenal (14th)

Darren Fletcher will return to Manchester United's squad for Sunday's Barclays Premier League showdown with Arsenal. The Scotland skipper has struggled to shake off the effects of a virus he was struck down by in March but, after coming through his second 90-minute reserve-team outing last night against Swansea, has been drafted into manager Sir Alex Ferguson's plans. Rio Ferdinand (hamstring) and Antonio Valencia (ankle) have been training, but Nemanja Vidic (calf) and Rafael (shoulder) are definitely out.

Arsenal trio Alex Song, Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong are suspended for the match. Jack Wilshere saw a specialist but the club are still waiting for an update on his ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for three more weeks. Nicklas Bendtner is sidelined with an ankle problem and Sebastien Squillaci is also out, along with Kieran Gibbs (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (ankle). Defender Thomas Vermaelen will have a fitness test but is expected to be fit and Laurent Koscielny came through a similar check on his back problem on Friday morning.

Manchester United will look to extend their undefeated home record at Old Trafford, which stretches back to April 2010 when they were beaten by Chelsea. Last weekend, during their respective games against Tottenham and Liverpool, the clubs fielded sides with an average age of 23, which were amongst the youngest in the Premier League this season. Arsenal claimed victory the last time the two sides came face to face, when they defeated the Red Devils as a result of a second half goal from Aaron Ramsey at the Emirates. The Gunners have failed to score on their previous two visits to Old Trafford, in the Premier League and FA Cup, while they have also not claimed all three points since a late Emmanuel Adebayor strike sealed victory for Wenger’s side in September 2006. Arsenal is still looking for replacement in their midfield after losing Nasri and Fabregas. I believe the midfield area will be dominated by Man Utd and with Rooney on form, Arsenal will find it difficult to get a point in this game. Man Utd to stay undefeated at Old Trafford, to win this game, 2-0 or 2-1.

West Bromwich Albion (18th) vs Stoke City (11th)

West Brom coach Roy Hodgson is considering whether to give a first start of the season to striker Peter Odemwingie in Sunday's home Barclays Premier League match with Stoke. The Nigeria international, Albion's top scorer with 15 goals last term, has recovered from an ankle injury suffered in pre-season and came on as a substitute during last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea. Midfielder Zoltan Gera is the only player currently sidelined as he builds up his fitness after ankle surgery.

Stoke have influential duo Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington back for the encounter. The pair return to the Potters squad having both been suspended for last night's Europa League play-off victory over FC Thun. Manager Tony Pulis withdrew Jermaine Pennant in the second half of that match as a precaution and hopes the winger will be fit to face the Baggies, while Rory Delap will also be assessed for a hamstring problem.

Stoke City is undefeated in the last 9 meetings between the clubs. The last 4 matches at the Hawthornes saw Stoke City winning 3 and drawing 1. Stoke City was also impressive in their European tie, having beaten FC Thun to qualify to the next round. Despite their impressive record, I feel their European journey may have been a game too many and would give West Brom an edge on this one. I predict West Brom not to lose this game, and would win this one by 1 goal.

Match Report: Barcelona 2 - 0 Porto

Lionel Messi's goal late in the first half and Cesc Fabregas' slick volley gave Barcelona a 12th title under Pep Guardiola and a second already in 2011-12 as the Catalan outfit beat Porto in the Uefa Super Cup in Monaco on Friday evening.

Messi, named European Player of the Year at Uefa's Champions League draw on Thursday, netted in the only competition in which he had previously failed to score after he latched on to Fredy Guarin's shocking pass-back six minutes before the interval. Fabregas then collected a pass from the attacker to control and lash into the roof of the net.

Europa League holders Porto started brightly against the Champions League winners, with Hulk a lively presence up front. Aided by the busy Guarin, Porto rattled their illustrious opponents in the opening exchanges and Moutinho's drive on the bounce tested Victor Valdes, while Hulk was off target with a low drive.

Porto were pushing up and pressing Barca, playing the Catalans at their own game, and every time Pep Guardiola's side ventured forward, they were caught out by their rivals' offside trap.

But it doesn't take long for Barca to figure out their rivals and Guardiola's men began to enjoy more of the possession as the game wore on.

Messi, who had started quietly and looked uncomfortable at times, almost set up David Villa following a fantastic run and pass through the heart of the Porto defence, but Romanian full-back Cristian Sapunaru got a vital touch and Helton came charging of his line to gather.

Xavi then came close with a fierce drive from the edge of the box, put Helton pushed the ball over the crossbar.

Barca were growing in stature, though, and soon took the lead as Guarin inexplicably played a back-pass into his area where Messi, who would have been offside had the ball been sent through by a team-mate, was waiting all alone to pounce, leaving Helton grounded with a glorious feint and slotted into the empty net.

After the break, Villa shot straight at Helton and Pedro was denied by the Brazilian keeper as he raced through on his own. Porto had a penalty shout turned down when Eric Abidal clattered into Guarin after losing control of the ball in the area, but the referee waved play on.

Barca was the better side, however, and continued to attack.

That pressure brought another rash challenge from Rolando, already booked, who then saw red after a cynical foul on Messi.

And the Catalans took quick advantage as Messi turned provider for Fabregas, who chested down the pinpoint cross and volleyed past Helton to register in some style. Guarin's late lunge on Mascherano, leaving the referee no choice but to send him off, concluded a miserable evening for the Portuguese.

It could have been three after that, but Barca were comfortable in the end as they lifted a 12th title under Guardiola - and two in two games for Fabregas.

Chelsea To Bid For Portuguese Midfield Ace

Chelsea manager Andres Vilas-Boas is to return to his former club Porto with a bid for Joao Moutinho, as he tries to bring some midfield creativity in for his new club, the Daily Mail reports.

The Blues' move for Luka Modric has lost momentum in the past week, with Spurs maintaining the tough stance they have employed over the sale of their star player all summer.

This has led the Chelsea boss to look elsewhere to bring in the midfield spark he craves, and knows Moutinho well from his time coaching him at Porto.

However any potential move could be complicated by the player's economic rights being owned by a third party, and with little time left in the current transfer window, Chelsea would have to move fast for the player.

Moutinho was a key part of Vilas-Boas' Porto side who won three trophies last season, including the UEFA Europa League.

Arsenal Expected To Sign Monaco Striker

Monaco striker Park Chu-young looks set to join Arsenal for £10m after he failed to show up for the second part of a medical with the French champions Lille.

"He has left for England, clearly for Arsenal," angry Lille president Michel Seydoux was quoted as saying by www.lequipe.fr on Saturday after finding the player's hotel room empty.

Lille was convinced they had all but wrapped up a deal for the 26-year-old before Arsenal made their move. Arsène

Wenger is desperate to sign a striker, midfielder and defender before the transfer window closes on Wednesday, having lost Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City.

Park, who is the South Korea captain, was a key member of the Monaco side who were relegated from the French top flight last season.

QPR Sign Luke Young

QPR have completed the signing of Aston Villa right-back Luke Young for an undisclosed fee.

Young has signed a three-year deal at Loftus Road, joining Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton as the second player to sign for the west London club since AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club last week.

"I am ready for a new challenge," he told the club's official website.

"There are big things that are going to happen at this football club and I am really pleased to be a part of it.

"Myself and Joey signing here shows the intent of the club.

"I am really looking forward to getting started and pulling on the blue and white shirt."

The former Tottenham defender has won seven England caps during his career and QPR manager Neil Warnock believes his experience is a great bonus for the squad.

"I've been looking for a defender with vast Premier League experience for a while now and Luke certainly fits the bill," he said.

"He can play anywhere across the back four and that versatility will stand us in really good stead.

"Moving back home to London will also serve him well and I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action for us - he's got so much to give and his experience will be vital."

Arsenal Interested In Signing Eljero Elia From Hamburg

Arsenal are interested in bringing Hamburg winger Eljero Elia to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the transfer window, it has been claimed.

According to skysports.com, the north London club has made an enquiry for the 24-year-old as they look to sign forward reinforcements prior to next week's transfer deadline.

Arsene Wenger is said to have identified the Holland international as a potential acquisition following the departures for Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

The loss of the midfield duo has left Arsenal short on creative influences, and Elia would certainly provide the Gunners with added attacking flair and another goalscoring threat.

Elia has previously been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, while Hamburg have rejected an offer for his services from Juventus.

Chelsea Agree £28m Deal To Sign Ajax Defender

Chelsea has agreed a deal to sign highly-rated Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel, according to reports in Holland.

The Dutch international has been linked with a move to the Stamford Bridge for quite some time and it is believed that Andre Villas-Boas has secured the signature of the 23-year-old for around £28m.

The Portuguese tactician may possibly view Van der Wiel as a youthful replacement for the likes of Paulo Ferreira and Jose Bosingwa at right-back.

The youngster, who featured in the 2010 World Cup final, is widely-regarded as the best young full-back in Europe and has also been linked with Man City.

The former Porto chief is looking to overhaul Chelsea’s ageing squad over a period of two seasons and has already signed 19-year-old midfielder Oriol Romeu from Barcelona and 18-year striker Romelu Lukaku from Anderlecht this summer.

While 23-year-old Spain midfielder Juan Mata completed his £26m move to Stamford Bridge from Valencia earlier in the week.

Stoke Set To Land Spurs Pair

Stoke are set to complete the signings of Tottenham's Wilson Palacios and Peter Crouch, and have bid for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.

Stoke have been chasing Palacios and Crouch for much of the summer but Harry Redknapp has refused to let the pair leave White Hart Lane before landing his own targets.

However, Tottenham have now completed the signings of Yago Falque and Emmanuel Adebayor, and are also in talks with Scott Parker - paving the way for Palacios and Crouch to move on.

It is understood the fee for the pair is closer to £15million than the £18million Spurs originally wanted.

Palacios' move has been agreed in principle for weeks, but it is only over the past two days that Stoke have been able to persuade Crouch to move north.

The Potters have signed only Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson, both on free transfers, so far this summer, but Tony Pulis remains hopeful of landing up to five new players before Wednesday's transfer deadline.

A bid was lodged for Zaha on Friday after the club's director of football John Rudge score him score twice for Palace against Crawley in midweek, while talks look set to re-open with Birmingham forward Cameron Jerome.

Pulis would also like to take either Shaun Wright-Phillips or Craig Bellamy from Manchester City to provide cover for the wings.

Chelsea Star Wanted By Spanish Outfit

Real Betis are plotting an audacious attempt to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old Frenchman is in the final 12 months of his contract and has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and several MLS sides credited with an interest in his services.

Anelka faces increasing competition for a place in Andre Villas-Boas' side after the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Juan Mata at the club.

And according to The Mirror, Betis are looking to lure the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Bolton forward to Spain.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas earlier this month dismissed reports that either Anelka or Didier Drogba would leave the club this month.

But although Anelka stated earlier this summer that he was happy to stay at the club and fight for his place in the side, it is thought he is open to a move.

Borriello Agrees PSG Move

Marco Borriello has reportedly agreed a deal for his €8m transfer from Roma to Paris Saint-Germain.

The French media report this weekend that the move is all but secure going into the final few days of the session.

Roma put the hitman on the market earlier this week and he was also of interest to Genoa.

At PSG Borriello would be reunited with director general Leonardo, who worked with him as Coach at Milan.

The Giallorossi only just signed him for €10m from Milan after a year on loan, but are ready to sell for €8m.

Pandev Makes Napoli Move

Serie A club Napoli have secured the services of Inter Milan striker Goran Pandev on a loan deal.

Pandev will join the southern Italian side for one season after originally being linked with moves to Bundesliga club Schalke and Serie A outfit Genoa.

"I am very happy to be able to play the Champions League with a club like Napoli as they are a very important club," he told Sky Sports Italia.

Napoli reportedly missed out on securing a deal for Giuseppe Rossi from Villarreal, while Inter lose another striker following Samuel Eto'o's departure last week.

Diego Forlan is rumoured to be in line with a move to the San Siro from Atletico Madrid to fill one of the vacant striking roles.

Olympiakos Back In For Makoun

Skysports.com understands Olympiakos have revived their bid to sign Aston Villa midfielder Jean Makoun on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Villa rejected an offer for the Cameroon international earlier in the week as manager Alex McLeish is currently reluctant to lose any of his fringe players without bringing in replacements.

Makoun has yet to feature in the Premier League this season and was an unused substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Wolves.

He did start the Carling Cup success over Hereford United and admitted earlier in the week that he would be prepared to fight for his place at Villa Park.

However, it is understood that the January arrival from Lyon would also be keen on the possibility of a move to Greek giants Olympiakos.

UEFA Champions League football is on offer at Olympiakos, who have been drawn in the same group as Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille.

Makoun has started just seven games in the Premier League for Villa since being signed by McLeish's predecessor Gerard Houllier.