BPL Match Preview (Sep 18, 2011)

Tottenham Hotspurs (15th) vs Liverpool (6th)

Manager Harry Redknapp will revert to his first-choice XI after resting a number of key players for last night's Europa League clash at PAOK Salonika. Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring), Aaron Lennon (groin) and William Gallas (calf) are making good progress in their recovery from injury and could play some part in the game at White Hart Lane. Steven Pienaar (groin), Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Ledley King (knee) face fitness tests but Michael Dawson (Achilles) is out and Sandro (knee) is unlikely to be risked despite returning to light training following a knee injury he suffered this summer.

Right-back Glen Johnson will miss out after a recurrence of a hamstring injury last weekend. Captain Steven Gerrard is nearing a return to fitness after six months out following a groin operation but he may not be risked at White Hart Lane. Defender Martin Kelly is also close to a recall after coming back from a hamstring injury.

Harry Redknapp aims to repeat last season's double over the Merseyside club, who suffered their first loss of the season at the Britannia Stadium last Saturday. Tottenham have been 2-1 victors in each of the last two meetings at White Hart Lane between the two sides. Redknapp is likely to make as many as ten changes to the side that drew in Greece as he reverts back to a starting XI similar to the one that secured the win - and Spurs' first points of the season - at Molineux.

Betting Recommendations:

Tottenham fixtures in the beginning of the season are far from easy. After missing the first matchweek, they face both the red and blue Manchester team which they lost convincingly. Now they face another strong team and despite managing to rest most of their key players, I feel this game will be tough for them as well. Go for Liverpool at level Asian Handicap.

Fulham (18th) vs Manchester City (2nd)

Bryan Ruiz is set for a return to the Fulham squad. The 26-year-old deadline day signing was ineligible for the midweek Europa League match with FC Twente, whom he played for in the Champions League play-offs earlier in the season. Aaron Hughes also missed the Group K tie with a knee injury and is a doubt, while Dickson Etuhu is struggling with a thigh injury.

Midfielder James Milner has been ruled out. Milner missed the midweek Champions League game against Napoli after a clash of heads in last week's defeat of Wigan. Midfielder Nigel de Jong (foot) remains 10 days to two weeks away from fitness while full-back Aleksandar Kolarov is not hindered by a broken nose.

Fulham are yet to win their first game in the Premier League this season with only two goals scored so far. Neither side has been able to keep a clean sheet in any of the last 14 league matches when they have faced each other. The home side have a dodgy home record against the visitors, having won nine and lost nine out of the 26 league games that have taken place in London between the two teams. The Eastlands club have been good on the road in the recent past, winning four of their last five trips away from home including a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Betting Recommendations:

Manchester City should continue to play attacking football away from home. It has worked wonders so far with easy victories over Bolton and Spurs away from home, at the same time scoring 9 goals. Man City boasts a talented group of attacking players in their squad. Be it Dzeko or Aguero to start, the team will definitely be good enough to score a couple of goals in this game. Take Man City at -3/4 Asian Handicap.

Sunderland (16th) vs Stoke City (5th)

John O'Shea could return to bolster Sunderland's defence. The Republic of Ireland defender missed the defeat by Chelsea due to a calf strain but has returned to training. Nicklas Bendtner is likely lead the attack and Connor Wickham could make his first start. Craig Gordon, Fraizer Campbell and David Meyler (all knee) remain sidelined.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis will check on the condition of a host of players. Several squad members did not travel to Ukraine for this week's Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev, with record signing Peter Crouch staying at home as a precaution after missing training, and Matthew Etherington (back), Rory Delap (groin) and Marc Wilson (hamstring) also absent from the trip. That quartet and Jonathan Woodgate, who is not registered for the Potters' European campaign and has been working to shake off a minor injury, are among those that will be assessed, while goalkeeper Asmir Begovic - rested for the Dynamo game - is expected to return in place of Thomas Sorensen.

Betting Recommendations:

Stoke City gain a point in their Europa League match in midweek after managing a 1-1 draw with Dynamo Kiev. However, playing an extra away game in Europa League may prove a bit tough for team like Stoke, despite managing to rest a few players. Expect Sunderland to nick this game. My pick is Sunderland -1/4 on Asian Handicap.

Manchester United (1st) vs Chelsea (3rd)

Sir Alex Ferguson has reported no fresh injury concerns. Nemanja Vidic (calf), Tom Cleverley (foot) and Rafael (shoulder) remain sidelined, whilst Danny Welbeck (hamstring) is not expected to be available until next week. Changes are anticipated though, with Ferguson expected to recall many of the players who were left out of his starting line-up for the midweek Champions League draw with Benfica.

Chelsea will once again be without Didier Drogba. The striker will not be risked at Old Trafford three weeks after his sickening head injury, meaning manager Andre Villas-Boas must decide whether to start Fernando Torres or Nicolas Anelka. Ramires returns after being suspended for Tuesday's Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, while goalkeeping understudies Hilario and Ross Turnbull are both carrying knocks, although one will be on the bench.

The two previous meetings between these sides at Old Trafford have essentially been Premier League title deciders, with Chelsea winning one and United the other. These two sides have met 19 times in the Premier League at Old Trafford, drawing seven times. Manchester United have won seven of those encounters and Chelsea a respectable five. Manchester United have scored 18 goals in four games in the league so far this season, an average of 4.5 goals per game.

Betting Recommendations:

Definitely the match of the week saw the two main title contenders going head to head. Although it is still early in the season, matches between the two can always be a morale booster towards the top prize. This game to me will not be very easy for Man Utd. So with the handicap set at Man Utd -1/2, I will gladly accept it as a Draw or Chelsea win will not be so surprising. Take Chelsea +1/2 on the Asian Handicap.

Arsenal & Barcelona Battle To Sign Paco Alcacer

Just when Arsenal fans thought they had heard the last of the club battling it out with Barcelona over the future of a player, it has emerged that the Premier League club are to fight the Spanish giants for the signature of Paco Alcacer.

Arsene Wenger's side fought a long battle to keep Pep Guardiola's Barca from signing Cesc Fabregas, but finally relented this summer.

However, it is now being reported that the French manager has identified Valencia striker Alcacer as a transfer target, despite interest from the European champions and Liverpool.

The 18-year-old is believed to have been watched by Anfield officials after making his La Liga debut last season, but Emirates boss Wenger is hoping to activate a €10 million (£8.7 million) release clause in the youngster's contract.

Real Madrid is also reportedly after the highly sought-after starlet, who notched 15 goals in 13 games for Valencia's under-17s side last term.

Liverpool Linked With Shock Transfer Raid On Ajax

Liverpool could launch a shock bid for Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen in January but could end up selling Daniel Agger as a result, with Anfield staff thought to be frustrated with his injury record.

Belgian centre back Vertonghen is a cultured defender, who like Agger possesses a mean left foot. He is also highly dangerous from free kicks.

Vertonghen indicated considerable frustration at the constant transfer rumours linking him with an exit from Ajax, but the chance to join the revolution under Kenny Dalglish at Anfield – as well as former team-mate Luis Suarez – could prove too good to resist.

As for Agger, perhaps the chance to make a fresh start could be offered at AC Milan, who have long retained interest in the Denmark international.

The famed Milan lab could help him play the constant and regular football he desperately craves.

Manchester United Ready To Sell £30m Star In January

Dimitar Berbatov is considering his options at Manchester United and could request a transfer in January.

His status in the pecking order of strikers at the club has changed drastically in the last twelve months, and he has lost his place to first Javier Hernandez (or Chicharito, as he is known), then Danny Welbeck, who came back from his loan spell at Sunderland with brilliant results.

The 30 year-old Berbatov is aware that the next contract he signs will be likely be the last major deal of his career.

He could make a move to Paris Saint-Germain in January, where he would join a rejuvenated team in part thanks to Qatari money.

Record signing Javier Pastore has inspired PSG to greater heights, and the French capital side would hope that he and Berbatov could develop the kind of telepathic understanding that intelligent footballers seem to forge.

As for Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson will be confident he already possesses decent cover in his squad – and may be glad to acquire any transfer fee he can get for his Bulgarian striker

Arsenal Contemplate Signing Chelsea Playmaker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he will consider signing Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea on a permanent basis.

The Israel captain made his first start for his club in the UEFA Champions League draw at Borussia Dortmund, and Wenger has been impressed with what he has to offer.

"It's too early to say at the moment (whether we will sign him), but I don't rule it out," stated Wenger.

"I want him to contribute as much as he can to the rest of the squad like every other player - not more, not less.

"Benayoun gives his best every time he plays and we think he can integrate well.

"He can play on both flanks. He can play in the middle, although I think he prefers to play on the wing.

"Overall he has shown on Tuesday night (against Borussia Dortmund) that he is completely physically fit again."

Spurs To Sign Teenage Peruvian Horacio Benincasa

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly ready to pull off a transfer coup in signing young Peruvian defender Horacio Benincasa.

The left back impressed hugely at the recent South American U17 Championship, where he was watched extensively by White Hart Lane scouts.

However, the Daily Mirror has claimed that the 17-year-old has also flown to the UK and taken part in a reserves games as a trialist that slipped under the radar of most news providers.

It is hoped that the youngster could be eligible to work in the UK through a Spanish passport thanks to his family ties with Spain - a fact that would avoid the often complicated and difficult process of obtaining a work permit for talented South American youngsters.

However, Redknapp might have to act quickly with Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen having also shown strong interest and held talks with the star.

Benincasa currently plays for Esther Grande de Bentin and is reportedly available for a nominal fee.

If he does sign, the young defender might hope to force his way into the manager's plans before long, with Gareth Bale, who started his career as a left back, now regularly being deployed further up the field.

Raul Albiol Looks Set To Join Malaga In January

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol is close to agreeing a January move to ambitious Malaga, according to Radio Marca.

The former Valencia man is reported to have reached an agreement to join the Andalusian club in January, with a three-year contract offered to the player.

Albiol joined Madrid in 2009 for €15 million and featured regularly at the club in his first season, playing under Manuel Pellegrini, who is now coach of Malaga.

However, since the arrival of Jose Mourinho in 2010, the 26-year-old centre-half has often found himself on the substitute bench, with the experienced Ricardo Carvalho coming into the team to partner compatriot, Pepe at the hear of defence.

With next summer's European Championships on the horizon, Albiol is said to be keen to play more first-team football in the hope of earning a spot in Vicente Del Bosque's starting line-up for the tournament.

Madrid and Mourinho are yet to sanction the proposed move with Malaga hopeful of concluding a deal before the January transfer window opens.

Since Qatari investment last summer, Malaga have secured a number of high profile transfers with Santi Cazorla, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jeremy Toulalan, Joaquin and Joris Mathijsen just some of the names to join the ambitious club.

Samba Admits He Was Keen To Join Gunners

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has admitted he had his head turned by Arsenal's reported interest this summer.

The Gunners were linked to a host of centre-backs in the transfer window before settling for Germany international Per Mertesacker.

And Samba, who faces Arsenal in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, has said it did have an effect on his focus.

"It's all behind me now and if this club didn't make a bid for me in the end, then that's life," he said.

"Was it unsettling? Of course. It's difficult, you think about your future, dreams, your own ambition. Some people will understand, others won't.

"I don't say I've been perfect in my approach. I should have been more focused.

"I had a chat with the manager and senior players, Ryan Nelsen, David Dunn, Paul Robinson.

"The only thing we need is me playing 100 per cent for the club.

"Being the captain is not an issue."

Chelsea Considering Bid For Real Madrid Stopper

Chelsea is considering a bid for Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol in January, according to reports in Spain.

Albiol, 25, joined Madrid from rivals Valencia in 2009 for €15 million, but has failed to live up to expectations and has slipped out of favour with coach Jose Mourinho.

With the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho preferred in central defence, Mourinho had looked to offload the Spanish international to Manchester City this summer in a deal bringing Emmanuel Adebayor to the Bernabeu.

However, that move failed to materialize and now a switch to Stamford Bridge seems an ideal solution for both parties.

Despite having several options at his disposal, Blues' boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to bolster his defence with the possibility that Brazilian ace Alex could leave the club in January having come close to a switch during the summer.

It is reported that Chelsea scouts have been keeping a close eye on Albiol, and the club will make their move when the transfer window re-opens.

However, Villas-Boas may face competition in the shape of ambitious La Liga side Malaga, who are reportedly close to agreeing a permanent move for Albiol in January.

Africans Target Kakuta

DR Congo are hoping that Gael Kakuta will switch international allegiance to them.

The Chelsea starlet, currently on loan at Bolton, is French-born and has been capped by France up to Under-20 level.

But now Claude Le Roy is hoping to persuade him to switch to DR Congo, where his family originates from.

"If Gael would be attracted, how could I not be attracted to him? Of course, he would be welcomed, as any talented players with dual nationality," Le Roy told FranceFootball.

"I would not need to say any special words, I would remain coherent with my arguments: Congo has a great potential, only if all the players of highest level accept to give us help.

"We have the means to build an amazing team."