Chelsea star Marcos Alonso earns Premier League respect

 

By David Lee Wheatley (@davewh1980)

 

Marcos Alonso was dismissed by some observers as a journeyman incapable of improving big-spending Chelsea, but he has spectacularly confounded his critics this season.

Alonso’s stunning showings for the Blues since a reported £23 million move back to the Premier League may have come as a surprise to many, but not to followers of previous clubs Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland and Fiorentina.

The exorbitant fee involved – within this vulgar period of outlandish sums being thrown around for even the most average of footballers – was viewed as a feat of wild opportunism on the part of La Viola.

However, those appraisals were surely concluded without looking deeper at the impact made by the player during time spent with his former employers.

Alonso made his way through the ranks at star-studded Real Madrid to post a solitary first-team appearance as a late substitute at Racing Santander in April 2010.

He was allowed to leave the Bernabeu that summer despite undoubted promise and subsequently embarked upon a journey to north-west England – not along the usual route to one of the big guns based within that region, but on the less-trodden path to Bolton.

Burden of expectation as he tried to emulate his footballing father and granddad perhaps put undue pressure on the young man’s shoulders, especially as both relatives in question featured on the highest stage domestically and were capped internationally.

His recovery from that setback was a slow-burner, as he played a bit-part throughout two Premier League campaigns which eventually led to relegation. He later found form at Championship level, where the Trotters missed out on a play-off spot by a whisker and Alonso claimed a worthy Player of the Year accolade.

Wanderers offered a new contract, but he opted for an intriguing switch to Serie A with Fiorentina instead. Again, scant progress was made, as he struggled to hold down a regular slot in the team aside from the odd European run-out. As a result, he returned to England quicker than expected by way of a short-term loan with Premier League side Sunderland a few months later.

Alonso’s influence on the top-flight strugglers was instant, with his boundless energy and marauding runs along the left flank improving Gus Poyet’s side both defensively and in attack.

His displays were a revelation, as the Black Cats reached Wembley for a cherished League Cup final appearance and came back from the dead to stave off the dreaded drop.

He swiftly became a fans’ favourite, and it was evident that both the club’s adoring support and then-boss Poyet wanted to complete a permanent deal for the likeable Spaniard.

Drawn-out talks took place between Sunderland and their Italian counterparts, who were said to be holding out for £5 million, but an agreement could not be reached. The rest, as they say, is history.

Alonso returned to Italy unsure of his future, but revelled in a similar advanced position to the one he currently occupies for Chelsea, as La Viola reached the Europa League and Coppa Italia semi-finals in his first term back in purple.

After two barnstorming years, the Gigliati were reluctant to sell, hence the transfer-fee inflation rate. But, the Madrid-born star represented the exact prototype required to click seamlessly into Antonio Conte’s tactical framework and they simply had to snare his services, regardless of cost.    

Now a key factor in an expansive 3-4-3 formation, which has helped the west Londoners to the top of the league, Alonso looks every inch the top-class player that those who saw him at close quarters in the past believed he could become.

Four goals, two assists and 18 chances created from 20 outings thus far offer a clear indication of his attacking prowess, whilst he has made an average of 1.7 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game when undertaking defensive duties.

Those who scoffed at Chelsea’s pursuit of a man who has since become a starting line-up fixture have fallen strangely silent, now that everyone has finally woken up to the assured 26-year-old’s true quality.

Entering into the prime of his career, an international cap to proudly place alongside his dad and grandfather’s cherished honours shouldn’t be too far away.

 



Inter dispense with Roberto Mancini but doubts remain

 

By David Lee Wheatley -- @davewh1980

Roberto Mancini was on a hiding to nothing when he re-joined Inter and will no doubt regret having set foot on the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza turf a second time.

Mancini inherited a squad in transition and desperately seeking a clear identity when he returned to Milan in November 2014.

The former Manchester City boss succeeded greatly during his first stint in charge of the Nerazzurri and felt the time was right to make a comeback at a club where he’d previously claimed six trophies in four years.

A raft of big-name coaches including Rafa Benitez, Claudio Ranieri and Walter Mazzarri had been unable to halt a sudden slide which began with Jose Mourinho’s 2010 departure.

His prior 62 per cent winning record at Inter offered Mancini realistic hope of putting a stop to that demise, but instead of settling down the turmoil surrounding the club, he only seemed to inflame deep-rooted problems.

He initially encountered a squad boasting little star quality and heavily reliant upon Argentine striker Mauro Icardi to grab vital goals.

In Serie A action alone, no player aside from Icardi hit double figures in strikes or assists throughout the 2014-15 campaign.

January signings Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski also struggled to settle and they subsequently stuttered to a lowly eighth-place league finish.

Furthermore, the ex-Galatasaray supremo butted heads with Shaqiri and experienced defender Nemanja Vidic to name just two established first-team members who fell foul of Mancini's renowned hot temper.

Mancio was therefore faced with a massive rebuilding job last summer, which eventually incorporated attacking quartet Adem Ljajic, Eder, Ivan Perisic and Stevan Jovetic alongside numerous other recruits.

However, the goals failed to flow and Inter were widely branded a defensive outfit due to a series of boring 1-0 victories.

That didn’t matter so much when the Beneamata topped Serie A at the halfway point of last term, but it became a huge issue when inconsistencies crept in to their game after the winter break.

Losses to the likes of Sassuolo, Torino and Genoa had fans fuming and the media looking for someone to blame – Mancini bore the brunt of such criticism.

Inter ended up in a disappointing fourth position after an opening round of fixtures which allowed the Nerazzurri to flirt with the idea of a triumphant return to the top table of Italian football.

The defensive outlook of his team, multiple poor signings and regular bust-ups with at least several players made the 51-year-old coach hugely vulnerable.

That level of uncertainty over his status increased significantly with the recent majority-stake takeover by Chinese investors Suning Group.

Rumours swirled of his imminent sacking this past weekend, with a mutual agreement being sought in order to bring an end to a painful period for both club and coach alike.

Dutchman Frank De Boer reportedly waits in the wings to become the latest tactician to try his hand at restoring Inter to their fleetingly held throne as European champions six years ago.

But he too will find a beleaguered club in need of a serious reboot, which by consequence will cause further unrest until such time as the new owners reach a stage when they are suitably satisfied with both their coach and playing staff.

As for Mancini, he will be held up as a prime example in support of the widely-held belief that ‘you should never go back’ to a former club.

Juventus can scale European heights with Higuain capture

By David Lee Wheatley -- @davewh1980

Gonzalo Higuain could hold the key to Juventus’ hopes of lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy having completed his controversial switch from Napoli.

Perennial Serie A champions Juventus have been seeking a prolific striker since Carlos Tevez returned to boyhood heroes Boca Juniors in 2015.

Tevez struck 29 goals in all competitions during his Bianconeri swansong and replacement Paulo Dybala got close to that figure last year on 23.

However, the relatively inexperienced South American Dybala came up scoreless in nine of his final 14 league appearances last term.

Now, in the shape of another yet another Argentine international Gonzalo Higuain, they have an emphatic centre forward who broke records left, right and centre in Naples, and will continue in that same vein at J-Stadium.

In contrast to ex-Palermo starlet Dybala, the French-born 28-year-old did not run out of steam, as he plundered a remarkable 36 Serie A goals in 35 outings throughout the 2015-16 season.

In doing so, Higuain also set a new record for most goals in a 20-team Serie A campaign. He converted 25 per cent of his opportunities, whilst hitting the back of the net every 83 minutes on average – another league-best figure.

On that convincing evidence, some could legitimately argue that Higuain is an upgrade on both of his aforementioned compatriots.

There are no doubts surrounding Dybala’s abilities, but he is not the finished article and a hotly-debated £75.3 million has secured an alternative who represents the full package.

Notwithstanding the imminent departure of midfield powerhouse Paul Pogba, the Juventus side will almost certainly continue to deliver the amount of goalscoring chances which saw Higuain fire 385 league shots within his three-year reign as Napoli’s predator-in-chief – 60 more efforts on goal than any other Serie A player managed in that same timespan.

Miralem Pjanic, the assist-king of AS Roma, has also joined up with Juventus this summer and he is likely to provide consistent openings for his new team-mate in order to nullify any decrease in creativity caused by Pogba's move elsewhere.

It’s a potentially exciting link-up that may also benefit young comrade Dybala, should he be afforded a role in tandem with his more experienced fellow striker.

Juventus have been crowned Italian champions five seasons in succession, while claiming Coppa Italia glory in their last two campaigns to boot.

Though not taking domestic honours for granted, foremost in Massimiliano Allegri’s thinking this term is European success, with his second serious crack at the Champions League trophy beckoning.

His charges reached the 2015 final against Barcelona in Berlin, but alas they came up short at the most difficult hurdle after a thrilling ride. They were subsequently unlucky when losing narrowly to Bayern Munich over two legs at the round of 16 stage last season, but that outcome simply wasn’t good enough for a club of Juve’s standing.

The Bianconeri wished to build on their previous impressive showing, but they couldn’t replicate it without certain key ingredients.

With Higuain ensconced alongside the glittering array of superstar squad members that the Turin giants currently boast, it could well turn out to be a very different story this time around.

Continental heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Barcelona possess fantastic sets of players to call upon, but coach Allegri can rightly point to the likes of Higuain and Pjanic as top-class footballers who can more than match those most imposing of foes.

It’s bad news for the remainder of Serie A that Juventus are seemingly gaining strength year-on-year and widening the gulf between themselves and their supposed rivals in the process, but Italian football could benefit on the European stage if the Bianconeri can live up to their transfer window promise.  

Atletico Madrid and their merry band of resolute warriors

By David Lee Wheatley
@davewh1980

 

Bayern Munich struggled to break Atletico Madrid down in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, but they’re certainly not the first to do so.

Diego Simeone’s men carved out a 1-0 lead on Wednesday evening to take into the second leg at Bayern’s Allianz Arena next week.

They did it in part due to a wonderful show of individual skill by exciting 21-year-old midfielder Saul Niguez that put Atleti in front, prior to a defensive display full of grit and determination to eventually get the job done.

That result and performance should not have come as a surprise to anyone, not least visiting coach Pep Guardiola, who has now lost on three occasions to Atletico in his managerial career.

The so-called poorer city neighbours of glamorous Real are causing ripples both domestically and in continental competition, which could yet see them claim a hugely significant double this season.

Atletico Madrid boast one the very best defensive units across Europe’s big-five leagues on 16 goals conceded in 35 games played, with only last night’s opponents Bayern having conceded less [14] in that category.

In addition, the Spanish capital side have kept more clean sheets than any other team participating in the continent’s top-five domestic championships, owing to an outstanding 33 shut-outs in 52 all-competition outings.

The Rojiblancos haven’t allowed any goals in 14 of their latest 16 Champions League matches contested at the Vicente Calderon.

A key factor in everything they achieved during their stunning 2013-14 campaign, in which they won La Liga and reached the finale of Europe’s premier competition, was team spirit.

Working hard for the shirt, for each other and also for their popular head coach Simeone was central to their success – and that collective soul has remained under the enthusiastic Argentine.

Alongside an obvious togetherness within the tight-knit Atleti squad, there are several specific traits which allow the Colchoneros to thrive.

Central midfielders Lucas Fernandez and captain Gabi work in tandem to such a degree that they rarely stray more than a few feet away from one another, whilst hunting furiously for the ball.

Their impervious back-line, marshalled superbly by Stefan Savic, have allowed the least amount of shots against them per game [9.6] and made the highest amount of tackles per match [24.5] overall in La Liga this term.   

Former Fiorentina centre-back Savic, who singularly failed to impress during a previous stint at English Premier League outfit Manchester City, has proved to be a stand-out performer since arriving in Spain last summer. His club have not lost any of their 16 matches with the Montenegrin in the starting line-up across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak is the stopper with most shut-outs in a single European Cup season for the Madrid-based club on eight, since Miguel Reina posted seven in 1973-74.

Furthermore, Oblak has repelled the last 16 on-target shots he has been forced to deal with at home in the Champions League, including seven versus Die Roten on Wednesday.

Those combined efforts were in stark evidence at the Calderon during their titanic clash against Bayern, which stopped Guardiola’s free-scoring Bavarians from notching an away goal despite enjoying 74 per cent of possession.

With Barcelona’s sudden wobble at the top of Spain’s Primera Division having left the door ajar for Atleti to clamber back into the title race, plus their heroics in European action, it’s wholly conceivable that this roughhouse group of dedicated footballers could upset the applecart as they have done so many times in the past.

 

And, with the effervescent Diego Simeone kicking and heading every ball as he watches on proudly, who would bet against them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss of Yaya may prove costly for Manchester City

By David Lee Wheatley

Manchester City may possess enough firepower to threaten Champions League last-16 foes Barcelona, but the first-leg suspension of powerhouse Yaya Toure could prove pivotal.

A great deal of water has gone under the bridge since Manchester City and FC Barcelona met at this stage of the same competition 12 months ago, with the Catalans advancing by way of a comfortable 4-1 aggregate margin.

City eventually claimed the Premier League crown, while Barca missed out on honours both domestically and in Europe to rivals Atletico Madrid. Additionally, ex-player Luis Enrique assumed the Nou Camp coaching reins in place of misfit Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino at the end of that campaign.

Normal service seemingly resumed when Barcelona won five out of six Champions League Group F contests to qualify above fancied French side Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, the Citizens faced almost certain elimination having failed to win any of their opening four group encounters.

Astonishingly, Manuel Pellegrini’s men scraped through at the death courtesy of a home win over Bayern Munich and a subsequent away triumph at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma.

Now the two sides clash again on Tuesday night a year on from what can only be described as a massively one-sided affair in favour of the Blaugrana, but with many observers openly voicing their belief in City’s ability to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the very first time.

They’ve got Sergio Aguero delivering almost a goal-per-game this term, while David Silva is pulling the strings beautifully, as recently evidenced by a man-of-the-match performance against Newcastle United last Saturday.

However, there is the crucial matter of Yaya Toure’s enforced absence from the first leg, which could tip the balance of the tie in favour of the Catalonian side before they welcome City to the Nou Camp.

Former Barcelona star Toure’s galloping runs, supreme physicality and eye for goal will all be keenly missed by his team-mates who feed off his barnstorming performances.

The 31-year-old has undergone a turbulent spell at the Etihad, with persistent rumours of his unhappiness at the club. But, he remains a potent weapon in their armoury and represents several attributes their Spanish conquerors from last season simply can’t replicate from within their own squad.

Andres Iniesta is still one of the world’s best passers of a ball, while Ivan Rakitic has quickly grown into a key player following his move from Sevilla last summer. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi continues to devastate in between the lines of midfield and attack, with Sergio Busquets undertaking a deep role in helping Barca tighten their grip on possession.

It’s certainly a highly subjective debate, but the likes of Fernando, Samir Nasri, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas and even the fabulous David Silva cannot legitimately claim to be better than their Barcelona counterparts.

What’s more, not one of those aforementioned players offer the beast-like presence of Yaya Toure, who can win a game single-handedly when on top form.

He could well make the difference for Manchester City in the second leg of this glamourous tie once he’s served the last of a three-match ban imposed for his November sending-off against CSKA Moscow, but by then it could be too little, too late.

Follow @davewh1980

Chelsea look to keep PSG in their place

 

 



 



By David Lee Wheatley    @davewh1980

Paris Saint-Germain have another opportunity to glimpse into their potential future when taking on Chelsea for the second year running, a club who represent the blueprint for their own long-term plans.

Chelsea were purchased by Russian Roman Abramovich from long-time owner Ken Bates almost 12 years ago in a deal reportedly worth £140million.

At the time, the Blues had mounting debts of around £80million to contend with and still no Premier League title to show for consistently heavy investment in the playing staff.

That all changed under Abramovich, with Italian manager Claudio Ranieri jettisoned in favour of bright young FC Porto head coach Jose Mourinho after he’d just delivered the UEFA Champions League trophy to the Portuguese giants in 2004 against all odds.

A first top-flight championship in 50 years was secured a year after his arrival at Stamford Bridge, as local mainstays Frank Lampard and John Terry led the Blues to new heights alongside an array of foreign stars.

Mourinho and co defended their title, while two League Cups and an FA Cup were secured before the headstrong boss left amid great acrimony between him and his paymaster.

Even after the Portuguese moved on to Inter, the honours cabinet continued to fill up in the shape of three more FA Cups and a league crown, which completed a celebrated double under Carlo Ancelotti in 2010.

They’d agonisingly missed out on the holy grail of the Champions League under much-maligned Avram Grant in 2008 on penalties under the rainy skies of Moscow, but didn’t deviate from that stated aim and finally became kings of the continent under Roberto Di Matteo in 2012.

A Europa League followed under Rafa Benitez, whose lifting of that cup occurred in spite of public opinion railing against him due to his once-searing rivalry with the west London outfit when in charge of Liverpool.

Up to the present day - with Mourinho back in harness - it appears another Premier League title could be on the horizon, plus a realistic tilt at a second Champions League success should they swipe pretenders PSG aside.

The French capital club wish to emulate those illustrious achievements which define Chelsea’s recent history, while they often cast a keen eye over a selection of the Blues’ best talent including Eden Hazard to go along with their purchase of Brazilian David Luiz last summer.

In fact, they offered the head coaching role at Parc des Princes to current Chelsea supremo Mourinho on two separate occasions in the past, while they have been repeatedly linked to skilful Belgian Hazard and several others in the Chelsea ranks.

They aspire to be just like Abramovich’s beloved Chelsea, but this tie may prove a tad too soon for their burgeoning ambitions to flourish, which is a myth they will do their damnedest to dispel.

Should they falter this time around, they will undoubtedly continue recruiting a plethora of the greatest players on the planet, meaning it won’t be too long before they finally grab glory at the top table of European football to go with a solitary Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996 - won only two years before London upstarts Chelsea emerged victorious in the very same competition.

David Luiz out to halt Chelsea's Champions League charge

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley  @davewh1980

 

 

Brazilian defender David Luiz will line up against former club Chelsea for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 determined to knock his old club out of the competition.

 

27-year-old Luiz won the trophy with Chelsea in 2012 by virtue of victory over Bayern Munich in the final, and would love to add another winners’ medal to his collection with the French big-spenders.

The South American has experienced a turbulent few months having suffered the embarrassment of a 7-1 loss to Germany at the World Cup in his homeland before moving to the French capital in a £50 million deal.

 

He was also named in the best XI at the World Cup, while topping off his first six months at the Parc des Princes with a nomination for FIFPro Team of the Year announced at the Ballon d’Or awards evening in January.

 

 

Luiz’s performances have largely been very good, as PSG strive to retain the French title they claimed last term. However, they sit in third place as part of a titanic three-way tussle for the championship along with leaders Lyon and Marseille after 25 matches.

He’s featured in 19 of those league outings so far, while starting every one of PSG’s Champions League group F games, as they advanced in second spot behind Barcelona.

 

“I hope this is the year we win it,” said a typically jovial Luiz at the pre-match media conference alongside boss Laurent Blanc.
 

“We have an amazing team, but it is not easy to win the Champions League.

 

“We need to be strong and play an amazing first leg because it will be decided there.
 

“I want to qualify, like I did last year but now I want to qualify for PSG.”

 

Of his former colleagues, Luiz rates them highly.
 

“They are stronger this year,” he explained.

 

“They understand more the philosophy of Jose Mourinho and in his second year it is easier to pass the message.
 

“And they have players joining with amazing quality like Diego [Costa] and [Cesc] Fabregas.”

 

Two late goals from struggling visitors Caen surprisingly hauled the scores level on Saturday in the Parisians’ latest domestic outing after the fancied hosts streaked into what appeared to be an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Injuries are piling up for manager Blanc heading into Tuesday’s game, who will certainly have to do without the services of Yohan Cabaye, Marquinhos, Serge Aurier and Lucas Moura.

Meanwhile, doubts remain over the availability of Blaise Matuidi, Javier Pastore and Maxwell, who will all be evaluated during training on Monday.

 

Arsenal still have much to do in order to prove win at Manchester City was no fluke

By David Lee Wheatley    @davewh1980 on Twitter

Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City suggests Arsene Wenger’s side have finally found an effective way to deliver successful results against top opposition.

Manchester City would’ve been mightily surprised by Arsenal’s approach at the Etihad on Sunday, as were many observers watching on, but the Gunners’ unfamiliar counter-attacking style paid huge dividends when defeating the reigning Premier League champions.

It seems the penny has finally dropped with the north Londoners’ long-serving manager that he no longer possesses the squad capable of overrunning opponents with all-out attacking intent.

That was eminently possible during the vintage 2003-04 season when the ‘Invincibles’ went an entire Premier League campaign without loss, but not any longer.

Another plan had to be sought to allow Arsenal to resume winning ways against a City outfit they’d failed to beat away from home since October 2011.

Wenger came to a long overdue realisation that his current crop of players required an urgent readjustment to alter their troublesome lack of resilience.

They’d been found wanting far too often, with the fragility of their back-line and defensive midfield area exposed with great ease by a succession top-four challengers.

The Gunners managed only 35 per cent possession during the contest in Manchester, which represents the smallest amount of time in control of the ball they’ve achieved since Opta records began in 2003.

Undoubtedly, playmaker Santi Cazorla’s wonderful end-to-end performance was instrumental in the eventual outcome, but it was the overall discipline showcased by the entire team which led to a 2-0 victory which brought Manchester City 12-match unbeaten run to a shuddering halt.

Central defenders Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were protected brilliantly by 23-year-old Frenchman Francis Coquelin, who produced his best showing yet in an Arsenal shirt. The pair rarely appeared to be under any significant pressure and almost always found time on the ball to clear their lines successfully when called upon.

Coquelin was ably assisted by the dynamic Cazorla, with the Spanish star popping up everywhere when battling for the ball in his own half and carrying it into enemy territory beyond several attempted tackles that simply couldn’t stop his progress.

Full-backs Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin also stuck to their duties diligently without succumbing to the damaging marauding runs forward that Arsenal’s flank defenders are often guilty of employing.

Arsenal’s display drew widespread praise from media pundits across the board, as well as from a beaming Wenger afterwards, in what amounts to a rather ironic twist considering his regular admonishment of rival Premier League teams who’ve set out their stall with similar strategies against the Gunners in the past.

However, it doesn’t seem to be as bitter a pill to swallow for the experienced tactician as most people would have believed after witnessing his contented smile for the cameras after securing a precious three points at the home of the champions.

They’ve apparently accepted that a sea-change in approach was needed heading into those kinds of high-profile fixtures and the key now is to put that level of performance into practice on a consistent basis in order to make certain the win over City wasn’t simply a flash in the pan.

Follow me on Twitter: search @davewh1980

La Liga: Real Sociedad v Barcelona preview

By David Lee Wheatley     @davewh1980

David Moyes faces an acid test of his managerial credentials this evening when Real Sociedad take on Luis Suarez’s Barcelona in a mouth-watering La Liga clash.

Scotsman David Moyes has encountered an inconsistent start to life in Spain since taking over the Basque outfit Real Sociedad in November.

He’s unbeaten at home, but has witnessed only one victory over strugglers Elche from his five league matches at the helm, having also surrendered leads in eventual draws with local rivals Athletic Bilbao and Levante.

A 4-0 hammering away to Villarreal highlighted worrying defensive frailties, which must be corrected alongside a severe lack of goals at the other end; Real Sociedad aren’t scoring anywhere near enough, managing 17 in 16 games.

Furthermore, a meagre return of three wins leaves them perched perilously just two points above the drop zone.

Ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela is a slight doubt ahead of the contest, with the six-goal striker vital to the Basques’ hopes of victory.

Luis Suarez has so far failed to hit the goal-trail since his sensational move from Liverpool, notching once in eight La Liga outings, but caused nightmares for former Everton boss David Moyes during the pair’s time on Merseyside.

Barcelona have been unbeaten for six top-flight games since a double loss to Real Madrid and Celta Vigo to close within one point of league-leading arch-rivals Real Madrid. Five of those have been wins, including one-sided thrashings of Sevilla, Espanyol and Cordoba when plundering five goals on each occasion.

Right wing-back Dani Alves is ready to return after a calf strain, thus handing head coach Luis Enrique an almost fully-fit squad to choose from; only Thomas Vermaelen misses out.

Real Sociedad can take some comfort from their recent home record against the Blaugrana, whose last triumph at the Anoeta arrived in May 2007. Meanwhile, the hosts defeated Barcelona 3-1 when they last met there in February 2014.

The fans will be out in force at the Anoeta for such an enticing fixture, with Moyes hoping they’ll produce the kind of cacophonous atmosphere they’ve been renowned for in the past.

However, it’ll take a effort of Herculean proportions to ward off the rampant Barcelona attack and repeat such a result.

Team news

Real Sociedad: Rulli, C.Martinez, Bergara, Inigo, Granero, Xabi Prieto, Vela, Ansotegi, Canales, Chory Castro, De La Bella

Barcelona: 13. Bravo, 2. Montoya,14. Mascherano, 24. Mathieu, 18. Jordi Alba, 7. Pedro, 6. Xavi, 8. Iniesta, 5. Sergio Busquets, 9. Suarez, 31. Munir

Newcastle United job: The early pacesetters as Pardew prepares to join Palace

By David Lee Wheatley      @davewh1980

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew surprisingly agreed to talks with Crystal Palace over their managerial vacancy yesterday following a rollercoaster four-year spell at the St. James' Park helm, thus opening up an attractive post to a host of interested managers across Europe.

Here are the latest names being linked to the top job on Tyneside, as the club attempt to appease fans largely unhappy with the direction the club has taken in recent times.

FABRICIO COLOCCINI: Current United defender Coloccini enjoys a strong relationship with the club's board, but has absolutely no experience as a coach to date. There's been a rush of bets on him overnight to become the next permanent manager making him favourite for the role.

PETER BEARDSLEY: Former Newcastle favourite Beardsley has been doing sterling work with the club's academy and may be offered the chance to take over the senior team. Would be a popular choice.

TONY PULIS: Has been out of work since keeping Crystal Palace up last season and would jump at the chance to manage the Magpies, but his direct brand of football wouldn't go down well with many Toon supporters.

FRANK DE BOER: Has enjoyed splendid success domestically with four successive Ajax title victories. De Boer would probably only leave the Amsterdam giants for a Champions League qualification contender, while his agent says there's no chance he'll jump ship mid-season. However, he seemingly ticks all of the boxes in terms of what Newcastle require if they could nab him.

STEVE BRUCE: Corbridge-born Bruce is struggling to keep Hull City out of Premier League relegation trouble, so it remains to be seen whether the ex-Sunderland boss would be welcomed back to his Geordie roots with open arms. Experienced relative success with the likes of Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic, but struggled badly with heightened expectation when last working in the north-east. Would almost certainly accept an offer from Newcastle having reportedly come close to the post on at least two occasions in the past.

ALLY MCCOIST: Led Glasgow Rangers through two quick-fire promotions from Scottish League Two to the Championship after suffering the heartache of demotion to the bottom tier. However, continual upheaval at boardroom level eventually enforced his decision to resign with Rangers sitting in second spot behind leaders Hearts. The Newcastle job would appear too big a step due to his lack of coaching experience outside of Scotland, but owner Mike Ashley's business links to Rangers will undoubtedly see McCoist strongly linked.

CHRISTOPHE GALTIER: Rumours were rife in May about a reported Newcastle approach for Saint-Etienne head coach Galtier's services only for the 48-year-old to remain in France. He took Les Verts to creditable finishes of 10th, 7th, 5th and 4th after previous short stints in charge of Marseille and Aris Salonika. The former Portsmouth assistant to Alain Perrin is likely to be high up on the list of contenders.

RAFA BENITEZ: A slightly fanciful name thrown into the ring is that of former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez. The current Napoli coach could be tempted by a return to England with his future in Italy unclear thanks to stalling contract talks. Has claimed 12 major honours in a highly decorated career, so would be expected to wait for a team competing in continental competition to hand him a way out of Naples.

TIM SHERWOOD: Has been linked to a series of Premier League and Championship jobs since leaving Tottenham Hotspur, where his straight-talking style divided public opinion. Sherwood would almost certainly fancy taking on the gargantuan task of leading the Magpies, but his appointment would be met with collective dismay on Tyneside.

REMI GARDE: Former Arsenal player Garde left Lyon at the end of last season for personal reasons following three years in charge. He inspired a French Cup triumph in 2012, but couldn't return the club to their former dominance of Ligue 1. His decision to take a break from football to spend more time with his family just over six months ago might suggest he's unwilling to rejoin the managerial merry-go-round yet.

TEMURI KETSBAIA: Georgian who stepped down as head coach of his national side in November following heavy defeat at the hands of Poland in a Euro 2016 qualifying match. Ketsbaia enjoyed cult hero status during his Newcastle playing days and has often spoken of his desire to one day manage the Magpies. Must be considered an outsider for the role, though.

JOHN CARVER: Newcastle-born Carver has served as assistant manager to both Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Pardew at St. James' Park, while also having a short spell as caretaker following Robson's departure. It's unclear whether Carver would have the appetite to take over the hot-seat on a permanent basis.p

GLENN HODDLE: The former England manager has been out of top-flight management for several years and may be viewed as a stop-gap appointment if handed the United reins. Hoddle currently splits his time between media work and carrying out coaching duties as part of the backroom staff at QPR. 

Have Manchester City finally learned how to succeed in Europe?

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley   @davewh1980

 

Manchester City looked dead and buried in Champions League Group E after four winless matches, but they somehow turned it around in spectacular fashion to make it through to the last 16 for a second successive season.

Manuel Pellegrini looked to have resigned himself to Manchester City’s European fate when his charges claimed a solitary point from a feisty double-header with CSKA Moscow.

A shock 2-1 loss to the Russian outfit on match-day four left City almost out of the competition and requiring wins against German giants Bayern Munich and Italians Roma to give themselves any chance of qualification.

Not many observers foresaw a turnaround - Pellegrini included. However, a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Bayern, orchestrated by Sergio Aguero, handed the Citizens an unexpected lifeline.

Yet, they needed to journey over to the Eternal City and grab all three points in order to avoid elimination. Furthermore, they had to complete the task without talismanic Aguero and respected captain Vincent Kompany through injury, plus midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure who was ruled out due to suspension.

Meanwhile, magical playmaker David Silva was also forced to warm the bench as he continued his recovery from a knee injury - the omens did not appear good.
Roma went for the jugular from the outset in a decidedly chilly Stadio Olimpico, but were denied time and again by the inspired Joe Hart in City’s goal.

Gervinho broke free on a number of occasions, with one low shot in particular tipped brilliantly round the post by Hart. Greek defender Kostas Manolas was also unfortunate to see a goalbound header diverted by the slightest of touches from the visiting ‘keeper onto the upright.

In the group’s other showdown, Bayern had taken an 18th-minute lead at home to contenders CSKA, who also began the evening level on points with Roma and Manchester City. The match had suddenly become a do-or-die play-off between the two teams going head-to-head at the Olimpico.

It took an hour of mainly withstanding Roma’s marauding breakaways until the away outfit gained a foothold in the game through a stunning shot from the left edge of the box by Samir Nasri that cannoned in off the inside of a post, thus leaving Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis grasping at thin air.

The hosts then sacrificed defensive duties almost entirely in a bid to claw their way back into the contest, but that policy eventually fell foul of a City counter which unlikely goalscorer Pablo Zabaleta finished off to gleefully wrap up his side’s advancement to the knockout phase.

Manchester City have largely struggled to repeat their domestic form of recent years on the European stage, but the professionalism which characterised Wednesday night’s performance suggests they may finally be getting to grips with what it takes to attain success in the continental arena.