Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Madrid need Ronaldo magic to keep Champions League dream alive

After a whirlwind 4-1 pasting from Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid are on the ropes.

Their dream of 'La Decima' needs a miracle to be revived and Jose Mourinho will be turning to his talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, for inspiration as the Santiago Bernabeu hosts the crucial return fixture.

Will the Portuguese be able to pull a rabbit out of a hat or will BVB make Madrid's trophy hopes disappear? 

King Bale hailed by fellow PFA nominees

Gareth Bale scooped the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards on Sunday evening, capping a breathtaking personal season for the Tottenham winger.

Luis Suarez, who was banned for 10 games for biting Branislav Ivanovic, finished in second place, but his name was booed both times it was read out at the ceremony on Sunday night.

And with the Uruguayan in Premier League quarantine, it was left to Bale's four other rivals to bow down to the newly-crowned King. 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Wenger rolls out the red carpet for Van Persie's grand return

All eyes will be on the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as Robin van Persie steps out at his former stomping ground for the first time since his headline-grabbing move to Manchester United last summer.

The Netherlands international arrives back in north London a champion, with the Red Devils having already wrapped up the title with victory over Aston Villa last week, and a guard of honour from those he called his team-mates a matter of months ago awaits his return.

Despite Arsene Wenger's calls for respect for Sir Alex Ferguson's side and their top-goalscoring striker, Gunners supporters are set to give their former hero a rocky reception after his decision to quit the club for one of their chief Premier League rivals. 

Should I stay or should I go? Barton's move 'dilemma'

On-loan Marseille midfielder Joey Barton will have a big decision to make over his future in the summer - stay in France should that option be on the table or head back to parent club QPR?

If current Rangers boss Harry Redknapp's advice is anything to go by, then a return to Loftus Road seemingly wouldn't be the wisest decision.

The former Portsmouth manager spoke of Barton's picturesque drive to work in an interview on Friday but if it's rain, skyscrapers, Redknapp's face and the Championship that the one-time Newcastle midfielder is after, then QPR could just be the place to be next season... 

Rodgers gives Suarez a license for mischief

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers launched a staunch defence of Luis Suarez after the striker was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

While Rodgers had no issue with a ban being issued, he was disappointed by the length of the suspension given to the Uruguayan.

But in doing so, has he given Suarez a free pass to get away with all other forms of mischief?