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Cisse can down City and keep QPR in the Premier League

Soccerlens — Sun, 13 May 2012 07:51:15 +0000

Cisse can down City and keep QPR in the Premier League - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Queens Park Rangers find themselves two points clear of the drop-zone ahead of their trip to Manchester City on Sunday. With five goals in seven games, Castrol EDGE Performance Data shows that Djibril Cissé will be crucial to the London club’s final battle for survival.

Cissé’s return to the Premier League has been overshadowed by two sending offs, but his goals have come at a rate of one every 95 minutes – by far the best of any QPR player. His clinical ability in front of goal is confirmed by the fact that his chance conversion rate (56%) is the sixth best in the league.

Premier League 11/12 – QPR Minutes Per Goals & Overall Conversion Rates


PL 2011/12 – QPR	Goals	Mins/Goal	PL 2011/12	Team	Goals	Conversion
Cissé	5	95.4	Anichebe	Everton	5	56%
Helguson	8	144.4	Berbatov	Man Utd	7	47%
Smith	2	270.0	Pogrebnyak	Fulham	6	46%
Campbell	1	318.0	Cissé P.	Newcastle	13	41%
Mackie	6	349.2	Jelavic	Everton	8	30%
Buzsáky	2	448.0	Cissé	QPR	5	29%

YAYA RULES THE WAY FOR CHAMPIONS ELECT CITY

With one game to go, Manchester City are in poll position to win the 2011/12 Premier League. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Ivory Coast star Yaya Touré has been central to the team’s success, making more passes on average than any other player in the League this season.

Touré’s penchant for pushing forward has also seen him bag a decent haul of six goals along with five assists. Indeed, only one other central midfielder this season, Frank Lampard, has been involved in more goals.

Premier League 11/12 – Minutes Per Pass & Goal Involvements For Central Midfielders


Prem Lge 11/12 – Mins per Pass			Prem Lge 11/12		Goals	Assists	Goal Involvements
Y Touré	Man City	1.11	Lampard	Chelsea	11	5	16
Arteta	Arsenal	1.11	Y Touré	Man City	6	5	11
Carrick	Man Utd	1.15	Hoolahan	Norwich	4	7	11
Mikel	Chelsea	1.21	Song	Arsenal	1	10	11
Modric	Tottenham	1.26	Sigurdsson	Swansea	7	3	10
Rangel	Swansea	1.27	Cabaye	Newcastle	4	6	10

MARK HUGHES ENJOYING HIS CITY BREAKS

QPR fans can travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in the knowledge that their manager Mark Hughes has an impressive record against Manchester City.

Castrol EDGE Performance Data shows that Hughes has visited City five times as a manager in the Premier League and is yet to lose there. In four visits in charge of Blackburn Rovers, Hughes registered one win and three draws while last season he secured a 1-1 draw for Fulham.

With third-from-bottom Bolton just two points behind Rangers, a decent result for QPR at the Etihad could be the difference between another season in the top tier or a painful relegation to the Championship.

Premier League – Mark Hughes Visits To Man City As A Manager


Mark Hughes (As Manager) Away To Man City In Prem Lge
13-Nov-04	Blackburn	1-1	Man City	Draw
19-Nov-05	Blackburn	0-0	Man City	Draw
20-Jan-07	Blackburn	3-0	Man City	Win
27-Dec-07	Blackburn	2-2	Man City	Draw
27-Feb-11	Fulham	1-1	Man City	Draw

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Premier League betting: odds on a Manchester City or Manchester United title win

Soccerlens — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:47:37 +0000

Premier League betting: odds on a Manchester City or Manchester United title win - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Sky Sports are screening both Manchester games on the final day of the season, and it’s City (on SS1) who are firmly in the driving seat and long odds-on to clinch their first title in 44 years.

Manchester City v QPR

Roberto Mancini’s men sit on top of the pile with a vastly superior goal difference and a win at home to QPR and the title is theirs regardless of what United to at Sunderland.

They are 1.14 shots to do so, so as far as the bookies concerned it looks all over.

It’s easy to see why they think that, as their home record is superb.

The Citizens have won 17, drawn 1 and lost none on their own patch all season, and have the best defence and joint-best attack in the league to boot as far as the stats are concerned.

However in QPR they face a side finding for survival and managed by one mark Hughes.

Hughes knows that a point from this will ensure the R’s stay in the top flight, and having been regarded as a legend in his day’s as a striker with United he will certainly be keen to do them a favour.

The problem is that QPR have gained just 2 draws from their last 11 games on the road

However, with all the games kicking off at 3pm an early goal by United could make things very tense for the City players and If that does happen they could well have a right battle on their hands.

Hughes is sure to set his stall out to get the point that is required, and it will be interesting to see how the City players respond to the pressure piled on them by expectant fans.

In all likelihood they will respond well and deliver the goods, but at 1.14 I think they are plenty short enough and am prepared to risk a small wager on the draw at a 9.5 with Boylesports.

If it is a draw then there are unlikely to be many goals, and we are going to get some very big prices in the correct score market.

0-0 is a 29 chance with Boylesports while 1-1 is a 17 shot with bet365, Try small split stakes on both – unless you are a die-hard City fan of course!

Sunderland v Manchester United

United feature on Sky Sports 2, and are 1.44 to beat the Black Cats and keep their slim hopes of retaining the title alive.

The Red Devils will be hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself as last time their arch rivals won won the title was back in 1968 they blew their chance by losing to none other than….Sunderland.

So if they are to steal the title they must at least do their part of the job better than way back then.

What is vital is that they get an early goal and put the pressure on their arch rivals.

If they can take the lead then news will travel fast to the Etihad that could prove decisive as it will pile the pressure on Mancini’s men.

As far as the stats are concerned, everything is in United’s favour.

Sir Alex’s side have won 14 and lost none of their last 19 Premier League games against Sunderland, and Martin O’Neill’s side have also failed to score in eight of their last 10 league games between the two sides.

United have also won on the final day in eight of the last nine seasons, whereas their opponents win in 2010/11 was their first in 10 seasons.

That suggest that United should have little difficulty doing the business, especially when you throw in the fact that Sunderland haven’t won in their last seven games.

So given that united ideally need to be quick out of the blocks, I think they look a decent put at 2.1 with Paddy Power in the HT/FT market.

Wayne Rooney needs just two more goals to reach for the club, but at 3.75 with the likes of bet365, Betfred and Paddy Power he looks plenty short enough to bag the opener and Hernandez makes more appeal at the 6 on offer with bet365.

United to win 2-0 is my idea of the outcome, and that is a 7.5 shot – also with bet365.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Premier League Week 37 Preview

Chris Linnell — Sat, 05 May 2012 08:28:38 +0000

Premier League Week 37 Preview - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

A look at this weekend’s Premier League matches as Manchester fights for the league title and London teams play for their Champions League futures.

Arsenal v Norwich

The chase for third place remains in Arsenal’s hands, but with Tottenham and Newcastle in close pursuit there is no room for error. Arsene Wenger’s team, without a win in three games, have laboured since Mikel Arteta’s injury removed the metronome which keeps everything ticking, and the responsibility to drag them over the line rests with a tired Robin van Persie. With Norwich having relaxed since securing a second season in the EPL, this is a good opportunity for the Gunners to grab a much needed victory.

Norwich have conceded 11 goals in their last three matches, including hat-tricks for Carlos Tevez and Luis Suarez. Van Persie will be hoping the Canaries defence continues to be accommodating. The Gunners are fortunate to close out the season with two imminently winnable games against teams without anything tangible to play for, but the spoiler factor should never be underestimated.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Newcastle v Man City

The sums are simple for Manchester City now: win their last two games and the title is all but guaranteed. It is a difficult assignment though, as Newcastle confirmed with their midweek victory at Chelsea. Of all the important games being played this weekend, this one might have the widest-reaching effects. Newcastle will need to pick up the points if they hope to lay claim to a Champions League place.

Manchester City did what they needed to do against their crosstown rivals on Monday, but with United facing a slightly less daunting end of the season schedule they’ll be able to take nothing for granted. On top of this, these are two very good teams that are generally quite enjoyable to watch. Both have incredible attacking talent with the likes of Papiss Cisse, Sergio Aguero, Demba Ba and Carlos Tevez. This is arguably the weekend’s biggest game, in any league.

Prediction: Draw

Aston Villa v Tottenham

This is a huge match for both clubs. An Aston Villa win in this match would all but guarantee their Premier League survival. However, Tottenham are well in the race for the Champions League places, Redknapp will be anxious to take third from their London rivals Arsenal, just in case Chelsea are successful in the Champions League final. Tottenham travel to Villa Park after back-to-back victories, while Mcleish’s side have failed to take 3 points from a Premier League game since November. Scott Parker’s return to fitness is a huge boost for Tottenham, having recovered from an ankle injury. He is expected to return to the starting line up in this fixture.

Prediction: Tottenham win

Bolton v West Brom

Roy Hodgson’s West Brom now have very little left to play for this season. However, this can’t be said for their opponents, Bolton. It’s been a very emotional season for Owen Coyle’s team, both on and off the pitch. For quite some time now, Bolton fans have been clinging to their side’s games in hand to give them hope for another season in the Premier League. The Wanderers caught up to the rest of the league in terms of games played on Wednesday, but faced a heavy 4-1 defeat to Tottenham. Bolton are even on points with 17^th place QPR, but they’ve got a serious mountain to climb in terms of goal difference. Hodgson’s appointment as the new England boss may prove a blessing in disguise for Bolton. A distracted West Brom side could prove ideal opposition.

Prediction: Bolton win

Fulham v Sunderland

Both Fulham and Sunderland will be looking for the three points that would virtually guarantee a top-10 finish but the form of these teams could not be more different. The hosts have taken 13 points from their last six Premier League games, including a first ever win at Anfield in midweek. By contrast, Martin O’Neill’s side have not had a victory since 24 March and are playing very much like a side with one eye on their summer holidays.

Prediction: Fulham win

QPR v Stoke

QPR’s fortunes took a turn for the worst last season as they suffered a 6-1 loss to London rivals Chelsea. However, luckily for Mark Hughes’ side, other results at the bottom of the table ensured they sit one place above the relegation zone with just two games left. With a very tough last game against current leaders Manchester City, QPR really need 3 points from this home match to achieve survival, beating a tired Stoke on Sunday could be sufficient to keep them up.

Prediction: QPR win

Wolves v Everton

These teams will be playing for different types of pride this weekend. Everton can open up a six-point gap over local rivals Liverpool, while Wolves – who are already relegated – can secure their first win under Terry Connor’s leadership. Connor will make a late decision on whether Matt Jarvis (groin) and Kevin Foley (hamstring) are fit to play. Moyes is hopeful Leighton Baines will return for the final game of 2011-12 but he will sit out this weekend’s match, along with Victor Anichebe, while Jack Rodwell is out until next season.

Prediction: Everton win

Manchester United v Swansea

United’s hope this season now heavily rely with Newcastle and QPR. A Newcastle victory against the current league leaders would put United back into the driving seat assuming Ferguson’s team can take 3 points from this fixture. Failing that, United need a huge number of goals in their remaining two games if they hope to win the title. Expect a high scoring match, as the hosts attempt to close the goal difference gap with City. Although Swansea have had an excellent season, their form has faded of late, with just a single victory for Brendan Rodger’s side.

Prediction: Manchester United win

Blackburn v Wigan

This is, undeniably, the last chance for Blackburn to save themselves from the drop. The Monday night shift has not generally proved popular with clubs or supporters this season, but neither Blackburn nor Wigan will be complaining this week. By kick-off at Ewood Park they will know the fortunes of Bolton, QPR and Aston Villa, and Wigan could need only a point to ensure they stay up. Whatever their rivals muster, Rovers – who are away at Chelsea on the final day – realistically must win this one, and hope that Wigan return to their meek early-season form rather than continue their recent heroics.

Prediction: Wigan win

Liverpool v Chelsea

Liverpool-Chelsea, twice in the space of three days. There’s no doubt the importance of this match is negligible compared to Saturday’s FA Cup Final. Liverpool have already secured a European place through their Carling Cup victory earlier in the season and of late their league form has been extremely poor, now they only have their own pride to play for. Chelsea, on the other hand, are still chasing Champions League football next season. If they fail to beat Bayern Munich in May’s final, then they have to ensure a fourth place league finish to ensure playing in the elite continental competition next season. Clearly, Di Matteo’s side still need as many league points as possible.

Prediction: Chelsea win

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Premier League Betting Preview: Stoke v Arsenal, Norwich v Liverpool, Chelsea v QPR and Tottenham v Blackburn

Soccerlens — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:55:10 +0000

Premier League Betting Preview: Stoke v Arsenal, Norwich v Liverpool, Chelsea v QPR and Tottenham v Blackburn - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

The last weekend of April could see the Premier League title decided one way or the other.

But before Monday night, there’s quite a lot of football still to play with Arsenal fighting to secure third place, Chelsea and Tottenham fighting to make up ground to fourth place and Liverpool fighting to stay ahead of Everton in the league table.

Below we preview the biggest games of the weekend and the best bets as well (Click here for more betting odds):

Stoke v Arsenal

Arsenal don’t have a good record at the Britannia Stadium but look worth a punt at a top priced 1.91 with Paddy Power to beat Stoke on Saturday (3pm KO).

They have lost three of their last four games at the ground and face a side who have secured 10 out of a possible 12 points on their own soil in recent weeks.

However Tony Pulis’ men are also the division’s lowest scorers with just 32 in total, and if Arsenal can grab the first goal it’s very hard to see them coming away empty handed.

The Gunners remain in pole position for third place despite a couple of frustrating displays against Wigan and Chelsea and need to pick up the pace again.

Their slick build-up play was virtually none existent in a mundane 0-0 draw against Chelsea, and worryingly Robin van Persie has barely had as sniff of a goal in the last couple of games.

The Dutchman needs to find the back of the net again to restore some confidence in the side, and if he can then could well nick the spoils in what is going to be a tight fought affair.

He is a 4.33 shot with the Betfred to net the opener and that makes plenty of appeal in a game where I don’t think there will be many goals.

I fancy him to fire his side to a 1-0 win and that is a 7.5 chance with bet365 and Paddy Power.

Also, given that both sides have been struggling to score, under 2.5 goals looks the bet of the match at even money (2) on offer with Paddy Power.

Norwich v Liverpool

Liverpool travel to Carrow Road to take on Norwich (5.30pm KO, Live on ESPN) and are a top priced 2.05 with Paddy Power to come away with all three points.

Under normal circumstances that would be a tremendous price, but the Reds have become hard to predict and their league form since the turn off the year has been shocking.

I expected their 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby to provide a springboard for them to put together a string of victories and round off the season in style but they went back to their old ways when going down 1-0 at home to West Brom last weekend.

It was a game in which their effort could not be faulted, but they once again missed a whole host of chances in what was ultimately another disappointing performance..

So the big question going into this is whether they can finally start converting the chances that they are creating in front of goal.

If they can they should win and they have at least won more on the road (7) than they have at home (5).

Steven Gerrard, who was rested as a precaution against the Baggies, is set to return and looks value at 8.5 chance with Betfred, Boylesports and Paddy Power to do so in style by netting the opener.

Also, given that the wheels appear to have come off in recent weeks as far as the home side are concerned, I am going to suggest a speculative punt on Liverpool winning 3-1 at a juicy looking 17 with Betfred.

Chelsea v QPR

On Sunday Chelsea play host to QPR in the first game on Sky Sports 1 (1.30pm KO) and look bankers at a general price 1.4 to round off an amazing week with another victory.

The Blues are flying high at present and put in an outstanding performance to draw 2-2 against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Tuesday to secure their place in the Champions League final on May 19.

Roberto Di Matteo’s men showed great resolve to see off the team regarded as the best in the world, and they have now lost just one of their last 15 matches in all competitions.

However they do face a defensive crisis going into this match.

Gary Cahill and David Luiz have both been ruled out with hamstring injuries, while Branislav Ivanovic serves the final instalment of his domestic three-match ban – leaving John Terry as the only recognised centre-half.

But even with a make shift defence they should be able bag all three points against a side who are just one point above the relegation zone with just three games remaining.

Mark Hughes’ side have managed to win their last four fixtures at home to give them a chance of survival, but their form on the road is dreadful.

They haven’t won on their travels in 11 matches and will need to put in a herculean performance to change that in this clash.

Torres, who will have gained some much needed confidence from his goal at the Nou Camp, looks worth a wager at 5.5 with bet365 to net the opener, and I like the looks of the 8 on offer with with Betfred and Boylesports about a 2-1 win for Chelsea.

Tottenham v Blackburn

The second game on Sky (4pm KO) sees Spurs chalked up at just 1.4 to beat Blackburn at White Hart Lane, and they simply have to be taken on at those odds.

Harry Redknapp’s side have lost the plot in recent weeks and lost their last three games.

They and can ill-afford more slip-ups if they’re to finish inside the top four and are currently three points behind Newcastle.

However with Benoit Assou-Ekotto set to join Michael Dawson in missing the rest of the season, and Emmanuel Adebayor and Younes Kaboul also struggling to make the line-up they will not be fielding their strongest side for this.

Ok, Rovers have won once, drawn once and lost six times on the road since the turn of the year.

But Steve Keane’s men have proved on more than one occasion that they are no pushover and capable of raising their game.

They beat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve, and have managed to salvage points in games against Everton and Liverpool.

They also come into the game with their tails up following a vital win over Norwich, and at 8.5 with Betfred and Boylesports look too big a price to let go unbacked.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Liverpool, Chelsea, United, City and Arsenal all have points to prove this weekend

Soccerlens — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:08:52 +0000

Liverpool, Chelsea, United, City and Arsenal all have points to prove this weekend - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

With live football on the telly for the next 6 days, it’s a good time to be a football fan. There’s plenty of mouth-watering action in tge Premier League for you to look at.

Titles may be won, title challenges may be salvaged, teams could be doomed to relegation or rise from the ashes – with most Premier League teams playing two games in the next six days, a lot can happen by next weekend.

Manchester United v QPR

A cracking double header on Sky Sport’s this Sunday, with Man United taking on QPR hours before their rivals City face a tough trip to the Emirates.

United have the chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League if they beat the R’s at Old Trafford (1.30pm Ko, SS1), and they are a top priced 1.2 with Paddy Power to do so.

Sir Alex will be well aware of the psychological blow they can inflict on their neighbours and it would take an extremely brave person to back against the Red Devils.

The champions were briefly eight points behind Roberto Mancini’s side at the start of December but a win here would see that situation completely reversed and make the title theirs to lose.

QPR are embroiled in the relegation battle at the bottom of the table and also desperate for points.

Mark Hughes’ men face a difficult run-in but have done well in recent weeks to register home victories over Liverpool and Arsenal.

However they have been a totally different side away from Loftus Road, and are without a win on their road since victory at Wolves way back in

United have won nine and lost none of their last 12 matches against QPR in all competitions and won 32 and lost just two of their last 36 Premier League games at Old Trafford. They are also the most efficient Premier League side of the last three seasons.

They have only conceded one goal in their last five Premier League home matches and it’s impossible to envisage them not winning this with plenty to spare

Valencia, who has 12 assists and four goals in 16 Premier starts this season, looks worth a wager at 9 with Betfred to net the opener.

United to win 4-0 appeals in the correct score market at the 11 on offer with Boylesports.

Arsenal v Man City

Less than an hour after the United game finishes, City face a tough trip to London to take on Arsenal (4pm KO, SS1) and the Gunners look value at 2.6 with Boylesports to put an end to their title hopes.

City have failed failed to score in three of their last four Premier League games against Arsenal and each of their last four visits to the Emirates.

They have also won none of their last 26 away league games against the Gunners (W0 D8 L18), and come into the game on the back of disappointing draw against Stoke and Sunderland.

Roberto Mancini’s men seem to be running out of gas at the wrong time, whereas Arsenal had been on a roll before their 2-1 defeat at QPR.

Arsene Wenger’s men have won 11 and lost one of their last 14 PL games on their own patch and that makes them look a big price considering City’s current form.

One player who will be hoping to find the back of the net is Robin van Persie, as City are one of only three teams in the top flight that he has not scored against this season.

If he does manage to bag one in this then he will become only the fourth player to score against 17 different teams in a Premier League season (after Cole 1993/94, Shearer 1994/95 and Wright 1996/97).

The Dutchman has been chalked up at 5 with Boylesports and Paddy Power to score first, and 2.2 with the former to net anytime.

Both those prices make plenty of appeal in what is likely to be a hard fought and fiery encounter.

Liverpool v Aston Villa

Liverpool have been chalked up at 1.45 to beat Villa at Anfield, but given their current form you could not be backing them with any confidence at odds against – never mind long odds-on.

Kenny Dalglish’s side have now lost six of their last seven league matches and won just twice since the turn of the year in a dreadful run which has overshadowed their Carling Cup triumph back in February.

Their performance in their latest defeat to Newcastle lacked any passion or cutting edge, and left fans angry and deflated with many calling for Dalglish.

It was not a surprising reaction as the Reds currently sit seventh in the table – one place below Everton.

You get the feeling that he is being given a lifeline because of his past exploits as a player at the club, and there is no doubt whatsoever that things need to change things around fast.

This game represents the ideal opportunity for Liverpool to start the fightback as their opponents are in dire shape.

Alex McLeish’s side are only five points clear of the drop zone having managed just two league wins in 2012 and with all but one of the five teams below them all managing to pick up points in recent weeks the pressure is really on.

They come into the game having been thrashed by Arsenal and Chelsea, and Liverpool really should beat them if anywhere near their best.

However I couldn’t back them to do so at 1.45, so the suggested put is to back Suarez to score anytime at even money (2) with Boylesports.

Chelsea v Wigan

Chelsea are 1.25 shots to beat Wigan at Stamford Bridge and the stats suggest that they will have little difficulty doing just that

The Blues have won 10 and lost just one of their 13 Premier League meetings with the Latics, and registered their record league win over them when they won 8-0 back in May 2010.

The visitors have never managed to keep a clean sheet against them in the league, and have lost five and won none of their last six visits to the Bridge.

Roberto Martinez’s side have also lost 14 of their last 15 trips to London, conceding 46 goals in the process.

Those are grim stats, especially when you throw in the fact that Chelsea have lost just one of their last nine PL games (W5 D3 L1) and kept three clean sheets in a row at home.

So despite the fact that Wigan come into this having picked up 8 points from their last four games it’s hard to see anything other than a win for Chelsea.

I think that the Blues will win this without reply, and they look a decent punt at even money (2) with bet365 and Paddy Power to win to nil.

My idea of the outcome is a 2-0 victory, and that scoreline is a 5.5 chance with bet365 and Betfred.

In the first goalscorer market looks value at 10 with Boylesports.

For more betting tips, see the Soccerlens betting page.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Most efficient Premier League clubs in the last three seasons (2009 to 2012)

Soccerlens — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:28:27 +0000

Most efficient Premier League clubs in the last three seasons (2009 to 2012) - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Building on our previous post about the most efficient football clubs across Europe’s top four leagues this season, here we do an historical analysis of the Premier league and the best performing clubs in the last three years (2009/2010 to 2011/2012).

The chart below shows some fascinating visual data about Premier League teams in the last three years – from succintly pointing out Arsenal’s #1 issue to highlighting the massive statistical improvements United have made this season to why Liverpool and Wigan are at the wrong end of the tables.

Make sure you click on the image below to enlarge and view the full data, then share your thoughts in the comments below.

The most efficient Premier League clubs in the last three years

Talking Points:

Wigan’s continued Premiership survival has been nothing short of miraculous given their tendency for wayward shooting and calamitous defending.
Arsenal are below the average defensive efficiency line for all three years. Their 2012 team has the fifth worst defense overall in the last three years and the second worst this season, ahead of only Blackburn. Someone should show Wenger this chart before he buys any other players (if he buys them, that is).
United’s ridiculous position at the top left for 2012 shows how they have made the most of their attacking chances and held their ground (despite that 1-6 scoreline) defensively as well. The only comparison – defensively – is City from 2011 and Villa from 2010.
From the chart it would seem that United were the better team than Chelsea in 2010 – but that’s the nature of football, where it’s not just your overall numbers but your ability to win key games, which United failed to do that season.
Liverpool have the second-worst attack this season behind Wigan, and the fourth-worst attack in the last three years. Only Wigan (twice) and Portsmouth have done worse. One of them was relegated and the other might join them this season. How soon before Liverpool sue Evra for costing them a Champions League place / financial losses?

Research done by Matthew Wood. You can find more of Matthew’s statistical work at Balanced Sports.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Premier League betting – Arsenal, Chelsea and United to win, Liverpool to lose

Soccerlens — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:39:12 +0000

Premier League betting – Arsenal, Chelsea and United to win, Liverpool to lose - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Here’s a look at this weekend’s best Premier League action and top betting tips for the big games.

QPR v Arsenal: Eight in a row for the Gunners?

Arsenal are on a roll and make plenty of appeal at 1.62 with Betfred and Paddy Power to make it win number eight on the bounce when they take on QPR at Loftus Road.

The Gunners’ 3-0 win over Villa last weekend meant that they now have the joint-longest run of consecutive league wins (7) in 2011-12 Premier League.

They last won eight in a row back in March 2004, and everything suggests they are worthy odds-on shots to match that.

QPR have gone to pot since Mark Hughes took over, and have picked up more red cards this season than any other team (6).

Half of those have come since the Welshman’s arrival, and Cisse will be suspended for this having picked up a second red card for the club at Sunderland last week.

The R’s are really struggling and it’s difficult to see where any revival will come from.

Their defence is poor, and an on-song Arsenal should be able to tear it apart and register a comfortable win.

The Gunners’ superb run of form has seen them climb into third place, and this is an ideal opportunity to pick up more points in a bid to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

For those that play in the goalscorer markets, I like the look of Aaron Ramsey to score anytime at 4.5 with bet365.

The midfielder could have bagged a hat-trick in Arsenal’s last away game at Everton, and if back in the side after being dropped for last week’s game will be a potent threat.

Aston Villa v Chelsea: nowhere to hide for the Villans

Chelsea face a trip to the Midlands to take on Aston Villa and look bankers at 1.91 with Betfred to emerge victorious.

The Blues lacked a cutting edge in their goalless draw against Spurs last weekend, but they’ve won all six of their other games since Roberto Di Matteo took the reins and put in a solid performance in their midweek 1-0 Champions League win at Benfica.

They currently sit five points off the top four with just eight games to go, so they can’t afford any slips ups against a side who have have all sorts of problems.

A host of injuries has left Alex McLeish with a real headache, and Charles N’Zogbia and Alan Hutton have now joined the likes of Richard Dunne, Darren Bent and Ciaran Clark on the sidelines.

The lack of key players has resulted in a poor run of results, and although they did manage to win their last game at home against Fulham it is their only victory in the last 8 games.

An on-song Chelsea will surely prove too hot to handle, and Didier Drogba could be the one who fires them on the way to victory.

He has scored in each of his last four appearances in all competitions against Villa, and he looks worth a punt at 5.5 with bet365 and Betfredto score first.

However even better value surely has to be the 2.3 on offer with bet365 for him to net anytime.

Newcastle United v Liverpool: the Andy Carroll (no)show

Liverpool are a top priced 2.5 with Paddy Power to beat Newcastle at St James’ on Sunday (1.30pm KO, Live on Sky Sports 1), and given their current form many will be surprised to see them installed as favourites.

The Reds are currently sitting eight points behind their rivals following five defeats in six Premier League outings.

It is horrendous run, and the performance when they folded tamely at home to Wigan last weekend was described by some Anfield regulars as the worst display of the season.

That victory for the Latics meant that Liverpool have bagged just 8 points from a possible 33 recently – and that is simply not good enough for a side with so much quality.

However they will surely want to put things right and silence their critics, and at their best they are a match for any side in the PL.

Many have been quick to forget that they have managed to beat Man United and Man City in cup competitions plus Arsenal and Chelsea on the road in the league itself.

Those wins show that they have the ability to beat anyone when on-song, and they seem to play better against the top clubs rather than those in the bottom half of the top flight.

So there is every chance that a totally different Liverpool will turn on Tyneside and I for one will be taking the 2.5 on offer with Paddy’s.

Andy Carroll is a 9 chance with bet365 to score first on his return to his former stomping ground, but Suarez makes far more appeal to break the deadlock at 7 with Betfred.

Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United: Fergie Time

Ewood Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for United in recent years as far as victories go, but bookmakers make them 1.4 shots to beat Blackburn and in their current form it would take a brave man to back against them not securing all three points.

Rovers recorded a shock 3-2 win against United at Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve, but currently sit just three points clear of the relegation zone following their loss to Bolton Wanderers last week.

But they have won three and lost just one of their last five games at home, while United are aiming for their first win at Ewood Park since October 2008.

However, this looks a great opportunity for United to put that record straight given their current mood.

The Red Devils have lost just one of their last 16 away games in the PL, and come into the game on the back of six successive victories.

They have taken 28 points from the last 30 available in an impressive run which has put them top of the league and three points clear of arch rivals City - and Sir Alex knows what is required to hold onto that position.

He is sure to have instilled into his players the importance of the remaining 8 games on the run-in, and i don’t think that they will let him down here.

Wayne Rooney is in terrific form at present and has scored four goals in his last five outings against Blackburn.

He has netted 17 times in the last 17 games in all competitions, and is not surprisingly favourite to score first at 3.6 with Paddy Power.

However those odds look very skinny, and Chicharito and Welbeck look better value at 5 and 6 respectively with Boylesports.

Whoever scores first, I expect United to win this with a bit to spare.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Kenny Dalglish and the word “Luck”

Farjad Iftekhar — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:42:38 +0000

Kenny Dalglish and the word “Luck” - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Liverpool fall to 9^thleague defeat of the season against another relegation threatened side QPR. What’s worst is that Liverpool led 2-0 with only 15 minutes to play and then blew it all away. The Reds have now lost 4 of their last 5 league games and somehow manager Kenny Dalglish seem to find his team not so fortunate all the time. Although Dalglish has always concentrated on how Liverpool have not got what they deserved in most games but I’ve only focused on the times he used the word “Luck” in the past few months to elaborate Liverpool’s performances.

QPR 3-2 Liverpool

When you are 2-0 ahead with only 15 minutes left, the luck is in your own hands, then coming home without a single point in the bag and say you were unlucky does not make any sense at all. Poor defending from the reds and senseless tactical decisions from the manager led to Liverpool demise last night but Dalglish came up with something like this:

“The way we started the game was fantastic. The only thing missing was a bit of Luck in front of goal.” “You couldn’t see them getting a goal but maybe the Luck they didn’t get against Bolton they got tonight.”

Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool

The Reds were not able to create a clear-cut opportunity versus Black Cats and deservedly lost the game with an absolute dreary performance from the players. Dalglish had his thoughts:

“I don’t think there was much in the game other than the bit of Luck that decided it.”

Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham

Kenny Dalglish perhaps went asleep during the transfer market. Liverpool have the worst conversion rate in the premier league but wait a minute, the season started in August and 6 months later in February the only solution Dalglish found was to blame it all on Luck.

“We create enough chances and have not scored the number of goals we’d have liked. We’ll just keep working away. I think it was Gary Player who said, ‘The harder you work, the Luckier you get.’ We’ll keep working hard to get Lucky.”

Liverpool 0-0 Blackburn

Another team fighting to stay in the premier league got away with a point at Anfield where mostly Goalkeepers have been the man of the match. Dalglish claimed

“Most of the things we do we do very well and do them right. A bit of Luck, maybe a bit more belief in ourselves and a goalkeeper coming here and having a nightmare would be helpful to us”

Fulham 1-0 Liverpool

The reds were reduced to 10 men and Spearing perhaps was unlucky to see red but Liverpool by no means deserved three points, a point may be, but for Kenny like always Luck was the difference.

”We have done well and given a bit of Luck tonight we could have had three points. We will just continue working hard and see where it takes us.”

Kenny Dalglish loves his players but the way he finds their performances satisfactory when Liverpool lose or draw is beyond everyone. Not only that, the blind loyalty to the flops he has bought into the club and his stubbornness where promoting the young ones is another massive concern. The league table never lies and Liverpool deserve to be where they are now.

Luck plays its part in football at times but Dalglish needs to accept how average his side has performed in the league because what happens on the field cannot just be called Luck all season long.

Follow Myself and Soccerlens on Twitter: Farjad07 and Soccerlens

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Zamora and Cissé – Can they keep QPR in the Premier League?

Soccerlens — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:40:35 +0000

Zamora and Cissé – Can they keep QPR in the Premier League? - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Mark Hughes was very active on transfer deadline day, signing ex-Liverpool front man Djibril Cissé from Lazio and re-uniting himself with Bobby Zamora from Fulham. Castrol EDGE Performance analysis shows that with an impressive shooting accuracy of 57% and the ability to create a chance for his teammates every 40 mins, Zamora looks set to play an important role in QPR’s battle to avoid relegation. But it was Cissé who made an immediate impact by scoring on debut in QPR’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

However, Hughes should not automatically dismiss the striking options that were available to him before his January spending spree. In particular, 34 year old Heidar Helguson has been in form for the Hoops, scoring 8 goals in the league this season at a chance conversion rate of 26%. This compares favourably to Zamora’s 5 goals at 22% and Cissé’s meagre 2 goals at 5%, as well as the misfiring Jay Bothroyd and Jamie Mackie. Indeed, with the lowest conversion rate in Serie A for 2011/12, Cissé’s goal on QPR debut came as something of a surprise.

League action 2011/12	Bobby Zamora	Djibril Cissé	Heidar Helguson	Jay Bothroyd	Jamie Mackie
Team	Fulham	Lazio/QPR	QPR	QPR	QPR
Appearances	15	19	15	16	17
Minutes On Pitch	1,188	1,275	1,141	981	1,226
Goal Attempts
Goals	5	2	8	2	2
Mins per goal	238	638	143	491	613
Shots On Target	13	15	15	10	5
Shots Off Target	10	22	16	15	7
Shooting Accuracy	57%	41%	48%	40%	42%
Chance Conversion	22%	5%	26%	8%	17%
Passing
Goal Assists	5	6	2	1	1
Chances created (inc. Assists)	30	14	15	12	14
Mins per chance created	40	91	76	82	88
Total Passes	471	358	378	387	242
Pass Completion %	75%	71%	58%	69%	82%
Dribbling
Dribbles & Runs	11	38	1	13	60
Dribble Completion %	55%	39%	0%	46%	32%

There are also interesting differences in the trio’s styles of play; whereas Cissé has attempted 34 dribbles this season, Zamora and Helguson have attempted 11 and 1 respectively, reflecting the Frenchman’s continuing reliance on speed and the ability to run at defenders. As a result, Cissé achieved 6 assists for Lazio this season, which is more than both Zamora (5) and Helguson (2).

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

All January 2012 English Premier League Transfers

Eddie Griffin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:09:23 +0000

All January 2012 English Premier League Transfers - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

You’ll find the latest Premier League Transfers (January 2012) listed here. Archives for older transfer seasons are at the end of this page. For the latest transfer rumours and confirmed transfers for other leagues, see our football transfer lists page.

If you find a transfer not listed here let us know and we’ll add it.

Last Updated: 1 February 2012

Arsenal

In: Thierry Henry (loan, New York Red Bulls); Thomas Eisfeld (£600,000, Borussia Dortmund)

Out: Luke Freeman (undisclosed, Stevenage); Vito Mannone (loan, Hull City); Daniel Boateng (loan, Swindon Town); Gavin Hoyte (loan, AFC Wimbledon); Paulo Botelho (loan, Levante); Emmanuel Frimpong (loan, Wolverhampton Wanderers); Sanchez Watt (loan, Crawley Town); Wellington (loan, CD Alcoyano); Sead Hajrovic (loan, Barnet); Rhys Murphy (loan, Preston North End); Ryo Miyachi (loan, Bolton Wanderers)

Aston Villa

In: Enda Stevens (undisclosed, Shamrock Rovers); Robbie Keane (loan, Los Angeles Galaxy)

Out: Nathan Delfouneso (loan, Leicester City); Shane Lowry (undisclosed, Millwall); Fabian Delph (loan, Leeds United); Elliot Parish (undisclosed, Cardiff City)

Blackburn Rovers

In: Anthony Modeste (Bordeaux, loan), Bruno Ribeiro (Grêmio Barueri, free); Marcus Olsson (free, Halmstads BK); Bradley Orr (undisclosed, Queens Park Rangers)

Out: Jason Roberts (undisclosed, Reading); Keith Andrews (free, West Bromwich Albion); Ryan Nelsen (free, Tottenham)

Bolton Wanderers

In: Tim Ream (£2.5m, New York Red Bulls); Ryo Miyachi (Arsenal, loan); Marvin Sordell (£3m, Watford)

Out: Gary Cahill (£7m, Chelsea); Jack Sampson (loan, Southend United)

Chelsea

In: Gary Cahill (£7m, Bolton Wanderers); Kevin de Bruyne (£6.7m, Genk), Patrick Bamford (£1.5m, Nottingham Forest)

Out: Nicolas Anelka (undisclosed, Shanghai Shenhua); Alex (£4.5m, Paris Saint-Germain); Rhys Taylor (loan, Rotherham); Sam Walker (loan, Yeovil); Ben Gordon (loan, Kilmarnock); Patrick van Aanholt (loan, Vitesse Arnhem); Josh McEachran (loan, Swansea City); Gaël Kakuta (loan, Dijon)

Everton

In: Darron Gibson (£500,000, Manchester United); Landon Donovan (loan, Los Angeles Galaxy); Nikica Jelavic (£6m, Rangers); Steven Pienaar (loan, Tottenham)

Out: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (£5m, Spartak Moscow); Aristote Nsiala (loan, Accrington Stanley); James Wallace (loan, Tranmere Rovers); Louis Saha (free, Tottenham)

Fulham

In: Jack Grimmer (£200,000, Aberdeen); Pavel Pogrebnyak (£3m, VfB Stuttgart); Ryan Williams (undisclosed, Portsmouth)

Out: Alex Kacaniklic (loan, Watford); Bobby Zamora (£6m, Queens Park Rangers)

Liverpool

In: Jordan Ibe (£500,000, Wycombe Wanderers); Danny Ward (undisclosed, Wrexham)

Out: Danny Wilson (loan, Blackpool); Martin Hansen (undisclosed, Viborg FF)

Manchester City

In: David Pizarro (loan, AS Roma)

Out: Nedum Onuoha (£3m, Queens Park Rangers); Ben Mee (undisclosed, Burnley); Kieran Trippier (undisclosed, Burnley); Harry Bunn (loan, Preston North End); Alex Nimely (loan, Coventry City); Chris Chantler (loan, Carlisle United); Wayne Bridge (loan, Sunderland), Frederic Veseli (undisclosed, Manchester United)

Manchester United

In: Frederic Veseli (undisclosed, Manchester City)

Out: Darron Gibson (£500,000, Everton); Daniel Drinkwater (undisclosed, Leicester City); Mame Biram Diouf (£1.5m, Hannover 96); Joshua King (loan, Hull City); Féderico Macheda (loan, Queens Park Rangers); Ravel Morrison (£650,000, West Ham United); Oliver Norwood (loan, Coventry City); Scott Wootton (loan, Nottingham Forest)

Newcastle United

In: Papiss Demba Cissé (£10m, SC Freiburg)

Out: Alan Smith (loan, MK Dons); Philip Airey (loan, Gateshead); James Tavernier (loan, MK Dons)

Norwich City

In: Jonny Howson (£2m, Leeds United); Ryan Bennett (undisclosed, Peterborough United)

Out: George Francomb (loan, Hibernian); Oli Johnson (loan, Oxford); Korey Smith (loan, Barnsley); Chris Martin (loan, Crystal Palace)

Queens Park Rangers

In: Nedum Onuoha (£3m, Manchester City); Taye Taiwo (loan, AC Milan); Féderico Macheda (loan, Manchester United); Samba Diakité (loan, AS Nancy Lorraine); Djibril Cisse (£4m, Lazio); Bobby Zamora (£6m, Fulham)

Out: Matt Connolly (loan, Reading), Bradley Orr (undisclosed, Blackburn Rovers)

Stoke City

In:

Out: Danny Pugh (undisclosed, Leeds United); Florent Cuvelier (loan, Walsall); Ben Marshall (loan, Sheffield Wednesday); Tom Soares (loan, Hibernian); Ryan Brunt (loan, Tranmere Rovers); Matthew Lund (loan, Bristol Rovers); Michael Tonge (loan, Barnsley); Danny Higginbotham (loan, Nottingham Forest); Ben Marshall (undisclosed, Leicester City)

Sunderland

In: Wayne Bridge (loan, Manchester City); Sotiris Kyrgiakos (loan, VfL Wolfsburg)

Out: Trevor Carson (loan, Hull City); Louis Laing (loan, Wycombe Wanderers); Blair Adams (loan, Northampton Town); John Egan (loan, Crystal Palace); Billy Knott (loan, AFC Wimbledon); Jordan Cook (loan, Carlisle United); Ryan Noble (loan, Derby County); Nyron Nosworthy (loan, Watford)

Swansea City

In: Darnel Situ (£250,000, Lens); Josh McEachran (loan, Chelsea); Gylfi Sigurdsson (loan, Hoffenheim); Curtis Obeng (undisclosed, Wrexham)

Out: Vangelis Moras (loan, Cesena); Lee Lucas (loan, Burton Albion)

Tottenham

In: Iago Falqué (undisclosed, Juventus); Ryan Nelsen (free, Blackburn Rovers); Louis Saha (free, Everton)

Out: David Button (loan, Doncaster Rovers); Dean Parrett (loan, Yeovil Town); Andros Townsend (loan, Leeds United); Iago Falqué (loan, Southampton); Harry Kane (loan, Millwall); John Bostock (loan, Sheffield Wednesday); Tom Carroll (loan, Derby County): Sebastien Bassong (loan, Wolverhampton Wanderers); Vedran Corluka (loan, Bayer Leverkusen); Roman Pavlyuchenko (£8m, Lokomotiv Moscow); Steven Pienaar (loan, Everton); Adam Smith (loan, Leeds United)

West Bromwich Albion

In: Scott Allan (£300,000, Dundee United); Keith Andrews (free, Blackburn Rovers); Liam Ridgewell (undisclosed, Birmingham City)

Out: Roman Bednar (free, Blackpool); James Hurst (loan, Chesterfield); Romaine Sawyers (loan, Shrewsbury Town); Lateef Elford-Alliyu (loan, Tranmere Rovers); Chris Wood (loan, Bristol City); Gonzalo Jara (loan, Brighton & Hove Albion); Joe Mattock (loan, Brighton & Hove Albion)

Wigan Athletic

In: Jean Beausejour (undisclosed, Birmingham City)

Out: Daniel Redmond (loan, Hamilton Academical); Nouha Dicko (loan, Blackpool); Jordan Mustoe (loan, Barnet)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

In: Eggert Jonsson (£250,000, Hearts); Emmanuel Frimpong (loan, Arsenal); Sebastien Bassong (loan, Tottenham)

Out: David Davis (loan, Chesterfield); Sam Winnall (loan, Inverness Caledonian Thistle); Jamie Reckord (loan, Scunthorpe United); Sam Vokes (loan, Brighton & Hove Albion); Adlène Guedioura (loan, Nottingham Forest); Matt Doherty (loan, Hibernian); Andy Keogh (undisclosed, Millwall)

Premier League Transfer Archives:

Summer 2006
January 2007
Summer 2007
January 2008
Summer 2008
January 2009
Summer 2009
January 2010
Summer 2010
January 2011
Summer 2011

For the latest transfer rumours and transfer lists for other leagues, see our transfer news section.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News