On the back of a successful season that saw them achieve their highest ever Premier League finish, West Brom have reduced ticket prices in a bid to help the local community afford to watch live football matches and to encourage families and young fans to attend more games.

West Bromwich Albion have reduced all adult season tickets by £50 and knocked up to £70 off the cost of seats for youngsters. This is especially impressive considering that other clubs with outstanding seasons have all looked to increase ticket prices across the board. Man City, Reading, Swansea, Fulham and Norwich are all clubs that have hiked prices to either match demand or to bring ticket prices in line with ‘Premier League pricing’.

And unlike a few other Premier League clubs, Albion has little local pressure to drop prices. WBA’s 23,622 home allocation was 96% fully subscribed last season, and with the season ticket price cuts and the club on a stable footing in the league, WBA is likely to attract more fans now, especially from a younger generation.

In fact the club is mindful of the fact that they have a responsibility to help people in an area that has been particularly hard hit economically, and to also capitalise on their Premier League status by reaching out to local fans and making up for lost time when, in their words, a generation of supporters was lost.

Mike Jenkins, the Albion chief executive:

“I think our season-ticket prices for this season were already very competitive given our location and the size of the stadium, particularly when you look at our rivals, but we felt that we could still do more in the current climate.

There’s no doubt that youth unemployment is a very big issue at present. I’m a parent and I know full well that for teenagers and those in their early twenties even finding part-time employment is tough, never mind a full-time job. As a result we’ve really tried to focus on them and to focus on juniors too. In many ways that is the single biggest motivation behind our pricing strategy – to secure the next generation of fans.

Having talked with the consultation group, to season-ticket holders and supporters, it’s clear we lost a large number of a whole generation of fans between 1986 and 2002, primarily because we were out of the top division and struggling in that period but also because there were very harsh economic times in this area. If you look at the make-up of our crowd, there is definitely a weighting towards people from around 40 and older, and that reflects that period in time when we failed to attract as many new fans as we should have.”

West Brom Ticket Prices for 2012/2013

Albion have taken the unprecedented step of cutting season tickets by big margins, with the exception of the over-60s category where prices are frozen. All adult season tickets are down by £50, the Under-18 discount has been extended to Under-21s, where prices are reduced by up to £70, and the Under-16 discount has been extended to Under-17s, where prices are reduced by up to £30. Mark Jenkins, Albion’s chief executive, said: “We are hopeful this will lead to more young fans and families attending our home matches.”

Figures in full: Season-ticket prices reduced 11.3% for adults, frozen for over 60s, reduced 17.6% for U21s/U18s, reduced 14.98% for U17s/U16s renewing before 1 June (adults £349-£449, Over 60s £269-£329, U21s £199-£299, U17s £99-£139). Matchday prices: tbc.

Source: Guardian.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

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

Feel free to visit my independent blog for similar articles http://chrisslinnell.wordpress.com/

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

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

Manchester United v West Brom
Old Trafford – Manchester, England
English Premier League
Sunday, 11 March 2012
14:00 GMT

Manchester United are 1.25 shots to beat West Brom at Old Trafford it really should be a case of how many they put past the Baggies.

They have won nine and lost none of the 11 Premier League meetings with Roy Hodgson’s side, who to be fair come into this on the back of a good run of results and have lost just one of their last seven games on the road.

However United have won 38 and lost just three of their last 43 PL games at home, and have a trio players who have a terrific record of netting against West Brom.

The evergreen Paul Scholes has scored four in six appearances against them, Rooney has bagged three in his last four, and Chicharito has scored in both starts.

They are 12 (bet365),  4 (bet365), 4.5 (Betfred, Boylesports) respectively to net the opener, but for me a better bet has to be Rooney to score anytime.

He is on fire at the moment and has scored seven goals in his last four appearances, so at 1.66 with bet365 looks a more attractive wager than backing United in the outright market.

Also given that United didn’t play at their best but still managed to score three in their victory over Spurs I think we can expect plenty of goals in this.

Over 2.5 looks a gimme at 1.53 with Boylesports, with most firms going just 1.51.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Some superb action on Sky Sports this weekend with Liverpool playing host to Arsenal and Manchester United squaring off against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Here’s a look at each game (plus West Brom v Chelsea) and the best betting odds for them.

While Liverpool enjoy their home advantage against Arsenal, United will rely on Ferguson and Rooney to guide them through a difficult game against Tottenham where they have usually gotten good results without always playing at their best.

Liverpool v Arsenal

The first game takes place at 12.45pm on Saturday (Sky Sports 2), and Liverpool look cracking value at 2.1 with Boylesports and Paddy Power to beat the Gunners

The Reds are unbeaten at Anfield this season and although they have struggled against some mediocre opponents they have done well in games against the major sides.

They have beaten Arsenal at the Emirates, and notched wins over Chelsea, Man City and Man United in cup competitions.

Kenny Dalglish’s side also come into this on a high having bagged their first silverware in the Carling Cup, and although they were not at their best and made to fight to the bitter end by the Welsh side the win has put the club on a high.

They face a side who have been beaten eights times this season – five of which came against teams in the top half of the table.

Also, prior to last week’s 5-2 win over Spurs, the Gunners had been really struggling and looked woeful in their 4-0 mauling at the hands of AC Milan in the Champions League.

They have also lost four of their last nine matches and have kept just three clean sheets in their last 20 Premier League away matches, and a record which has put Arsene Wenger firmly under pressure.

By stark contrast Dalglish can do little wrong at present, and the return to action of Luis Suarez has been a boost and cutting edge to the side.

The Uruguayan striker is looking as sharp as ever, and makes plenty of appeal at 6 with Betfred and Boylesports to net the opener.

You can also get 2.4 with Paddy Power about him netting anytime and that looks a huge price given the frailties of the Arsenal defence.

Tottenham v Manchester United

The attention then switches to London on Sunday, and Man United have to be the bet at 2.5 with Betfred and Paddy Power to beat Harry Redknapp’s men (4pm KO, Sky Sports 1)

The home side have won none of their last 21 Premier League games against the Red Devils (D5 L16) and have also failed to find the back of the net in 13 of their last 20 meetings in the league.

They also come into the game on the back of a 5-2 thrashing by Arsenal after falling apart having been 2-0 up.

That makes United look a solid punt at the odds on offer, especially as Wayne Rooney is fit and ready for action after recovering from a throat infection that ruled him out of the last two games and England’s friendly against Holland in midweek.

Rooney made his PL debut against Spurs and has netted scored six goals in his last seven outings against them.

He is a 6 chance with Boylesports and Paddy Power to score first, and available at 2.6 with Paddy Power to net anytime in the 90 minutes.

Both look excellent value.

Whoever gets the opener, United really should prove too strong for their opponents.

They have the best away record in the top flight – having only tasted defeat once all season at the hands of Newcastle – and have now won five of their last six games which included wins over Arsenal and Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are beginning to string results together in an ominous fashion, and I don’t think Spurs have it in them to stop them bagging another three points.

West Brom v Chelsea

The other match which appeals from a betting perspective is West Brom v Chelsea, where the Blues look a terrific bet at even money (2) with Paddy Power.

Andres Villas-Boas is a man under pressure following a poor run of form in the Premiership and a disastrous Champions League loss at the hands of Napoli, but will have taken plenty of encouragement from his side’s 3-0 win over Bolton last weekend.

That was a vital win for the Blues, and this is the prefect game in which to follow up.

Chelsea have lost just one of their seven away games to sides in the bottom half of the league, and have won 18 and lost one of their last 20 matches in all competitions against the Baggies.

They have also won all 11 meetings against them in the Premier League, and their opponents have netted just four times in those encounters.

That makes excellent reading from a Chelsea point of view, especially when you throw in the fact that West Brom have managed to win just three times on their own patch and lost half of their last 10 matches.

Didier Drogba who has scored eight goals in eight against West Brom in the PL, and at 6 with bet365, Boylesports and Paddy Power and that has to be a bit of value.

However given his record a far better bet is surely for him to net anytime during the 90 minutes at a very tasty 2.8 with bet365 and Paddy Power.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Wolves have quite literally taken the ‘Mick’ out of their own club following the sacking of Mick McCarthy after just over five and a half years in charge. A difficult season for McCarthy culminated in a crushing 5-1 home defeat to fierce Black Country rivals West Brom. It is a long established fact that in times of strife all road’s for accountability lead to the manager’s door and more often not results in his head swiftly rolling off the chopping block. It is quite simply the nature of the beast and McCarthy was well aware of that fact. Equally as true is the actuality that other stakeholders must also accept their portion of the blame. Noticeably the players of course, accompanied in their portioning of the blame for Wolves’ predicament by the Molineux board from whom there has been a significant element of mismanagement.

Wolves only preserved their Premiership status on a frantic final day of the season and by the absolute finest of margins to boot, a solitary goal. Evidence then, that despite being good enough to stay in top flight much investment was required in the following summer in order to firmly plant the club in the Premiership’s financially fertile ground.

Investment was exactly what followed, but rather than significantly improving a playing staff only just capable of 17^th place in the previous season, money was invested into increasing the capacity of the stadium from 29,195 to 31,700 initially, with an outlay of £18million, and an eventual cost of approximately £40million on completion increasing the capacity to 36,000. The development plans were initiated despite a declining average attendance, in a region heavily affected by the financial crisis, to a current Premiership low for Molineux of 25,636.

The Wolves board have decided to increase supply at significant financial cost when demand is declining, a demand that will surely wane even further if the club are relegated. Bigger is not always better, especially without a match going fan base to equal expansion. Ask fans of fellow midlands club Coventry City if they preferred Premiership days at Highfield Road or drab Championship (probably soon to be League One) encounters at the desolate quarter-full Ricoh Arena?

The answer would most likely be the former and would be coupled with a further question which Wolves as a club must also ask themselves; “where would that level of investment in the team rather than the stadium now see their club placed?” Furthermore, “How can we justify financial outlay on a stadium re-development if we are not assured of Premiership status?”

It seems ridiculous to think that anyone within the Wolves hierarchy would have surmised that the transfer window additions of a reserve Goalkeeper in Jason De Vries and a £4million centre-half from relegated Birmingham City in Roger Johnson would ensure Premiership status. Surely, Wolves missed a golden opportunity to invest significantly in the playing squad in order to manufacture a move up into the middle echelons of the Premiership? Indisputably Premiership consolidation is much more attractive to fans than a few extra (regularly empty) seats.

The postponement of the second phase of re-development in January perhaps suggests that the Wolves board now realise that fact too. The priority must lie in producing a capable and quality team before worrying about the stadium in which they play, especially when the stadium is not in need of immediate refurbishment or redevelopment. Molineux is a fine looking stadium with an ample capacity.

Had the money been put towards extensive team improvements in the summer Wolves may be in a wholly different situation now and an extended revenue boosting period in the Premiership may have lay before them. Whether McCarthy was the man to build a quality Wolves outfit capable of Premiership stability is far from certain. Wolves’ performances this season have been considerably below par on a regular basis suggesting possibly that McCarthy had taken the role as far as he could. Perhaps even more worrying is that McCarthy’s players often showed admirable endeavour but lacked the required quality for this level.

Nonetheless, Wolves’ owner Steve Morgan will now be hopeful his club can follow the example of rivals West Brom who last season benefited immensely from a change of manager at the exact same stage of the season. Alternatively, if the outcomes of the next 13 games conspire against Wolves, condemning them to relegation, then the Wolves’ board may regret their investment priorities.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

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

A strong finish last season under the legend Kenny Dalglish and the injection of money by the owners to add talent in Liverpool’s squad reignited hope amongst the supporters that the club is back to winning ways. Nevertheless four draws at Anfield in six games and Liverpool are struggling to beat the promoted sides when the task of getting into top 4 is harder than ever.

The agony of their inability to score goals and finish teams off is infuriating and the fresh faces on whom the club spent millions cannot avoid the share of blame. What’s more maddening is the start made by new arrivals of Liverpool’s rivals. Ashley Young has been an instant hit at United even though it was Downing who finished Villa’s player of the season and not him. Gervinho is pulling the strings at Arsenal having lost two world class players in Nasri and Fabregas. Liverpool missed out on Mata who week in week out shows his class for Chelsea and even Tottenham’s Scott Parker is now a core part of his side. That has highlighted the setbacks of Carroll, Henderson and Downing who have not lived up to expectations at all.

Charlie Adam has been performing well on and off and not much noise is heard about him as the club did not spend heavily for his services. The Spanish left back Enrique is by far Liverpool’s best signing of the summer, was bought for a bargain. The main concern is in fact the three English players for whom the club spent a massive 71 million pounds. The worst way to define their performances is:

The 36 million spent on crosses is not linking with the 35 million spent on the header



Liverpool signings were all based on stats and performances. These three performed well for their previous clubs but the challenge at Liverpool is not that simple. Fans do not want them to end up like Robbie Keane who was good at Tottenham but could not fit in Liverpool. For now things seem as if that’s exactly the case.

Last year Downing scored ten goals and provided pin point crosses for Aston Villa but for Liverpool he is yet to open his account having started every league game. Some poor finishing from LFC players means Downing have no assist yet, lately as Carroll missed a sitter but overall his crossing has been all over the place. Against Swansea, Downing made 8 crosses with only 2 of them being successful that by no means indicate value for money. Strange that he maintains his starting place when Bellamy has been impressive and deserves to start.

The case of Jordan Henderson is even worst. If his own words were not enough than his performances as a winger say it out load that he is not comfortable on the flanks. The talented boy has pace, but no dribbling skills or brilliant crossing ability to be termed or played as a winger. His natural position is center midfield that in Liverpool is too strong for him to start ahead of Gerrard, Adam and Lucas. However since Liverpool have spent a lot on him so time and time again Kenny opts to start Henderson instead of much effective Dirk Kuyt on the right. That in turn hinders their performance.

Andy Carroll is normally haunted by that price tag of 35 million. Many believe it’s not his fault that he cost that much but the fact is Liverpool has paid that amount and now he has to deliver. At the end of the day, if you buy a player and he performs well, no one will remember the cost. The big fellow is trying his best to get into scoring positions but not getting much help from the crosses. The wing service not being up to the mark is one thing but Carroll has only been able to link up well with Suarez against West Brom else he has not been mobile enough to keep up with the constant drive of the Uruguayan.

Liverpool could not buy world class talent as they were not in the Champions League. Still having spent 100 million on new arrivals; there is no excuse or sympathy if they finish out of top 4 yet again. Owner John W Henry has reiterated many times that Liverpool target champions league football so anything below top 4 is an immense failure. Kenny Dalglish claims:

“The problems that are there are problems that we can solve ourselves”

Liverpool surely need to solve them soon to turn the situation around with instant improvement from the new players as the fixtures only get harder.

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The big clubs of England play the minnows this weekend with odds largely in favor of the giants formerly known as the ‘top 4′. Here’s a look at the betting situation heading into the Matchday 11 of the English Premier League.

Arsenal v West Brom

Arsenal are on a roll and the bookmakers have taken no chances by chalking them up at a top price of 1.44 to a best price to beat West Brom at the Emirates and continue their rise up the table.

However if form is anything to go by then they have got it right as the Gunners are now unbeaten in last six matches in all competitions and come into this following an unbelievable 5-3 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

That win made it three wins on the bounce in the Premiership and took them into seventh place in the table – just three points off a top four position.

Robin van Persie made it 28 goals in his last 27 league games with a brilliant hat-trick against Chelsea, and there is no reason not to stick with him repeating the dose again.

The Dutchman is a standout 4.33 with bet365 to net the opener, and that has to be worth a punt given that he is generally a 3.75 shot. The 1.73 on offer with bet365 and Boylesports also looks a great bet.

Another interesting wager is when the first goal is scored that really catches my eye.

There have been four goals scored in the opening 10 minutes of the last four league meetings between Arsenal and West Brom, and the Baggies have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes (five) than any other Premier League team this term.

Paddy Power go 1.91 that a goal is score in the first 22 minutes, and the stat suggests that’s a decent play.

Blackburn v Chelsea

It seems incredible that Chelsea’s visit to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers has become a must win game if they are to keep tabs on the league leaders.

But that’s the case as the Blues have now lost their last two in the Premiership and find themselves sitting in fourth place, but more worryingly nine points behind table toppers Manchester City.

However this represents a golden opportunity for them to get things back on track, and they are a top priced 1.5 with Boylesports to bag a vital 3 points.

That stats are certainly good for Chelsea as they have lost just two of the last 18 against Rovers (W13 D3 L2), and their opponents have been woeful this season and won just once.

Another plus is that Anelka has a terrific scoring record against Blackburn.

He has scored 12 goals in 16 league Premier League games (five in six appearances for Chelsea) and that makes him plenty of appeal at 6.5 with bet365 to net the opener.

Given that Blackburn have failed to score in eight of the last 10 Premier League games against Chelsea and have now failed to keep clean sheet in 13 Premier League games it should really be a case of how many the Blues manage to put past them.

I think fancy this could end up 3-0 or 4-0 for Andres Villas-Boas men.

The first score can be backed at 10 with bet365 and Boylesports, while the latter is a whopping 23 with Boylesports.

Backing both should hopefully pay handsome dividends.

Manchester United v Sunderland

Manchester United are a top priced 1.25 to beat former old boy Steve Bruce’s Sunderland at Old Trafford, and if the form book is anything to go by then they should stroll to victory against the Black Cats.

Since losing 6-1 to City in the Manchester derby Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have won their last three in all competitions – keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.

The stats are certainly good for them in this clash as since losing to Sunderland in 1997, United have won 13 and lost none of the subsequent 18 Premier League matches between the two.

The visitors have also failed to score in seven of their last nine Premier League games against the Reds, and I don’t need to tell you how good United’s record is at home.

It really should be a case of another three points in the bag for Sir Alex’s young guns and they are a top priced 1.25 for victory.

That’s plenty short enough from a punting perspective, but the 1.73 about them in the HT/FT market with bet365 does make plenty of appeal.

I like the look of Hernandez in the first goal scorer market, and he can be backed at a standout 5 with bet365.

You can also get even money (2) with bet365 and Paddy Power about United winning and keeping a clean sheet, and that certainly appeals as a bit of value compared to their outright odds to win.

Liverpool v Swansea

Liverpool are a top priced 1.36 to beat Swansea at Anfield this weekend and it would take a brave man to bet against them given their current run of form.

The Reds are now unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions (five in the league) and were dominant in their 2-0 victory away to West Brom at the Hawthorns last weekend where they spurned plenty of chances in front of goal and could have scored by a much wider margin.

Although Luis Suarez did not get on the score sheet in that game he was once again outstanding and instrumental in the win for Dalglish’s men.

The Uruguayan had a hand in both goals in a game, being chopped down for the penalty slotted away by Charlie Adams and then setting up Andy Carroll for the second.

He was ultra sharp once again and looked a real threat whenever he was on the ball, and the Swansea defence is set to be terrorised if he is in the same form.

Not surprisingly he heads the betting in the first goal scorer market, but at 4 with bet365, Betfred and Paddy Power he looks a fair price and worth a punt given that Swansea are yet to win on the road this season and have taken just one point out of a possible 15.

Indeed it’s hard not to see him netting in what should be a comfortable success for the Reds, so the 1.73 on offer with Betfred and Boylesports about him scoring any time in the 90 minutes looks good for those who like to play at odds-on.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Two terrific big clashes to look forward on Saturday, with Everton playing host to Manchester United and Chelsea and Arsenal going head-to-head in the London derby.

Everton v Manchester United

First to kick-off at midday will the the game at Goodison, where in the words of Sir Alex Ferguson United must “kick-on” following last week’s humiliating 6-1 loss to City in the Manchester derby.

He has thrown down the gauntlet to Wayne Rooney to lead the way and put his old club to the sword, and they look good value at 1.8 generally.

The stats are certainly good for the Reds as since winning the first ever Premier League meeting the two sides, Everton have gone on to win just three of the other 37 encounters. United have triumphed on 28 occasions and there have been just six draws.

United have lost just one of their last 8 away games, and although Everton have lost just two of their last 15 games at home those losses have both come in the last four games.

Rooney, who was left out of the starting line-up in United’s 3-0 win over Aldershot in midweek, looks a certainty to start and at 5.5 with Betfred makes plenty of appeal in the first goal scorer market.

For those who like to play safer the 2.2, which is also on offer with Betfred, for him to score anytime in the 90 minutes looks a great bet.

Given that United have worryingly kept just three clean sheets in their last 13 Premier League matches, the 1.8 on offer with bet365 for both sides to score also appeals.

I expect United to prove too strong for David Moyes’ side and a small punt on a 3-1 win at 15 with Betfred looks worth a shot.

Chelsea v Arsenal

Arsenal’s game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge kicks-off at 12.45pm, and Didier Droga’s absence through suspension makes the Gunners of interest at a big looking 6 with Betfred and Victor Chandler.

Drogba has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances against Arsenal in all competitions and their record against Chelsea with him playing is W1, D3, L10.

However when he has not played Arsenal have won two, drawn one and lost none.

That’s a very interesting stat even given the fact that Arsenal have won none of their last eight Premier League matches.

They have never gone nine without a win since April 1988 and are now marching up the table after winning their last 3 home games in the league.

They also have a striker in in Robin van Persie who has scored an incredible 25 goals in 26 Premier League appearances in 2011.

He also scored two when the Gunners last won away at Chelsea back in November 2008, and is in simply irresistible form

At 3.3 with Boylesports to score anytime during the 90 minutes he looks overpriced and a terrific bet.

West Brom v Liverpool

The other team that look worth a punt on Saturday is Liverpool who travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Brom and look outstanding value at 2.2 with Victor Chandler.

The bookies greeted 1-1 draw with Norwich at Anfield last weekend was greeted with horror and pushed out the Reds for a top four finish and they seem eager to take on Kenny Dalglish’s men in this encounter

However Liverpool created plenty of chances and didn’t lose the game against the Canaries and are now unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions.

They also got back to winning ways when beating Stoke 2-1 in the Carling Cup at the Britannia in midweek, and that was an excellent result against a side who are very difficult to beat at home.

The Merseysiders have lost just once in the last 10 league meetings between the two sides, with that defeat coming in this corresponding fixture back in April.

Prior to that they had won the previous nine, and in the 10 meetings they have averaged 2.6 goals a game.

Therefore the stats suggest that an on-song Liverpool should be good enough to secure all three points and at odds-against with Victor Chandler they have to be the bet.

Luis Suarez is looking razor-sharp for the Reds, and after netting twice against the Potters in midweek and has now scored 12 times in the last 19 games for club and country.

he looks worth a bet at the 2.38 on offer with Boylesports to score anytime in the 90 minutes.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News