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The return of the Tony Britten’s now familiar and much-loved Champions League Anthem as the soundtrack to our Tuesday and Wednesday nights heralds the return of football’s biggest club competition.

Following the draw for the group stages at the end of last month, 32 teams will once again be competing over the course of the season for a place in the UEFA Champions League final in June, which will be played this season at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Although the group stage phase – which runs until December – is a relatively straightforward exercise for the teams most likely to compete in the latter stages of the tournament, there is still plenty to talk about, especially concerning the two teams representing English football on Tuesday night.

Liverpool, who return to the competition after a five-year absence, will certainly be relishing every tie in a group containing pre-tournament favourites and current champions Real Madrid, while Arsenal can be forgiven for experiencing a case of German déja-vu against dauntingly familiar opposition.

In anticipation of this week’s opening set of fixtures, here are five things to look out for in the Champions’ League on Tuesday…

[ffc-gallery]Click on the Champions League trophy to reveal

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Liverpool keen for a solid start…

Earlier in the week Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard spoke of how jealous he was watching other English teams compete in the Champions League while his own side was suffering a five-year exile after failing to qualify since 2009.

Last season’s memorable Premier League campaign means that the Reds are back, and in lowly Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad – who qualified after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Steaua Bucharest in which Ludogorets defender Cosmin Monti was the stand-in goalkeeping hero – they face a team who shouldn’t pose too many problems.

Ludogorets came into footballing existence as recently as 2001, and Liverpool will be hoping for a convincing victory in what will surely be their easiest game in the group. Playing in front of an expectant, electric Anfield crowd, Brendan Rodgers’ men have the firepower to swell their goal difference early on, which may be crucial when the final group standings are determined in December.

…With one eye on events in the Bernabeu

Despite securing the mythical decima against city rivals Atletico in a thrilling final in May, ten-time champions and current holders Real Madrid have not had the greatest start to the season.

Having already lost two league games, including last week’s home defeat to none other than Atletico, there is talk of a mini-crisis at the Bernabeu, with Cristiano Ronaldo making public his discontent at the sale of Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso, two pivotal members of the Champions League-winning side last season.

Though such doom-mongering is exaggerated, now is not a bad time for Swiss side Basel to face Real. The champions of Switzerland are known to produce an upset – Manchester United fans need no reminding of this – and following the disappointing derby defeat on Saturday they may feel that Real are there for the taking, especially if a subdued Ronaldo fails to shake off his sense of dissatisfaction on the pitch.

Though mere qualification is the aim of Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, a shock result here could see them aiming their sights towards a first-placed finish.

Arsenal look to avoid defensive woes at Dortmund

The Signal Iduna Park will feel like a home away from home for many Arsenal fans; for the third time in four years, the Gunners face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Although Jurgen Klopp’s team crucially pipped the North London side to first place in the group last season, the Gunners did register a brilliant 1-0 away victory when the two sides met in North Rhine-Westphalia, and Arsene Wenger will be hoping for another win against a side which has lost a number of its star players in recent years, not least Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze.

Nevertheless, Arsenal will be without a number of key players of their own on Tuesday night due to injury; with Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy both out, and Calum Chambers unlikely to feature, Wenger may have to turn to Mathieu Flamini and Spanish teenager Hector Bellerin to form a makeshift defence.

The loss of Lewandowski may have been a blow for Dortmund, but the team in yellow and black still pose considerable threat through Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Shinji Kagawa. If Arsenal’s motley crew of stopgap defenders can hold them off, a repeat of last year’s triumph is certainly possible.

Wilshere to prove his worth in Europe

After being the subject of much criticism for what was perceived to be a failure to influence games and live up to his considerable promise, Jack Wilshere thrusted the proverbial middle finger right in the face of his doubters on Saturday with an excellent performance against league champions Manchester City, scoring one and assisting another.

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Now that he has proved that the ability is undeniably there, he needs to show that he can make a similar impact on a consistent basis. Dortmund’s strength arguably lies in their midfield; if the England international can emerge as the standout player in a middle-of-the-park battle against the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Nuri Sahin and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the criticism may fade away once and for all.

Balotelli’s chance to get going

As mentioned in the opening point, Liverpool’s tie against Ludogorets Razgrad should provide the Reds with an opportunity to record a goal-laden victory, giving them some respite after a poor display in Saturday’s home defeat to Aston Villa in the league.

Now is also the ideal time for Mario Balotelli to score his first goal for the club; after a promising debut against Tottenham Hotspur, the Italian was frustrated against a resolute Villa defence, eventually being substituted with his side still trailing.

Daniel Sturridge’s continued absence through injury will see Balotelli start as Liverpool’s main striker; a goal or two against the Bulgarian minnows should go a long way to calming the nerves of the temperamental forward.

Electronic Arts Inc. today unveiled innovations to the greatest sports game on the planet that will enable fans to experience the emotion of scoring great goals when playing EA SPORTS™ FIFA 14.

Innovations to the franchise’s award-winning gameplay will make FIFA 14 the complete matchday experience, introducing features that inspire fans to build play through midfield, dictate the tempo of a match and create rewarding opportunities.

Great football matches are achieved through measured build up and incredible finishing. A new feature in FIFA 14 called Pure Shot and a brand-new ball physics system will transform shooting, making every shot attempt feel real, and when players connect with the perfect strike, feel exhilarating.

“FIFA 14 will play the way great football matches are contested with build up through midfield, tension throughout the match as chances are created, and incredible finishing,” said David Rutter, Executive Producer for FIFA 14.

“Opportunities in FIFA 14 will be rewarding and great goals will look stunning.”

Finishing has been transformed with Pure Shot so players have the intelligence to adjust their stride and approach angle to find the best position for hitting the back of the net. Well-hit balls feel more exhilarating and rewarding. New shot types include pure strikes, as well as off-balance and rushed shots. Plus, Real Ball Physics now determines the trajectories of balls, enabling players to kick the ball with force from distance, drill low rising shots with accuracy, and blast dipping or turbulent shots, just like real footballers.

Click here for more FIFA 14 images

Fans will be able to create rewarding build up to opportunities and have the tools to dictate the tempo of a match through four new features. Protect The Ball will enable players to fend-off and block defenders from the ball while dribbling at any speed, or out-muscle opponents for position before receiving the pass, then turn defenders to carve out opportunities.

Teammate Intelligence has been improved on both sides of the ball. New decision-making logic delivers tighter, smarter marking and improved run tracking where defenders recognize opportunities to provide support and win back possession, while attacking players have new ways to outsmart their opponents by creating space for themselves, running along the backline and checking their pace. Major changes to ball control add new tools to win the midfield battles.

Sprint Dribble Turns enable players to turn in every direction at sprint speed while preserving momentum, delivering the control and confidence to take on defenders one-on-one. Variable Dribble Touches introduces variety on touches when sprinting. Skilled players will have better touch and more control when sprinting with the ball.

In addition to innovations to gameplay, FIFA 14 is introducing a game-changing new way to play Career Mode. The Global Scouting Network brings the world of professional scouting to life. Players now develop and refine a scouting network and search for talent year-round. Scouts can evaluate footballers all over the world to uncover the attributes and traits of every player in the game, in preparation for the transfer windows. Plus, a new hub delivers easy navigation, fewer interruptions and live scouting reports.

FIFA 14 will deliver engaging online features and live services that connect fans to the heartbeat of the sport—and to each other—through EA SPORTS Football Club, making FIFA 14 football’s social network, where fans connect, compete and share with millions of others around the world. The game will also feature:

• Changes to the wildly popular FIFA Ultimate Team

• A new online Mode that will encourage social competition

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• Multiple new features and benefits to EA SPORTS Football Club, the live service that is the heartbeat of FIFA

• Complete authenticity with more than 500 officially licensed clubs.

FIFA 14 is in development at EA Canada and will be available in stores world-wide this autumn.

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Swansea City forward Danny Graham has rubbished reports linking him with a January move away from the Liberty Stadium.

Graham has been overshadowed by summer arrival Michu this season and has found himself on the bench in recent weeks.

The North-East born striker was a revelation last season for the impressive Swans as he netted 14 times to become their top goalscorer under Brendan Rodgers.

Just three goals so far this term though has cast doubt over his long term stay in South Wales and clubs such as Aston Villa and Sunderland have been linked with a possible January move for the 27-year-old.

Like many players at the Liberty Stadium, Graham has adapted well to Premier League life after his £3.5million move from Watford 18 months ago but new boss Michael Laudrup doesn’t see him as a key player.

Despite dropping down the pecking order, Graham sees no reason to walk away from Swansea in the new year.

“I don’t see a reason to leave,” Graham told SkySports.

“I don’t know where these rumours come from. I can’t say enough times on Twitter about them.

“It was Wolves yesterday apparently, then there was Cardiff, Norwich, Sunderland,  Reading, Aston Villa  – I have been linked with everyone.

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“But the gaffer hasn’t said he doesn’t want me here so I don’t see a reason to be looking elsewhere.

“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like sitting on the bench and just picking up money, I want to be playing.

“But the gaffer hasn’t said he doesn’t want me and that is probably the only time I will go – if the gaffer says we have accepted a bid.”

Alan Pardew has blasted the agents who distracted his stars during the transfer window following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa.

Newcastle managed to keep the key members of their squad that finished fifth last term, but not without vast speculation in the process. Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba were all linked with summer moves but remained on Tyneside.

Pardew stated to The Daily Mail, “I have some sympathy with the players because if people or agents, and not necessarily their own agent, a different agent call them and offer them double money, it’s going to affect you.

“It’s not just us, its other clubs. There are some terrible people and agents in and around the game who do things like that, ring a player up and promise him the earth.”

One of Newcastle’s stars did save the day, France international Hatem ben Arfa blasting a rocket on his supposedly weaker right foot into the top corner, leaving Brad Guzan helpless, for the Toon Army’s equaliser.

Pardew added, “Hatem is a wonderfully gifted footballer. I didn’t actually realise it was his right foot until I watched the replay because I didn’t expect him to have that power.”

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Having drawn at Old Trafford in the Champions League last week, Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich slumped to a shock defeat in the Bavarian derby at minnows Augsburg. Despite having already wrapped up the title, the 1-0 loss marked a surprising end to the Germans’ staggering 53 match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga.

Although many will point to Bayern’s much-changed XI and their publicly stated focus on the return European fixture, other football fans were quick to cite the real reason behind the defeat.

One Sunderland fan optimisitcally argued that it was the effect of another “high-profile” individual in the sport.

Having recently made the headlines for the wrong reasons in England, Ji Dong-Won has netted once since joining Augsburg permanently in January.

However, Bayern weren’t the only surprise sporting victims from the weekend. Football fans noted the influence of the “Moyes Effect” on the grandest stage of them all.

Having previously defeated WWE Legends such as Triple H and Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania, surely it can’t be a coincidence that the Undertaker’s incredible streak ended during Moyes’ first full season in charge at Manchester United? In the aftermath of the Deadman’s shock defeat, to Brock Lesnar of all people, many took to Twitter to express their disbelief.

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On a more serious footballing note, United fans will hope that Augsburg’s victory will have deflated Bayern’s aura of invincibility for their clash at the Allianz tonight. By the same token, the Undertaker may be praying for Sir Alex Ferguson’s return sooner rather than later.

[ffccomp link=”https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/win-tickets-to-everton-vs-manchester-united-a-copy-of-fifa-14″ oneliner=”For your chance to WIN two tickets to Everton vs Manchester United on Sunday April 20 AND a copy of FIFA14, simply comment below with your score prediction for the game…” step=”PREDICT THE SCORE

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On the 28th July 2011, Sergio Aguero flew into Manchester and signed a five year deal with Premier League giants Manchester City. On his debut for the club, against Swansea City, the Argentinian scored twice and created an assist.

By the end of the season, the 24-year-old had scored 30 goals for the Citizens. This tale is not a unique occurrence. Many a time in the English game has a foreign player arrived and thrilled the fans with net-busting strikes or breathtaking skill.

While rumours of some players arriving in the Premier League from around the world are met with scepticism, these 20 players are the  stars who could really make an impact on our shores. Most have seen reported interest from Premier League clubs, others probably wouldn’t ply their trade in England.

However, the one thing that all of these players have in common is their potential ability to light up the Premier League with their respective talents. Twenty players, born in 14 different countries, playing in 10 different leagues across the globe. Have a look for yourself and see if you would want any of these foreign stars at your club.

Click on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to unveil the 20

 

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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has stated that key duo Fabricio Coloccini and Cheik Tiote have returned to fitness.

The Argentine centre-half picked up an injury on international duty, whilst the African battler has been out of action due to a calf strain picked up against Tottenham on the opening day of the season.

Pardew has revealed that the pair will be included in the match squad for the Magpies Capital One Cup match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

“Tiote gets a grip of a game and gives you a platform to play,” The Guardian have Pardew as saying. “

“You can start to dominate with somebody like Cheik. He puts other teams on the back foot. He’s one of our most important players. We need to get him back as quickly as we can and he’ll feature on Wednesday.

“Coloccini will get some minutes too. He gives us an assurance we’ve missed,” the coach concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

England manager Roy Hodgson has decided to get rid of any standby list for future squads after he received nothing but criticism for his secondary selections prior to Euro 2012.

Hodgson was snubbed by the likes of Micah Richards and Michael Carrick who were offered the chance to sit around and wait for their place in the Euros squad and it seems Hodgson is happy to keep that sort of information to himself.

“I won’t have a standby list,” Hodgson told the Guardian, “I have made that mistake once in the past. The future standby list will be in my head. I will know who I want to bring in if anyone goes out.”

After receiving much criticism for selecting Liverpool’s Martin Kelly ahead of Rio Ferdinand on the standby and subsequent first team list, it is understandable that Hodgson will now keep this information secret as he selects his first World Cup qualifying squad this Thursday.

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Arsenal are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, and will make a move for him should Theo Walcott continue to spurn a new contract according to The Daily Mail.

Walcott is currently in the last year of his contract with the north London club, and has refused to extend his current deal, despite being offered £75,000-per-week.

It is believed that the England international wants to play in attack rather than as a winger, and wants assurances from Arsene Wenger before prolonging his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Zaha has impressed for the Championship club, and the Gunners sent scouts to watch the star score twice for Palace against Burnley at the weekend in a 4-3 win.

The starlet is rated at around £12 million and is being followed by a host of top teams after impressing.

Arsenal have a track record of taking young players from the lower leagues, and Wenger feels that Zaha would offer a strong alternative to Walcott.

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An impetus on youth is undoubtedly  England’s most visible hallmark for  Brazil 2014.

FA Chief Greg Dyke has created an entire commission specifically to answer the tough questions surrounding home-grown English talents, even suggesting a reconfiguration of the lower leagues and the introduction of ‘B Teams’, and Roy Hodgson has reflected that concern in his squad selection for the tournament, favouring a new breed of young Englishmen over the well-established old guard.

That progressive policy was typified but by no means exclusive to the selection of Luke Shaw over Ashley Cole. Likewise, the England manager overlooked Michael Carrick and Gareth Barry in favour of Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson, and also refused the opportunity to offer John Terry his international swansong.

I still believe that if Hodgon’s life were at stake, Terry and Cole would have both been selected in his World Cup squad. The former was unanimously viewed as the Premier League’s most in-form English defender last season and the latter proved his utility at top level has far from expired with particularly impressive showings against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in late April.

One could argue, and quite rightly, that an un-dynamic Italy side, limited in its natural pace and penetration going forward, would have been ideal opponents for the Chelsea veterans.

At the same time, taking just five players over the age of 30 to brazil, and only four with 50 or more caps for England, was a huge risk on Hodgson’s part. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Ross Barkley, Luke Shaw and Jordan Henderson have all been in proficient domestic form this season, but boasting just 32 appearances for England between them, there was no guarantee that they’d be able to transition their performances to international level.

But the Raheem Sterling’s display against the Azzurri was evidence enough that Hodgson had made the right decision in investing his faith in the Three Lions’ youngest stars at the expense of the old guard.

Many will argue that such praise has come too soon – after all, England’s World Cup fate is now out of our hands after losing to Uruguay Thursday evening. Going out in the group stages would be a huge disappointment, one that could potentially cost Roy Hodgson his job.

But during that 90 minutes against Italy, the Liverpool forward demonstrated everything England have lacked going forward for well over a decade – pace, trickery, intent, but most importantly, confidence and ambition.

England, first and foremost, are and will forever be a direct side. That’s simply the nature of the Premier League; a combination of our country’s philosophical traditions and the division’s entrenched desire to remain the most exciting, complete top flight in world football.

But whilst that trend never translated properly into the former generation – the 40 yard-passes of Steven Gerrard, the target man styles of Andy Carroll and Emile Heskey, the set piece specialities of David Beckham – Sterling gave English directness a whole new meaning against Italy.

For the first time since Joe Cole, in the 19 year-old, England finally have a player prepared to take on opposing defenders, to dare them to commit and entice them into making a mistake. Sterling executed four successful dribbles against the Italians last Saturday, half of the rest of the England team combined and twice as much as our next-best dribbler.

It is not merely a question of the type of player, as I admit, a winger will always be expected to carry the ball more than his team-mates. Rather it is a belief that in taking on defenders one will be successful rather than detrimental to the team. And it’s not just shown in Sterling; Ross Barkley came on to complete two successful dribbles in under half an hour, and that uncharacteristic fluency and confidence in taking on opponents is replicated in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana too.

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In a nutshell, they the Three Lions relevance – for more than the last ten years, we’ve appeared distinctly outdated in comparison to European and South American opposition, as if they have somehow evolved further athletically, tactically and technically along the beautiful game’s philosophical spectrum. But Sterling, Barkley, Lallana and company aren’t footballing relics or throwbacks to the game’s past, as one could accuse Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Michael Carrick, or even Wayne Rooney, of being.

They are the modern footballer – lightweight, penetrating, skilful and daring – they are everything England have continually suffered without for as long as I can remember. Without our young players, England would be like a World Cup time capsule, echoing an era that the rest of the world has long-moved on from.

Hodgson was right to favour youth over established talent, and regardless of how England finish the tournament – our exit now looks incredibly likely baring a mathematical miracle – he should be rewarded rather than punished for taking a gamble that will undoubtedly have a positive effect on our national game for the many years to come.

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