PREVIEW: Napoli vs Juventus

Matter Of Pride

With eight Serie A rounds remaining before the end of the 2013/14 league season and twenty points separating them from leaders Juventus, it is fair to say that Napoli’s hopes of winning this year’s Scudetto are all but gone. However, second place before the end of the festivities is not an impossible task for Rafael Benitez and his boys as they are just six points off Roma’s pace. A good win against the Bianconeri in front of their own fans might just be what they need.

Napoli do not have a good record against Juventus, as they have just won one of the past six games that pitted the two sides against each other, and that was in May 2012 – almost two years ago. Nonetheless, their San Paolo stadium has been a strong fortress whenever Juventus visited, as the Partenopei won four and drew two of the last six games that were disputed in Naples.

Realising that an assault on second place is still possible, winger Jose Callejon has urged his team-mates to put on a good display against the league champions in order to accomplish their task.

“The match against Juventus is an important game for us and for all of Naples. We all know that it is a particular and special game for our fans. We would like to do well because we have the goal of second place and we will try until the end. There are still many points to play for and we will fight until the end of the race”, declared the Spanish winger.


Anything But Easy

Despite having won the corresponding fixture earlier this season 3-0 in Turin, Juventus appreciate that facing the Partenopei will always remain a difficult match, even with the vast gap in points between the two sides. Juventus are undefeated in their last 22 league games – with their last loss being a 4-2 setback against Fiorentina last October – but Antonio Conte’s men know that it will take something extra on their behalf to come up with the spoils against Napoli.

The gap between the two teams might be a big one, but midfielder Andrea Pirlo believes that Napoli will still present themselves as quality opponents when the two clubs take the pitch on Sunday night.

“We’ve played a great season so far, but we haven’t won anything yet. Napoli are a strong side, and out there on the field the difference in points will count for nothing on Sunday. They wanted to win the Turin fixture, but we tackled the challenge in the best possible way knowing that it was a clash with one of our close rivals”, commented the AC Milan legend.

Juventus have kept a clean sheet in their last three away Serie A games, but replicating this feat against Napoli will be hard as the side command one of Italy’s best attacking units with 57 goals.

Recent form

Napoli:
Napoli 2-2 FC Porto (20/03; Europa League)
Napoli 0-1 Fiorentina (23/03; Serie A)
Catania 2-4 Napoli (26/03; Serie A)

Juventus:
Fiorentina 0-1 Juventus (20/03; Europa League)
Catania 0-1 Juventus (23/03; Serie A)
Juventus 2-1 Parma (26/03; Serie A)


Key absences

Napoli: Dries Mertens; Valon Behrami; Christian Maggio; Rafael; Juan Zuniga

Juventus: Angelo Ogbonna; Federico Peluso; Andrea Barzagli


Players to watch

Napoli – Gonzalo Higuain: The striker will be his side’s focal point when they meet the Bianconeri for this one. On his day, the Argentine is one of the best forwards in the world, and his coach will be hoping that day will coincide with this upcoming Sunday.

Juventus – Carlos Tevez: Higuain’s countryman will be playing for the opposition, with both trying to impress Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, even if Tevez seems firmly out of his plans. Tevez managed his side’s two goals against Fiorentina recently and he will be expected to do more of the same against Napoli.


Match Prediction

This game is important for Juventus as a win against direct rivals will boost their confidence. Napoli have no hope of winning the Scudetto anymore, with only bragging rights – and an eye on second place – left for them. However given Juventus’ form, the visitors might prove to be a hard task for them. Napoli 1-2 Juventus.

Source: insidefutbol

LIVERPOOL FANS INSPIRED US! - Henderson

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has praised the Anfield fans after the Reds bulldozed North London side Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Anfield to go top of the Premier League table.

Brendan Rodgers' men started quickly on home turf and a dangerous cross was turned into his own net by Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul in just the second minute.

And asked why Liverpool are always able to start so quickly Henderson pointed to the crowd.

"I think the crowd were outstanding again today; they lifted us yet again from the off", Henderson told Sky Sports.

"We've got good togetherness and we started really well."

The midfielder also explained the side knew how important the win was as it took them top of the table.

"Obviously we knew today was important to get the three points", he said.

"But we've just got to focus on what we've been doing of late, working hard."

ODEMWINGIE IS HAPPY HERE - Mark Huges

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes praised the match winning performance of Nigerian international Peter Odemwingie in Saturday's 1-0 win over Hull City.

Odemwingie, 32, lit up a lacklustre affair at the Britannia Stadium, pouncing on a loose pass from Ahmed Elmohamady before finishing a mazy run with a fierce left-foot strike past a despairing Steve Harper in the Hull goal.

Hughes was thrilled with the strike by the Nigerian, and believes the striker is thriving due to being "happy in his environment".

"We're pleased with what he's producing," Hughes said. "He's obviously come in and he wasn't a risk really because he's an accomplished Premier League player who has scored goals at this level so we know what we were getting.

"But you always hope the period of going to a new club, settling down and getting used to who's around you in the dressing room is short.

"In fairness to Peter he's come in and seamlessly picked up some outstanding form. I think that comes in being happy in his environment and happy in the players that surround him.

"We're reaping the benefits because he's a major factor in us winning today."

If you are Coach Stephen Keshi, will you take Odemwingie to Brazil?

CHELSEA HAVE LOST THE TITLE - José Mourinho

Crystal Palace beat Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to an own goal by John Terry. Depending on the weekend’s other results, Chelsea could slip down to third place by the time Sunday evening rolls around.

José Mourinho had this to say after the match on Saturday ”Crystal Palace deserved the victory, they fought for their lives. We had good chances and their goalkeeper made some good saves in the first half. But their spirit was stronger, their desire was stronger and their commitment was stronger. That disappoints me, but it’s a defeat that we can only blame ourselves for.”

The Blues’ boss went on, lashing out at his players a bit. ”Some of our players are not comfortable in these types of matches, like Stoke away, Newcastle away and Everton away. Can I change this? I don’t know. My defenders are phenomenal, but in other positions we have players that can be in trouble.”

It seems as though the tactician is saying that some of his players lack a certain toughness, that they’re able to be bullied around by sides that play a more physical game. Those players, he implies, will need to step it up – or perhaps risk losing their spot at Chelsea.

But it may be too late to succeed this season. After the loss, Mourinho said, “Now we have lost our chance of finishing first. Now we depend too much on other results.”

Do you agree with Mr José Mourinho?

MANCHESTER UNITED TAKEOVER BID FRONTED BY BECKS & "CLASS OF '92"

The Manchester United "Class of '92" are set to front a multi-billion pound takeover of the club, according to The Sun.

Former United players David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville, along with current star Ryan Giggs looks set to lead a mega deal bankrolled by Arab oil money.

If reports are to believed, the Glazers - who purchased the Red Devils in 2005 - are ready to sell the Old Trafford outfit.

A source told The Sun: “The Glazers have lost interest. Everyone knows the club is effectively for sale.

“It’s just a question of getting the right price where they recoup their money and make a bit to save face.”

United legend Beckham looks set to play a huge role in the deal, having spent time at Qatari-owned Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain before retiring from the game at the end of the 2012/13 season.

And with the proposed £2bn takeover of Manchester United looking set to be funded by the Qatari royal family, it remains to be seen as to whether Beckham and Co. step up their interest in the club.

Despite Manchester United's on pitch troubles this season, the club rose two percent to $16.14 on the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, meaning United are now valued at $2.6billion.

What is your take? Will this "Class of '92" takeover bid move the club forward?

RCD Espanyol - FC Barcelona: Thrilling Catalan derby win (0-1)

A hectic Catalan derby at Espanyol's Cornella- El Prat stadium ended with a 1-0 win for Barcelona as a third vital Leo Messi penalty in one week saw Barcelona climb to the top of the La Liga table. It was a typically tense and physical derby game  - made even more difficult by the strong wind at the ground throughout the game.

Both Messi and Neymar blew chances to give Barça an early lead and after those early wobbles, Espanyol tightened up and it took a Messi penalty after Javi Lopez handled in the box to put the visitors ahead late on. Once Espanyol keeper Kiko Casilla had been sent off soon after, Martino’s men were able to hold on to their lead and take the points.

The win saw Barcelona go top of the league by two points over Atlético who play Bilbao later in the day, while Barcelona extended their lead over Real Madrid to five points ahead of Rayo Vallecano's trip to the Bernabéu.

[A.M.A]

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL NEWS

***Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Arsenal are 'a million miles away' from winning the Premier League.

***Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed they're close to agreeing a new deal with Lionel Messi. Fresh from his El Clasico hat-trick, it emerged this week that Messi's father, Jorge, and Bartomeu had broke their impasse over a new deal.

***Former Leeds United and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell announced his retirement on Wednesday after almost two decades in professional football. The 35-year-old Australian returned to his homeland this season to play with Melbourne Heart in the A-League in a last-ditch attempt to go to this year's World Cup finals in Brazil.

***Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp hinted Bayern Munich could be set to dominate the Bundesliga like never before after Tuesday's title triumph. Bayern wrapped up the 2013/14 German league title with a 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin, after second-placed Dortmund were held to a scoreless draw in the Revierderby by Schalke.

***Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini reserved special praise for his defenders after the 3-0 derby triumph over rivals United on Teusday night.

***Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney admitted the club have lost their fear factor at Old Trafford after they slumped to a 3-0 derby defeat against Manchester City. (TEAMtalk)

***Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer paid credit to Pep Guardiola after they won their 24th German title on Tuesday.

***Bayern Munich defender Dante has ended speculation over a possible move to Manchester United by signing a new deal with the European champions. (Daily Mirror)

***Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes Ross Barkley's stunning goal at Newcastle United was typical of his quality. Barkley opened the scoring for Everton in the 3-0 win at St James' Park on Tuesday.

***AC Milan management are keen to drive down the asking price of Adel Taarabt. The midfielder is on-loan to the end of the season from QPR and can sign permanently in June.

***Neil Warnock has rejected the opportunity to replace sacked Billy Davies as manager of Nottingham Forest because he would not have the final say on transfers. (The Sun)

***Juventus are reportedly prepared to sell Paul Pogba this summer - for €80 MILLION. Report says Juve are willing to discuss the sale of Pogba with suitors PSG, but will insist on a Serie A record €80 million. (Tuttosport)

***Gary Neville says Manchester United are suffering an "identity crisis". United were outclassed 3-0 at home by Manchester City last night. Former skipper Neville said: “They need to have a rethink about where they are going. There is no pace and power going forward. "At the moment they have an identity crisis.” (TribalFootball)

***Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna looks set to sign for Manchester City this summer after rejecting a £9million offer from Inter. (Daily Star)

Good Morning Fabulous Football Lovers. Have a lovely day ahead. #OneLOve [A.M.A]

Champions League draw

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund

Paris St-Germain v Chelsea

Manchester United v Bayern Munich

What's your take? fair draws?

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL HEADLINES

***Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho sees Eden Hazard as a £100 million player. Report says Chelsea are considering offering Hazard a new contract to help see off interest from Real Madrid. (London Evening Standard)

***Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will be fit for next week's Manchester derby. Van Persie will be fit to face Manchester City in next week's derby despite being taken off on a stretcher during Manchester United's win over Olympiacos on Wednesday night. (Daily Mail)

***Manchester City talisman David Silva is eager for the club to win the Premier League for manager Manuel Pellegrini. The midfielder has been outstanding under Pellegrini this season.

***Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has backed midfielder Dan Gosling to bounce back after he was this week fined £30,000 by the FA for breaching betting rules. (Tribal Football)

***Former Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood admits he was concerned about their initial appointment of Arsene Wenger. Back in 1995, Hill-Wood was concerned Wenger was not hard enough to tackle some of the lively characters in the dressing-room.

***Napoli boss Rafael Benitez rued his side's wastefulness as they fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Porto in the UEFA Europa League last-16 on Thursday.

***Juventus assistant manager Angelo Alessio hailed Andrea Pirlo as the best free-kick taker in the world following his winner against Fiorentina. Pirlo slammed home a stunning 71st-minute free-kick to give Juventus a 1-0 victory at Fiorentina on Thursday and seal their place in the last eight of the UEFA Europa League with a 2-1 aggregate triumph.

***Massimo Moratti has ruled out reprising the role of Inter president, although he suggested his son may take over one day.

***Toronto goalkeeper Julio Cesar has claimed that the Major League Soccer rivals the Premier League in terms of organisation and atmosphere. The 34-year-old, who spent two seasons in England with Queens Park Rangers before linking up with the Canadian club on loan, made his league debut in the Reds' 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders last weekend.

***Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Glenn Hoddle believes that the club did not make the most of the £85m received for selling Gareth Bale last summer.

***Arsene Wenger takes charge of Arsenal for the 1,000th time in the Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday.Wenger, 64, has spoken of his pride at reaching the landmark - and insists he still has the drive and hunger to bring success back to the North London club.

***Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan will be rewarded with a new contract this summer, manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed. (ESPN)

***Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira is adamant Manchester City have the leaders in their ranks to inspire the club to the Premier League title this season. (ESPN)

***Benfica boss Jorge Jesus says rows between coaches are normal in England as the benches are too close. (The Sun)

***Manchester United according to report moved a step closer to signing William Carvalho last night after bidding £25m for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder. (Daily Star)

***Chelsea are reportedly ready to hand Eden Hazard a bumper new £200,000-a-week deal this summer to ward off interest from Europe's big spenders. (Daily Express)

***Gunners' currently-injured record signing spells out on Facebook that he intends to be back soon to help chase for the title and FA Cup. Mesut Ozil insists he wants to end his first season at Arsenal with a trophy. (Daily Mirror)

Good Morning Fabulous Football Lovers. Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead.... #TGIF [A.M.A]

MOYES IMPOSSIBLE DREAM - (UCL TROPHY)

David Moyes believes Manchester United can win the UEFA Champions League after their stirring second-leg comeback against Olympiacos.

United are the lowest-ranked side in their respective league in Friday's draw, but Moyes sees no reason why his side can't go on to win the trophy for a fourth time.

"I hope so," he said. "We will probably go into the quarter-final tie as underdogs but I don't see why not.

"This football club is capable of it. If we play to our capabilities, which we've not shown that often this season, I think we can be a match for any team.

"This club has history in the competition. It knows what to do at this stage.

"We're not shocked to be in the quarter-finals - it's something we do regularly. We will try to get into the last four now."

Moyes will now turn his attention to the BPL where they will take on West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday {6:30pm}

Will this impossible dream come true for Moyes?

I WANT TO PLAY IN BRAZIL- TORRES

Spain and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is hopeful of making Spain's World Cup squad.

Torres, 30, has not played for his country since their Confederations Cup final defeat to Brazil last summer.

Recently naturalised Diego Costa is set to lead the line for Spain, with Alvaro Negredo, Fernando Llorente and David Villa all having good seasons and looking for places.

Torres, in contrast, has struggled for regular first-team football under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, starting just 13 league games and scoring four goals.

But despite his indifferent form, Torres is still hopeful of getting a place in the squad for Brazil.

"The national team is very special for me and the World Cup is not just any tournament," Torres, who has scored 35 goals in 106 appearances for Spain, told Spanish daily AS.

Player Profile

9. Fernando Torres

• Appearances21 (12)
• Goals12
• Assists4
• Yellows2
• Reds1
• Current Season

"Those who go must be the best prepared and that's why you have a coach who picks the squad.

"I will work, which is the only thing I know how to do, and the final part of the (club) season is very important.

"We are up there in the (domestic) league, through to the next round of the Champions League and it could be a great end to the season.

"The more important matches you play and the more things you are fighting for the greater the demands and that is when I have performed best.

"The World Cup is just around the corner and those who are in the best form will be the ones to go."

Source: Sky Sports News

Question: Can Torres make the Spanish Squad?

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL HEADLINES

*** Manchester United boss David Moyes has declared Robin van Persie as one of the top goalscorers in the world after the Dutchman’s hat-trick defeated Olympiakos and sent the Old Trafford giant into the Champions League quarterfinals. (ESPN)

***Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has joked that he has more trouble justifying his rotation policy to his wife Cristina than the likes of Arjen Robben. The former Barcelona coach often rests high-profile names such as Dutchman due to the Bavarians' busy schedule. (Goal.com)

***Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the second successive season on Wednesday, surviving a 2-1 second-leg defeat by a spirited Zenit St Petersburg to go through 5-4 on aggregate.

***Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reckons his players are in the right frame of mind going into the El Clasico. Real warmed up for Sunday's clash against Barcelona with a comfortable Champions League win over Schalke.

***Barcelona's Jordi Alba has described Cristiano Ronaldo as "a beast" but says that Real Madrid should be more afraid of Lionel Messi than Barcelona is of the Portuguese. Speaking ahead of this weekend's crucial Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Spain international acknowledged that Los Blancos' No.7 is capable of winning matches all on his own. (Goal.com)

***Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood will shake the hand of Benfica boss Jorge Jesus when the final whistle sounds in his side's Europa League tie in Portugal on Thursday, but he has refused to end his war of words with the Portuguese tactician. (ESPN)

***Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski picked up a yellow card in the club's Champions League match on Wednesday that will rule him out of the first leg of the quarterfinals. It's a decision Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp finds hard to believe.

***Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United's 'desire to win' was the driving force behind their thrilling Champions League last-16 fightback against Olympiakos at Old Trafford. (ESPN)

***Chelsea ace Eden Hazard was thrilled to share the pitch with Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba on Tuesday night. Hazard is swiftly inheriting the title of Chelsea's attacking talisman which once belonged to Drogba, who is now 36.

***Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. According to reports United moved a step closer to signing Carvalho last night after bidding £25m for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder. (Daily Star)

***Juventus coach Antonio Conte has confirmed Carlos Tevez will start the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie with Fiorentina.

***Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

***Manchester United manager David Moyes paid tribute to 40-year-old Ryan Giggs for a superb performance against Olympiakos in the Champions League. He's a freak! David Moyes hails evergreen Man Utd midfielder Ryan Giggs. (Daily Star)

Good Morning Fabulous Football Lovers. Wishing everyone a lovely day ahead. [A.M.A]

BARKLEY RATES MARTINEZ ABOVE MOYES

England and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley claims his new boss Roberto Martinez is a more tactical manager than previous boss David Moyes.

"Roberto Martinez has come in and given everyone confidence. He's a positive man and doesn't say anything negative," the 20-year-old toldMatch of the Day magazine.

"He's similar to David Moyes as they both like to take over the training session and be the main man but Martinez is more tactical.

"We do a lot more tactical work which is good for me because I'm young and still learning."

(Tribal Football)