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Blackpool manager, Ian Holloway, has insisted that he is not worried by the prospect of his captain and best player, Charlie Adam, leaving Bloomfield Road this summer, because the situation is not in his control. The club, who find themselves languishing in the relegation zone with 5 League games remaining, turned down bids from Tottenham and Liverpool for the Scottish midfielder in January, and it is thought he will leave this summer no matter which division his current team will be playing in next season.

A growing number of observers believe that speculation linking Adam with a departure from Blackpool has unsettled the club, pointing to the team’s run of two wins in 16 games since the turn of the year to support this view. In my opinion, Blackpool were right to reject the bids offered to them in January, not just because they were rightly considered by Holloway as disrespecting the club and the player’s quality, but also because without him, the Tangerines may have been further adrift at the foot of the table by now.

If he had been sold, and Blackpool embarked on a similar or worse run than they have recently endured, then his sale would have been the principal factor in the club’s demise, something Holloway would have been unable to justifiably contest. The actual reason for the team’s slide down the table is that the squad isn’t good enough. Sure they have suffered a number of injuries in each position throughout the campaign, but not significantly enough to distinguish them from any other club.

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Blackpool are not the only team in recent history to achieve promotion to the Premier League for the first time, play above themselves in the opening stages when others are still finding their feet and then get found out after January when other teams work out how to beat them with ease. Hull won promotion to the top flight for the first time in 2008 and were beaten just once in their opening nine games, which included a 2-1 defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates and a 1-0 win against Spurs at White Hart Lane. Despite this feat, the Tigers won just twice in the League after their autumn honeymoon and entered the final game of the season one precarious position above the relegation zone and with more than one keen eye on other results. They were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United but survived after Middlesbrough and Newcastle were also defeated, by West Ham and Aston Villa respectively, ensuring a second season in the Premiership.

The squad’s true ability was discovered the following season as they were relegated with 30 points, and it would be difficult for Holloway to avoid acknowledging parallels with Hull, even though Blackpool have already attained 33 points from as many games.

Without a doubt, Blackpool have provided Premier League onlookers with immeasurable entertainment and colour this season, not least because of their bright kit, goal-laden games and eccentric manager, which far succeeds the dour and uninteresting insipidness offered by Hull and Phil Brown over two terms. Unfortunately, the Tangerines joined the Premier League at the start of what has become an unusual season, where as many as eleven clubs face the prospect of relegation with just a handful of games remaining. As much as I would personally like to see them survive, it seems likely that Holloway will be once again managing in the Championship come August, but at least he can recognise that maintaining Adam’s services is the reason they still have a shout at such a late stage.

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The Netherlands moved six points clear at the top of Group E following a 4-0 thumping at Hungary in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier.Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk opted to start the likes of Robin van Persie, Ibrahim Afellay and Rafael van der Vaart at the Puskas Ferenc Stadion in Budapest, and the difference in class was evident from the outset.

Van der Vaart put the Oranje ahead in the eighth minute, and goals to Afellay, Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt and Van Persie ensured the visitors would secure the fifth straight win of the qualifying campaign.

But the win was soured by what appeared to be a serious ankle injury to Afellay, the Barcelona midfielder limping gingerly from the pitch in the 56th minute after coming down hard in a tackle.

Wesley Sneijder was on hand to ensure Van der Vaart ended a goal drought stretching back over a month, the Inter Milan man weaving his way into the area and poking a pass to the Tottenham midfielder for a cool finish.

Afellay made it 2-0 in the shadows of half-time with a bit of individual brilliance, picking out the bottom-left corner of the net with a blistering strike from range after 45 minutes.

Sneijder also played a part in the third goal, releasing Van der Vaart with a through pass.

Van der Vaart skimmed his way into the box and slid the ball to Kuyt for the easiest of finishes; and Kuyt repaid the favour on eight minutes later with an assist in Van Persie’s strike.

The Liverpool striker dipped a ball over his mark to release Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel, who cut his way through two defenders on the right flank and cut back a pass for Van Persie.

The result leaves the Netherlands six points clear at the top of Group E and in excellent shape to clinch their berth at the Euro 2012 finals.

Hungary remain second on six points, equal with Sweden but having played two games more than the Scandinavians.

Fulham will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat at Blackburn by beating Newcastle who chasing a third straight Premier League victory in 2012.

Sitting just six points above the relegation zone in 14th wasn’t the position Martin Jol envisaged the Cottagers being in when he took over in the summer. The Dutchman has presided over a stop start campaign at Craven Cottage and he will have been angry that his players failed to build on their impressive win against Arsenal a fortnight ago. Their inability to beat struggling Blackburn, who played over an hour with 10 men, was typical of their inconsistent form. Fulham have won just four of their last 14 games usually following up victories with a string of defeats, which has made it difficult for them to climb the table. Lapses in concentration, missed chances and lethargic performances are certainly starting to take their toll although the first half of the campaign was hectic. The game at Ewood Park was their 37th of the season which is just one shy of a full top-flight campaign. Despite exiting the Europa League they had to endure a hectic Christmas period straight after and have hardly had any time to put their feet up and charge the batteries. Coming up against energetic Newcastle is the last thing Jol will have wanted as he tries to steer the club away from danger.

The Magpies have roared back into life in the New Year beating Manchester United and QPR at St James’ Park to leapfrog Liverpool into sixth. A minor blip over Christmas saw the pundits predict Alan Pardew’s men to struggle in the second half of the campaign especially with leading scorer Demba Ba heading off to the African Cup of Nations. Leon Best was the man charged with leading the line against Rangers on Sunday and his expertly taken goal proved to be the difference between the two teams. The Republic of Ireland international has played second fiddle to Ba for much of the campaign but proved his worth to the club with his first goal in four months. Admittedly Best has been a consistent performer for Newcastle since coming into the side at the start of 2011 following the sale of Andy Carroll and his work rate, hold up play and aerial strength has made him a real asset in black and white. A similar thing could be said for Danny Guthrie who returned from injury at the weekend to deputise for Cheick Tiote but found himself filling in for Yohan Cabaye as well after the Frenchman was stretchered off. Both Best and Guthrie typify the hard working and tenacious Newcastle United that will go to the capital confident of making three wins on the trot in 2012.

Fulham 14th : 23 points

Last six: L W D D L W

Team news: Moussa Dembele and Dickson Etuhu are doubtful after picking up knocks whilst this game will come too soon for Mark Schwarzer

Key Player: Danny Murphy

Despite his advanced years Murphy still plays a vital playmaking role in the heart of Fulham’s midfield. His guile and quality on the ball will be useful in breaking down Newcastle’s resolute midfield and defence.

Newcastle United 6th: 36 points

Last six: W W L W L D

Team news: Yohan Cabaye could miss out after injuring his ankle on Sunday although Peter Lovenkrands could return.

Key Player: Leon Best

With his strike partner Demba Ba away at the African Cup of Nations the onus is on Best to score the goals in his absence. The former Coventry striker notched his fourth of the season on Sunday and will be keen to add more before Ba returns.

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PREDICTION

Fulham are in a rut failing to build on some impressive wins and will need to start being more consistent. They’ll face a tough test against Newcastle who will heading to the Thames with all guns blazing in their pursuit of a Europa League place.

Score: 1-1

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From the highs of Barcelona, to the lows of Brisbane Road. It’s been a strange week for Arsenal. One the one hand, they proved they could beat the best at their own game using skill, technique and finesse. But on the other, they underlined a problem we have become all too familiar with when questioning why the Gunners can’t seem to end their six-year trophy drought. Once again, Arsene Wenger’s men failed to see out a game which required some grit and what many would call ‘ugly football’. So is this the real problem? Do Arsenal need to learn to win ugly in order to win trophies?

It’s an age-old argument, I know. But if there was one of the ‘top four’ capable of not seeing through the game against Leyton Orient, speaking on past experience, it was Arsenal. They’ve certainly become tougher than they used to be. Players like Jack Wilshere have added a little bite more bite to their game which has been missing since the good old days of Patrick Vieira.

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But I’m not just talking about someone who’s not scared of putting their foot in. Against the O’s, Arsenal needed someone to score the ugly goal. Put the game beyond the home side – be it through the world’s best team goal, or in off Bendtner’s backside – they all count.

Before the Barcelona game, Wilshere himself said that Arsenal needed to be harder, more aggressive and close their opponents down quicker to get the ball back. I’d argue that if they added that to their game on a regular basis, the Premier League trophy would have been at the Emirates long before now.

It seems to be a recurring problem with Wenger’s style. He gets his team playing some unbelievable football and any real fan can appreciate just how good they can be at times. But there is another side to the game; the side where you go away to a small ground, with intimidating fans and a surface designed to upset the usual rhythmic passing of an established quality side. This is the side of the game where you need your players to stand up and be counted. Stick it out, defend together and take your chances, however few and far between they come.

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It’s a frustrating flaw which many have identified over the years. Every season Arsenal go without a trophy, Wenger declares them ‘better off and more experienced’ the next time round. But there always seems to be this result just around the corner. It may seem an over-reaction. After all, it was just a draw against a team who were buzzing for the occasion of an FA Cup tie against one of the best in the world. But the result is symbolic of the lack of trophies at the North London club over the past few years. It seems ridiculous to suggest it, but if Arsenal could be just a littler uglier, would it solve an ongoing problem at the Emirates club? Food for thought, Mr Wenger.

Like what you’re reading? Follow me on Twitter @joino

Blackburn Rovers will carry the threat of relegation and a major selection headache into their trip to Everton on Saturday.The Trotters are suffering an ill-timed slide down the English Premier League table as their form under manager Steve Kean worsens, slumping to 15th with nary a win from their past eight games.

There is just three points separating Blackburn from the drop zone and four points between them and last-placed Wigan Athletic, and with six games left – including visits from Manchester United, Manchester City and Bolton – there is little margin for error.

Making matters worse, the club is dealing with a sudden availability crisis due to a rash of injuries.

New Zealand international Ryan Nelsen limped from the field with a knee injury during Blackburn’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham City last Saturday and will not feature in the fixture.

So too is on-loan Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, who is battling a hamstring strain, and captain Chris Samba, who is laid low with a twisted ankle.

Add to that Steven N’Zonzi’s suspension for his red card against Arsenal, Gael Givet’s ongoing contract dispute and Kean’s apparent dislike for Nikola Kalinic and the Trotters are beginning to look thin indeed.

But in some better news, Junior Hoilett is expected to play despite suffering hamstring soreness last weekend.

The Canadian starlet fired his third goal in four games against the Blues and will be sorely needed in a Blackburn outfit short on attacking options.

The Merseyside visit will pose a test to Hoilett and his team-mates and Everton will be keen to keep their six-game unbeaten run alive.

The Toffees have staked a claim for seventh on the table with 44 points from 32 games, and could find themselves one point off sixth place and a possible Europa League berth if they win and Liverpool topple Arsenal on Sunday.

That Everton have managed to keep their season ticking along while carrying their own extensive injury list is a credit to boss David Moyes.

Moyes has had to do without a number of first-team regulars, including Tim Cahill (foot), Louis Saha (ankle), Marouane Fellaini (ankle), Mikel Arteta (hamstring) and Jack Rodwell (ankle).

Republic of Ireland international Seamus Coleman, who was shortlisted for the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award earlier this week, is also in doubt to play with a recurrence of an ankle injury.

Finally Barcelona have sealed one of their top summer transfer targets: Alexis Sanchez. The young Chilean signed for 23 million which could rise to 33 depending on clauses. He is a very versatile player, and can play in all three attacking positions. However, it will be a daunting task for him to break into one of the most deadly attacking units in the history of the game.

Sanchez is a big signing for Barcelona, but a huge risk. He did not come cheaply, and he doesn’t have years of experience in La Liga or another top European League. There is no guarantee that he will fit into their style or be a success, so it is a massive risk for them to take, and it isn’t the first time they have done that over the last few years, and it has not always come off in their favour.

Where exactly will Sanchez fit at Barca? Well, he is highly unlikely to displace Messi, however, should Messi suffer an injury, he could provide back-up, but will he be content to sit on the bench? Clearly he will have to adapt to Spanish football so won’t go straight into Barcelona’s starting line up, but could he eventually dislodge David Villa or Pedro? Again it would seen crazy to disrupt a winning formation; Pedro and Villa have 98 goals between them in 62 games in the last 10 months, and Pedro has been absolutely fundamental to Barcelona. The competition for places though may inspire the team to even greater heights.

Sanchez is very young and is likely to be a signing for the long term, in the short term it seems as if it is versatility that he has been signed for, he can provide an option or a plan B should Barcelona need one. What does the signing mean for some of their youngsters though? Bojan, never quite made the breakthrough, though he was hardly given a chance with the quality ahead of him. He has just moved on to Roma in a convoluted deal, which means Barca can buy him back for almost the same price in two years time. Ibrahim Afellay is another bright young player who could be forced out by Barcelona’s transfer policy, as he finds himself even further down the pecking order.

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Having acquired Sanchez, Barcelona are now likely to step up their pursuit of Fabregas, yet again a player with undoubted talent and style but for the amount of money they will need to pay, it is difficult to see where he fits in. He isn’t going to dislodge Iniesta or Xavi, so would he serve as another bench warmer? Again he would be excellent cover should one of the two get injured, but why would a player like Fabregas be content to sit on the bench? Is there a complete lack of ambition amongst modern players? I can see that they want to play for the best team in the world, and win trophies, but if you aren’t going to play, then is there any sense in you being there? Over the last few years we have seen the same with players like Hleb, Henry and Gudjohnsen. Barcelona continually seem to buy players that they simply don’t need.

This is not to say that all their signings are bad, look at the signing of Pique, that was a great signing, he wasn’t hugely expensive, and he has proved very successful. Dani Alves and Keita are another two good signings, but for every one of those there has been an Ibrahimovic, Hleb or Chygrynskiy: expensive flops who are no longer at the club, having been loaned out cheaply or sold on at a loss.

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It seems that in relation to the needs of the side the signings-should they get him-of Fabregas and indeed Sanchez are far too expensive, and wholly unnecessary. To spend the amount they are spending on players who may play little more than a bit-part role in the side seems ludicrous. Surely, they should be addressing the real positions in which they need new recruits. The ageing Puyol is likely to be restricted in the amount he can play as he continues to struggle with injuries, so some cover at the back is clearly required. Sense must prevail in their seemingly senseless transfer policy and rather than just signing players for the sake of it, they should begin to address the real needs of the team.

What do you make of Barca’s transfer policy? Comment below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter and let me know your views.

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Manchester United could leapfrog rivals City and go top of the Premier League if they beat basement boys Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are in sparkling form at the moment and go into the game off the back of two successive 5-0 wins. This is the time of year that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side usually picks up momentum as they make their charge towards top-flight glory. United have been imperious since their 6-1 drubbing at the hands of City back in October winning eight of the subsequent nine games keeping seven clean sheets in the progress. Despite having 12 players out injured including captain Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, midfield enforcer Darren Fletcher and winger Ashley Young fringe players like Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov have stepped in to fill the breach with the Bulgarian striker helping himself to six of United’s 10 goals over the last two games. He scored five in this fixture last season and is sure to be hungry for goals again as the Ferguson sets himself up for another championship assault.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean has a very different agenda as he prepares to take his side to Old Trafford knowing a defeat could cast them further adrift at the bottom. Rovers will go into the game with renewed optimism after holding Liverpool on Boxing Day gaining a vital point in their survival bid. However I doubt Kean and his players will believe they can beat United on their own patch with and last season’s 7-1 thrashing likely to be fresh in their minds. Goalkeeper Mark Bunn will be keen to avoid a similar score line this time round and should he perform like he did on Merseyside on Monday then he could be the difference for Blackburn. The club will hope their supporters once again provide positive noises from the stands after they got behind Kean and the players at Anfield as they attempt to engineer the biggest scalp of the season thus far.

Manchester United 2nd : 45 points

Team news: Sir Alex Ferguson is without 12 first team players but could have Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand and Fabio back for the visit of Blackburn on New Years Eve.

Key Player: Wayne Rooney

Since rediscovering his knack of scoring goals at the start of December the England strikers performances have been near perfect. Rested for the game against Wigan on Boxing Day he’ll be firing on all cylinders as he looks to guide United to Premier League glory in 2012.

Blackburn Rovers 20th : 11 points

Team news: Blackburn have doubts over Paul Robinson, David Dunn and Junior Hoilett who all have knocks. Six other players are definitely out until the New Year.

Key Player: Mark Bunn

With Paul Robinson a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford it looks as if Bunn will start for the second successive game. His performance against Liverpool on Boxing Day was nothing short of spectacular with his reaction save from Andy Carroll’s header out of this world. Will be crucial to thwarting United’s goal hungry attack.

PREDICTION

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United are unstoppable at the moment scoring 10 in their last two games and looking on course to regain the Premier League top spot. At the other end of the table Blackburn are staring into the abyss and defeat at Old Trafford will see them start 2012 rock bottom. 

Scored: 4-0

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Remember the internet joke doing the rounds in the summer about a certain Titus Bramble coming to the Arsenal? If you missed it some mischievous cove used Twitter to spread the rumour that the bungling Bramble was on his way to the Emirates and that Arsene Wenger was convinced it was he, not Per Mertersacker, Gary Cahill, Chris Samba or Phil Jagielka, who was the answer to our defensive woes.

My how we laughed.

Fast forward a few weeks and we’re not laughing anymore are we? Why? Because TV5 is bleedin’ crocked again and we are back to square one. Yes, the big German from Werder Bremen has provided rearguard reinforcements. But can you say, with hand on heart, that you are encouraged by the fact that we must rely on either Johan Djourou or Laurent Koscielny as his partner? To be fair, the latter is the better bet but has he fully recovered from his back injury in time for Saturday? What’s that? Seb Squillaci? Nurse, more pain-killers, please.

Which takes me back wild and inaccurate rumours (and Lord knows I know what I am talking about here) – and may I refer the honourable gentlemen to the answer I gave some moments ago (Bramble)…for we have a ready-made former international central defender in our midst. A stalwart stopper who is training with the Gunners, isn’t attached to a club and can be signed on a short-term deal until the entire medical team at the club are sectioned and TV5 is nurtured back to fitness.

Yes, step forward Sulzeer Jeremiah Campbell. Dare AW do it? Hire a player that was shown the door in the summer after a stuttering spell at Newcastle United? He knows the boss. He knows the players. He knows the set-up. Is he up to it?  Discuss…

Article courtesy of Carl Eldridge from the excellent Arsenal Insider

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With the exception of the 5-1 thrashing they received at the hands of their bitterest rivals in the reverse fixture, Sunderland are one club to be having an excellent season thus far and the side most likely to take advantage of the malaise affecting a number of the top sides.

There is a real sense of optimism surrounding the Stadium of Light at the moment, with the Black Cats, amazingly, only three points off Tottenham in fourth as we head into this weekend’s games. A win here could push Steve Bruce’s charges into a Europa League spot.

Newcastle have been far more inconsistent this year, and are coming off one of the worst results in recent memory after being humbled by League Two Stevenage in the FA Cup.

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For the supporters, however, league standings and form are completely irrelevant. Both sets of fans would happily lose two or three subsequent games on the bounce should they triumph here. At home, I would expect Sunderland to gain revenge for their early season defeat to Newcastle and put heavy pressure on Tottenham and Chelsea should either side drop points.

Prediction: 3-1

In the season of 2009/10 Wayne Rooney really was head and shoulders above every other United player in terms of performance levels and consistency.

For the duration of the domestic and European campaigns he lead the line and struck fear through defenders in the premiership week in week out; in fact it isn’t too far fetched to say he was ahead of every other player in Europe in terms of delivering impressive displays and to top it off he bagged himself a season record of 34 goals. He was much deserving of his Player of the Year accolade.

Despite Rooney being a shining light, United missed out on silverware and were criticised by fans and media alike for being heavily reliant on Wayne. In for criticism came the rest of the strike force and in particular, Dimitar Berbatov, who was failing to live him up to his £30m pricetag that had been splashed out on him a year previous.

Also on the naughty list fell Michael Owen – not many people expected him to play a massive role for United but after his last minute winner against Manchester City, he set himself up and we expected to see the Owen from World Cup 98 – it did not materialise. Nani and Valencia, although fans favourites and not out-an-out strikers, were also expected to weigh in with more goals than they delivered.

One year on and what a contrast – Wayne Rooney has 14 goals and although has not hit the goal scoring heights of 09/10, is still Sir Alex Ferguson’s main man and when he ticks, United tick.

Dimitar Berbatov has netted 21 goals season and is the premier leagues leading scorer; Young Mexican Javier Hernandez who was relatively unknown when Ferguson signed him before the World Cup, has been a huge success and having struck 20 goals so far in his debut season has without a doubt been a great asset to the side. Michael Owen, although struggled with injuries this season has still made an impact – not necessarily in the goals department but by offering alternative dimensions to Uniteds attacking play when available – sometimes the reputation of Owen is enough to scare a defender into a mistake.

Then there are the strikers on loan – Danny Welbeck has been inspirational at Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and earned himself an International call up (for England not Ghana). Kiko Macheda has been a regular in the Italian Serie A side Sampdoria and Mame Biram Diouf has regularly impressed at Blackburn.

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So the question that needs to be asked before we go into the 2011/12 campaign, possibly defending a premier league title and champions league triumph is, with four top strikers at the club, and three on loan who all have the capability to make a name for themselves on the biggest stage, who will be the odd man, or odd men out?

I think it is safe to assume that Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez will be at the club next season, not only because of their performance levels but also because of their age. However, as strange as it may seem with Berbatov being the leagues top scorer, at the age of 30 and seemingly no longer a definite in the starting 11, maybe Ferguson will cash in on the Bulgarian. Had it been Rooney who lost his first team place, being 25 there is a huge amount of time and a massive chance he will force his way back in – with Berbatov it just does not seem likely. Would he be happy to sit on the bench?

Michael Owen is at the end of his current deal at United and maybe after two years at the club and not making a first team place his own, he might look elsewhere to get regular first team football. I think his situation is dependent on which loan striker returns; If Danny Welbeck or Kiko Macheda return, I believe they will be further up the pecking order than the former Liverpool man, and any self respecting footballer would not be happy to be fifth or sixth choice, especially one who was once European Player of the Year.

Looking at it from another angle is asking the question, will Danny Welbeck, Kiko Macheda or Mame Diouf be happy to return to the club knowing a minimum of two strikers will be ahead of them in Fergusons preference? Do any of these young strikers have it in them to fight for a place? Further more, will Javier Hernandez keep up his fine form or will his game be found out by defenders, going into his second season?

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Ultimately the decision is down to Sir Alex Ferguson and he has never been a man to let sentiment get in the way of making bold decisions when it comes to showing world class strikers the door; Just ask Mark Hughes, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Dwight Yorke, Andrew Cole, Louis Saha and Diego Forlan. All household names, all completely different scenarios, all adored by the United faithful, all departed from United when the manager felt it was the right time.

Having seven top class strikers is every managers dream, not knowing which ones to keep is our managers nightmare.

Article courtesy of Nathon at Red Flag Flying High