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Manchester City are one of the fastest growing sporting teams over the past ten years and are still going from strength to strength. Ever since their move from Maine Road to the Etihad Stadium, the vision of the club to be considered one of the best in world has worked extremely well.

Like every City fan knows, being a Citizen was, and can still be, a rollercoaster ride. The phrase going ‘one step forward and two steps back’ was perfectly associated with the Sky Blues.

But now with two Premier League titles under their belt aswell as an FA Cup, Capital One Cup and FA Community Shield since Sheikh Mansour took over the Manchester club in 2009 things are looking rosy. Yet one key element missing for Manuel Pellegrini’s side is success in a European competition. However, good they are in the league, when it comes to playing their football across Europe, they seem to crumble.

Nevertheless, for Manchester City to be in the same calibre as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, a successful European campaign is fundamental for everyone associated with the club. Taking a minor step back in the Premier League could be the answer for them to finally lift their inaugural Champions League trophy. With the quality of players Pellegrini has, rotation in his team selection for both European and League matches is possible and it’s realistic enough to clinch the double this season.

Despite having their Champions League squad selection cut to 21 players due to breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, this could be City’s best chance of clinching their first Champions League title. This year has seen City spend less, but have still brought in important players. Willy Caballero, Eliaquim Mangala, Frank Lampard and Fernando have all been brought in to bolster their chances of more success after their tight title win last year. However, these three players have all played in the Europa League aswell as the Champions League for Malaga, Chelsea and FC Porto respectively. Their experience will be valuable when playing on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.

Last season’s Champions League campaign saw them dumped out in the last 16 against Spanish giants FC Barcelona. One little crumb of comfort for them was an impressive 3-2 away at Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. In the 2012/2013 season, under the management of Roberto Mancini, they failed to get of the first phase and were winless in the ‘group of death’ that contained Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax. After Tottenham Hotspur beat them to fourth spot in the 2012/2011 season, City went into the Europa League, and were dumped out in the last 16 by Dynamo Kiev.

Even before the cash flow started Manchester City’s dominance, in 2003 failed to reach the UEFA Cup group stages, losing a qualifier to Polish side Dyskobolia Grodzisk. It seems that when it comes to the European stage, City’s history has not been glorious and this year won’t be any easier with their group containing FC Bayern Munich, Russian side CSKA Moscow and Italian giants AS Roma. This is Manchester City’s time to show that they can cut it with the best and they have every chance of going all the way in the road to Berlin.

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Scans on Manchester City defender Micah Richards have revealed that he may only miss up to two months with a knee injury.

At first the knock was believed to be a lot worse and Richards will see a specialist on Tuesday to decide whether or not surgery is going to be needed.

It was originally feared that the big City defender had damaged his ligaments and could have been a long term injury concern, but the area of cartilage between his knee and thigh bone looks better than first feared.

Reports on Monday suggested that the England defender has already undergone surgery but the club has come out saying that’s not the case and that the club’s medical staff were discussing the best course of action.

Richards might have to undergo keyhole surgery today at a Manchester hospital and that could keep him out for up to six to eight weeks.

The injury came in the club’s 1-0 win against Swansea and after collapsing in agony in the penalty box, the defender was stretchered off and given oxygen.

It was a painful blow to Richards who was only making his third appearance of the season after a number of setbacks. It’s the second injury he’s suffered this season – Richards also missed the opening to the season after injuring his ankle while playing for Great Britain at the Olympics.

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Rangers supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the new era at Ibrox following the exciting appointment of Steven Gerrard as the club’s new manager last month.

The Liverpool legend was confirmed as Graeme Murty’s successor back in May to officially take charge on June 1, although the 38-year-old was busy prior to his start date making shrewd additions to his squad in a bid to bridge the gap to Celtic this season. The likes of Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Connor Goldson, and Ovie Ejaria have all joined the Gers during the close season, as Gerrard seeks to rebuild a squad that finished 12 points behind the Bhoys last time round.

As such, there are many optimistic and expectant Light Blues supporters in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be intrigued by recent reports suggesting that Danny Ings is free to leave Liverpool this summer.

And Gerrard should certainly be seeking to land the £7.2 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) this summer, as the 25-year-old would bring the sort of quality in the attacking third that could return Rangers to their former glories.

Ultimately, financial problems have gripped the Scottish giants in recent times, with the Gers having failed to win the Scottish Premiership since 2011, and having had to work their way up through the divisions in the last few years just to return to the top-flight.

What do you think of the World Cup so far? Let us know

But with back-to-back third places finishes in the top tier, now is the time for new boss Gerrard to seek to take the club back to its former glories, although it’s clear that much work is needed to be done to bridge the gap and thus challenge Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.

And quality additions like Ings would go some way to aiding the Liverpool legend in that quest.

25-year-old Ings has struggled for regular football at Anfield since his move there back in 2015 in managing just 25 senior appearances for the Reds, with serious injuries thwarting the Englishman’s chances of staking a claim for first team opportunities.

And with the lethal front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah bagging a stunning 91 goals last term, he simply isn’t going to get ahead of the trio for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven.

Yet that doesn’t mean that the one-time England international is a bad player, as Ings earned a move to Anfield as a result of scoring 11 goals in 35 Premier League appearances for Burnley back in the 2014/15 season, which went some way to earning him that solitary England cap.

Thus, it’s clear that Ings has pedigree in front of goal in the Premier League, and alongside his relentless work ethic in leading from the front and tenacity off the ball, he could seriously flourish north of the border under Gerrard.

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Significantly though, Ings’ arrival would represent a seriously quality addition to the Gers squad ahead of the new season, and as such would go some way to both complementing and indeed reducing the expectation on the shoulders of Alfredo Morelos, their go-to man last season.

Thus, with Liverpool’s Ings reportedly ready to leave Anfield this summer, Gerrard must seek to make a move, a move which could help them return to their former glories under the 38-year-old.

Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!

It’s no coincidence that Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba are both yet to play well when fielded in the same Manchester United starting XI. While the main focus has been on the latter’s struggles upon being moved into a deeper midfield role alongside Nemanja Matic, the real problem for Jose Mourinho has been fitting all of United’s attacking talents into the same side without compromising the shape and functionality he implores from his teams.

But in some ways, the response to Pogba’s last two performances has been something of an overreaction. Fitting Sanchez into the team in a way that gets the best out of not only him but also United’s other key players was always going to be a working progress, and with the title race already over Mourinho can afford to experiment in the Premier League.

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That being said, it’s clear Pogba lacks the discipline to sit alongside Matic and in truth, that’s a waste of what he offers the Red Devils going forward – namely, goals, creativity and penetrative dynamism from midfield. There’s been plenty of talk of United switching to a 4-3-3 to put Pogba in his preferred left central midfield slot, however it would likely sit easier with Mourinho to bring in another holding player to partner Matic and allow Pogba to roam just in front of them.

And in that regard, United’s first port of call should be Real Madrid’s Casemiro. Some argue the Brazilian enforcer is little more than a decent player doing a simple job in an incredibly good team, but the statistics speak for themselves and Casemiro’s ball-winning ability is fantastic – something which was particularly evident last night as Real Madrid recorded a thrilling 3-1 win over PSG in the Champions League.

Indeed, the 20-cap Brazilian recorded an incredible seven tackles and six interceptions last night, winning the ball back 13 times, but he was economical on the ball as well – completing two dribbles and 90% of his passes.

And bringing in a player like Casemiro might well arrest the biggest criticism of Mourinho; with such a sturdy presence in midfield, especially alongside another in Matic, he can afford United’s creative talents the freedom they’ve often lacked during the Portuguese’s first 18 months at Old Trafford.

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Would Real Madrid allow their unsung hero to leave this summer? That remains to be seen but it’s clear Real Madrid need something of a revamp after a disappointing domestic season, and club president Florentino Perez has a knack of favouring style over substance in the transfer market. It certainly wouldn’t be a shock if Perez cashed in on Casemiro – who Transfermarkt value at £36million – to fund a move for another attacking player.

So, United fans, would you back a summer swoop for the 25-year-old? Let us know by voting below…

Although Group B’s opening fixture was expected to be a close-fought affair, most anticipated that Spain would emerge triumphant over Holland. Having performed so poorly at Euro 2012, expectations of Louis Van Gaal’s young side seemed uncharacteristically low. Even the Dutch media appeared to write off their own team’s chances against the reigning world champions.

So, imagine the surprise when the final whistle eventually rang out in Salvador and condemned the Spaniards to their heaviest defeat in recent times. Even in his wildest dreams, the soon-to-be Manchester United manager would never have expected his side to secure the victory by such a comfortable margin.

At such an early stage of the competition and with every team yet to play, it is impossible to proclaim one nation as clear favourites to lift the trophy in Rio on July 13th. But on the basis of last night’s demolition, here are THREE reasons to suggest that Van Gaal has transformed Holland into the World Cup favourites.

5-3-2

The injury to Kevin Strootman, which seemed so devastating at the same time, may actually prove to have been a blessing in disguise. To compensate for the loss of the Roma midfielder, Van Gaal shuffled his plans to suit his available players and settled on the 5-3-2 formation just four weeks before the competition. The change seems to have brought out the best in his players, with Daryl Janmaat and Daley Blind in particular thriving out wide, and Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi benefiting from the experience of Ron Vlaar alongside them. It was a system which outwitted the Spanish and could prove tricky to counter.

Tactical Success

In addition to the structural change, Van Gaal’s tactical instructions were evidently pivotal in the Dutch victory yesterday. It wasn’t a coincidence that Holland’s first two goals came from deep defence splitting passes from that cut through the heart of the Spanish defence. Robben and Van Persie were able to ruthlessly take advantage of the space between Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos that appeared time and time again. If Van Gaal is able to exploit the flaws of a side as strong as Spain, its likely that he has the capacity to identify the weaknesses of most, if not all, sides in the competition.

Robben and Van Persie

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In Robben and Van Persie, Van Gaal has two of the most experienced and potent offensive options in Brazil this summer at his disposal. The 62 year old is believed to enjoy particularly strong relationships with players and judging by last night’s performance, knows how to bring the best out of the pair. Working in  tandem, Robben and Van Persie ripped the Spanish defence to shreds and each secured a brace. If Van Gaal can continue to maintain such fine form from his star players, its difficult to envisage any defence containing the deadly duo.

The idea that fans know better than a manager in football really annoys me. Of course those who watch football are entitled to their opinion about the game and certain players. But I doubt Joe Bloggs down the pub really figured out the future of football was 4-2-3-1 until being told it was a hundred times during the World Cup. (I’m not excluding myself from this condemnation I recently watched the Juventus vs. Inter Milan game, where both teams used formations reliant on several attacker’s and various versions 3-5-2 and 3-4-3. I watched with little to no idea of what either team was achieving with their various formations). My point is there’s nothing more irritating than arm-chair managers and the Sky Sports News era believing they’re Jose Mourinho due to the (lack of) insight Paul Merson gives them every Saturday.

Among my main annoyance with fans who believe they know better than the manager are people who still believe a team playing with one up front is sending out a negative message. Mike Bassett: England manager parodies the out-dated 4-4-2 system in 2001, and yet fans still groan if their team contains only one striker at home. One example of this short sighted terrace simplicity, is Sunderland, since Martin O’Neill’s arrival, the Black Cats have used almost exclusively 4-4-1-1 a natural formation for a team whose best player Stephane Sessegnon likes operating in the hole. Yet when things aren’t going right and the Wearsiders aren’t scoring goals, fans instantly point to the lack of strikers on the pitch, bypassing the more obvious failings of a defensive mindset and poor performances of the club’s three main creative players. Also when looking at the two best strikers currently on the North East club’s books I believe it’s doubtful that both Louis Saha and Steven Fletcher could play together seeing as the two have such similar attributes. Another option is Fraizer Campbell who can operate as a striker but also winger when Sunderland aren’t in possession but their remains major doubts about the England international’s quality, he hasn’t scored since February. Another reason teams rarely use this system is football matches are often won and lost in the midfield, so packing three in midfield makes sense when trying to impose your will on your opponents. Such is the out-dated nature of 4-4-2, Spain were able to grind their teams into submission in most games without playing with a striker of any nature, defending and attacking with over-whelming possession.

Also like any sport in football you should aspire to be the best and the top teams rarely use this formation, the marquee game of the weekend just gone saw Manchester United out-wit Arsenal with a variation of 4-4-1-1 up 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Manchester City have such a plethora of attacking options Roberto Mancini rarely only puts one of his four top-drawer strikers on the pitch. But the Italian doesn’t just limit himself  just to 4-4-2 trying 3-5-2, 4-3-2-1 and 4-3-3 among other formations even if the former Inter Milan manager has had varying success with his systems this term. England’s failings with 4-4-2 in the world cup should also have shown fans just how ineffective the formation can be, attempting pin-ball football to try and get the ball forward in the Euros regularly saw England out-played and somewhat fortunate to reach the quarter finals.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have also condemned management for the use of just one striker. But last season by consensus Spurs were playing the best football in the Premier League with just a solitary forward, relying on excellent creative players such as Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael Van Der Vaart to create chances in a team that cannot be considered negative. I also think the fans booing vehemently when Jermain Defoe was substituted for Emanuel Adebayor said as much about the popularity Andre Villas-Boas then it did about a negative approach. Spurs played the last half hour with Gylfi Sigurdsson, Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Clint Dempsey supporting Adebayor hardly a dearth of attacking options. The team they were playing in that match-up as well Wigan have enjoyed great success playing with a 3-4-3 system a style no other team in the division regularly use.

My point is 4-4-2 was going out of date ten years ago, let alone now, in 2012 the idea of playing with just one striker shouldn’t be stereotyped as negativity.

Let me know your thoughts on 4-4-2 on Twitter where you can find me: @jimmylowson

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West Bromwich Albion should consider moving for Burnley left-back Charlie Taylor in order to boost their options for the Championship season.

What’s the word?

The Baggies and Burnley could end up doing quite a bit of business in this window if the media speculation is anything to go by.

It has been widely reported that the Clarets are interested in signing Craig Dawson and Jay Rodriguez in a double deal.

However, on Wednesday, the Express & Star claimed that West Brom were planning to reject a £25m offer for both players.

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If Burnley persist, then perhaps the Baggies should try to get more out of the deal than just cash.

It could potentially give the club an opportunity to ask about Taylor’s availability.

Why Taylor?

Darren Moore could do with strengthening the left-back role as his squad will need to cope with the demands of a long, hard season in the second tier.

Taylor was once a target for West Brom, but the 24-yea-old ended up moving to Turf Moor from Leeds United last summer.

The York-born player, who is rated at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, possesses the ability to play in a more defensive role or further up on the wing.

Do the Baggies have a chance?

Despite the fact that Burnley only bought Taylor a year ago, the left-sided player did struggle for game time.

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In fact, he made just 14 appearances in all competitions and 11 of those were in the Premier League.

Given that he was unable to hold down a regular spot, Burnley may be more open to offloading the former Leeds star.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur played out a dramatic English Premier League classic on Sunday, drawing 2-2 at Anfield.It was billed as the biggest match-up in the top flight this weekend and it didn’t disappoint, with both sides giving it their all to secure all three points in the race to finish in the top four.It appeared to be Liverpool’s day when Mohamed Salah scored his second of the afternoon in injury time, but a Harry Kane penalty moments later was enough to secure a point for the Reds’ visitors, after Victor Wanyama had banged in goal of the season contender to equalise initially.Salah’s second was every bit as beautiful, but for different reasons, jinking through the Spurs defence to chip the ball over Hugo Lloris from close range.The Egyptian international has now scored an unbelievable 28 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season, also creating nine assists.It’s a contribution that has many supporters believing he is the best player in the Premier League right now and it’s hard to disagree despite the way Manchester City are tearing things up as a collective unit.Fans took to Twitter to pay tribute to his ability in the wake of another supreme performance…

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The direction of Arsenal’s seasons in recent weeks has been one of an uncontrollable, free-wheeling bike ride downhill with disconnected brake cables. Yet when the club found something to be truly happy about bitter fans and media trolls have lambasted both supporters and players for their jubilation.Arsenal’s inexorable season meltdown had threatened to reach a genuine watershed moment as the Gunners found themselves 1-0 down to Wigan in their FA Cup semi-final, only to rally late and win the game on penalties. The celebrations represented a side who not only acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion, but also an outpouring of relief. A loss would have been immeasurably disastrous for their season. But triumph kept dreams alive. If you can be mortified at defeat, you can be jubilant in victory.For many of these, the facts have been overlooked.

The idea that a group of top level professional footballers don’t have the right to celebrate progression into a major cup final is ludicrous. And to criticise a team of not being winners because they celebrate victory is quite frankly embarrassing in itself.

Every single one of these players have reached this level in their profession because they all possess a voracious appetite for victory. The day they no longer enjoy victory is the day they lose their competitive edge. And furthermore, to belittle the Arsenal players for celebrating the victory is to belittle Wigan Athletic; something nobody dared do after their victory over Man City at the Etihad.

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But just to make sure, next time a team wins, make sure to run it by these critical folk before enjoying it.

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Premier League managers are always keen to secure new arrivals in their squad, regularly entering the transfer market for the next big thing. With home-grown status becoming more and more craved, due to new squad quota rulings, the prices of English talent has inflated drastically.

Foreign imports have always been much craved in the Premier League, yet the passion and commitment of British stars has always formed the backbone of the set-up.

Due to their increasing price tags, many English players have have struggled with the burden of high hopes weighing heavily on their shoulders. The media often pounce on failure, with a desire to find stories to fill column inches, ramping up the pressure on players still adjusting to new surroundings.

This list looks at 15 victims of the inflated fees associated with English talent.

Click on the Liverpool duo below to see 15 victims of inflated fees

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