France are firm favourites to progress from Group E at the World Cup, but Les Blues would do well not to underestimate Ecuador, Honduras and Switzerland. We assess all the teams.
A nation awaits for Brazil – the question is, can they satisfy their country’s longing to win the 2014 World Cup on home soil? Fellow Group A sides Croatia, Cameroon and Mexico have more modest targets.
Minnows US Luzenac are heading into France’s Ligue 2 for next season, a remarkable achievement for a place of just 693 people. Helped by ex-France international Fabien Barthez, they are making waves.
Atletico Madrid have taken Spanish and European football by storm under Diego Simeone, defying logic which says success correlates to the amount players are paid. Los Rojiblancos used to be something of a joke in La Liga. But no one is laughing now.
UEFA is preparing to look at clubs very closely in relation to its financial fair play rules. All eyes will be on Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG, all of whom have been tipped in various quarters as being at risk due to the new regulations.
Arsenal last won a trophy in 2005, but this year they are on course to end that drought while also confirming their credentials as title challengers. And it is down to four ingredients which, over the course of 12 months, they have mixed into the pot.
This year’s Premier League title race is truly a four-horse race and could even be settled on the very last day of the season. Chelsea and Manchester City were expect to challenge, but Arsenal and Liverpool are providing the competition.
Juan Mata’s decision to leave Chelsea for Man Utd looks a win for all parties on the surface. But on closer inspection it may not be the best move for the Spaniard, who benefits from a degree of tactical freedom new boss David Moyes does not afford.
Dennis Bergkamp is an Arsenal icon and widely considered to be one of the most talented players to have ever played the game. His autobiography, Stillness and Speed, is intriguing. We reviewed it. Read More.
Juan Mata has been a surprise casualty of Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea, with the Spaniard struggling for playing time. Mata does not seem to fit into Mourinho’s style of play and appears better suited to flourishing elsewhere.
