World Cup Countdown

The World Cup is here and Football Planet will bring you all the action from this rivoting tournament. I will be based in South Africa reporting whats happening in the world cup. From previews to reviews - player profiles, match experiences and other wonderful content. Football Planet is the place to be for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview

Arsenal vs Manchester United - Emirates Stadium

Arsenal and Manchester United will go head to head on Sunday at the Emirates in what should be a humdinger of a game. Both Arsenal and Manchester United are vying for the title and a loss for either team could somewhat diminish that.

Arsenal Have just Come of a goaless draw with Aston Villa while United beat bitter rivals Manchester City in the Carling Cup. Certainly morale in the United camp will be high but both teams will be pumped up for the occasion. So far Arsenal's season has been an eventful one. Already scoring the top goals so far they have conceeded many cheap goals. They are still in the title race but with Chelsea and Liverpool coming up after Sunday, the title could be gone by then. Manchester on the other hand have been ravaged by injuiry and only recently have had their star players returning. Wayne Rooney has just come of his four goals against Hull City and will be looking to add more to that.

Team News

Arsenal

Arsenal have been dealt a blow with the news that Thomas Vermaelen will probably not be fit for the game against United. It was first though that he fractured his leg but xrays have proven otherwise. Arsene Wenger have said that the Medical Team will be doing their utmost best to get him ready. Sol Campbell is available to play for the Gunners. Another injuiry worry is Eduardo who has been ruled out of the game. Bustling Midfielder Abou Diaby is doubtful for the game. Fran Merida is 50-50 for the game.

Manchester United

Manchester United have been dealt a blow with Rio Ferdinand been given a 4 match ban for his incident with Craig Fagan. However Nemanja Vidic is fit for the game. Ryan Giggs is expected to play after having a break against Hull City. It is not known whether Anderson will feature in the United squad after an apparent bust up with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Last 5 Fixtures

Arsenal

Arsenal 2 - 2 Everton

Bolton 0 - 2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4 - 2 Bolton

Stoke 3 - 1 Arsenal

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Arsenal

Manchester United

Birmingham City 1- 1 Manchester United

Manchester United 3- 0 Burnley

Manchester City 2 - 1 Manchester United

Manchester United 4 - 0 Hull City

Manchester United 3 - 1 Manchester City

Expected Lineup

Arsenal - Almunia, Sagna, Clichy, Gallas, Campbell, Denilson, Fabregas, Ramsey, Arshavin, Rosicky, Nasri

Manchester United - Van der sar, G Neville, Evra, Evans, Vidic, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Valencia, Rooney, Berbatov

Prediction

Arsenal 1 - 1 Manchester United

Samir Nasri To Answer Your Questions

Football Planet is proud to announce that Arsenal star Samir Nasri will be answering questions from you. We are delighted with this coup and welcome all your questions. Please leave your questions under the comments section

The deadline for this will be on the 9th of February. Although theres a posiibility of us extending the deadline. As Samir Nasri is going through a busy period with his soccer. We will only get the answers when he has a break from football.

We look forward to your answers.

Football Planet

Player of the Week

This weeks Player of the week is Barcelona starlet Lionel Messi. He was instrumental in his sides 4 nil drilling of Sevilla.

Barcelona have endured a tough time over the last few days after being knocked out by Sevilla in the Kings Cup. The Spanish invincibality was questioned after their loss but they bounced back in fine style.

Messi was sublime throughout the game making countless runs and his perserverance paid off with two fine goals. Lionel Messi brought up his 100th goal in the Barcelona shirt and it was a proud moment for both him and his club.

Congratulations to Lionel Messi on winning the FOOTBALL PLANET PLAYER OF THE WEEK.

Latest Transfer Buys

Lucas Neill has moved to Galatasary from Everton.

Maxi Rodriguez has moved to Liverpool on a free.

Adem Ljajic Has moved to Fiorentena from Partizan.

Middelsborough have completed the signing of Barry Robson from Celtic.

French club O. Lyon have secured the services of Dejan Lovren from Dynamo Zagreb.

Celtic have sold Gary Caldwell to Wigan Athletic.

Mateja Kezman has moved to PSV from Zenit,

Arsenal vs Bolton - Expected Lineup

Bolton entertain Arsenal today in a vital clash for both teams. Owen Coyle is in charge for Bolton for the first time and will be looking to get something out of the game. Arsene Wenger on the other hand will want only 3 points from the game.

Possible Team (Bolton)

Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Robinson, Cahill, Knight, Lee, Taylor, Cohen, Muamba, Klasnic, Davies

(Arsenal)

Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Traore, Diaby, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin, Nasri, Eduardo

Prediction: Bolton 1 - 3 Arsenal

Mesut Ozil - The Next German Talent

Mesut Ozil is a turkish born german who plays for Werder Bremen and the German national side. Ozil , being a left footer, can play on the wings or as an attacking midfielder.

In his early years he played for Gelsenkirchen before moving to the Schalke o4 academy. On the 31st of January 2008 he moved to German giants Wereder Bremen for a reported €4, 3m

In 2006 Ozil was called up to the German u17 team. In 2007 he was called up to the German u21 side and in 2009 his team lifted the European u21 Championship beating England 4 - 0 in the final. Ozil was terrific throughout the tournament and played an important role in their cup victory.

On the 11th of February he made his International debut against Norway and scored his first goal for Germany against South Africa in a friendly.

Mesut Ozil has had a great season so far. This is why Arsenal, Juventus, Manchester United, Barcelona and other big clubs are scouting him and it is no surprise he is being compared to Zinedine Zidane.

Coaches Deny Juve Rumours

Juventus will be disappointed by the news that Guus Hiddink is not interested in the Turin outfit. Dutch Master Marco Van Basten also said he has had no contact by The Old Lady although he would consider the offer.

His agent speaking to Calciomercato.it. said he would be interested in the project with Juventus. Juventus have been looking to replace coach,Ciro Ferreira, since the woeful performances which hit a new low on Sunday after losing 3 nil to AC Milan. Juventus have also been knocked out of the Uefa Champions League and have had a dismal domestic season so far.

Ahmed

Rooney Wanted In Spain

Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney could soon be the subject og bids from the Spanish Giants according to the The Sun. A reported £75m could be splashed on the young striker.

For quite a while now it has been noted that United have been in a financial problem. Only few days ago it was noted that without the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo United would have made a loss.

The two Spanish giants hope they can use this to their advantage in the purchase of Rooney. United on the other hand would be reluctant to sell another star player after selling both Ronaldo and Tevez in the summer.

Ahmed

Maxi In Liverpool For Medical

Athletico Mardid star Maxi Rodriques has arrived in Liverpool for a medical with the Reds. Maxi Rodrigues is expected to sign an 18 month contract and will be hoping to improve Liverpools beleagured season.

Liverpool who payed £1,5m for the Argentinean hopes he will feature against Stoke this weekend. After watching tonights FA Cup replay Maxi will fly over to Spain to complete the final details.

Ahmed

Wrap up of Latest Transfer News

Chelsea are thought to be looking to buy Bosnian Striker Edin Dzeko from VFL Wolfsburg and are in a battle with various European clubs.

Tottenham Hotspurs are looking to buy Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool are all vying for the signature of Louis Saha after it was noted that he is not happy with the contract offer he has been given.

Manchester City Striker Benjani Mwariwari has said he would like to end his career at the Citizens.

Freddi Ljunberg could be heading back to Europe.

Manchester United are looking to buy Fiorentena's goalkeeper Sebastain Frey, his agent said.

Reports in France say Marseille have turned down a loan offer by Everton for Hatem Ben Arfa.

South African Midfielder Elrio Van Heerden has moved from Blackburn to Turkish outfit Sivvaspor.

Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in young Racing Santander defender Sergio Canales.

Yusuf Peerbhai

All About Sol Campbell

This has been one of thge most talked about transfers rumours this transfer window. Is Sol Campbell returning to Arsenal? Many feel he will add a bit more experience and composure to the young team. What he poses is more than 10 years in the premiership with Arsenal and Tottenham and his experience will be vital in Arsenals quest for the title.

Campbell attended the Portway Primary School in Stratford,He was a prodigious schoolboy talent. Campbell signed for Tottenham as a striker. He later became a defender when Tottenham were suffering with manu injuiries. This is where he developed himself and became a key figuire in the Spurs Lineup.

However Campbell made the move to massive rivals Arsenal. Sol Campbell was an instrumental player in Arsenals success where he played alongside Tony Adams or Martin Keown.

Campbell was one of the Invincibles of 2004 when Arsenal went the entire season unbeaten. However things didnt go so smoothly for him after that. Things werent going so well for him in his private life according to teammate Robert Pires. Campbell moved to Portsmouth in 2006.

Campbell had a great spell at Pompey under Harry Redknapp where he found a suitable defensive partner in Linvoy Primus where he led them to five consecutive clean sheets. In 2007/2008 season he was named captain and led him team to FA Cup glory at Wembley the same season.

In 2009 Campbell surprisingly moved to League 2 side Notts County. However he left the club after playing just one game. Campbell then trained with Arsenal and on the 12 of January 2010 Arsenal resigned him.

Sol Campbell enjoyed an eventful International career playing 72 games and scoring one goal. He has played in 6 major world tournaments for England and was a constant figuire in the English team before new coach Steve Mcclaren dropped him.

Sol Campbell has had an eventful career both on and off the pitch. He featured in the movie Snatch where he played a bouncer at a unlicensed boxing fight.

Arsene Wenger will now hope to get the best out of Sol Campbell having worked with him for many years. Campbell will be cover for Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas and will be hoping to take his chance when given so.

United to get £75m - Report

Manchester United are set to get £75m for transfers, according to article in the Daily Mail.

The Glazer family have apparently borrowed the money in the hope that Uniteds on field success will encourage investors to the club.

Financial Figuires released yesterday said United would have made a loss if Cristiano Ronaldo wasnt sold. Ronaldo was sold for a record £90 m making it the biggest transfer ever.

The news has come at a good time where United have a lot of injuries.

Yusuf Peerbhai

World Cup 2010

The World Cup 2010 in South Africa is almost here. For 4 years people have been preparing to make this the greatest tournament ever. Some may disagree with this but what ever you think its going to be one amazing tournament. As I Live In South Africa, arguably i have good perspective on how things have been running. For the months leading into the tournament I will be doing a number of articles on the World Cup in South Africa. Articles will include: Stadiums, Food, Accomodation, Cities, Entertainment Attractions, The culture of South Africa and other wonderful topics.

So if you are thinking of coming to South Africa or just an avid football fan, be sure to read the articles to follow.

Yusuf Peerbhai

Latest Transfer Rumours

Hi



This is a new feature on our site. With the January Transfer Window on, I thought it would be a good idea for our readers to post any transfer rumour they have. Keep it short and simple.

Yusuf Peerbhai

Torres Confident Of Liverpool Resurgence

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has stated that the best is yet to come from the bealugured Reds. The Reds have seen their season fizzle out in front of them. Liverpool have been knocked out of the Uefa Champions League, while domestically they have struggled to keep up with the pacesetters.

This said, EL Nino, as his known told FIFA he is confident of a resurgence by the Reds. Torres told FIFA.com: "Though collectively we’ve not had the best of luck, on a personal note the balance is right and I’m doing my job well. I have to keep that going. We just need a little more luck as a team to be able to win a trophy."

"Unfortunately this season is not turning out how we’d wanted, but our best is still to come. "Let’s hope that we can put a string of good performances together come the end-of-season run-in and the most pivotal moments, and that we can put right what we’ve not done so well up to now. "And who knows, in May we might well be talking about how good a season it’s been. We’ve still got objectives to aim for."

Yusuf Peerbhai

Diarra Confident of Madrid Stay

Real Madrids Mamadou Diarra has said he is aware of interest from Manchester United but is content at Real Madrid. Diarra played in the opening game of the AFCON 2010 where his side Mali came from four goals down to get a draw.

Diarra who spoke to competition.dz last night said: "I will not leave. Players usually go through some bumps along their career, especially in early season.
"Before I was always in good shape, but I have suffered injuries this year and it has not happened for me. But I get the impression that things will change soon."

United have been in a defensive crisis for the past few weeks and it was thought Diarra could fill the vacancy left by Fletcher and Carrick who have had to play in defense.

Yusuf Peerbhai

Fabregas Ready For Trotters

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has said that he is ready to take on the trotters at the Reebok on Sunday. It was initially thought that the recent cold weather would have a negative impact on his injuiry, but Fabregas said he is feeling 100% according to Sporting Life.

The Spaniard who suffered a recurrence of his hamstring against Aston Villa when he singlehandedly won the game, hopes to lead his team against Owen Coyles Bolton.

Yusuf Peerbhai