Barrie's View

Having tipped Arsenal to win by 2 goals or more yesterday on both Premiership Tips and Football Talk, I received some less than positive comments.

From “all the usual Gooner arrogance here” to “yes i love the confidence but this is called being a cocky twat and thats what half the people are being by taking the piss out of west ham”, confident of continuing my 100% tip success through October didn’t go too well!

Unfortunately I was left flat-faced when Arsenal took 88 minutes to score the only goal of the game. And with the result, it burned a hole in my pocket. Seeing the highlights, Arsenal were in control of the game despite it being one of those days where you do everything but… score 2 goals.

Rob Green was in inspired form once again against Arsenal, denying the home side with a number of top saves. Samir Nasri hit the top of the bar and Theo Walcott the inside of the post. Cesc Fabregas was feeling a hamstring strain as he wasn’t in full flow. Andrey Arshavin continues to have a quiet season, as Alex Song became the unlikely hero with a late diving header to give Arsenal all 3 points and keep Arsenal within 5 points of league leaders Chelsea.

Arsenal won the possession battle with 57%, had 20 shots (13 on target), compared to West Ham’s 6 (3 on target). Another day, a less inspired Rob Green, a more ruthless Arsenal and my tip and bet would have come in easily.  At the end of the day, Arsenal picked up all 3 points and have recorded back-to-back wins to nil by keeping a clean sheet agaisnt 11 men in the Premier League for the first time this season.

Fortunately, I went back to the basics and had a big money, simple double with the two bankers for the weekend and made some money that way.

Thinking Manchester City would bounce back from last weekend’s 3-0 home defeat at the hands or Arsenal, Manchester City once again let me down with a 2-1 defeat at Wolves yesterday.

Despite coming out all guns blazing, and taking an early lead, Manchester City failed to capitalise on their early dominance at Molineux and went down 2-1. City are a side who show so much promise at times, have the individual quality on the pitch, but so often they fail to put it together for 90 minutes. Yesterday was another example of this.

Mick McCarthy took advantage of Manchester City’s lack of width by sending out two wingers on the wide pitch that were able to pull City defenders out of position, aiding Wolves’ two goals. Wolves were the better side tactically and on the field yesterday.

Manchester lost a lot of rhythm in the absence of Carlos Tevez, something they don’t have with Emmanuel Adebayor. Playing along with Mario Balotelli for the first time in the Premier League, the two weren’t in sync with each other and failed to test Marcus Hahnemann frequently. Substitute Adam Johnson gave City some width in the second half, but the England international failed to make an impact when he came on.

Matt Jarvis is all the rave at the moment, and he’s deserving it. The Wolves winger has caused full backs problems all season. Not afraid to take on players, Jarvis is a successful dribbler with his close control and his crosses have been of a decent quality. At 24, and playing in the Premier League, there’s no reason why Jarvis cannot be considered for the England squad down the left wing in the future.

Manchester City currently hold onto fourth position, 8 points behind leaders Chelsea and would drop to fifth place after 10 games if West Brom win at Blackpool on Monday night. After a tough trip to Lech Poznan on Thursday night in the Europa League, Manchester City travel to bogey side West Brom a week today for the next Premier League game, before hosting Manchester United midweek. I think we can all agree that City are a much better side with Carlo Tevez playing at that they can only hope their Argentinian ace is back and ready for next week’s action.

Manchester City have laid out their title credentials at the start of this Premier League season. Lying in second place, with the chance to cut Chelsea’s lead down to 2 points after 9 games if they can beat Arsenal today.

Having recorded a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Eastlands only a few weeks ago, and with their only defeat coming at the hands of a Darren Bent stoppage time penalty so far this season, they’re not be overlooked any more.

Gifted Group of Players

Roberto Mancini has put together a solid core of players now. The least you’d expect with the money City have spent over the past couple of seasons. With a solid core of players down the middle, a defence that has improved since last season, and a goal scoring machine in Carlos Tevez, they’re a top 4 team this season.

Weaknesses

Manchester City’s mentality has been questioned over the past few seasons. Taking their talent for granted has seen them drop points they weren’t expected too. Earlier this season they followed up a 3-0 victory over Liverpool with a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and then a 1-1 draw with Blackburn after an international break.

Form

Since that draw on September 11th, Manchester City have won all 4 of their Premier League games; against Wigan, Chelsea, Newcastle and Blackpool. Meanwhile, Arsenal have won just 1 of their last 4 Premier League defeats and trail leaders Manchester City by 8 points. This lack of form started with Darren Bent’s 95th minute equaliser at the Stadium of Light, was followed up with a home defeat at the hands of West Brom (or the hands of Manuel Almunia), then a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, before they got back to winning ways by defeat Birmingham 2-1 last weekend.

Midweek

Arsenal produced a convincing display by defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 in the Champions League at the Emirates on Tuesday night. The returning Cesc Fabregas scored from the spot, while Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh continued their good form. But how many times do Arsenal disappoint in a league fixture after such an impressive European outing? Two days later, Manchester City were able to rest the likes of Carlos Tevez, James Milner, Yaya Toure in a 3-1 victory over Lech Poznan in their Europa League match. David Silva put in another tremendous display as he helped setup Emmanuel Adebayor to score a hat trick.

Selection

Emmanuel Adebayor hasn’t had a full 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, only making 5 brief appearances. Following his hat trick midweek, and with his history against Arsenal, this hands Roberto Mancini a selection headache prior to today’s game. Happy with his 4-5-1 formation, and with Carlos Tevez scoring 7 goals already this season, and in each of his last 4 Premier League games, where will Adebayor fit into today’s equation?

Manchester City versus Arsenal sees a lot of talented players, especially in midfield today. Cesc Fabregas will do battle with Nigel de Jong; something that Arsenal fans must be fearing, given their injury record and his tackling record. Yaya Toure will add additional power to that City midfield. Power has been something highlighted whenever Arsenal play Chelsea, and once again today Arsenal could be overawed by the size and strength of some of their opponents. James Milner and Adam Johnson add creative threats from the wing, as can David Silva, who also plays well behind the striker. The left-footed Spaniard was their match winner at Blackpool last weekend, setting up 1 goal and scoring another in less than half hour when he came on the pitch. Look out for Tevez and Silva to cause this vulnerable Arsenal defence problems today.

Manchester City’s defence is by no means perfect itself. The likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are likely to pass their way through this team and create goalscoring chances for themselves, Marouane Chamakh and co. It is going to be a stern test for this Manchester City defence, who shut out Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda and co just a few weeks ago at the same stadium.

Poor Defensive Record

Lukasz Fabianski is set to make his third successive Premier League start in the absence of Manuel Almunia. The Pole failed to keep a clean sheet in either game, and Is protected by a defence that has only kept a clean sheet against 10 man Blackpool in their opening 8 games. Manchester City will enjoy a number of opportunities in this match, and will be looking for the in-form Carlos Tevez to put them away.  At the other end, Manchester City have bright England prospect Joe Hart protecting their goal.

Manchester City Have the Advantage

Manchester City have the form, home field advantage, power in their midfield, the trickery of David Silva and the consistent Carlos Tevez up front today. Arsenal head into this match with nifty passing ability, a fragile defence and often relying on Cesc Fabregas. While the Spaniard is a match winner, if City can keep him in check today, it may be another one of those days for Arsenal where they see a lot of possession but fail to do a lot with it in the final third. Or will Andrey Arshavin show up today, after being relatively quiet domestically?

Manchester City won this fixture 4-2 last season and 3-0 the year before. Dare I say 3 in a row? Their odds are of great value today at 6/4!

Tottenham Hotspur looked jet lagged in today’s early Premier League kick off with Everton at White Hart Lane.

Everton took the lead in the 17th minute thanks to a sublime free kick from Leighton Baines. Tottenham had looked bright in the initial stages of the match, and they weren’t behind for long. Tim Howard flapped at a cross, enabling Peter Crouch to steer the ball into Rafael van der Vaart’s path who smashed in from the goal line for his fifth goal at White Hart Lane since joining in the summer.  For the remainder of the game, Tottenham looked flat and should be content with taking a point from a hardworking Everton side.

Rafael van der Vaart

The Dutch playmaker was fresh from being cup tied for Tottenham’s 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan midweek, and most of Tottenham’s good play came through the Ajax academy product. Technically gigted, van der Vaart is a treat to have in the Premier League, whom won over the Spurs fans before he even stepped foot on the field. He and Luka Modric have limited the talented Niko Kranjcar to just two league appearances this season. Further proof of Tottenham’s strength in depth allowed Harry Redknapp to sub Wilson Palacios off at half time for Brazilian summer signing Sandro who put in a solid second half performance. Palacios was seemingly one foul away from a second yellow card at the end of the first half. An honorary mention must go out to Younes Kaboul who was solid at the back for Tottenham today.

Everton were the better side in the second half, but neither team could find a winner. Roman Pavlyuchenko had a good chance blocked on the counter attack in the second half for Tottenham as they came strong in the final quarter of an hour with both Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill looking fatigued as the half went on.

Maintaining Midtable Status

This result ends Everton’s two game winning streak, but 7 points in their last 3 games will see Everton maintain their midtable position at the end of this weekend. They picked up 2 points from their opening 7 games.

Champions League Competitors

If both Arsenal and Manchester United avoid defeat on Sunday, Tottenham will drop back into 5th spot where they started this weekend.

Earlier this week, I was sucked in to the whole Wayne Rooney saga. “Who’s he going to join?”, “how much for?”, “what’s going to happen to Manchester United?” were the questions being thrown around.

I was in agreement with the World Cup disappointment that Manchester United needed to bring in a marquee player or two to compete with the likes of Chelsea and even Manchester City in the Premier League this season. Not to mention Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and co in the Champions League.

Just a few days ago, Rooney was demanding to leave. Sir Alex Ferguson had admitted defeat. Manchester United looked like they were in the brink of losing their ace striker, who scored 26 league goals for last seasons runners up.

Wayne Rooney has managed just 1 goal in the league so far this season, a penalty versus West Ham. Manchester United are already 5 points behind leaders Chelsea after 8 games, with a potentially tricky trip t Stoke City today.

To keep Wayne Rooney at the 18-time English champions, the England striker signed a five year contract yesterday, seeing the former Everton youngster earn £250,000 a week. So much for a financial crisis at the club. Who could turn down an additional £5,000,000 plus a year?

Fought Off Rival Competition

Maybe it’s a kick in the teeth to Manchester City, who were favourites to realign Wayne Rooney with Carlos Tevez earlier this week, and strengthen their title challenge. United’s neighbours currently sit in 2nd place, and 2 points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal.

Fickle Fans

The past week has shown the true colours of several Manchester United fans and their fickle ways. They’d previously torn down posters of their star striker, protested outside his mansion and formed hatred banners to place around the stadium. Expect those fans to be kissing his feet again this weekend, and even more so on Tuesday when they next play at Old Trafford.

What Next for Wayne Rooney?

Tied down to a deal with England’s biggest club for the next 5 years. Yes, there is bound to be some silverware for the United ace during that time. While the squad looks weaker on paper to Chelsea this season, keeping hold of Rooney is a big statement from the club, whom need to bring in a few stars next summer, after losing out to the likes of Mesut Ozil, David Silva and Mario Balotelli amongst others after the World Cup.

San Siro on Wednesday night was the ultimate example of what pundits mean they say football is a game of two halves.

It took little more than 60 seconds before Inter Milan opened the scoring against Tottenham Hotspur; Javier Zanetti rounding off a great move.

It wasn’t long after when Gomes brought down Jonathan Biabiany, receiving a red card on the 7th minute in the process. After a desperate attempt to persuade the referee, Gomes was simply shown the red card for a second time. Carlo Cudicini replaced Luka Modric, but was helpless to deal with Samuel Eto’o's ensuing penalty.

Three minutes after that, after Tom Huddlestone failed to to take the ball away from Dejan Stankovic, the Yugoslav-come-Serbia & Montegran-come-Serbian poked in Inter’s third. Quickly followed all the Spurs jokes and talk of double figures. And double figures were on people’s minds when Samuel Eto’o scored his second of the night and Inter’s fourth ten minutes before half time.

Slow Starters

Tottenham’s sloppy first half saw them fail to close down their opposition, who were given time on the ball in their opponents half. The Italian giants (albeit with 0 Italians on the field in the first half) were the sharper and more alert side. Tottenham failed to threaten their opponents goal in the first 45 minutes, seeing less time on the ball and doing little with it.

A fantastic solo effort from Gareth Bale early in the second half that saw the Welsh wizard run from the edge of his own area after Jermaine Jenas won the ball before smashing the ball past a wrong-footed Julio Cesar in the Inter Milan goal. To think a fantastic solo effort from Bale was all Spurs would get from this game, we were wrong.

Gareth Bale produced a similar goal to the first as the game headed into stoppage time. Remarkably, he then completed his hat trick in stoppage time, before time ran out on Spurs.

Making their Champions League debut as England’s fourth entrant, Tottenham come away from the home of the defending champions with a respectable result, especially following the circumstances that saw their side reduced to 10 men so early in the game. However, it’s 0 points they come away with, and an increased interest in Gareth Bale from the bigger sides.

Tottenham remain 2nd in their group at the half way point of their group following a draw between FC Twente and Werder Bremen.

Manchester United

England’s other representative in the Champions League this evening, Manchester United beat Turkish side Bursaspor 1-0. Nani scoring early in that game. United top their group, ahead of Glasgow Rangers and Valencia.

Shrewd Tuesday for English Sides

Last night, Chelsea produced a solid 2-0 victory at Spartak Moscow as they maintain their 100% record. Arsenal outdone them with a stunning 5-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, as they also ended their opponents 100% win record in the process. Arsenal have now scored 14 goals in 3 Champions League group games; 4 more than the second highest scoring side, Inter Milan.

Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he wants to leave Manchester United in search of silverware, believing the club lack strength.

As hard as it is to imagine a player wanting to leave Manchester United for trophies, Wayne Rooney has a good point at this moment in time. Manchester United are not going to win the Premier League this season, and I don’t see them lifting the Champions League either.

Trophies Drying Up?

Manchester United only won the Carling Cup last season; finishing runners up to Chelsea in the Premier League, being eliminated from the Champions League to Bayern Munich at the quarter final stage, and being knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Leeds United in round 3.

All Good Things Come to An End

Prior to last season, Manchester United had won the Premier League for the three seasons in a row, and the Champions League in 2008. They have only won the FA Cup once this millennium (2004), since their domination in the 90′s.

There are too many names to mention in the successful United side of the 90′s, but the team United have now just doesn’t have Champions written over them. They really have not recovered since the losses of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. The loss of Wayne Rooney during this season will only add to that.

Manchester United currently lack a consistent goalscorer in their side. While Dimitar Berbartov has made a good start to the season, he drifts out of a lot of games. In particular, games where they need the Bulgarian to score goals, and in times where his failure to do so has seen the side drop points. Nani is starting to make an impact on the wings. Javier Hernandez is still in need of time to settle in. Federico Machedia is young and inexperienced. Michael Owen’s fitness is a liability.

Rich Competition

With Chelsea and Manchester City bringing in all the stars over the past couple of seasons, Manchester United have failed to compete in the transfer window as successfully as their Premier League rivals. To the point that their biggest star wants to leave.

What next for Manchester United?

Firstly, they need to sell Wayne Rooney for a tidy sum. The recent rumours of Rooney buying out his contract for £5,000,000 would be a nightmare for a player they paid five times that amount for. After that, Ferguson needs to see his side compete for the title in the Premier League and made a good run in the Champions League. Developing the likes of Hernandez, Chris Smalling, Fabio, Rafael, Gabriel Obertan and Darron Gibson over the remainder of this season and the future are key to United’s future.

Although it has come to the forefront with more than two months before the winter transfer window opens, it appears Wayne Rooney’s future remains away from Manchester United.

With just 1 Premier League goal to his name in the last 7 months, that being a penalty against West Ham, Wayne Rooney’s form, or lack of has been one of the major stories this season in the Premier League. Others include his personal life, an apparent ankle injury and now an apparent falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Not For the First Time

The Manchester United boss has admitted his shock and disappointment with the English football picture boys decision to want to leave. This is not the first time Sir Alex Ferguson has had a fall out with one of his stars, far from it. Previous falling outs include Jaap Stam, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy. All were key United players at the time – all were sold. So where next for Rooney?

Manchester City

Manchester City have emerged as the bookmakers favourite. This club would be the most fitting for Wayne Rooney. A player you imagine would not have success speaking a foreign language and therefore moving abroad. And also being the local rivals of Manchester United. With his history of antics towards Everton supporters since his departure, you can picture Rooney gesturing to the United fans and Ferguson alike after the boy wonder scores in their local derby. Should a transfer go through in January, Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on February 12th. Happy valentines weekend. Manchester City are also capable of matching United’s asking price and Wayne Rooney’s wage demands.

Real Madrid

With Jose Mourinho looking for more fire power at Real Madrid, a move to the Spanish capital is not out of the question for Wayne Rooney. Manchester United have also been linked to Karim Benzema in the past. The French striker could be used as good bait for United, while Rooney would see the benefits in playing for arguably the world’s most famous football team, under Jose Mourinho and alongside former United team mate, Cristiano Ronaldo. His wife Coleen may also prefer life in Madrid.

Barcelona

With footballers wives or WAGs having a say in some footballers lives, Coleen Rooney may want to persuade her husband to move to Real Madrid’s biggest rivals instead. Barcelona a currently third favourites, despite only signing David Villa in the summer and having Lionel Messi to fit into their team too. How they can financially afford to sign Rooney remains a mystery though, having to borrow a large loan not so long ago to pay their players’ wages.

Other Contenders

Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Bayern Muncih and even Arsenal have also been linked to the England hitman. It’s nothing more than you’d expect – Europe’s biggest football teams being linked to one of the most talented and marketable footballers as soon as there are rumours of unhappiness in his current camp.

Should Wayne Rooney get his wish and leave Manchester United in the near future, or at the end of the season, I can only see him going to one of the first three listed teams. What’s going to stop Manchester City wanting to reunite Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez once again?

With the European Under 21 Football Championship taking part in Denmark next summer, there is an opportunity for our young English talent to shine on centre stage at the end of the season, provided we get a result in our second leg in Romania on Wednesday.

There has been a big gap between the senior England national team and the under 21 for a while, but with the media and fan pressure of wanting more youngsters coming through since our failure at the World Cup, Fabio Capello is going to call upon a number of these up-and-coming players more and more often over the next 2 years. Even if he has called up 33-year old Kevin Davies to the national team for the first time, ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier with Montenegro.

Many claim there isn’t enough English talent around to compete at the next European Championships or even World Cup 2014, and that the lack of English players playing regularly in the Premier League, especially the top sides is hurting our senior team. Those preachers certainly have a case. But currently, there are at least 23 top young English players floating around the Premier League who have the potential to fly the nations flag in Brazil in 4 years time.

Not needing to bring Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney into the debate, but there is a long list of England players with less than 5 senior caps, or in most cases, without a single senior cap who have the potential to be a regular name in the England squad:

Adam Johnson

Starting with the most obvious. There were a number of doubters, at least around me when Adam Johnson made a big winter transfer switch from Middlesbrough to Manchester City at the start of the year. Having already seen him tear my beloved Derby County defence to shreds last season, and play well for Middlesbrough in the Premier League, I was fairly confident Johnson would be a top player at Manchester City, if given the chance. He may still be competing with Mario Balotelli when the Italian returns from injury, but Johnson has shone when give then chance so far this season. A playmaker and a match winger from the right wing, Adam Johnson scored Manchester City’s winner in their last game against Newcastle shortly after coming off the bench. His first league goal of the season, Johnson already has 2 goals in 4 senior caps for England having scored in both of England’s Euro 2012 qualifiers to date. Provided he becomes a regular in the Premier League (only 3 starts in 7 league appearances this season) and that neither Roberto Mancini or Fabio Capello switch him to the left wing, then the world is this boy’s oyster. He delivers an excellent cross and set piece, which neither Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips or Aaron Lennon do on the right wing. And he is a threat when he cuts inside from the right, on his stronger left foot. Basically, a much better player than what Joe Cole tried to be. He’s not scared to take a penalty either.

Jack Wilshere

This boy is brimming with talent and confidence. A loan spell at Bolton Wanderers under Owen Coyle at the end of last season done him wonders. With injuries in the Arsenal midfield, Jack Wilshere has played in all 7 of Arsenal’s Premier League games to date, starting 5 of them. He has a few fancy touches, great passing ability and is quick thinking. Training and playing with Cesc Fabregas will only be a bonus for Wilshere. He’ll need to improve his tackling, but that should come with age (and practice). Provided he keeps fit, and the rest of his team mates don’t, Wilshere should receive a few more caps at senior level, having so far played less than 10 minutes in a victory over Hungary in August.

Tom Huddlestone

He’s already made 3 senior international appearances for England, including a debut versus Brazil, but there’s plenty more to come from England under 21 regular Tom Huddlestone. A powerful unit in the heart of the Spurs midfield, playing in every Premier League minute so far this season. He has a fantastic array of passing and can strike the ball with some venom. He could do with increasing the number of goals he scores from midfield. His ultimate quality is pinging balls around the pitch, and although he hasn’t drawn any comparisons to Paul Scholes as of yet, he’s one of the elite passers we have coming through the ranks. He also does a decent job at breaking opposition attacks up, but that’s what you’d expect from a centre midfielder protecting his back four.

Jack Rodwell

A top prospect to play a holding midfield role in the England side for years to come, Jack Rodwell has been breaking into the Everton first team over the past two seasons. An untimely 3 month lay off will hinder Rodwell’s progress, but still only 19 and with the top clubs already sniffing, Everton have a tough task of keeping hold of the teenage sensation, as they did with Wayne Rooney 6 years ago. Like Rooney, Rodwell has burst onto the seen with high-energy levels. A clever player who isn’t afraid to get forward, the lack of funds at his club side will see him play more regularly in the first team, which will only help his development.

Jordan Henderson

It may take a few more long range volleys like Friday night’s goal against Romania before Jordan Henderson gets a lot more recognition. The Sunderland born and bred central midfielder-come-right winger had a very consistent and contributing first full season in the Premier League last year. If Ahmed Al-Muhammadi can stamp down the right wing position at Sunderland and Lee Cattermole keeps getting himself suspended, Henderson will hopefully develop into a central midfielder and the long-term replacement of Frank Lampard, of whom he is his ideal replacement. At least currently. Still only 20, Henderson has shown his Lampard-esque abilities when he plays in the centre of midfield. As he did on Friday for the England U21′s, and has he has done on a number of occasions for Sunderland, he is great at finding space and he wants the ball. Not scared to take shots from long range, he has great technical ability and a lot of power. A good range of passing skills compliment that. His weak points are currently a lack of goals, and playing for Sunderland. With Capello overlooking Darren Bent’s goal record, you have to fear Henderson may take a long, long while to get a look in for the senior team.

Nedum Onuoha

My third, and favourite choice to replace Glen Johnson at right back for England is Nedum Onuoha. Currently on loan at Sunderland from Manchester City, the Nigerian-born England under 21 regular is playing in his fourth season in the top flight. Already 23, Onuoha has several years ahead of him. He has troubles with injuries in the past, but when he’s fit he is a very athletic player. Both strong and quick, a similar mould to that of Micah Richards; both coming through the Manchester City youth system. A full season at right back for Sunderland will give us a better indication of whether he is good enough to make the grade as top full back.

Phil Jones

Sam Allardyce and Michel Salgado labelled him as the future John Terry after an impressive start to his career at the end of last season. Indeed, playing against Didier Drogba and co in a draw on your Premier League debut cannot be a bad thing. He played centre back at the end of last season, alongside Chris Samba, but has since been pushed up into midfield at the start of this season. While he does show great composure on the ball for an 18-year old, and defends excellently, it would be ideal to see him move back to his natural position. That could come shortly down the line, with the ageing Ryan Nelson currently playing there, and the talented Chris Samba who could be a potential target for bigger clubs before next season.

Lee Cattermole

With well over 100 Premier League appearances to his name already, and having played for England at 5 different levels, Lee Cattermole can become a bit-part player in the England team in the future. I cannot see him becoming an England regular with his current level of ability, but still only 22 he has potential. One thing that will hinder his international chances is his discipline. Already a reputation amongst referees and fans alike as an aggressive player, Cattermole has been sent off 5 times in his short Premier League career already.

Andy Carroll

Since scoring a hattrick against Aston Villa in Newcastle’s freaky 6-0 victory over Aston Villa in their second game of the season, Andy Carroll has scored just once in his last five games. There have been rumours about him being on the verge of the England squad, but I have my doubts about whether he would be a successful international player. He seems to play better as the main striker, or focus point in his team’s attacks, similar to Darren Bent. This opportunity will not arise at England, where Wayne Rooney is the main focus of attention up front. Good in the air, Carroll is capable of finding space for himself in the box, but without supply, Carroll isn’t the type of player who will score goals from nothing or create goals for team mates other than from knock downs. Being Newcastle’s main man up front this season will do a lot to help him improve as a player, but there’s a lot more learning required if he wants to be a regular England international.

Michael Mancienne

Currently on his third loan spell at Wolves, having previously been sent out on loan at Queens Park Rangers twice, Michael Mancienne has previously been a regular member of the England under 21 team (now age 22). Throughout his early career, he has moved from right back, to centre back and now in a holding midfield role for the West Midlands Premier League side. Although a popular figure at Queens Park Rangers, he looked out of his depth in the Premier League at centre back where he was caught ball watching and out of position on a number of occasions. While he is comfortable on the ball in midfield, there is a large list of England central midfielders that I rate higher than Mancienne. Unless he can replace Michael Essien or John Obi Mikel in the Chelsea team, or improve dramatically, I don’t see Michael Mancienne ever becoming a big part of the England setup.

Daniel Sturridge

He’s been a regular goalscorer through the youth rank, both for Manchester City and England. He failed to impress me in a goalscoring sense when he starting breaking into the first team at Manchester City. He chose to move to Chelsea, where Carlo Ancelotti planned to give him more first team action. He’s quick and has an eye for goal, but while Didier Drogba’s still fit for Chelsea, playing the central role isn’t going to happen for Sturridge. He showed great awareness when he pulled off to the back post to head the ball back across goal for Chris Smalling’s winner for the England U21′s on Friday and I am fairly confident he can become an England international when he becomes a regular at club level. A loan away from Stamford Bridge would only shorten his chances of ever becoming a Chelsea regular, which leaves him in a tough spot. He’s still young, but I’m certain he’ll score more goals than his uncle Dean did in the top flight.

Josh McEachran

A member of the Chelsea youth academy since he was 8 years old, Josh McEachran made his senior Chelsea debut last month against MSK Zilina in the Champions League. Having received praises from Didier Drogba amongst many other team mates, McEachran made it onto the bench of Chelsea’s recent 2-0 Premier League victory over Arsenal. It seems to be only a matter of time before he makes his Premier League debut. Still only 17-years old, he is a long way from becoming a Premier League regular and even further away from playing for England. Having not seen him play myself, I can only take other people’s opinions of him and that to say he is one to keep an eye on in the future.

Marc Albrighton

A player who made an impact pre-season and subsequently earned himself into the Aston Villa first team this season, Marc Albrighton is an energetic prospect on the wing. As much of the young English talent appears to be heading on the right side of midfield, Albrighton has also seen time on the left in his early playing days at Aston Villa. He successfully runs at opposition full backs and midfielders alike, while also delivering an excellent cross on his right foot. Like with most of our right wingers, tackling is not one of Albrighton’s strong points. In fact, far from it. But his enthusiasm to get back and help the defence is a positive trait. Hopefully in time, his tackling will be developed.

Nathan Delfouneso

A very talented player at youth levels with both club and country, the resignation of Martin O’Neill came as a blow to Nathan Delfouneso. Delfouneso had been on the first team squad under O’Neill, making 13 league appearances and several more in cup competitions. He’ll have to remain patient under Gerard Houllier, whom we can only hope from an English perspective, will give the boy a chance. Houllier has so far called upon Heskey. Delfouneso is a different type of player. He’s got pace and trickery that neither Heskey or Carew have. One thing Delfouneso needs this season is a lot of first team football as having seen him play for the under 19′s, he looks like a real star in the making.

Victor Moses

Victor Moses was banging the goals in for fun as a child and teen, before breaking into the first team at Crystal Palace in the Championship when he was only 16. An exciting player to watch, Moses is quick, posses great dribbling ability, a good touch and knows how to find the back of the net. He’s struggled for game time at Wigan since failing to impress in nearly 12 months at the club.

Chris Smalling

Somewhat of a surprise transfer when Manchester United decided to splash out a few bob on a player who’d only made a couple of appearances for Fulham. Looking error prone, many fans have already questioned his ability to become a success at Manchester United. He’s quick and tall, and with the guidance of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and many other world class stars around him, he has all the building blocks he needs to develop into a world class centre back. Aged 20, he has several years ahead of him to mature and learn from his mistakes. But he’ll also have a high level of pressure to handle from an early stage in his career.

Danny Welbeck

Another Manchester United youngster, currently on loan at Sunderland is Danny Welbeck. He looked quick and lively in the Championship during a short spell on loan at Preston North End. In 6 league appearances for Sunderland so far, he is yet to score a single goal. Not what you want from a forward, but I can see him playing out wide for the majority of his career, as he isn’t the goal-poaching sort that England had with Michael Owen.

Fabian Delph

Fabian Delph set League One alight during his time with Leeds United there. Following a summer move in 2009 to Aston Villa, Delph had to remain patient for first team football last season. And a serious cruciate ligament at the end of last season hasn’t helped. Once he returns from that, he can start to compete for a place in the first team. A player with excellent technique and full of confidence, Delph can both be a match winner and frustrating. He can be selfish on the ball and doesn’t the read the game well yet. But he’s still very young and hopefully it won’t be long before maturity kicks in.

Stephen Darby

A player who is already competing with Glen Johnson for the right full back slot at Liverpool is Stephen Darby. Although his opportunities have been slim (1 Premier League appearance, and a few in cup competitions), if Liverpool want homegrown talent to continue coming through the ranks and into their first team, then Darby is a good fit to continue that. Although he’s not been tested or tried, one viewing of this guy was enough to see that he can defend better than Johnson. Should Johnson miss games through injury or suspension this season, it would be good to see Roy Hodgson playing Darby at right back, rather than Jamie Carragher as Rafael Benitez tried unsuccessfully.

Frank Fielding

A goalkeeper who was called up to the England squad without having made a Premier League appearance. Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello rate Frank Fielding as a good prospect, but the chances of him becoming first choice goalkeeper at Blackburn are very slim. And with Joe Hart stamping his authority as England number 1 for what looks set to be long term future (or until he makes a mistake), Fielding will unlikely get many opportunities to play for the England team throughout his career. He’s agile, although, as most goalkeepers do, is prone to errors too. We can at least hope that he becomes a first choice goalkeeper in the Premier League over the next couple of seasons.

Nathaniel Clyne

Ashley Cole had a short loan spell at Crystal Palace at the start of his career. I wonder if Nathaniel Clyne was watching in the stands that day. Ashley Cole has since made the left full back position his own in the England team. Clyne is of a similar mould, except that he plays at right back. With Glen Johnson’s defensive qualities, or lack of finally being exposed by the mainstream media and fans since moving to Liverpool, there is a window of opportunity for Clyne in the next few years to make that position his. A move from Selhurt Park to the Premier League is required first.

While Manchester City do their best to steal Wigan Athletic’s title tag as the most unpredictable team in the Premier League, the Latics don’t make the task easy for any other teams.

Wigan have conceded a massive 13 goals at the DW Stadium already this season, with West Ham the closest team to them on 7. Though they have played more home games than any other side this season, they’re going to take some catching up. That was even after their first home clean sheet of the season yesterday in a 2-0 win over Wolves. Clean sheets is something Wigan have done well on both away trips this season as they remain the only Premier League side not to concede on the road so far. Shutting out both Tottenham and Birmingham was impressive. They travel to Newcastle after the international break as they look to maintain that record.

Chris Kirkland hasn’t played in goal after two wretched performances to start the season saw Wigan go down 4-0 at home to Blackpool and then 6-0 at home to Chelsea. His replacement, Ali Al-Habsi, on loan from Bolton has kept clean sheets in 3 of his 5 starts this season, conceding just 3 goals. The first Omani player to play in the Premier League was noticeable in their victory at White Hart Lane when he kept Spurs at bay. He didn’t have a single save to make in yesterday’s victory over Wolves.

Three points over fellow relegation contenders was aided when Karl Henry was sent off after 11 minutes in yesterday’s early kick off for a reckless challenge. Jordi Gomez finally got the break through with a well struck free kick that narrowly missed George Elokobi’s head as it flew in off the underside of the bar. Hugo Rodallega later secured all three points with his second goal of the season.

Wigan currently sit in 13th position, two points above the drop zone, although will drop a position today after the Liverpool and Blackpool game is finished, and would drop a further place should Newcastle get something at Manchester City. Their inconsistencies make it hard to predict where Wigan will finish this season.

A side that never secured back-to-back victories in the Premier League last season, Wigan have lost just once in their last 5 Premier League games since a woeful start to the season that had many calling for Roberto Martinez’s head. Points against bottom half sides will be important for Martinez’s side this season, and he must be looking at picking up a few from their next six league games which consist of Newcastle (away), Bolton (home), Fulham (away), Blackburn (away), Liverpool (home) and West Brom (home).

Wigan’s impressive start away from home will inevitably drop at some point and points at the DW Stadium are a must. Having lost 3 of their 5 home games this season is a concern, although getting Chelsea and Manchester City out of the way early on isn’t a bad thing. Their eight points have come without the likes of Hugo Rodallega and Charles N’Zogbia hitting their top form, while there are early signs that new signing Antolin Alcaraz has been a good summer buy. Mauro Boselli has not played in their last three league fixtures after failing to set in during his opening four. Goals remain a problem for this side, and this will hurt them when they’re not keeping clean sheets.

Over there next six games we might have some idea how Wigan’s season is going to go, although in all likelihood we’re going to be no closer to finding out as they remain an unpredictable side like last season under Roberto Martinez.

Wigan Athletic are 11/10 second favourites to be relegated from the Premier League this season.