Monthly Archives: October 2013

Sturridge: Chelsea never gave me a chance

The England international is flourishing at Liverpool and insists he was never given the opportunity to shine at Stamford Bridge

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has accused Chelsea of never giving him a chance to demonstrate the form that has seen him top the Premier League scoring charts this season.

The 24-year-old netted just 13 times in 63 games during a frustrating three-and-a-half year spell at Stamford Bridge but has notched 18 goals in 23 appearances since joining the Reds in January.

The former Manchester City youngster insists his prolific return is merely a result of being played in his favoured position up front, having spent much of his time in London out on the wing.

“When I went to Bolton [on loan], I was able to show what I can do because I was playing as a centre-forward,” he told talkSPORT.

“At Chelsea, I never got the chance to do that, and I’ve got that opportunity here [at Liverpool]. I’m just playing the position that I enjoy playing in.

“My faith in God, my self-belief and the hard work I put in on the training field; they’ve all helped me become the player I am now.

“But I’d say the biggest difference is I’m back to my natural thoughts and I’ve got no clouded vision when I’m on the field. That’s probably the main thing that has changed.”

The England international was also keen to give manager Brendan Rodgers credit for helping him to rediscover his goalscoring touch since his £12 million move to Anfield.

When whether Rodgers was an important factor in his decision to join Liverpool, Sturridge replied: “It was, yeah, because I knew about him from when I was at Chelsea.

“The players who were there spoke highly of him. He had tried to get me on loan when he was at Swansea, so I knew he rated me. He knows how I work.

“He knows what I need. I needed to be believed in, to play as a centre-forward at a club. I didn’t get that at Chelsea, and Brendan gave me the opportunity to do that here.

“We work well together, and it’s great to be part of his philosophy. He gets the most out of his players, and makes us want to win for him. He’s just very good at man-management as well as the tactics and team stuff.”

Coutinho in Liverpool squad to face Arsenal, says Rodgers

The Brazilian playmaker has been out for six weeks after undergoing surgery, but he is in line to face the Gunners in the top-of-the-table clash

Philippe Coutinho is fit and ready to return to the Liverpool fold for their top-of-the-table clash at Arsenal on Saturday.

The Brazilian playmaker has been out of action for around six weeks after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury he picked up in the 2-2 draw at Swansea City in September.

Coutinho returned to training ahead of Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat of West Brom last weekend and Brendan Rodgers has revealed the 21-year-old is available for the game against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

However, the trip to the Emirates Stadium is likely to come too soon for left-back Jose Enrique, who continues to struggle with a knee problem.

“Jose will be a question mark for the weekend, but Coutinho looks great,” Rodgers told reporters.

“He’s been given the all clear by the specialist to come in. He’s been training for the last few weeks, so he’ll be back into the squad.”

JD’s Betting Blog: Ballon d’Or odds and weekend tips

After the shortlist was announced this week, JD takes a look at the odds for the Ballon d’Or and believes Franck Ribery could scoop the coveted prize in January

It has been a very busy week in the world of football with a midweek programme in Spain and Italy. There has also been Capital One cup action in England.

Chelsea were perhaps most eye catching team in midweek during their disposal of Arsenal 2-0 and displaying impressive squad depth in the process.

They look a solid 3/1 (4.0) selection to win the competition. Chelsea as a club have a strong winning mentality and this allied with their squad’s depth and quality make them an attractive bet.

Ballon d’Or nominees announced

The Ballon d’Or nominees were announced this week and there has been a very significant move for Franck Ribery to win this prestigous prize.  

He was 20/1 (21.0) at one stage but a stream of money for him has seen him cut into odds on favouritism with some bookmakers.  

He is now Evens (2.0) with Lionel Messi at 8/5 (2.60). The football world is set to recognise the great achievement of Bayern Munich’s historic treble winning team by awarding World Coach of the Year to Jupp Heynckes and Ribery must feel he has a great chance to win Ballon d’Or to make it a double of awards for the Bavarian side.

This weekend’s tips

Looking ahead to the weekend, Arsenal look a very decent price to overcome Liverpool in London. The Gunners have been in wonderful league form since March and appeal at 5/4 (2.25) .

Liverpool like to gain control in midfield and get into a passing rhythm and win games.

Arsenal have the numbers and quality in midfield to take the initiative and prevent their visitors from taking control.

The Gunners were a similar price when hosting Borussia Dortmund recently in the Champions League and Liverpool are not as accomplished as the German team.

In the Bundesliga, free scoring Hamburg can overcome Borussia Monchengladbach at 13/10 (2.30) who dont travel well.

Bert van Marwijk is the new coach of Hamburg and he will bring order to a talented group.They have scored 13 goals in four matches and should out score Monchengladbach who have lost 9/12 away matches.



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