Newfanzone Bookies Corner (Game week 12)

The bookies corner returns with match forecasts on league games after the UEFA fixtures at mid-week. Some teams had their fine form dented, some regained their scoring ability while some teams picked up wins that could turn around their season.

Tobi Olubiyi’s (@tobipreety) predictions:

English Premier League

Manchester United’s Old Trafford a.k.a The Theatre of Dreams, photo credit http://www.guts.com/en https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

Manchester United Vs West Brom – Manchester United win:

Manchester United have been on a “yoyo run” recently, with their first win in 5 games coming on Tuesday night against Russian club CSKA Moscow. They drew the other 4 games including a shocking goalless draw against 2nd tier Middlesbrough in the league cup where they were eventually knocked out on penalties. I see them turning their fortunes around after this recent win and Tony Pulis’ West Brom would not be able to stop the Red Devils at old Trafford especially on a run of 3 defeats from their last 5 games.

Liverpool Vs Crystal Palace – Liverpool win:

New manager Jurgen Klopp has brought in the attitude and effectiveness of a German team into this Liverpool side and it has been obvious in all his games in charge. His philosophy of gegen pressing (counter-pressing) was also evident as he made a statement with a rousing win at Stamford Bridge against a troubled Chelsea side where they haven’t won in 6 previous attempts. I see the Reds following up their good run with another win against Crystal Palace under manager Jurgen Klopp who is yet to taste defeat after 5 games.

Italian Serie A

Sampdoria Vs Fiorentina – Both teams to score:

The viola have been in impressive form this season currently topping the Serie A table scoring 22 goals in 11 games. It would be a difficult game travelling to 9th placed Sampdoria who have only lost 3 league games so far this season. I believe both teams would get on the score sheet in this match.

AC Milan Vs Atalanta – AC Milan win :

Milan coach Mihajlovic still has a lot to prove at the San Siro in his first season, but it’s safe to say he isn’t far from the summit, currently 6th placed on the table and 5 points away from the top spot. The San Siro is without doubt a fortress and will be an advantage for the Rossoneri against Atalanta who have failed to win in their last 3 away games. Milan are also on a good run of form winning their last three matches ,they will come out with maximum points in this game.

Spanish La Liga

Celta Vs Valencia – Both teams to score:

Celta have been the surprise package of the season currently 3rd on the table behind Real Madrid and Barcelona with just 3 points separating them from 1st position. They have had a good season with surprise wins against Barcelona and their only defeat in the last 5 games was against league leaders Real Madrid. Celta have scored 21 goals in 10 games while host Valencia have scored 11 goals, with Valencia’s attacking threat of Rodrigo, Negredo and Alcacer. I believe both teams will get on the score sheet in this game.

Neymar
photo credit: Marc Puig i Perez
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode

Barcelona Vs Villarreal – Barcelona win:

Luis Enrique’s men have easily survived life without injured super star Messi. Neymar, Suarez and wonder kid Sergio Roberto have led the team to superb form with 4 wins in their last 5 games. Villarreal have been impressive so far this season as well but a trip to Camp Nou at a time when Barcelona are trying to displace Real Madrid from the top of the table before the El Classico would be too much to handle for the Yellow Submarines. I expect Barcelona to keep up their winning form as the El Classico draws closer.

German Bundesliga

Bayern Munich Vs Stuttgart – Bayern Munich Win both Halves:

Bayern suffered a shocking goalless draw away at Frankfurt in their last league match which ended their perfect run into the new season. The result however didn’t loosen their tight grasp on the Bundesliga as they are still on top of the log with 5 points ahead of 2nd placed Dortmund. Pep Guardiola and his men showed signs of their strength and dominance with a resounding 5-1 victory over Arsenal. I believe Stuttgart who are just above the relegation zone on goal difference stands no chance of stopping a barrage from the Bavarians as I expect Bayern to win the first half and the second half.

Bayern Leverkusen Vs Cologne – Bayern Leverkusen win :

Schmidt’s Leverkusen have showed so much resilience in the last 5 games scoring a lot of goals but conceding too, they have scored 17 goals in the last 5 games in all competitions conceding 12 goals. A 4-4 draw and 3-2 defeat to Roma, a 4-3 win against Stuttgart and a 6-0 win against second-tier Viktoria Koln in the DFP Pokal were among the games. The addition of Mexican striker Chicharito has been a bargain so far this season and Leverkusen would be better off if they can just shut it at the back. I see Bayern Leverkusen winning against Koln who have only won 4 games so far this season.

French Ligue 1

Caen Vs Guingamp – Under 2.5 goals: Guingamp have only scored 2 goals or more in only two of their last 5 games. While Caen have not scored more than 1 goal in any of their last 5 games. This stat isn’t uncommon in the French league as the fans are used to lack of goals when the smaller teams play each other. I expcect this to be a cagey game with less than 3 goals from both teams but the result can swing either way.

Lyon Vs St Etienne – Lyon win or draw‎(Double chance):

Lyon were treated to a lacklustre home defeat in the Champions league when they played Russian Champions Zenit. They can keep up the push for the Ligue Un with a win against top 4 contender St Etienne. Lyon currently sit in 2nd place and 10 points behind run away leaders PSG and they need to prove their title challenging credentials against an highly rated opponent. I give Lyon win or draw at home on Sunday. ‎

Paul Ayorinde’s (@el_pauleta) predictions:

Italian Serie A

Roma V Lazio- Double chance on Roma:

Both sides were involved in shock results last weekend as Roma were unable to unlock a stubborn Inter Milan defence, while Lazio were humiliated in front
of their home fans by AC Milan. I expect the Rome Derby to be an open and entertaining match,but I tip Roma to get at least a point at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Napoli V Udinese- Napoli win:

Napoli were held when they visited Genoa on Sunday afternoon, while Udinese also held an in-form Sassuolo side to a goalless draw. I am tipping Napoli to get back to winning ways this weekend.

English Premier League

Leicester City V Watford- Double chance on Leicester:

Leicester City continued their Blistering form when they defeated West Brom at the Hawthorns in Gameweek 11. Watford also got a win against high-flying West Ham last weekend. Both sides are in
excellent form and i expect this match to be exciting all through. I am tipping Leicester City to get at least a point at home on Saturday.

Arsenal V Tottenham- Both teams to score(BTTS):

Arsenal picked up an excellent win away at Swansea in Gameweek 11 while Spurs
picked up a comfortable win against Aston Villa on Monday night. Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Laurent Koscielny are both doubtful for the North London Derby,so i expect Arsenal to struggle defensively and Tottenham are unbeaten in the league since Game Week 1. I am tipping both teams to score in an entertaining derby at the Emirates on Sunday.

Aaron Ramsey
Arsenal Vs Liverpool
photo credit: joshjdss
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

Aston Villa V Manchester City- Man City win:

Aston Villa lost 3-1 against Tottenham on Monday night while Manchester City defeated Norwich last weekend. It will be Remi Garde’s first match as Aston Villa manager but I expect the attacking prowess of Pellegrini’s men to be too much for the the Villians. I am tipping Manchester City to get an away win on Sunday.

German Bundesliga

Borussia Monchengladbach V Ingolstadt- Monchengladbach win:

Monchengladbach continue their excellent form when they defeated Hertha Berlin away from home last week while Ingolstadt held Schalke 04 to a 1-1 draw away from home. Ingolstadt are very strong defensively but I expect Monchengladbach’s attack to be too strong for them. I am tipping Borussia Monchengladbach to win convincingly on Saturday.

Bayern Munich V Stuttgart- Bayern Munich win and Over 2.5 goals:

Bayern Munich’s 100% winning run in the league ended last week against Eintracht Frankfurt while Stuttgart picked up an home win against Darmstadt. I am tipping Bayern Munich to win convincingly at Allianz Arena on Saturday.

French Ligue 1

Lille V Bastia- Under 2.5 goals:

Lille played a goalless draw against Nice last weekend while Bastia won at home against Caen 1-0. Lille has scored 4 goals at home this season while Bastia have scored just 3 goals away from home. I expect this match to be a low-scoring encounter. I tip both sides to score less than 3 goals in this match.

Spanish Liga BBVA

Atletico Madrid V Sporting Gijon- Atletico Madrid win:

Diego Simeone’s men played a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna last weekend while Sporting Gijon defeated Malaga 1-0 at home. I expect Atletico Madrid to get back to winning ways this weekend, so i am tipping them to get a slim home win on Sunday.

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Dani Alves vs Cristiano Ronaldo
photo credit: Marc Puig i Perez
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode

Barcelona V Villarreal- Barcelona win:

Barcelona defeated Getafe 2-0 last weekend while Villarreal defeated Sevilla 2-1 at home. This match promises to be an entertaining encounter with lots of goals but i tip Barcelona to get a slim home win at Camp Nou on Sunday.

ANAMBRA STATE SPORTS COUNCIL COMMENDS BULLET ENERGY DRINK FOR HOSTING BASKETBALL CAMP IN ONITSHA…,

The sports loving people of Anambra State have expressed their appreciation to the awarding winning energy drink BULLET ENERGY DRINK for giving their kids the opportunity to play basketball.

The populace showed appreciation when they troop out in large numbers to watch their children play the game they love so much.

Bullet Energy drink also rewarded some exceptional kids with gift items.

Meanwhile Samuel Oguche is confident the Bullet Energy drink basketball youth camp will continue to foster the growth of basketball in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 3rd day of the Bullet Energy drink basketball camp in Onitsha, Oguche expressed satisfaction at the influence the camp has had on fledgling basketball talents- most of which he said have would go ahead to play for Colleges in the US- in Nigeria and other African countries.

He stated that the aim of the annual camp is not to develop and take kids abroad but for them to fit into the Nigeria and other African countries league system.

The 3rd edition of the camp, which began in Onitsha on Monday, saw kids from South east Nigeria with instructors drawn from Nigeria and the United States of America. Two foreign coaches Anthony Gorham and Patrick Greg Brown took take participants through the rudiments of basketball.

Anthony Gorham stressed the need for the participants to take their education seriously, as it was not possible for all of them to be drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA) league even if they play at colleges in the US.

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu appointed Honorary Member of Federation International Cinema Television Sportifs (FICTS)

International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu became the Honorary Member of the Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs (FICTS) at a special Awards Ceremony organized during 33rd Milano International FICTS Fest, the worldwide event of Television, Cinema, Communication and Sport Culture attended by sports champions and institutional authorities.

As an Honorary Member Dr Wu received a “FICTS Golden Card”, which was delivered by Professor Franco Ascani, FICTS President, at the Auditorium Testori of Palazzo Lombardia in Milan.

“I am humbled and grateful to become the Honorary Member of the Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs and I truly believe that by promoting sport through cinema and television we enhance the key Olympic values of Excellency, Respect and Friendship which are indeed consubstantial with the values of boxing. As an Honorary Member I am committed to support the mission of FICTS and all of its future projects”. Dr Wu said

FICTS – Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs, is an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which promotes the values of sport through images in its 113 member countries. The organization is led by Professor Franco Ascani, a member of the IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Heritage.

FEI appoints The Sports Consultancy As Global Sponsorship Sales Agency

The FEI has appointed The Sports Consultancy as its official global sponsorship sales agency up to and including the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 in Bromont/Montreal (CAN).

The Sports Consultancy, appointed after a competitive tender earlier this year, has a proven track record working with the FEI on a variety of commercial consultancy projects over the last seven years.

“With our partners Longines, Furusiyya, Reem Acra and Ariat International, the FEI has already proven the benefits of being associated with equestrian sport,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos. “We still have a lot of high profile FEI events and assets for which we believe we can attract new partners. We are looking forward to working with The Sports Consultancy again, this time to develop our partnership programmes and to build relationships with premium brands who will greatly benefit from their involvement with the FEI and its wide-ranging portfolio.”

“We are delighted to have been appointed by such a prestigious international federation,” said Marc Hope, Director, Rights Marketing at The Sports Consultancy. “The high interest and participation of equestrian sport in major economies around the world, combined with its distinct positioning and demographic is incredibly appealing and we are extremely confident that our experience, use of data and understanding of the market will deliver significant results for the FEI and for the sport as a whole.”

New Commercial Director

In other commercial news, Ralph Straus (NED) has joined the FEI as Commercial Director. He takes up the post at FEI Headquarters in the Olympic capital of Lausanne (SUI) this week.

Straus was previously Vice President of Marketing and Communications in the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in the United Arab Emirates, with the primary role of developing the global marketing and communications strategy for the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

Prior to taking up the Dubai role, Straus was Head of Strategy and Brand Management at FIFA for seven years, in charge of planning and executing the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup marketing campaigns, spearheading global licensing and brand development, and implementing all FIFA experiential marketing initiatives, including the FIFA Fan Fests.

He also oversaw the FIFA Interactive World Cup, an annual international competition of football video games recognised by the Guinness World Records Gamers Edition as the biggest global gaming tournament, collaborated with FIFA sponsors for global consumer engagement programs and developed social media strategies for FIFA event brands.

Ralph Straus (NED) has taken up the post of FEI Commercial Director at FEI headquarters in the Olympic capital of Lausanne (SUI). (Hugues Siegenthaler/FEI)

Straus has held several senior roles in the private sector, including at telecommunications company Swisscom and oil and gas company Royal Dutch Shell. He is also a regular speaker at conferences on sports marketing.

“The wealth of equestrian events, its rich history and the extensive global fan base presents compelling sponsor opportunities and provides fascinating content for broadcasters and digital platforms”, Straus said. “I am joining the FEI at a very exciting time and I am also keen to see how the changes in the digital landscape provide new opportunities to service the equestrian community and grow its fan base.”

“Ralph Straus’ extensive international marketing and commercial expertise in both the sport and private sectors will be massively beneficial to the FEI,” the FEI President said. “His leadership skills and experience in building up expert teams is crucial as we look to maximise our commercial goals into 2016 and beyond.”

Karim Benzema Admits Speaking To Valbuena About Sex Tape

According to reports from various French News sources, Karim Benzema has admitted in court to his part in the alleged blackmail of Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema appears to have mentioned the sex tape to Valbuena on the 5th of October whilst the two players were on international duty with France in Clairefontaine.

Investigators want to determine whether the conversation with Valbuena was a case of friendly advice or blackmail.

Benzema taken into custody yesterday i believed to have allegedly admitted his role in the alleged attempt to blackmail fellow-France international Mathieu Valbuena.

The French Striker’s Lawyer has however told the media that his client is innocent of all charges in any attempted blackmail charge.

Karim Benzema
photo credit Action Lovers
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/legalcode

This is a fall-out of the investigation that was instituted in July which as also seen former Liverpool Player Djibril Cisse questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Real Madrid Striker has been recuperating from injury in France for a few weeks in which he has missed some crucial games in the Spanish Liga and UEFA Champions League.

FIFA/COCA-COLA WORLD RANKING FOR NOVEMBER 2015

* Belgium top the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for the first time in history. The Red Devils have jumped two places on the November edition to replace previous leaders Argentina (3rd,down 2) and world champions Germany (2nd,unchanged).

* The biggest mover by point this month is Turkey (up 224 points)

* The biggest mover by rank this month is Chad (up 39 ranks)

* Wales made the biggest drop by point this month (down 163 points)

* Sudan made the biggest drop
by rank this month (drop down 44 ranks)

* Nigeria (drop down 7 ranks, down 18 points) is ranked 59th in the world ranking and 12th in the CAF ranking.

1 Belgium 1440 points

2 Germany 1388 points

3 Argentina 1383 points

4 Portugal 1364 points

5 Chile 1288 points

6 Spain 1287 points

7 Colombia 1233 points

8 Brazil 1208 points

9 England 1179 points

10 Austria 1130 points

11 Switzerland 1073 points

12 Uruguay 1051 points

13 Italy 1040 points

14 Romania 1039 points

15 Wales 1032 points

16 Netherlands 976 points

17 Czech Republic 974 points

18 Turkey 941 points

19 Croatia 924 points

20 Bosnia and Herzegovina 923 points

Top Ten African teams in World Ranking;

1. Côte d’Ivoire (22) 890 points

2. Algeria (26) 872 points

3. Ghana (30) 793 points

4. Cape Verde (32) 762 points

5. Senegal (39) 678 points

6. Tunisia (41) 668 points

7. Cameroon (51) 597 points

8. Republic of Congo (52) 593 points

9. Guinea (53) 589 points

10. DR Congo (55) 587 points

Klopp Denies Plans To Bring Gerrard Back To Liverpool

Source: Klopp Denies Plans To Bring Gerrard Back To Liverpool

Klopp Denies Plans To Bring Gerrard Back To Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp Rules Out Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool Return

Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena also reiterated that Steven Gerrard will not be leaving the club.

Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp as denied the rumours making the rounds that LA Galaxy Midfielder And former Liverpool Captain will be making a return to Anfield as a player.

KLopp is however open to the idea of the Kop Legend training with the team whenever he’s in town. Coach Bruce Arena of the LA Galaxy as also affirmed that Gerrard is staying with the MLS side.

Steven Gerrard
photo credit: WBUR Boston’s NPR News Station
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode

Some fans of Liverpool would have loved a situation that would see Gerrard play for the Red’s during the MLS off season just Thiery Henry did with Arsenal a few years ago.

Liu Regains Top Spot on ITTF World Ranking After World Cup Victory

LIU Shiwen has regained the top spot on the ITTF World Rankings after her victories at the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Polish Open and ITTF Women’s World Cup in October.

LIU’s 4th success in 4 attempts at the Women’s World Cup has not only put her name on par alongside the legendary ZHANG Yining, but also helped put her back to the no. 1 spot in the world.

The 24 year-old Chinese shared “I’m happy to be back on the number spot. I certainly hope to maintain the current good form I am in now and continue working hard to achieve more!”

LIU has replaced her compatriot, 2015 World Champion DING Ning, who had overtaken her since October, to occupy the top position for a 23rd time. Dislodged from her no. 1 spot, DING now occupies the third spot on the ranking, which is her lowest position in four years, the last time she was third in the World was in September 2011.

Despite her quarterfinal defeat to Netherland’s LI Jiao at the Women’s World Cup, 20 year-old ZHU Yuling has reached her career’s highest, advancing to second in the world, with the help of her success in the doubles event at the Polish Open.

Other star players at the ITTF Women’s World Cup earlier last weekend in Sendai, Japan, also saw ascending of their world rankings in November. Surprise semifinalist after upsetting 2 top 10 players in a row, Germany’s Petrissa Solja saw meteoric climb from no. 26 to no. 14 to reach her career best. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Dina MESHREF climbed to no. 100 after becoming the first African player to ever qualify for the main draw of the Women’s World Cup.

Liu Shiwen regains top spot in the world after Women’s World Cup victory

Meanwhile, 2015 World Champion and Men’s World Cup Champion, MA Long continues to dominate the Men’s World Ranking for the 39th time in his career. 18 year old FAN Zhendong overtakes 2015 Mixed Double World Champion XU Xin to finish second in the world after claiming victory at the Polish Open, and taking the 2nd place on his Men’s World Cup debut in Halmstad.

Runner-up at the Polish Open, Austria’s Stefan FEGERL also saw a major jump from no. 42 to no.23 after surprising reigning Olympics Champion ZHANG Jike in the semifinals to prevent an all-Chinese Final.

Check out more on the November ITTF World Rankings on ITTF.com/ITTF_Ranking

SPORTS STAKEHOLDERS TASK BULLET ENERGY DRINK TO GROOM MORE FUTURE CHAMPIONS

The adjutant commander of the Nigeria Army Onitsha barracks, Major A A Balarabe has reiterated federal government’s resolve to continue to provide the enabling environment that would stimulate and promote grassroots sports development in the country.

He stated this yesterday when he played host to the kids particpating at the on-going Bullet Energy drink/ Samuel Oguche basketball camp in Onitsha Anambra state.

Major Balarabe noted that grassroots sports development was at the core of the sports policy driving the programmes and activities of the Naion.

According to him government would readily support any initiative geared towards the promotion of grassroots development because of the high premium it places on sport development.

He said with the support of brands like Bullet Energy drink, Nigeria can extend her frontiers and become a super power in no time in the arena of the game of basketball.

WBSC Launches New Website and WBSC.org Domain

2015 WBSC Premier12™ Microsite is Online

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) today revealed the world governing body’s new official website and domain name, http://www.wbsc.org, following months of close collaboration between the WBSC Baseball and WBSC Softball Divisions.

The domain name has been transferred from wbsc.co to wbsc.org.

The main features of the new site include a fully integrated baseball/softball “side-by-side” homepage to showcase the partnership and the universality the sport.

One of the main features of the homepage is dedicated to highlighting the more than 140 National Federations and Members who make up the baseball/softball world.

“We are very proud to announce that the new, multi-language website of the International Federation has been created and is now online,” said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. “This new website is a symbol of a new era and journey together that leads to a very bright future for the growth and long-term partnership of baseball and softball.”

The new website also features exclusive baseball-only and softball-only sub-sites, in order for users to navigate easily through specific content of interest.

The new online home of the international federation has the ability to create tournament microsites for the WBSC world championships and international events.

The launch of the website comes before the start of the newest flagship international baseball tournament, WBSC Premier12, which is set to open this Sunday, 8 November.

While the foundation of wbsc.org has been built, the website is still in the final phases of intense construction.