Igor Akinfeev fast becoming the heir to the legendary Lev Yashin

The CSKA Moscow skipper has enjoyed a tremendous 12 months with club and country and is set to seal his place among the game's greats

Whichever way you look at it, 2012-13 was a remarkable season for Igor Akinfeev. An absolute colossus between the posts for both CSKA Moscow and Russia, it is only fitting that he has since added individual honours to the league and cup double he secured with his club.

Named as the Russian Premier League player of the season - as well as being voted the best shot-stopper in the world by Goal readers ahead of his inclusion in Goal 50 - the 27-year-old Muscovite has recovered admirably from a difficult couple of years. Since damaging cruciate ligaments in a clash with Spartak Moscow’s Welliton in August 2011, Akinfeev has regained the Russian No.1 jersey from Vyacheslav Malafeev, guided his team to domestic glory and finally underlined his reputation as one of Europe’s top keepers.

“He’s irreplaceable and he knows it,” the CSKA head coach Leonid Slutsky said of his star man in an interview with Sport Express in June.

“Speaking seriously, a star of this magnitude needs an individual approach from a coach. It requires some effort but, then again, that has paid off handsomely.”


Redemption | Akinfeev has recovered from a serious injury in the grand manner
Whatever Slustky and his predecessors have done to nurture the Koni captain’s ability, it certainly has paid off. Akinfeev made his Russian top-flight debut at just 16, saving a penalty as CSKA beat Krylya Sovetov 2-0, and has since made over 260 appearances for the club.

There is an objective brilliance played out in the Russian’s statistics from the previous campaign - 18 clean sheets for CSKA as well as surpassing the exploits of Soviet-era greats Rinat Dasayev and Lev Yashin in setting a national team record by going 708 minutes without conceding. This is all supporting evidence for a talent that has proved an inspiration for club and country alike.

RUSSIAN GOALKEEPING LEGENDS
Player	Years	Caps
Rinat Dasaev	1979-90 (USSR)	91
Lev Yashin	1954-67 (USSR)	74
Igor Akinfeev	2004-present	60

With his outstanding reflexes, courage in one-on-one situations and impeccable reading of the game, Akinfeev has been a rock in CSKA’s recent ascent. It is no coincidence, after all, that the Army Men’s league-winning success came with the joint best defensive record in the division, shipping a miserly 25 goals.

Probably no performance better defined Akinfeev’s season than the Russian Cup final against Anzhi Makhachkala. Played in the unfamiliar setting of the Chechen capital Grozhny - and boycotted by CSKA fans as a result - the Koni were under constant pressure in what was essentially an away game. Akinfeev was imperious, making a string of magnificent stops, repeatedly denying Samuel Eto’o in particular, to keep the game at 1-1 before saving decisively from Yuri Zhirkov to seal a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win.

For CSKA to secure their first league title since 2006 individual heroics were always likely to be required. The Koni should, on paper, not even be able to compete with some of their major rivals. Their wealth pales into comparison with that of Anzhi Makhachkala (at least before their recently announced ‘re-formatting’), Zenit St Petersburg, Spartak Moscow and even Dynamo Moscow, backed as they are by VTB Bank. CSKA are not the wealthiest, not the most popular, and nor do they have the most star-studded squad - but they have been crafted into an extremely cohesive unit. Akinfeev has led a formidable defensive partnership alongside Alexey Berezutskiy and Sergey Ignashevich, providing a stable base for the attacking talents of Keisuke Honda among others. It is certainly hard to imagine CSKA repeating their success without the influence of their captain.

Equally, for critics who suggest that Akinfeev’s efforts in the Russian Premier League lack the credibility to propel him into the pantheon of the world’s great keepers, it is worth remembering that he has shone no less brightly at international level. Russia have conceded just twice in their six World Cup Qualifying games so far and still look likely to reach the tournament for the first time in 12 years.

Akinfeev, though, remains endearingly humble the face of the praise lavished upon him:

"The saves I made were mostly fortunate,” he said after lifting the Russian cup. “Today I got lucky and I'd like to thank my team-mates who helped me."

It is precisely that attitude that has made the inevitable Yashin comparisons slightly more palatable. In Russia, Yashin is like the Dalai Lama, there is an incarnation for every generation and too many Russian keepers have been burdened by association with the 1963 European Footballer of the Year - still the only goalkeeper to have won the award. It is the unfortunate curse of Russian football’s greatest icon.

Emulating Yashin, universally regarded as one of the greatest to play the game, is near impossible but Akinfeev has a chance to at least partially justify those comparisons. However, at 27 and approaching the peak of his career, the CSKA captain will soon face a crossroads: remain in Russia or prove his worth in one of Europe’s top leagues. His legacy will no doubt depend on that choice but, though there have been many pretenders to the throne of the Black Panther, in Akinfeev there may actually be a man worthy of being called his heir.

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Simeone: Atletico can still win Supercopa

The Argentine was quite satisfied with his side's performance at the Vicente Calderon and thinks they can cause Barcelona trouble in the return leg

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes his team still have every chance of winning the Supercopa de Espana after drawing 1-1 at home to Barcelona in the first leg on Wednesday.

David Villa helped the hosts to a 1-0 lead with a stunning volley on 12 minutes, but Neymar eventually levelled proceedings again after the interval.

Simeone was pleased with his team's performance, though, and believes a repeat of that would give them a chance of claiming the trophy at Camp Nou on August 28.

"The tie is still very open and it will be anyone's to win. I expect a tough game at Camp Nou next week," the Argentine said at a press conference.

"Barcelona will feel much stronger playing in front of their home fans and I know it will be hard for us. We will have to put in a lot of effort to keep the rhythm and the tempo to the game in order to stay in the tie. If we play the football we played tonight in the first half we can.

"We faced the best team in the world and we performed really well against them and used our weapons to good effect."

Simeone then went on to stress that Atletico were the better side of the two before the break and could very well have led by a bigger margin at half-time.

"In the first half of the game we were outstanding tactically and the players put in an excellent performance.

"We managed to get hold of the ball and allow David Villa to score a great goal against his old club. That was a good moment for us.

"He had another good chance as well but Barcelona defended well on that attack. That was a chance for us to take a 2-0 lead and in my opinion that would have been a fair score at the interval.

"In the second half neither side played well but Barcelona somehow managed to score a great goal to level the tie. I predict we will have an open second leg on Wednesday."

The return at Camp Nou takes place on August 28.

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Klopp: Dortmund were more creative in the past

The successful coach feels his side's attack is not at the same level as in previous years yet and is looking forward to the game against Werder Bremen

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes his side are less creative than last season, but is hopeful that things will go smoother for them in attack once their new signings have adapted to life at BVB.

The Bundesliga giants brought in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer to replace the departed Mario Gotze, but Klopp feels his attack is not at the same level as in previous years just yet, despite thrashing Augsburg 4-0 in their league opener and a 2-1 win over Eintracht Braunschweig a week later.

"It's not unusual to struggle a bit in attack at the beginning of the season. We have been more creative in the past," Klopp told reporters.

The BVB coach then went on to discuss Friday's clash against Werder Bremen and warned his men that their next opponents will be brimming with confidence following their good start to the season, although he feels they were quite fortunate to win their opening two games.

"I think Bremen know that their first two wins against Eintracht Braunschweig and Augsburg were quite lucky," Klopp said.

"Braunschweig could have drawn, Augsburg had a lot of possession and a lot of chances but Bremen were patient and fought very well.

"I didn't even realise until listening to an interview with [Bremen midfielder] Zlatko Junuzovic, saying it was their first win since February.

"And that's how it must have felt for them. It gives them a boost for the week and they should be more confident."

Dortmund host Bremen at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday at 20:30CET.

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Wenger hails Arsenal's 'mental strengths' in Fenerbahce win

The Gunners boss is delighted with the resilience and determination showed by his team as goals from Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud snatched a decisive advantage

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised his team's "mental strengths" after their convincing win over Fenerbahce on Wednesday.

Goals from Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud saw the Gunners claim a 3-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League play-off in Turkey and the Frenchman hailed his side for the way in which they dealt with a hostile atmosphere at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadyumu.

"This team has shown a lot of mental strengths. I told you yesterday and you forget that this team has only lost one game since March - and under very special circumstances," Wenger told reporters.

 "With the environment we faced, it was difficult but there is only one way to do it, go out there and play football like we want to play."

Defender Laurent Koscielny was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury after being kicked in the face by Fenerbahce striker Pierre Webo.

Arsenal overcame that setback with three second-half goals, including Giroud's 77th-minute penalty, which put them into a commanding position heading into the second leg, and, despite having to wait 51 minutes for the opening goal, Wenger felt that his team were always in control of the contest.

"I believe we played in a very heated atmosphere against a good team but we had a proactive attitude from the first minute on and that certainly was very important," the Gunners boss enthused.

"We didn't come in shaky, we came in resolute and determined with the desire to take the game to them and overall we were in control."

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Martino: Atletico superior to Barca for parts of the game

The Argentine coach has acknowledged that the hosts were the better team in the opening 45 minutes and said Lionel Messi will undergo further examination on his injury on Thursday

Gerardo Martino has admitted that Atletico Madrid were superior to Barcelona for parts of Wednesday's Supercopa de Espana encounter at the Vicente Calderon, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

A David Villa strike against his former team gave the hosts the lead early on, but Neymar - who replaced Lionel Messi at half-time - restored parity halfway through the second half.

Nevertheless, Martino was quick to acknowledge that the Madrid side made life difficult for Barcelona with their gameplan.

"Atletico were the superior side during parts of the game. The 1-1 draw is a result that does justice to what happened on the pitch. The match had very distinct parts, they dominated the first half and we dominated the second," he said at a press conference.

"It was very hard for Messi and any of the other attacking midfield players out there because they found it hard to get the ball. It was hard for them to find space as both teams defended well and Atletico kept it tight.

"It was difficult to get forward as easily as we sometimes do, so occasionally we had to try long balls to reduce Atletico's defensive power.
"If we had just played short balls it would have been easier for them to predict but with the long ball we could get one-on-one a bit easier. That was probably the reason we played more long balls than we usually do in a game."

The Argentine coach then went on to discuss Messi's physical situation and confirmed the prolific attacker will undergo further examination on Thursday.

"He Messi had a knock and then a muscle problem so we will do the required examinations to see how serious it is," Martino said.
"It didn't make sense to keep him on the field if he couldn't move comfortably."

Martino refused to say whether Barcelona were interested in signing Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas, who was benched for his team's La Liga opener.

"If he is not the best goalkeeper in the world, then he is the second best. That's my opinion on him but it has nothing to do with anything in regards a transfer.

"I am not the person to comment on the rumours at the moment."

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Arsenal and Basel in Champions League driving seat

A host of clubs were in action on Wednesday night as they bid to book their place in the group stages of European football's elite competition


Arsenal and Basel have one foot in the Champions League proper after recording victories in the first-leg of their play-off encounters on Wednesday night.

The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners over a disappointing Fenerbahce side, with goals from Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud sealing a much needed win.

Another side to seal an impressive away victory were Swiss champions Basel, who ran out 4-2 victors at Ludogorets.
Murat Yakin's men went in front in Bulgaria after just 12 minutes through Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, before Marcelinho drew the home side level 11 minutes later.
Midfielder Ivan Stoyanov then gave the hosts the lead after the interval, but Basel responded in style with Salah's second of the game, a strike from Giovanni Sio and a late Fabian Schaar penalty putting them firmly in charge of the tie.
Schalke have endured a nightmare start to the new Bundesliga campaign and their chances of reaching the group stages of the Champions League are in the balance after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by PAOK.
The German side dominated the vast majority of the match at the Veltins Arena and Jefferson Farfan put them in front midway through the first half. However, Miroslav Stoch grabbed an equaliser and an all-important away goal for the Greek visitors 17 minutes from time.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Austria Vienna put themselves in the driving seat for qualification by nicking a 2-0 win away at Dinamo Zagreb.
The Austrian champions soaked up pressure from Dinamo throughout the game and got their noses in front on 68 minutes through Marin Leovac, before striker Marko Stankovic sealed the victory seven minutes later.
Meanwhile, the tie between Steaua Bucharest and Legia Warsaw remains too close to call after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the Romanian capital.
Federico Piovaccari put the home side ahead with a smart finish in the first half, but Jakub Kosecki grabbed a crucial away goal for the visitors eight minutes after the break.

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Barcelona suffer Messi injury scare

The Blaugrana's talisman could miss his side's upcoming games after being replaced at half-time on Wednesday night

Barcelona face an anxious wait to determine the severity of Lionel Messi's hamstring injury after he was forced to come off at the end of the first half in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

A first Blaugrana goal for Neymar cancelled out David Villa's opener for Atleti in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday, but Messi's withdrawal at the break marred the visitors' spirited fightback.

"Messi has been replaced as a precaution following some discomfort in the back of the left thigh," read a Tweet on the club's official Twitter stream during the game.

The Argentina international will now undergo further tests on Thursday which will reveal the full extent of his problem, with supporters no doubt hoping he hasn't suffered the same problem that kept him out of the end of last season.
Messi sustained a hamstring injury in the first-leg of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

He then appeared as a substitute in the second leg to inspire Barca to victory, but the 26-year-old only aggravated the injury further and sat out the final three games of the campaign with the Liga title already secured. 

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BREAKING NEWS: Wolfsburg confirm Gustavo capture

The holding midfielder has opted against a move to Arsenal and will continue his career at the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions

Wolfsburg have announced on their official website that they have secured the services of Luiz Gustavo from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee, beating Arsenal to the signature of the Brazil international.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions and will be officially presented later on Friday.

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Barcelona's Mascherano reveals Rafael Benitez contact

The Argentina international has admitted that he is still in regular touch with his former Liverpool boss amid reports linking him with a move to Napoli

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted that he is still in regular contact with Rafael Benitez amid reports that Napoli are interested in signing the Argentine.

The 29-year-old worked with the Spanish coach from 2007 until 2010 during his time at Liverpool and has fond memories of the current Partenopei boss.

"Am I going to Napoli? I can only say that I have a lot of respect for Rafa," Mascherano was quoted as saying by Il Mattino.

"We still often speak to each other. We keep in touch pretty much on a daily basis. He has helped me become a better player.

"A reunification? I like Serie A, but I'm still a Barcelona player at the moment."

Mascherano, whose contract with Barcelona runs until 2016, recently admitted that a number of clubs have enquired about his availability, but added that no concrete offers have been made. 

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Arsenal - Aston Villa Betting Preview: Expect both sides to find the net at the Emirates

The Gunners host the Villains on the opening day of the season, with our tipster backing a Belgian superstar to continue where he left off last season

After securing fourth place on the final day of last season, Arsenal begin another season looking to break their barren run of no trophy since 2005.

Aston Villa are the visitors on Saturday afternoon after a strong end to last season, Paul Lambert’s men survived relegation and finished in 15th position. Despite bringing in a few players, the fact that they have kept hold of Christian Benteke has been their big transfer news this summer.

Aston Villa come into this match after a solid pre-season. Despite a slow start, drawing their first three friendlies and losing away at Luton Town, Lambert’s men turned results around with four wins in a row, scoring an impressive 15 goals in those matches.

They will come into this match against Arsenal without fear, having narrowly lost to their opponents back in February. Paddy Power price them at 15/2 (8.50) to win the match.

Arsenal have also had a mixed pre-season, kicking off their summer with some great results in Asia. Arsene Wenger’s men recorded three victories before returning to London to take part in the Emirates Cup. Once back on home soil, the Gunners struggled, drawing with Napoli and losing to Galatasaray.

With Wenger yet to break the bank with a star signing, once again he will be under pressure from the fans from game week one. Arsenal are heavy favourites with Paddy Power to win this match, the firm pricing them at 2/5 (1.40) to kick off their season with a win. The same firm price the draw at 7/2 (4.50).

Despite being a tad short, the bet of Both teams to score at 4/6 (1.66) is certainly worth backing. Arsenal’s last five friendly matches would have paid out on this bet, and with Villa not struggling to fin the net, this bet cannot be ignored.

For those looking for more value, backing Villa’s star man to net anytime at 2/1 (3.00) is worth investing in. Christian Benteke finished the season as the ‘in-form’ striker, netting eight goals in his final nine league matches. Despite speculation of him leaving the club, the Belgian signed a new deal in the summer and is likely to continue his end of season form this term.

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But Villas-boas maintains that the club do not want to sell their prize asset and are not willing to negotiate a transfer with Real and says the PFA and FWA player of the year remains tight-lipped about his future. “His mental state nobody knows because the player doesn’t speak,” the Portuguese told reporters. “The only thing that we are able to see or you [media] are able to see is the player arriving in and out of the training ground. “We are aware that Real Madrid are interested in the player. It doesn’t mean that we are willing to negotiate on him. Our idea is to count on Gareth. "We can speak to the players regarding their ambitions and we can explain to them that at certain stages players are under contract and have the responsibility towards their clubs and we as the club, or the chairman as the person who controls the club, has to defend their own interest.” Villas-Boas this week ruled Bale out of Spurs’ Premier League curtain-raiser with Crystal Palace as the forward continues to struggle with a foot injury and the former Chelsea and Porto boss has warned he may not be ready to feature until September. “Obviously he is very far off regarding his fitness compared to the others,” the 35-year-old added. “So it will take some time to bring him back to the level that the others are after six weeks. But the player is a super athlete. For Palace, for Dinamo Tbilisi, for Swansea, he will not be in line to threaten to come back.”

The Uruguay international has come a long way from his humble beginnings to become one of football's most expensive players of all-time

He's the second most expensive footballer of all-time after completing a €64 million move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but Edinson Cavani's rise to stardom is every inch a roots to riches tale.

The explosive forward is set to make his full debut for Laurent Blanc's side in front of a partisan Parisian support against Ajaccio on Sunday, despite missing Uruguay's international friendly against Japan with a minor injury.

But way before Cavani first laced up a pair of boots or became the subject of a transfer saga that threatened to run longer than his shoulder length hair, it was very much a case of green fingers for the Salto-born star.

The Uruguay international was at one with nature from an early age and would earn extra money by helping neighbours with their gardening.

“Since he was little we went fishing together and camping in the mountains, and there he always felt happy fishing, hunting and sleeping on the floor," his father Luis remembers.

“He asked me to lend him the tools and he had his customers. Although there weren’t so many customers, it was enough to enable him to make some money and feel comfortable.”

CAVANI'S RISE TO STARDOM
NAPOLI COME CALLING
	After three goal-filled years with Palermo, Napoli splashed out €17 million on the striker as Cavani became Serie A's hottest property.
COPA AMERICA GLORY
	Cavani's success continued on the international stage. In 2011 he was part of the Uruguay side that lifted the Copa America.
€64 MILLION MAN
	After topping the Serie A scoring charts in 2012-13 with 29 goals, PSG paid Napoli €64 million to partner Ibrahimovic at Parc des Princes.

As a former professional footballer and coach, football has played as big a part in Luis' life as his son's, but as he approaches his retirement he still loves to be close to nature. Every day he drives a tractor and helps to get rid of weeds near to the Salto Grande hydroelectric dam for the company which employs him.

It was Luis’ influence that first saw Edinson set out on the path to becoming a footballer, while Edinson’s elder half-brother, Walter Guglielmone, also plays the game in China for Beijing BIT.

Luis, who was known as “El Gringo” because of his Italian surname, played for Nacional and Salto Uruguay and later coached both teams. Edinson first played the game at the age of three and soon began playing for various junior teams in his native city of Salto, where he quickly began to show his talent.

Luis recalls: “Edinson always wanted to play with a ball on any ground near home with other kids and they’d set up a goal and have fun with it as long as they could.

“He joined Salto Uruguay at the age of 12 and when he was 13 I took over coaching the team and put him in the youth first team, not because he was my son but because he had the ability and I saw him as a footballer.

“With him being a kid when I was in charge of the Salto team, he accompanied me and with his thin little legs he’d practise shooting at goalkeepers and in warm-ups and the same when I coached a Colonias Agrarias team, he’d get involved and play.”

But Edinson was not allowed to neglect his studies because of football.

Luis, who is the father to two sons and three daughters, explained: “We’ve always tried to give the children the best for their education and I’ve always told them, especially Edinson, that before playing football they would have to develop as people to succeed in life and he’s clear about that, because otherwise there’s no point being a star on the pitch and an example of nothing away from it.

“An example of his devotion to football is the fact that as an adolescent he wasn’t bothered about night parties and always wanted to go to bed early so that the next morning he could have all his energy to give to the ball. Football was his life," he added.

When Edinson moved to the capital Montevideo to join Uruguayan outfit Liverpool at the age of 17, he missed his native Salto and didn’t enjoy the atmosphere with his team-mates.

He asked Walter for advice. Walter, who has the same mother but a different father, was a player with Danubio at the time and told him to try his luck with the side.

Former Danubio head Anibal Rey recalls: “At Danubio we received Edinson Cavani with open arms. Besides, he came recommended by his half-brother Walter Guglielmone and he adapted quickly.

“In February 2006, we went with Danubio youth team to play in the Coppa Carnevale in Viareggio (Italy) and he was in the team. He put in two great performances, and it led to (Italian team) Chievo de Verona setting eyes on him and they invited him to stay for a week, training, but then the transfer didn’t happen.”

Edinson was promoted to Danubio’s first team and scored his first goal for the side in May 2006, ironically against Liverpool.

To begin with, Cavani was far from a prolific goalscorer and tended to miss a lot of chances, but intensive work with his coach, Matosas, helped to transform him into one of Europe's most feared hitmen.

He joined Italian club Palermo in a €4.4 million deal back in 2007 before moving to Napoli three years later, where he found the back of the net 104 times in 138 games in all competitions, including an incredible 38 goals last season.

Such is his popularity in Naples, they even named a pizza and a brand of biscuits after him. Cavani subsequently attracted attention from Europe's biggest clubs, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City all credited with an interest in the player, but in the end it was PSG - with the backing of their mega-rich owners - who were able to secure the deal.

Throughout the saga, he endured a painful split from his wife, Soldead Cabris. The pair separated in March this year, with Cavani's father Luis keen for the matter to remain a private one.

“I won’t talk about Edinson’s marital split with Soledad because there are two beautiful grandchildren involved," he added. "The parents are grown-up enough and all I’ve asked them is to think about the children so that they don’t suffer with this separation.”

His life away from football may well be far from perfect, but as he prepares to pull on a Paris Saint-Germain jersey and begin a new chapter in his career on Sunday, the shoots of success show no signs of slowing anytime soon.

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Bale not talking to Tottenham team-mates, reveals Villas-Boas

The Spurs manager says the Wales international is keeping quiet about a possible transfer to Real Madrid, while maintaining the stance that his key player is not for sale

Tottenham head coach Andre Villas-Boas has revealed Gareth Bale is remaining silent over his potential transfer to Real Madrid.

The Wales international has been the subject of a failed world record bid from Los Blancos, and negotiations seem to have reached an impasse as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy holds out for the best possible price.

Bale, who has not featured for the club since their first pre-season friendly against Swindon on July 16 due to injury, has revealed privately his desire to leave north London and complete a dream move to the Spanish capital.
But Villas-boas maintains that the club do not want to sell their prize asset and are not willing to negotiate a transfer with Real and says the PFA and FWA player of the year remains tight-lipped about his future.

“His mental state nobody knows because the player doesn’t speak,” the Portuguese told reporters.

“The only thing that we are able to see or you [media] are able to see is the player arriving in and out of the training ground.

“We are aware that Real Madrid are interested in the player. It doesn’t mean that we are willing to negotiate on him. Our idea is to count on Gareth.

"We can speak to the players regarding their ambitions and we can explain to them that at certain stages players are under contract and have the responsibility towards their clubs and we as the club, or the chairman as the person who controls the club, has to defend their own interest.”

Villas-Boas this week ruled Bale out of Spurs’ Premier League curtain-raiser with Crystal Palace as the forward continues to struggle with a foot injury and the former Chelsea and Porto boss has warned he may not be ready to feature until September.

“Obviously he is very far off regarding his fitness compared to the others,” the 35-year-old added.

“So it will take some time to bring him back to the level that the others are after six weeks. But the player is a super athlete. For Palace, for Dinamo Tbilisi, for Swansea, he will not be in line to threaten to come back.”

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Khedira not leaving Madrid, insists agent

The holding midfielder has recently been linked with a summer move, but his representative has stressed his client is going nowhere

Sami Khedira has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer, his agent Jorg Neubauer has insisted.

The holding midfielder no longer seems to be an undisputed starter at Madrid under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti and has recently been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, however, the Italian has denied the German will move.

However, his representative has also made it clear there is no truth in the rumours linking him with the Ligue 1 champions.

"Sami will play at Madrid in the upcoming season," Neubauer was quoted as saying by Bild.

"I don't know who seems to think it's fun to spread rumours about his future. It's annoying and hurts Sami."

Khedira joined Madrid from Stuttgart in the summer of 2010 and has since developed into an important first team member.

The 26-year-old has a contract with the Liga giants until June 2015. 

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Valencia - Malaga Betting Preview: Back the hosts to win by at least two goals

Our man in Spain, Phil Kitromilides, believes that a much-weakened Malaga side will lose by at least a couple of goals on Saturday night

As it has for many clubs in Spain, this summer has been one of upheavel and departures for both Valencia and Malaga. The two clubs have had to sell their best player with Roberto Soldado and Isco leaving Mestalla and La Rosaleda respectively and new managers taking the helm in the form of Miroslav Dukic and Bernd Schuster.

In short, nobody quite knows what to expect from these two outfits, and while Valencia still have the capacity to fight for what looks like a very open fourth spot, Malaga could possibly be an outisde bet to struggle against relegation.

The Andalusians are certainly outsiders for Saturday night's match with Bet365 pricing them at 5/1 (6.00) while Valencia are offered at 53/100 (1.53).

This should be an entertaining encounter and on paper along with Sevilla v Atletico on Sunday is arguably the most attractive match of the opening weekend.

Quite why both this and the aformentioned fixture in Seville then have been scheduled for 11pm kicks off local time is beyond the comprehension of many, but there should at least be a decent opening night crowd at Mestalla.

Despite the loss of Soldado, Valencia have by far the superior squad, and one can understand why they are odds on favorites to overcome a Malaga side who they thrashed 5-1 in their last meeting back in April.

Not only have Malaga lost Isco, but they are without the combatitive guile of Jeremy Toulouan and the threatening width of Joaquin who have departed for Monaco and Fiorentina respectively.

The are considerably weaker and as such should be opposed in the market.

Initially backing Valencia to score over 1.5 goals looks like a good option but the price of 61/100 (1.61) is somewhat unattractive.

Instead, backing Valencia with a -1 handicap at 19/20 (1.95) is infinitely more appealling.

This bet paid out 10 times in Valencia's games at home last season and against a Malaga side who look like they could struggle this year, it has every chance of doing so again.

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Fantasy Football: Gameweek 1 - who should you pick this week?

Goal takes a look at the best players to pick - or avoid - on the opening gameweek of the new Premier League season and selects an XI to tackle this week's fixtures

START 'EM - WHICH PLAYERS SHOULD YOU PICK?
For those looking to make a quick start in the Goal Fantasy Football game, loading your team with Chelsea players (a maximum of three is allowed) is a great way to ensure short-term gains. The west Londonders take on Hull City and Aston Villa in a double gameweek that promises lots of of goals. In attack, Romelu Lukaku (7.5) has been the Blues' outstanding striker in pre-season, notching five goals and providing two assists, and could be the best value pick from any of the top six clubs.

Chelsea boasted a +9 goal difference over Villa last season, conceding just one goal in their two encounters, while Steve Bruce's side were the lowest scorers in the top half of the Championship last term. That bodes well for the Blues' back line and those in need of a solid goalkeeper need look no further than Petr Cech (6.0).

Another newly promoted side, Crystal Palace, found clean sheets hard to come by last season as they shipped a whopping 62 goals in the second tier last season – the joint-worst record in the top 10. The Eagles' probable centre-back partnership of Danny Gabbidon and Damien Delaney could really struggle to deal with the movement, acceleration and goal threat of Tottenham's £25.9 million record signing Roberto Soldado (8.0).

One of the most in-form players during the close-season has been Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho (8.0). The reasonably priced Brazilian, who scored or assisted every 92 minutes last term, takes on a Stoke City side who have shown little form in pre-season and it remains to be seen whether Tony Pulis's negative, long-ball tactics were holding the Potters back or simply keeping them afloat.

SIT 'EM - WHICH PLAYERS SHOULD YOU AVOID?

Gareth Bale (11.0) was a must-have player last season, and a Premier League fixture against most people's tip to finish bottom of the Premier League would normally have Fantasy Football managers salivating. But Tottenham will be without the injured Welshman when they face Crystal Palace on Sunday and, with his future in doubt, he is not worth selecting.

Meanwhile, any member of the Manchester United back line is best avoided. David Moyes labelled the club's opening fixtures as "the hardest start for 20 years" and they begin their title defence with a tricky away trip to the Liberty Stadium where they face a Swansea City side who have scored more goals (28) than any other team in pre-season.

United's attackers remain appetising, however, but Shinji Kagawa's (8.0) absence from the Community Shield starting XI could signal a lack of faith in the Japan international.

Aston Villa may have a double gameweek but they face Arsenal and Chelsea – both away – in the space of just five days. In the respective fixtures last season, the Villans shipped a combined 10 goals and their defence, despite receiving much-needed reinforcements this summer, should be given a wide berth.

Villa will likely face a Chelsea team that is bereft of Juan Mata (10.0). The Spaniard, as well as countryman and Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla (9.5), have been given little game time in pre-season after their Confederations Cup exploits and are unlikely to feature much in the first few gameweeks.

THE BARGAIN BASEMENT

Every team need to have their share of cheaper players, though some are more valuable than others. With Sunderland's main man last term, Steven Fletcher, injured, the stage is set for new signing Jozy Altidore (6.0) to have a big impact on Wearside. The USA international has been a handful in pre-season and scored a fantastic hat-trick for Jurgen Klinsmann's men on Wednesday night that will have boosted his confidence.

No team has picked up more wins in pre-season than West Ham, scoring 25 goals en route to eight victories. The Hammers start the new season with a home tie against last year's Championship winners, Cardiff City, who could be in for a rough ride. Matt Jarvis (5.0) has been one of the east London club's best performers and, even accounting for the probable absence of target man Andy Carroll, could be a shrewd selection.

Few players are as undervalued as Tottenham's Danny Rose (4.0) this year. The 23-year-old was in brilliant form for Sunderland last season and appears to have dethroned rival left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto upon his return to White Hart Lane. Adventurous and attacking, he won a penalty in Spurs' final pre-season tie against Espanyol and has a kind opening match against the now Wilfried Zaha-less Crystal Palace.

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE - TOP TIP FOR DOUBLE POINTS

There is only one team worth looking at when exploring your captain candidate options and that's Chelsea. The Blues have a favourable double gameweek, with both matches at home, and have been in brilliant form in pre-season. They take on newly promoted Hull at the weekend before facing Aston Villa on Wednesday – in the same fixture last season, they recorded an 8-0 win over Paul Lambert's men.

Eden Hazard (9.5) has been in top form in pre-season, bagging a couple of goals and several more assists, and looks the surest bet to start of Chelsea's horde of attacking options. If Frank Lampard is not on the field, then the Belgian winger will also take on penalty duties. Last season, the 22-year-old made an outrageous start to the season, picking up a goal and six assists in his first three games, and could easily match that return this term.

GAMEWEEK 1 - BEST XI

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Granero joins Real Sociedad on loan

The 26-year-old has returned to La Liga on a season-long deal with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign

Esteban Granero has agreed to join Real Sociedad on a season-long loan from QPR.

The move marks a return to Spain for the 26-year-old who joined the English club from Real Madrid in 2012.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the club since their relegation from the Premier League last season, and he has now penned a deal with the Champions League newcomers.

"Esteban Granero has returned to Spain to join Real Sociedad on loan," read a statement on QPR's official website on Thursday.

Fulham had expressed interest in his services and were reported to have made an enquiry for the player this week, but the former Spain U21 international has elected to return to La Liga.

Real Sociedad have confirmed that the midfielder will arrive in San Sebastian on Friday and that they have the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

La Real have been in the market for midfield reinforcement ever since Asier Illarramendi joined Real Madrid for €30 million in July. 

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Costinha targets trophy with Pacos Ferreira

The former Portugal international believes he can surpass the achievements of predecessor Paulo Fonseca and lead the club to a first major title

New Pacos Ferreira boss Costinha is adamant that he can win a trophy in his first season at the helm.

The former Portugal international is well aware that he has a big job on his hands surprassing the achievements of his predecessor, who led the club to a third-placed finish in the Primeira Division last season, earning a place in the Champions League playoffs for the first time in their history.

However, Costinha is in a bullish frame of mind, arguing that he is capable of going one better in the coming campaign by leading Pacos to a first major title.

"I know the stakes are high but I can't wait to start," he is quoted a saying by Uefa.com. "I believe we can surpass expectations once more.

"I want to continue and build on the good work of last season. I want to win a trophy, it is possible."

Costinha, who represented Atletico Madrid, Porto and Monaco during a peripatetic career, was capped 53 times by the Seleccao.

Pacos face Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg in their Champions League playoff clash, with the first leg taking place in Portugal on August 20.

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Gundogan ruled out until September

The Germany international aggravated a back problem against Paraguay and is not expected to return for Borussia Dortmund until next month

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been ruled out of action for a fortnight with a back injury.

The Germany international had to be withdrawn during the Euro 2012 semi-finalists' 3-3 draw with Paraguay on Wednesday night due to discomfort in his spinal region.

Further tests upon his return to Dortmund's training ground have clarified the issue and he is expected be sidelined until the end of August, meaning he will miss Bundesliga clashes with Eintracht Braunschweig and Werder Bremen.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is expected to be out for two weeks after limping off during Germany's friendly against Paraguay on Wednesday night.

"His back problems, which are a result of a spinal compression, have increased, according to BVB team doctor Markus Braun."

Gundogan will be hoping he can make a full recovery in time for Jurgen Klopp's men's trip to Eintracht Frankfurt on September 1 before another international window opens up.

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Van Gaal: Dutch played very badly at times in Portugal draw

The Netherlands coach was satisfied with the first half against Paulo Bento's men but slammed his side's performance in the latter 45 minutes

Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal has criticised his side's "very bad" second-half performance against Portugal on Wednesday.
The 2010 World Cup finalists were three minutes away from winning on the road after new Roma signing Kevin Strootman gave them the lead in the 17th minute, but a Cristiano Ronaldo strike ensured the tie finished 1-1.
Van Gaal acknowledged that a draw was still a good result, but questioned his side's fitness and composure in the second half, believing that his players ran out of steam in the friendly.
"In the first half we created as many chances as Portugal did," Van Gaal said. "We created a goal and I cannot say anything [bad] about the first half.
"If you do not lose against teams like Germany, Italy and Portugal, you are doing it right, but after the break we had possession and played very badly.
"We could not hold the ball and we saw the energy running out with some of the guys."
Netherlands have not lost a match since August last year and look set to qualify for World Cup 2014 having won six times in as many qualifying matches.

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Wolfsburg: Luiz Gustavo chances are good

The Gunners face the prospect of missing out on another top summer transfer target despite being confident of sealing a €20 million deal for the Brazil international

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has denied that the club have completed a deal for Arsenal target Luiz Gustavo.

The Gunners have been looking to seal a €20 million deal for the out-of-favour Bayern midfielder as Arsene Wenger hopes to add to the solitary summer arrival of Yaya Sanogo.

Despite strong interest from the Premier League side, Wolfsburg are hopeful of attracting Gustavo to the Volkswagen Arena although Allofs is adamant there is no deal in place just yet.

He told reporters: "The chances are good but the deal is not done. To report that is just false."

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking had earlier spoke of his optimism that a deal could be agreed for the Brazil international.

He told SID: "We can't confirm the transfer yet. He has been with the Selecao, so we haven't had more talks.

"But we hope he will decide for Wolfsburg. Of course we know there are several other clubs interested."

Martin Winterkorn, CEO of the VW Group who own Wolfsburg, put pressure on Hecking after he urged the side who finished 11th in Germany's top flight last season to sign the 26-year-old midfielder back in July.

Having already missed out on Gonzalo Higuain, who joined Napoli earlier in the transfer window, and with Liverpool adamant they will not allow Luis Suarez to leave for the Emirates Stadium, Wenger faces the prospect of missing out on another top target ahead of the start of the 2013-14 campaign. 

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Thiago Silva reveals PSG doubts

The Brazilian says he was unsure if leaving AC Milan for Ligue 1 was the right decision but now believes French football is among the best in the world

Thiago Silva has revealed he harboured major doubts about leaving AC Milan for Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

The defender, 28, left San Siro for an estimated €42 million and - along with fellow ex-Rossoneri team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic - helped propel les Parisiens to the Ligue 1 title for the first time in 19 years.

However, the centre-back admits that - at first - he was apprehensive about swapping Serie A for Parc des Princes, but that he has come to perceive French football as amongst the highest quality in the world.

"I had some pretty big doubts when I signed here," the Brazil international - who has been linked with Barcelona throughout the current transfer window - told BeIn Sport.

"Not because of PSG, but because I was leaving AC Milan for a different type of football, what I thought was probably not as good a league.

"Today I'd say the two leagues are on par because Ligue 1 has improved a lot in recent years. This season I think French football will show the world how far it has come, but I had this doubt, I wasn't sure I'd made the right choice.

"I admit that even before we won the title I was still thinking about it. But today I know I made the right choice because I'm working with some formidable people."

PSG started their title defence with a lacklustre 1-1 draw at Montpellier but will hope to bounce back with a win at home to Ajaccio on Sunday, with kick-off at 21:00CET. 

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Arsenal will be active in the transfer market, says Wenger

The Gunners have signed just one player so far, but the Frenchman says the north London club will be moving to buy players before deadline day passes

Arsene Wenger has indicated Arsenal will be aiming to sign players before the end of the transfer window.

The Gunners are yet to sign a marquee player, despite pursuing Gonzalo Higuain, who left Real Madrid for Napoli, and continuing to monitor the situation of Liverpool forward Luis Suarez.

Yaya Sanogo, who joined the club from Auxerre, is Wenger's only summer signing thus far, but the Frenchman is hopeful of making more additions before the deadline passes.

"We are active," Wenger told the club's official website. "We are in a situation like Manchester United, like Chelsea, where everybody expects signings and at the moment not a lot has happened.

"There are 18 days to go, so that is a long time in the transfer market and we will be active.

"I cannot certify what the number [of new signings will be] but we will be active until the end, that is for sure."

Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign with a clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on August 17. 

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Petkovic: Lazio aren't afraid of Juventus

Ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana on Sunday the Biancocelesti coach rejects the notion that his side are underdogs, though he accepts that the Bianconeri are Scudetto favourites

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic has rejected suggestions Juventus are favourites to win Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana.

The Biancocelesti triumphed over Roma in the Coppa Italia final last season to tee up a clash with the back-to-back Serie A champions a week before the new league campaign commences.

Although Petkovic is aware of the Bianconeri's quality and accepts they are expected to lift a third successive Scudetto in 2013-14, he believes his side can triumph in a one-off match to claim the first piece of silverware of the Italian season.

"The first few games of the season are always an unknown, especially when playing for a trophy," he told Lazio Style Radio. "It comes with many doubts but also some certainties such as the fact that we will do everything to win.

"Finals are not made to play well in - just to win. Juve again this year will be the absolute favourites in Serie A - they have more quality and the best players.

"But, in single games, we are not afraid of anybody and we can play well against everybody. We have made progress, we have been working in this direction.

"The squad has been completed and we can make a good impression."

Lazio kick off their Serie A campaign at home to Udinese on August 25.

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Moyes: Rooney is staying & Man Utd targeting several players

The English champions are "working very hard" to complete signings, says the Scot, who was impressed by the striker's performance for England

David Moyes remains adamant Wayne Rooney will not be leaving Manchester United, but is confident of signing players before the transfer window closes.

Rooney played for over an hour last night as England beat Scotland 3-2 at Wembley, despite having missed the Premier League champions' recent pre-season games with a shoulder injury.

But Moyes insisted the striker is building up his fitness and will not be sold this summer amid ongoing interest from Chelsea.

"[There have been] no more developments, we don't want any more developments because we've told everybody - which I've said before - he's not for sale," he told Sky Sports News.

The Scot was impressed with the contribution of the striker, who was substituted in the second half by Roy Hodgson.

He added: "I watched the game last night and I thought for the 65 minutes or so that he played he done [did] well. He ran around, got himself some fitness, but it certainly was his first real outing in any real competitive game."

Moyes also indicated United - who have missed out on signing Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona - are "working hard" to sign players before the season starts.

"I'm confident we'll have players in before the start of the season, yes," he continued. "We're involved in several players we are looking at and that will continue.

"Will we get them before the deadline? I hope so. But we're working very hard to do so." 

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Nigeria can win World Cup for Africa - Kanu

The former Arsenal striker believes that, on the back of the team's Africa Cup of Nations success, going far in Brazil next summer is a possibility

Nwankwo Kanu has explained that Nigeria have their sights set on winning World Cup 2014 on behalf of Africa.

In 2010 Ghana were a penalty shootout away from becoming the first nation from the continent to reach the last four of the tournament.

The ex-Arsenal, Inter and Ajax striker, however, believes that the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions have the team ethic and coaching quality to qualify for Brazil next summer and stage a shock.

The 37-year-old told newfromfootball: "We are definitely going to the World Cup next year and we want to win the Cup for Africa. About the upcoming Malawi match - we are ready for it and we will do our best.

"We have a good squad that is competent enough to take us to the World Cup and make us shine on the world map.

"We want players who are hungry for success and players who will play for the country with pride and dignity. That is the main reason we have such a squad. Although we can still have experienced players, nobody owns a space, they all need to work hard.

"We have a great coaching team behind the players and that is what makes us the best in Africa."

The Super Eagles' continental success at the start of 2013 ensured their qualification for June's Confederations Cup but they were unable to get beyond a group containing Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti.

To reach 2014's World Cup finals, Stephen Keshi's men must not lose at home to Caf Group F opponents Malawi on September 7 and then beat whomever they are drawn against in the knock-out round over two legs.

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JD's Betting Blog: Oppose the newly promoted Premier League sides this weekend

JD returns with a preview of the new season in England and Spain and includes two bets for this weekend one of which involves backing against Hull, Crystal Palace and Cardiff

We have a very exciting season ahead as some of the top leagues in Europe kick off this weekend.  The English Premier League is likely to be more competitive than ever after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The stage is set for an enthralling battle between reigning champions Manchester United, big spending Manchester City and Chelsea who will be fancied by many to win the title under the returning Jose Mourinho. Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all have the ability to surprise this season but each would be happy with a top 4 finish.

Manchester City are my selection to win the league title at 9/4 (3.25) with Bet365. They have won it before and the squad has been upgraded markedly.

Manuel Pellegrini is tactically astute and has always shown an ability to get the best out of his players. Chelsea will have plenty of supporters in the market at 9/4 (3.25) with Bet365 too though.

This Chelsea side is younger and more technical than previous ones but may have their best seasons ahead of them. Mourinho has already spoken about the youth of the side and his teams usually peak in the second season.

It will be intriguing to see how David Moyes performs at Old Trafford. He has huge boots to fill and the loss of Sir Alex Ferguson is a massive loss to bear. The Champions have had difficulty adding to their squad this summer and other teams look to have more potential to improve beyond them.

La Liga will be between the two big powers in Spain again, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Catalans are 8/11 (1.73) with Paddy Power and it looks about right. Despite losing their coach Tito Vilanova to illness, they can retain their title. They won it convincingly last season and Gerardo Martino will bring a freshness and new ideas to the star-studded team.

Carlo Ancelotti will be expected to deliver one big trophy for Real Madrid. La Decima is the hearts desire of the Real Madrid faithful and that may take priority for the Italian tactician.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the Bundesliga started last week and we were treated to some magnificent games. Hannover are one of the more predictable teams in the league. For example, they are remarkably difficult to beat at home losing only 3 times in 35 matches since April 2011.

Away from home, it is a different story though, losing 23 out of the last 35 matches. On that basis, I am happy to take the 5/6 (1.83) about Borussia Monchengladbach winning this contest and continuing the poor away form of Hannover. The Foals are very solid on home soil and impressed many in their opening day match against Bayern Munich.

For a more speculative bet, oppose the promoted English Premier League sides. They have all been assigned difficult tasks on the opening weekend. Spurs, who have made some excellent signings, will be eager to get off to a flying start at Crystal Palace after dropping 'soft' points at the beginning of last season. Hull City face a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge and Cardiff City go to Upton Park.

The Welsh side have made some interesting additions to the squad but they may take time to adjust to life in the Premier League. William Hill are just over 3/1 (4.09) that all 3 promoted sides lose on the opening weekend and it is worth a small investment.

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Sabella: Messi is irreplaceable

The Argentina boss has stressed that they are a different team without their star player, but was happy with their display versus Italy

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has admitted that Lionel Messi is irreplaceable, but was pleased with his side's performance without the Barcelona star in Wednesday's 2-1 international friendly win over Italy.

Messi was forced to withdraw from the Argentina squad for the match in Rome due to a muscular problem yet, even though Sabella has highlighted the attacker's importance, the South American side put in a superb performance to beat the Euro 2012 finalists.

"When a team is used to playing with Messi, you can see the difference when he is not there," Sabella commented to reporters after Argentina's win.

"Messi is irreplaceable, but the character and desire we showed really pleased me."

Argentina - who top the South American qualifying section for the 2014 World Cup - are now unbeaten in their last seven matches.

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Skrtel ready to fight for Liverpool place

The centre-back, who has been the subject of interest from Napoli, is looking forward to competing with new signing Kolo Toure for a starting berth

Martin Skrtel has welcomed the arrival of Kolo Toure at Liverpool and claimed that the competition will drive him to improve.

Cote d'Ivoire international Toure has given manager Brendan Rodgers a new option at centre-back for the coming season, with the retirement of Jamie Carragher.

Skrtel started 23 times for Liverpool in the Premier League last season and was recently the subject of interest from Napoli, but he is only focusing on securing a starting place at Anfield.

"I think it's always good when there is competition for places and it's very important for your performance," he told the club's official website. "The manager will decide who is in the best form and start that player.

"I'll do my best and all I can to make sure that I'm the one he's going to be starting with.

"Kolo is a great player. He's a very experienced player and he has been playing in the Premier League for a while. He came in to play the same position as me, so we'll see who is going to start.

"Of course I will try to improve this season because I missed the second part of last season. I tried to do my best in the pre-season and show the manager I am able to play, so we'll see how it goes this season.

"I'm ready. I was ready before and I'll always be ready. Then it's up to the manager who is going to start. I will try and I will give my all to get into the team."

Skrtel has spent five and a half years at Anfield, making 143 appearances. 

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Swansea City-Manchester United Betting Preview: Expect goals at both ends at the Liberty Stadium

David Moyes takes charge of his first league fixture as Red Devils boss on Saturday and our tipster expects a suitably memorable high-scoring match to mark the occasion

For the first time since the foundation of the Premier League, Manchester United will start the season without Alex Ferguson on the sidelines when they travel to Swansea on Saturday.

After an unconvincing pre-season, David Moyes will have been relieved to pick up his first trophy in the Community Shield against Wigan, and his side are 10/11 (1.91) favourites with bet365 to come out on top in his debut league fixture.

Confidence is much higher at the Liberty Stadium after some impressive new signings and strong performances both in friendlies and the Europa League, but the hosts are outsiders at 3/1 (4.00) to emerge victorious.

The corresponding fixture resulted in a 1-1 draw last season, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on the sides sharing the spoils once again in south Wales.

While it would only be natural to have expected Moyes to suffer some teething problems as he attempts to fill the immense boots of his predecessor, it is slightly surprising that his main issues have come in defence.

The Scot is yet to instil any of the miserliness that was such a hallmark of his solid Everton side, as his backline failed to keep a single clean sheet in the exhibition matches preceeding Sunday's win at Wembley.

While pre-season results need to be taken with a pinch of salt, The Swans’ dangerous attacking line-up of Pablo Hernandez, Michu, and Wilfried Bony will be encouraged by such displays of weakness, and will be extremely confident of finding the back of the net against the champions.

However, considering Michael Laudrup’s men have also conceded at least two goals in eight of their last 10 league games, it is surely safe to back both teams to score on Saturday, at odds of 4/6 (1.67).

Having pulled off probably the signing of last season in bringing in 18-goal Michu from Rayo Vallecano, the Danish manager has returned to Spain once again this summer to land Jose Canas, Alejandro Pozuelo and Jordi Amat for a minimal outlay.

However, Swansea’s most eye-catching signing is not a La Liga graduate, but the Eredivisie’s top scorer and Player of the Year Bony, who struck 31 goals in 30 league games last campaign.

Having scored twice on his competitive debut against Malmo in the Europa League, the record signing looks set to hit the ground running in the Premier League, and offers tantalising value at 11/5 (3.20) to hit the back of the net in his first league appearance.

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