NRL: The run-in to September

The final surge for the top eight in the National Rugby League premiership begins this weekend with a number of blockbuster match-ups still to look forward to before this season’s finals series.

It looks likely that the top two spots on the ladder will be occupied by two Queensland teams, which hasn’t been seen for some time, while the rear end of the eight is far from settled.

For one of the tightest competition ladders in some time, let’s take a look at the run-in NRL fixtures before finals footy September.

 

CURRENT TOP 8

1^st - Brisbane Broncos – 34 pts

Last 6 games: Sea Eagles (A), Bulldogs (H), Dragons (H), Roosters (A), Rabbitohs (A), Storm (H)
Predicted finish: 1st


With a near full-strength line-up to choose from, it should be smooth sailing for the Brisbane Broncos, who continue to dominate the competition. Just when you think the Brisbane team get under a bit of strife from their opponents, there always seems to be one player that turns the game on its head whether it is playmakers Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford, or the rejuvenated fullback Darius Boyd. Coach Wayne Bennett looks like he has created another premiership team with a near-perfect balance of youth and experience throughout the squad. But with four out of six games against teams already in the eight, the Broncos biggest test is still yet to come.

2^nd - North Queensland Cowboys – 32 pts
Last 6 games: Raiders (H), Sharks (A), Rabbitohs (H), Warriors (A), Storm (A), Titans (H).

Predicted finish: 2^nd


Dally M medallist favourite and Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston has been nothing short of his best this season developing one of, if not the best halves pairing in the league with Michael Morgan. Morgan made his Maroons debut this year with the winning Queensland side, which served to be no mistake as the Cowboys five-eighth slotted in seamlessly. With just the Rabbitohs and an away trip to Melbourne to deal with, the Cowboys should secure their top-two position with little difficulty, especially if they stay clear of injury.

3^rd - Sydney Roosters – 28 pts

Last 6 games: Bulldogs (H), Knights (A), Eels (H), Broncos (H), Sea Eagles (A), Souths (H)
Predicted finish: 3rd

The Sydney Roosters have no doubt gone a tad under the radar in the last few rounds with huge wins over the Wests Tigers, Warriors, and Panthers. The Chooks have put a total of 81 points on the board and conceded only 12 points in its last three games. Coach Trent Robinson has got his side firing in all cylinders at the business end of the season and I cannot see them slipping up in their bid for a top-four spot. It’s hard to believe that halfback Mitchell Pearce has already clocked up 200 first-grade games, and the 26-year-old has to be one of the many level-headed players in the squad that will be required to step up for the run-in. The Roosters can go seven in a row if they can defeat the Bulldogs tonight.

4^th - South Sydney Rabbitohs – 26 pts

Last 6 games: Panthers (H), Sea Eagles (A), Cowboys (A), Bulldogs (H), Broncos (H), Roosters (A)
Predicted finish: 5th


Souths put on 52 points last week against the helpless Newcastle Knights after thrashing the Dragons 24-8 the week before. Like the Roosters, it seems the Bunnies know when to click at the right time and although there position in the ladder is quite clear, I am not ruling out the Redfern-based side for a chance to claim back-to-back titles. With fullback Greg Inglis flying at the moment, it is difficult to find a team outside of the Broncos and Cowboys that contain the running giant. With the Panthers and Sea Eagles seeming like simple wins, the Souths should be on a roll when they come to face the top-end teams of the competition.

5^th - Melbourne Storm – 24 pts

Last 6 games: Wests Tigers (A), Titans (H), Sharks (A), Knights (H), Cowboys (H), Broncos (A)
Predicted finish: 4th

There is no doubt that the season-ending injury to fullback and superstar Billy Slater has titled the Melbourne Storm’s premiership hopes dramatically. But young Cameron Munster in place of Slater has shown signs of form in recent weeks. Coach Craig Bellamy has got his team defending like a brick wall and I wouldn’t be surprised to see more than half of the teams struggle to break down the Storm defensive line. The Storm will be expected to beat the likes of the Tigers, Titans, Sharks, and Knights, which is why I guarantee them a spot in the eight. But come September, the Storm simply won’t have enough firepower to majorly disrupt the big guns of the league, even with the best hooker in the world, Cameron Smith, in the line-up.

 

6^th - Cronulla Sharks – 24 pts

Last 6 games: Warriors (A), Cowboys (H), Storm (H), Wests Tigers (H), Eels (A), Sea Eagles (H)
Predicted finish: 6th

The Cronulla Sharks have built themselves a reputation in the last few rounds as one helluva team to dismantle. They showed their finals worth with a gutsy, spirited victory against the Bulldogs literally in their backyard at Belmore Oval. Before then, the Sharkies notched up a 21-10 win over the Raiders in Canberra as well as a 28-8 thumping over the Dragons. Captain Paul Gallen seems to have got over his Blues Origin loss and it has showed in his recent performances on the pitch. I’m tipping the Sharks to maintain its place on the ladder but they will need at least one win against the odds to either the Cowboys or Storm to do so, as well as victories over the other four sides left.

7^th - Canterbury Bulldogs

Last 6 games: Roosters (A), Broncos (A), Titans (H), Rabbitohs (A), Knights (A), Warriors (H)
Predicted finish: 6^th


Just when we thought the Bulldogs had found their mojo after the 28-4 win over the Eels two weeks ago, they slip up in front of an epic crowd at Belmore last week against the Sharks. The Bulldogs have been at their best when Moses Mbye has been playing in the halves, which means Josh Reynolds should be either dropped or used as an impact player from the bench. The Doggies will have it tough in the next few weeks with games against the gun teams of the competition but I think there is enough experience there, particularly in the forwards, for a finals series berth.

8^th - New Zealand Warriors – 22 pts

Last 6 games: Sharks (H), Dragons (H), Panthers (A), Cowboys (H), Wests Tigers (A), Bulldogs (A)
Predicted finish: 10th

Unfortunately with the loss of halfback Shaun Johnson for the rest of the season, it is quite easy to discount the Warriors for any chance of holding its place in the eight. It is hard to argue against that Johnson is the light and flame of the Kiwi side and without him, the Warriors look lost with no spark in attack. The only way the Warriors may have a chance of doing something special is by taking four points from four against the Sharks and Dragons in their next consecutive home fixtures.

CHASERS

 

9^th – Canberra Raiders – 20 pts

Last 6 games: Cowboys (A), Wests Tigers (H), Sea Eagles (H), Titans (A), Panthers (H), Eels (A)

Predicted finish: 8^th

The Raiders have dealt with the loss of young half Sam Williams quite well with the seamless replacement of Josh McCrone coming into the picture. There is plenty of reason to be hopeful for if you’re a Raiders fan as Ricky Stuart seems to be starting to get the best of his players, especially with Blake Austin. The Raiders won’t come across too many obstacles in the coming weeks with more than half of its six fixtures against bottom-half sides. With Sam Williams to make a return come finals time, the Raiders have the potential to be the surprise package.

10^th – St George Illawarra Dragons – 20 pts

Last 6 games: Knights (H), Warriors (A), Broncos (A), Panthers (H), Titans (A), Wests Tigers (H)

Predicted finish: 11^th

The Dragons were considered one of the best defensive teams in the competition when they were sitting at the summit of the competition early in the season. Fast-forward a couple of months and the Dragons are the team in the worst form with seven losses on the trot. The only reason I consider them a chance at the eight is by looking at their final games with the Broncos looking the only unbeatable contest. It looks as if veteran five-eighth Benji Marshall has run out of legs too soon but if the Dragons can make the eight then calling it a miracle would be an understatement.

11^th – Manly Sea Eagles – 18 pts

Last 6 games: Broncos (H), Rabbitohs (H), Raiders (A), Eels (H), Roosters (H), Sharks (A)
Predicted finish: 9^th

With the imminent departure of coach Geoff Toovey confirmed at the end of the season, it will be interesting to see what kind of response his players give him this weekend at Brookvale against the competition leaders. The Sea Eagles had a great win across the Tasman against the Warriors last round and if they can cause a huge upset against the Broncos then they can realistically challenge for finals footy. On a night where Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Brett Stuart play at their best, the Sea Eagles can beat any team. And the trio will have to be at that level when they take on the Souths and Raiders in the following weeks. However I think their bad points difference compared to their rivals may cost them in the end.

English Premier League: The summer transfer window so far

 

With just over two weeks left until the start of the 2015/2016 English Premier League, a vast number of clubs have been heavily active in the summer transfer window while some clubs still have some work to do.

Let’s take a look at the likely front-runners for the premiership crown this season analysing the ins, the outs, and the necessary personnel still required to compete for European Champions League positions.

ARSENAL

Ins

Petr Cech (from Chelsea) – £11 million

Outs

Yaya Sanogo (to Ajax on loan)

Carl Jenkinson (to West Ham Utd on loan)

Lukas Podolski (to Galatasaray) – £1.8 million

Ryo Miachi (to St. Pauli) - Free

Abou Diaby - Released

Arsene Wenger has no doubt picked up a bargain in one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world in the form of Czech international Petr Cech. Cech fell out of favour at Chelsea last season with the induction of Belgian international Thibaut Courtois and has since desired more first-team football. If Wenger knows what’s good for him, he will play the four-time EPL title winner in as many games as possible. With the omission of two strikers in Sanogo and Podolski, the Gunners are expected to splash the cash for another striker to help Olivier Giroud up front. Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been linked for some time now and with the number nine kit number vacated by Podolski, Arsenal fans will be dreaming. A second defensive midfielder to assist rejuvenated Francis Coquelin would also be on Wenger’s list although the availability of such a player who could make an immediate impact is limited on the market.

CHELSEA

 

Ins

Asmir Begovic (from Stoke City) – £8 million

Radamel Falcao (from Monaco on loan)

Outs

Marco van Ginkel (to Stoke on loan)

Josh McEachran (to Brentford) – £750,000

Petr Cech (to Arsenal) – £11 million

In a quiet window by their standards thus far, Chelsea has replaced legend striker Didier Drogba with a big name in Columbian international Radamel Falcao. Despite Falcao being criticised for his efforts at Manchester United last season, I think he will have plenty to offer with the current champions, particularly with the creative midfield of Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard playing behind him. Asmir Begovic has clearly come in to replace Cech, although Chelsea fans know this is nearly an impossible feat for the Bosnian goalkeeper. With the likely departure of left-back Felipe Luis, Jose Mourinho will need a solid replacement to compete with Cesar Azpilicueta. Centre-half John Terry did not miss one of the 38 season games last season but surely Mourinho knows that the former England international will be pushing his luck to go another full season unscathed at 34 years of age.

MANCHESTER CITY

 

Ins

Raheem Sterling (from Liverpool) – £44 million

Fabian Delph (from Aston Villa) – £8 million

Outs

Stevan Jovetic (to Inter Milan) – £12 million

The Citizens have made the most expensive signing of the summer transfer window to date with the move for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling. Sterling seems to have already slotted in nicely with a well-constructed goal against AS Roma in the International Champions Cup, which may irritate Liverpool fans. But it will take at least four or five rounds in to make a better judgement of the England international's influence. Central midfielder Fabian Delph has left Aston Villa on poor terms being criticised for his loyalty. It’s difficult to see Delph slot into Manuel Pellegrini’s starting XI, which is why most have tipped the England international to be a benchwarmer. City are still in need of one or two attacking players as it was very obvious last season that without the services of Sergio Aguero up front, City looked far from convincing. Belgian attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who left Chelsea a couple of years back, is now heavily linked with City and a second apperance in the English top flight.

MANCHESTER UNITED

 

Ins

Memphis Depay (from PSV Eindhoven) – £25 million

Morgan Schneiderlin (from Southampton) – £25 million

Bastian Schweinsteiger (from Bayern Munich) – £14.4 million

Matteo Darmian (from Torino) – £12.7 million

Outs

Robin van Persie (to Fenerbahce) – £3.84 million

Nani (to Fenerbahce) – £4.25 million

Man United manager Louis van Gaal has been the busiest of all the top clubs in England thus far with four notable signings that have the potential to be all starting by match day one against Tottenham Hotspurs. Memphis Depay played at his previous club PSV Eindhoven on the wing but talks suggest that van Gaal is planning on playing the 21-year-old up front in support of Wayne Rooney. There is no bones about where Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger would be included into the team, which is straight into the heart of the midfield. The pair of ball-winners will provide much more shape and stability to a United team that conceded 37 goals in the league last season. Matteo Darmin was rated as one of the best left-backs in Serie A last season and is expected to finally fill the void of Patrice Evra two years ago. Manchester United has Champions League football back on the cards this season and will still need a world-class centre half if they are to compete on all fronts.

LIVERPOOL

 

Ins

Nathaniel Clyne (from Southampton) – £12.5 million

Roberto Firmino (from 1899 Hoffenheim) - £29 million

Christian Benteke (from Aston Villa) – £32.5 million

Danny Ings (from Burnley) – TBC

Joe Gomez (from Charlton Athletic) – £3.5 million

Adam Bogdan (from Bolton) - Free

Outs

Glen Johnson (to Stoke City) – Free

Raheem Sterling (to Manchester City) – £44 million

Sebastian Coates (to Sunderland) – £2 million

Brendan Rodgers has once again been busy in the market with six notable new faces to his squad, and counting. All eyes will be on Brazilian player Firmino and Belgian international Christian Benteke to help the Kop’s cause to Champions League qualification this season. If Rodgers can figure out a way to gel his new players with the old, then Liverpool could steadily find themselves up the top end of the ladder this time around. However, if Liverpool isn’t in the horse race by Christmas I expect Rodgers to be gone, and I’m sure fans would have to agree. Like Manchester United, Liverpool is still in need of a world-class centre back with the noticeable frailties of the current quadruple group of Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Martin Skrtel, and Kolo Toure. But new hopeful Joe Gomez has already shown plenty of signs of promise in Liverpool’s pre-season tour to Australia.

TOTTENHAM

 

Ins

Toby Alderweireld (from Atletico Madrid) – £11.5 million

Kieran Trippier (from Burnley) – £3.5 million

Outs

Younes Kaboul (to Sunderland) – £3 million

Benjamin Stambouli (to PSG) – £6 million

Etienne Capoue (to Watford) – £6.3 million

Lewis Holtby (to Hamburg) – £4.6 million

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has been quiet by his standards thus far in this summer transfer window but has picked up a quality defender in Toby Alderweireld, who showed no signs of discomfort in England’s top tier last season with Southampton. Kieran Tripper was a revelation for recent relegation side Burnley, although will have fierce competition for the left-back position with Danny Rose showing great form last campaign. With the sold pair of Benjamin Stambouli and Etienne Capoue, Spurs still require a top quality holding or box-to-box midfielder to help release Ryan Mason and Christian Eriksen forward more often. Chairman Daniel Levy seems to have successfully fought off bids for striker Harry Kane but Kane undeniably needs some assistance on the goal front with Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor falling well off the mark.

SOUTHAMPTON

 

Ins

Jordy Clasie (from Feyenoord) – £8 million

Cuco Martina (from FC Twente) – £3 million

Juanmi (from Malaga) - £5 million

Maarten Stekelenburg (on loan from Fulham)

Cedric Soares (from Sporting) - £4.7 million

Outs

Morgan Schneiderlin (to Manchester United) – £25 million

Toby Alderweireld (loaned back to Atletico Madrid)

Nathaniel Clyne (to Liverpool) - £12.5 million

After another great season, Southampton is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, but seem to struggle to hold onto its big guns year in year out. This transfer window is no different with the departure of key defenders with loaned out Toby Alderweireld and Nathaniel Clyne heading off to top-four rivals Spurs and Liverpool respectively. Alderweireld and Clyne were instrumental in the last campaign giving the Saints the second best defence in the league. Manager Ronald Koeman has scouted out hopeful replacements for Clyne in right-backs Cedric Soares and Cuco Martina, although it is always give or take when making the move across to the English game. Holding midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has been sold to Manchester United, which had Koeman bring in fellow countryman Jordy Clasie into the fold. Clasie is highly rated in world football and if the 24-year-old midfielder can make an instant impact then he could become one of the signings of the season.