Manchester United vs Everton: LIVE Commentary of the Second Half

Hello and welcome to my second half LIVE Commentary of the Manchester United vs Everton match.

But first, here is the analysis from yesterday's late afternoon match, between Manchester City and Southampton.

Manchester City 3 Southampton 2

What an epic match at The Ethiad Stadium yesterday.

EPL Champions versus EPL new boys.

Striker Sergio Aguero gave City injury worries in the 8th minute after getting a twisted knee after a late challenge from Nathaniel Clyne.

Southampton pressed in the first half after this, before and after Tevez was tripped in the penalty box after 15 minutes.
A weak penalty by midfielder David Silva was saved by Kelvin Davies.

Weak: Manchester City midfielder David Silva has his weak and low penalty saved by Kelvin Davies.

Tevez broke the deadlock after a good pass by Nasri was finished into the corner in the 40th minute.

Striker Rickie Lambert equalised for Southampton in the 59th minute with a low curling shot out of goalkeeper Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart's reach.

Equaliser: Striker Rickie Lambert makes it 1-1 against Manchester City in the 59th minute.

Midfielder Steven Davis made it 2-1 to Southampton in the 68th minute.  

Shock - but not for long: Midfielder Steven Davis celebrates his goal against Manchester City in the 68th minute.

In the 72nd minute, Manchester City substitute striker Edin Dzeko was open in free space inside the 16-yard-box before shooting from 6 yards out to equalise.

Vital equaliser: Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko made it 2-2 in the 72nd minute and gave City hope.

Relief: Edin Dzeko celebrates his goal to give City a chance of winning the match at The Ethiad.

In the 80th minute, from a Manchester City corner which was cleared away by a Southampton defender fell to Samir Nasri who hit the ball downwards towards goal before the ball fiercely hit the net.

Late winner: Midfielder Samir Nasri scores in the 80th minute for City against Southampton.

Three points instead of one: Nasri seals an important win for City after a scare against Southampton.

Nasri won the match for City, 3-2.

Southampton played very well despite losing 3-2... Scoring 2 goals and pressing City throughout the match.
They were not afraid of City, and gave them a lot of trouble - on City's OWN BACK YARD.
 



At 20:56:
HALF-TIME SCORE:

Manchester United 0 Everton 0 

An interesting first half, in which United goalkeeper David De Gea has been busy in the sticks, having to save lots of shots, especially from Baines' curling free-kick.

Clearing away to safety: Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea punches the ball away from danger.

Everton has dominated the first half with midfielder Marouane Fellani, Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic both linking up well.

BREAKING NEWS: Everton have confirmed the £5million signing of Belgian midfielder Kevin Mirallas on a four-year contract deal.

Unveiled: Everton unveiled midfielder Kevin Mirallas at Goodison Park before the match tonight against United.

United's new signing Shinji Kagawa has played well so far, passing the ball well and finding his team-mates with pace and trickery.

Fine showing: Manchester United's new midfielder Shinji Kagawa has impressed so far against Everton tonight.

However headline striker Robin Van Persie is on the bench for United.

Waiting game: Robin Van Persie has to be patient before playing on his debut for new club Manchester United.

Here is a recap of the Team Line-ups:

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Gibson, Neville, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic.
Subs: Mucha, Heitinga, Naismith, Gueye, Barkley, Coleman, Anichebe.

Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Cleverley, Scholes, Kagawa, Rooney, Welbeck.
Subs: Lindegaard, Da Silva, Anderson, Berbatov, Young, Van Persie, Wootton.

Referee: Andre Marriner 

LIVE Commentary: Manchester United vs Everton - Second Half

21:03:

45: United have kicked off the second half at Goodison Park. No changes for either side at the minute.

47: Everton midfielder Darron Gibson finds space from 25 yards out before taking an ambitious shot.... OVER THE BAR!! 

48: Cross by defender Tim Hibbert into the box, partially cleared away to Leon Osman who strikes the ball high towards goal... OFF THE WOODWARK!!!
Close by Osman, as De Gea was beaten but the crossbar comes to United's rescue.

49: A United counter attack by Danny Welbeck is well cleared away by defender Phil Jagielka who slides in cleanly to win the ball.


55: United midfielder Tom Cleverley intercepts a pass, before trying to find Rooney with a through ball.
Everton defender Distin sees through it, and clears the ball away.

56: Great play by Kagawa. Nice pass to Rooney, before doing a dummy past Baines into the box. Rooney had a long shot, but it was WELL WIDE of the goal.


57: Everton whip a corner into the box, before midfielder Marouane Fellani heads the ball downwards towards goal.... GOAL!!!

Everton have broken the deadlock at Goodison Park, with none other than Fellani who has been the star man tonight!!

Bullet: Midfielder Marouane Fellani broke the deadlock for Everton against Manchester United in the 58th minute.

Pure jubilation: Jelavic and goalscorer Fellani get mobbed by the Everton crowd after the opening goal.

Everton 1 Manchester United 0, with 30 minutes to go.

You think United will give up? I certainly do not.

62: United pressing for the equaliser here with a corner and several crosses into the box. Everton are strong in defence though.

63: Everton free-kick lifting into the box by Baines for Fellani again. He jumps higher than Vidic before heading towards goal.... SAVE! by David De Gea.

65: Everton fans are jubilant and all singing here.
I bet none other than one of my favourite bloggers Dan.

Look at his blog please fellow football fans here:

http://dansfootballmusings.blogspot.co.uk/

67: I knew this was going to happen all night:

Manchester United SUB:

Danny Welbeck OFF 
Robin Van Persie ON

69: United fans hoping that Van Persie can deliver a debut miracle. 1-0 to Everton, 20 minutes to be played.

70: Everton striker Nikica Jelavic has gone off for treatment after a cut underneath his eye.
Meanwhile, United continue to press with Vidic's header just wide of the goalmouth.


73: United desperate for the equaliser. Misplaced pass by Nani gives Everton a goal-kick to clear away any danger.

74: I can just imagine the look on Gary Neville's face right now in the SkySports studios... Urging United to score here. LOL

75: Poor cross by Manchester United winger Nani into the box, as there is another Everton goal-kick. 

76: Winger Ashley Young looks to be coming on for United here... Last chance saloon here.

77: Robin Van Persie tries to find Wayne Rooney with a through ball into the box, but Distin clears the ball away for a corner.

80: Everton SUB:

Leon Osman OFF
Seamus Coleman ON

Fresh legs needed for Everton, with 10 minutes remaining.
I can picture all Everton fans all over the qworld biting their fingernails now... LOL

82: Great tackle by Everton defender Tony Hibbert to deny Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra from crossing the ball into the area.
Not getting past him with ease.

84: Manchester United SUB:
Tom Cleverley OFF
Anderson ON

Fresh legs for United, as they look for the equaliser with 5 minutes plus stoppage left.

85: Everton try and make a counter attack with Coleman trying to cross from the wing, but it rebounds off him and it is a goal-kick.

86: Everton have a welcome break here, with striker Nikica Jelavic down on the floor with cramp.

88: Tense last few minutes at Goodison Park, with United passing patiently looking for a gap in the defence.
Everton counter attack with Coleman taking his time past Vidic. 
Everton free-kick after Vidic was pulling his shirt.

89: Everton SUB:
Nikica Jelavic OFF
Steven Naismith ON

90: The fourth official has signalled for four minutes of stoppage time to be added on.

90+1: Manchester United midfielder Anderson has a shot from 20 yards out which is powerful.... JUST WIDE!!!!


90+2: Everton SUB:
Maroaune Fellani OFF
John Heitinga ON

Everton trying to strengthen the defence with Heitinga coming on.

90+4: Everton fans are screaming here, as referee Andre Marriner blows the whistle to end the match at Goodison Park!

FULL-TIME SCORE: 

Everton 1 Manchester United 0

My Man of the Match:

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellani. 

He worked very hard, throughout the match, until he was substituted in the last few minutes of the match. He won Everton the match with a good header, and was the anchor in their team tonight.


Before I leave you all tonight, I will do a quick EPL transfer and news Update:

Barcelona have confirmed that Arsenal midfielder Alexandre Song has moved to them for a fee of £15million pounds, and he has signed a five-year contract deal.

Bye Bye Arsenal: Song arrived in Spain, at Barcelona on Monday morning, before addressing supporters.

Superstar's welcome: Alex Song signs autographs for his new club's supporters outside the club.

I do not understand what Wenger is trying to prove here, selling two of his best players again.... Arsenal will struggle to qualify for the CL next season now.

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has announced that he has signed a long-term contract with The Reds. 

Signed: Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has signed a new long-term contract deal with The Reds.

Vitesse Arnhem left-back Alexander Buttner has revealed that he is set to seal a 'dream' £4million move from Manchester United.
He has arrived in Manchester, and has completed his medical.


Chelsea's young midfielder Josh McEachran has joined Championship club Middlesborough on a season-long loan deal.

Tottenham are reportedly going to attempt to secure the £6million signing of Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor this week.

The only on-going issue is wage demands, because at City he is getting a lot of money per week....

Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng has almost completed a £6million move to Swansea, after admitting that he wants to move.
Although, there has been a lot of interest from other clubs in the EPL, including Arsenal and Liverpool.

Arsenal have stepping up their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, by asking them whether they can sign him if his loan spell is succesful.

We will see: What Nuri Sahin would look like at Arsenal. Liverpool look to be out of the race to sign him.

Liverpool look out of the race to sign Sahin, due to the fact that they cannot provide CL football, yet Arsenal can.

Arsenal are close to signing him... and he should be an Arsenal player by the end of this week... 

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has challenged EPL clubs to show that they really want him after admitting that he wants to return to the English Premier League in the near future.

 

Wants to return: Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he may leave if there is interest shown.

 

Manchester United have been offered Real Madrid midfielder Kaka on a season-long loan deal.



 




Thank you for reading my EPL Blog and I will speak to you all in my next EPL Update, on Wednesday.

EPL Super Saturday LIVE Commentary:

93 days of waiting: The 2012-13 EPL season will begin today.

Hello and welcome to my LIVE Commentary and Analysis from all the matches today in the EPL.

There will be 6 3oclock matches on show for you all today, with Newcastle vs Tottenham being the evening fixture.

First, before the live coverage starts, I will give you all the latest EPL transfer news and rumours (paper talk)  

Transfer Talk and EPL News:

Chelsea are set to complete the £7.9million signing of Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta early next week.

Almost a done deal: Right-back and Spainish international Cesar Azpilicueta is almost a Chelsea player (right)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is having talks with winger Theo Walcott over a contract extension.

Stoke City and Everton are both interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam for around £5million. He will struggle to get a starting 11 place every week, and both teams want a midfielder who can be a tough tackler at times. 

Olympiakos striker Kevin Mirallas is set to undergo a medical this weekend at Everton, after a fee of around £5.5million has been agreed by the two clubs.

Toulouse defender Cheikh M'Bengue has revealed that Arsenal have shown a lot of interest in signing him.

Tottenham have entered the race with Sunderland and Everton to sign Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.

Johnson has admitted that he needs more first-team action at City, and if he does not get it, then he may leave.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said that City have made an approach for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.

Tough competition: Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez is wanted by Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Wigan have said to Chelsea that winger Victor Moses will not leave the club 'on the cheap'. 

Uncertainty: Wigan forward Victor Moses will play against Chelsea tomorrow - his apparent club?

Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg are very interested in signing Manchester United winger Nani, and have admitted that they may make a formal offer in the next few days.

Manchester City are ready to make Roma a £28million offer for midfielder Daniele De Rossi. 

£28million bid: Manchester City are interested in Roma and Italy regular Daniele De Rossi.

Spainish club Valencia have told Swansea that they want £5.5million for winger Pablo Hernandez.

Creative spark: Pablo Hernandez is almost a Swansea player. Valencia want £5.5million for him though.

Here are a quick recap of the fixtures being played today:

Arsenal vs Sunderland

Teams:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla, Walcott, Gervinho, Podolski.
Subs: Mannone, Andre Santos, Giroud, Ramsey, Djourou, Coquelin, Arshavin.

Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski both start for The Gunners.

Major news is that Alex Song is out of the squad due to transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, Cuellar, O'Shea, Richardson, Larsson, Colback, Cattermole, McClean, Sessegnon, Campbell.
Subs: Westwood, Wickham, Kilgallon, Meyler, Bramble, Saha, Elmohamady.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha will not start, on the bench.
Stephane Sessegnon and Fraizer Campbell will be the front two.

QPR vs Swansea City:

Teams: 

QPR: Green, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Hill, Da Silva, Taarabt, Park, Diakite, Hoilett, Mackie, Cisse.
Subs: Murphy, Derry, Johnson, Wright-Phillips, Nelsen, Dyer, Zamora.

Manchester United full-back Fabio Da Silva (on-loan), Ji-Sung Park, Junior Holiett and Samba Diakite all start on the debuts for QPR. 

New captain is Ji-Sung Park for QPR, after Joey Barton was stripped of the captaincy after what happened on the last day of the season against Manchester City.

Swansea: Vorm, Rangel, Williams, Chico, Taylor, de Guzman, Michu, Britton, Dyer, Graham, Routledge.
Subs: Cornell, Tate, Moore, Agustien, Gower, Richards, Tremmel.

Michu starts for Swansea today, can he make an impression for The Swans.

Reading vs Stoke City

Teams:
 
Reading: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu, Guthrie, McAnuff, Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak.
Subs: McCarthy, Mariappa, Hunt, McCleary, Tabb, Church, Cummings.

Stoke: Begovic, Huth, Wilkinson, Whelan, Wilson, Shawcross, Kightly, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Crouch.
Subs: Sorensen, Jones, Ness, Delap, Shotton, Jerome, Palacios.


West Brom vs Liverpool 

Teams:
 
West Brom: Foster, Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Morrison, Yacob, Mulumbu, Odemwingie, Long, Gera.
Subs: Myhill, El Ghanassy, Brunt, Jara Reyes, Lukaku, Dawson, Fortune.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku starts from the bench today, while Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long lead the attack for West Brom.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Lucas, Allen, Gerrard, Downing, Suarez, Borini.
Subs: Jones, Carroll, Cole, Henderson, Carragher, Adam, Shelvey.

Strong Liverpool side today, with striker Fabio Borini making his debut along with midfielder Joe Allen.

Fulham vs Norwich

Teams:

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Duff, Diarra, Dembele, Kacaniklic, Ruiz, Petric.
Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Sidwell, Kasami, Rodallega, Halliche.

Norwich: Ruddy, Russell Martin, Ryan Bennett, Turner, Tierney, Pilkington, Howson, Johnson, Surman, Snodgrass, Holt.
Subs: Rudd, Hoolahan, Morison, Elliott Bennett, Vaughan, Barnett, Lappin.

West Ham United vs Aston Villa

Teams:

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Collins, McCartney, Noble, Diame, Nolan, Vaz Te, Cole, Taylor.
Subs: Henderson, Tomkins, Maynard, Maiga, O'Brien, Diarra, O'Neil.

Aston Villa: Given, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Holman, El Ahmadi, Delph, N'Zogbia, Ireland, Bent.
Subs: Guzan, Bannan, Weimann, Lichaj, Herd, Burke, Gardner.


Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Team line-ups from 17:00pm



15:00: The 6 matches have all started on the hottest day of the year in England. 

15:05:

Arsenal vs Sunderland:

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has had a long shot from 25 yards out, but it was parried away by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

15:08: GOAL

QPR vs Swansea:

The visitors have scored against QPR! New signing Miguel Michu has broken the deadlock for Swansea on his debut for The Swans.

That's why they signed me: New Swansea signing Miguel Michu celebreats scoring against QPR on his debut.

Poor goalkeeping by Robert Green though, and you will here about it for a few days to come, especially on Match of the Day tonight!

15:15: 

Arsenal vs Sunderland:

Sunderland have had two chances, but Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been equal to them. Arsenal dominating the play though with precise passing.

15:18:

Reading vs Stoke: 

Stoke City midfielder Dean Whitehead has been given the first yellow card of the EPL season. He has to be careful for the rest of the match, because he can get sent off.

Tough tussle: Striker Peter Crouch tries to keep the ball away from a Reading defender.

15:23:

Reading vs Stoke:

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has gone down on the floor. He looks like he has been knocked down here and some cream is being rubbed into his face.

Interesting as all of the players have gone to take a drink of water. So hot today.


15:25:

Arsenal vs Sunderland:

Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla have been given Sunderland a lot of pressure so far... and Arsenal are pressing for the opening goal.

15:27:

GOAL

Fulham vs Norwich:
 
Midfielder Damien Duff has broken the deadlock at Craven Cottage!
He beats the offside trap before tucking the ball past goalkeeper John Ruddy. Unlucky on Ruddy's part but Fulham deserve the goal, and have played well so far in the match.

80th career goal: Fulham midfielder Damien Duff breaks the deadlock at Craven Cottage against Norwich.

15:29:

Arsenal vs Sunderland:

Midfielder Abou Diaby has had a shot well saved by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Close and Arsenal are giving Sunderland the shakes.

15:30:

West Brom vs Liverpool:

I have just heard word that striker Luis Suarez has missed a sitter from 3 yards out. Still 0-0. 

15:35:

Reading vs Stoke:

GOAL

Stoke's new midfield signing Michael Kightly opens the scoring for the away side at The Madejski Stadium.

New signing: Stoke City midfielder Michael Kightly breaks the deadlock against Reading in the 35th minute.

Poor goalkeeping again, this time from Adam Federci as the ball trickles underneath him, 1-0 to Stoke and it may be hard for Reading to get back into the match.

15:42:

West Brom vs Liverpool:

Midfielder Zoltan Gera volleys the ball from a long way out past goalkeeper Pepe Reina who did not move whatsoever.

1-0 to West Brom at The Hawthorns, and Liverpool are shocked.

What a clean volley, you have to watch that on MOTD tonight!


West Ham vs Aston Villa:

GOAL

Midfielder Kevin Nolan has scored for West Ham to give them the lead against Aston Villa.   

Controversy: West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan celebretaes scoring against Aston Villa - but was it a goal?

Fulham 2 Norwich 0
New signing Mladen Petric has scored to double Fulham's lead.

Heads we win: Mladen Petric heads the ball past the defenders to score on his debut for Fulham against Norwich.

Team talk: EPL teams will be going into half-time, with their manager talking to them with 45 minutes left to play.

 

HALF-TIME SCORES:

Fulham 2 Norwich City 0

Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0

West Ham 1 Aston Villa 0

QPR 0 Swansea 1

West Brom 1 Liverpool 0

Reading 0 Stoke City 1 

FACT: Fulham are currently top of the table on goal difference. 

16:04:
The 3oclock matches have all restarted!

FACT: 6 yellow cards already today, and 6 goals also.

16:12:

Fulham vs Norwich:

GOAL

New signing Mladen Petric runs on to the ball, before taken a left-footed strike towards goal.
The ball took a deflection but goalkeeper John Ruddy was nowhere near the ball.

3-0 to Fulham, and surely there is no way back for Norwich today.

16:13:

QPR vs Swansea:

GOAL:

A goal from nothing by Swansea.
Midfielder Wayne Routldege ran into space before crossing the ball from the wing into the box for Miguel Michu who cooly slots the ball into the top corner..

2-0 to Swansea and two goals for new signing Michu.


16:15:

West Brom vs Liverpool:

PENALTY

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has taken down West Brom striker Shane Long inside the box. The referee points to the spot, and now Agger has been given a red card!

Liverpool are making a substitution:

Jamie Carragher ON
Stewart Downing OFF

Shane Long steps up to take the penalty.... MISS!
Poor penalty by Long, and Liverpool are given a lifeline.


16:21:

West Brom vs Liverpool:

Another penalty for West Brom!! Defender Martin Skrtel has fouled Long, and West Brom have another chance to close the match.

Long has moved far away from the penalty spot, with Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie stepping up to take the penalty.

He shoots, GOAL!!!!! West Brom have doubled their lead, and Liverpool are surely out of this match now.


16:24:

QPR vs Swansea: 

Winger Nathan Dyer has scored here for Swansea. Game wrapped up.

Game wrapped up: Winger Nathan Dyer slots the ball past goalkeeper Robert Green to make it 3-0 against QPR.

3-0 to the away side, and QPR are in shock with a loss at home on the cards here. 


16:26: 

GOAL

Fulham vs Norwich:

Alex Kacaniklic gives Fulham their 4th goal at home against Norwich. If there was not any doubt, the game is over now.

16:31: 

GOAL

QPR vs Swansea:

First it was Michu who scored twice, and now Nathan Dyer has scored two for Swansea. 4-0 to The Swans and QPR are remembering last season when they lost 4-0 to Bolton on the first day.

16:37:

West Brom vs Liverpool:

Three points in the bag for West Brom now. On-loan striker Romelu Lukaku scores on his debut, and heads West Brom into a comfortable 3-0 lead against 10-men Liverpool.

Deadly header: Striker Romelu Lukaku heads West Brom into a 3-0 lead against Liverpool at The Hawthorns.

Lukaku wheels away to celebrate his goal on his West Brom debut on-loan from Chelsea.

16:39:

GOAL

QPR vs Swansea:

New signing Michu cuts out a poor pass by QPR before looking up and finding Scott Sinclair on the run, who easily puts the ball at the back of the net.
5-0 to the away side, and Sinclair who wants to leave the club, has just come on and scored.


16:45:

Fulham vs Norwich:

Have you ever heard of damage limitation? Because Norwich are not doing a great job of it at Craven Cottage. 

Fulham have been awarded with a penalty, and midfielder Steve Sidwell has scored. 5-0 to Fulham.

16:49:

Reading vs Stoke City:

Penalty given to Reading with Stoke midfielder Dean Whitehead being given a second yellow card before being shown the red card in the 89th minute.

Adam Le Fondre steps up to take it... GOAL!!!

Lucky goal or what: Adam Le Fondre scores for Reading in the 89th minute to make the score 1-1 against Stoke.

Reading are given a 'get out of jail free card' here against a Stoke side who have been playing well throughout but could not put them to the sword. 

FULL-TIME SCORES: 

Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0

Reading 1 Stoke City 1

West Brom 3 Liverpool 0

Fulham 5 Norwich City 0

West Ham 1 Aston Villa 0

QPR 0 Swansea City 5 

Tottenham vs Newcastle: LIVE at 17:30pm

Team Line-ups: 

Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Livermore, Sandro, Lennon, Sigurdsson, Bale, Defoe. 
Subs: Cudicini, Naughton, Vertonghen, Jenas, Townsend, Van der Vaart and Kane.

New signing Gylfi Sigurdsson starts, alongisde Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe in attack.
New defender Jan Vertonghen is on the bench, along with winger Rafael Van Der Vaart.

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, S Taylor, Perch, Santon, Ben Arfa, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ba, Cisse.
Subs: Harper, R Taylor, Williamson, Anita, Gosling, Obertan, S Ameobi.

Strong Newcastle squad, but they will be missing their captain Fabricio Coloccini after being ruled out with a thigh strain.

New signing Vurnon Anita on the bench for the home side.

17:20: Ten minutes left until kick-off here. 

FACT: There have been 16 goals so far today, in 6 matches.

17:23: BREAKING NEWS:

Arsenal have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Spainish club Barcelona over the transfer of defensive midfielder Alex Song.  

This is disappointing news for Arsenal fans, including me.

First Robin Van Persie, now Song. Arsenal have lost two of their best players at the club, and they wonder why they have not won anything for 7 years.

They will struggle without these two, and will struggle to fight for a top 4 place.

After their performance today, struggling to beat SUNDERLAND!

Expect a Arsenal fuelled rant from me again in the next few weeks.

17:35:
I am off. 
I will speak to you all tomorrow in the EPL Super Sunday LIVE Commentary, where Wigan face Chelsea and Manchester City host Southampton. 

I will recap the Newcastle vs Tottenham match tomorrow also.
Thank you for following me and reading my EPL Blog.

EPL Transfer News and Community Shield Preview:

Hello and welcome to my EPL Transfer News Update and Community Shield Preview:

EPL Transfer News Update:

Manchester City have told midfielder Nigel De Jong that he can leave the club if he wants to.

Wanted: Nigel De Jong can leave Manchester City this summer. Inter Milan are among the clubs interested in him.

Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Italian clubs Inter Milan and Roma are all interested in the defensive midfielder.

De Jong's international team-mate Wesley Sneijder has said to his club that it is vital that they sign De Jong and they are reportedly readyt to make City an offer for him. 

West Ham have confirmed the £2million signing of 31-year-old midfielder Alou Diarra from French club Marseille. 

Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy has joined Championship club Cardiff on a two-year-deal and a free transfer after passing a medical in Wales this morning.

Back in Wales: Winger Craig Bellamy has left Liverpool to move back to Welsh club Cardiff on a free transfer.

 

Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar has had talks with Tottenham over a possible move there, as they are looking to buy a new goalkeeper.

EPL News: 

Aston Villa have some new fresh injury problems after winger Marc Albrighton has been ruled out of action for at least 6 weeks because of a broken metatarsal.

Out of action: Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton is out of action for at least two months with a broken metatarsal.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that he is disappointed at the fact that City have not signed anyone in the transfer window yet.

He is interested in Liverpool defender Daniel Agger and Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie to name a few players. 

Chelsea young striker is close to signing on-loan at a EPL club, but will NOT join Fulham for next season.

A lot of Barcelona players (including midfielder Andres Iniesta and defender Gerard Pique) have been praising Arsenal defensive midfielder Alex Song after reports claim that Barca are ready to make a £15million offer for him.

Wanted: Arsenal defensive midfielder Alex Song is being scouted by Spainish giants Barcelona.

England manager Roy Hodgson has named his 23-man squad for the upcoming friendly match against Euro 2012 finalists Italy on Wednesday 15th of August in Switzerland.

The squad is:
 

Goalkeepers:

Jack Butland (Birmingham), Joe Hart (Man City) and John Ruddy (Norwich)

Defenders:
Steven Caulker and Kyle Walker (both Tottenham), Ryan Bertrand and Gary Cahill (both Chelsea), Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka (both Everton)

Midfielders:

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Adam Johnson and James Milner (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Jake Livermore (Tottenham), Jack Rodwell (Everton); Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick (all Man United)

Forwards:

Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) and Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea)

Notable absences include Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, Chelsea defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole, and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Comebacks include Tottenham defender Steven Caulker, Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge and Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore.

Europa League Qualification 3rd Round Second Leg:

Liverpool 3 FC Gomel 0 (Aggregate 4-0)

Liverpool have sealed their place into the Europa League Play-Off Round after beating FC Gomel the second time in one week.

£10million signing Fabio Borini opened the scoring with a piledriver goal after a solo run by striker Luis Suarez was parried away by the goalkeeper, straight to Borini who blasted the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Piledriver: New £10million signing Fabio Borini breaks the deadlock to make it 2-0 on aggregate against Gomel.

Hungry for more: Striker Fabio Borini celebrates his first goal on his debut at Anfield.

Another nice solo run past three defenders by Suarez before enticing the keeper to come out before smartly passing the ball straight to captain Gerrard who tapped the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0.

Record breaking: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard celebrates his 150th goal for The Reds against FC Gomel.

Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson made it 3-0 in the 70th minute after a sweet half-volley flew past the goalkeeper into the net.

Swansea midfielder Joe Allen was spotted in the crowd at Anfield, while a £15million deal is complete for him to move to Liverpool.

2nd signing of the transfer window: Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has signed from Swansea for £15million.

On the way: Swansea midfielder Joe Allen was spotted at Anfield last night, hours after making a transfer request.

UEFA Europa League Play-Off Draw - EPL Ties:

Hearts vs Liverpool

Liverpool face Scottish club Hearts in their Play-off match.

Atromitos vs Newcastle United

While Newcastle face Greek club Atromitos who is quite un-heard of as a football club.

First leg to be played on Thursday the 23rd of August

Second leg to be played on Thursday the 30th of August 

Community Shield Preview 

Manchester City vs Chelsea:

LIVE on ITV from 13:30pm

EPL Champions Manchester City face a tough test against FA Cup winners Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea have strengthened their squad since their Champions League final win against Bayern Munich by signing Marko Marin, Oscar, Eden and Thorgan Hazard.

City however have surprisingly not signed any players yet though so their team on Sunday will be players who will be desperate to show their worth ahead of the new season.

Both teams stuggled to win their respective titles and it was close shaves for City and Chelsea.

This match will be EPIC with lots of talent on show for both teams including Eden Hazard, Sergio Aguero, Frank Lampard, Vincent Kompany and much more.

Plus, the two BEST goalkeepers in the EPL will go head-to-head.

Therefore you know that the players will have to do their best to get past the keepers.

Potential Battles on Sunday: 

Petr Cech vs Sergio Aguero

Champions League winner: Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech kept his side in the CL final against Bayern Munich.

30 goals for Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero last season. Can he score again in the CS on Sunday?

30 goals last season for Aguero.

10 clean sheets and 84 saves in 3060 minutes last season for Petr Cech.

Can Aguero score on Sunday and win the Community Shield for City?

Can Cech prove his worth to Chelsea yet again and stop Aguero and co for his team?

Eden Hazard vs Vincent Kompany 

Huge price tag: Belgian winger Eden Hazard cost Chelsea £32million in the TW and has to prove his worth to his team on Sunday.

Defender of the season: Vincent Kompany holds the EPL trophy up aloft after a great season at City.

Belgium team-mates against each other.

Does not get closer than this,

£32million winger from Lille versus the best defender in the EPL last season.

Joe Hart vs Fernando Torres

Form of his life: Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been unstoppable in goal. Can he stop Chelsea?

Golden Glove last season for Joe Hart.

17 clean sheets in 3420 minutes. 

Torres:
15 goals from 53 appearances (11 for Chelsea, 4 for Spain)

Fernando Torres had the best-worst season ever last season.
At the start, did not score for 3 months, was missing open goals and getting sent off.
 
Won the FA Cup and Champions League along with the Euro 2012 with Spain at the end of the season.

Can he kick-start it on Sunday?

Drama, goals, controversy and a preview of what is to come next season on Sunday.

Do not miss my LIVE Commentary on Sunday for the match.