Just two days away from the big EPL restart, Sir Alex claims that there are more than four teams in the title race, Manchester City may have lost their new signing, and the North London clubs are hopeful to pick up their first wins of the season.

Today’s “Daily Ticker” also features surprising comments from Fabio Capello and a video of the official who snuck in a snapshot of himself and an Argentine superstar. In addition, Roberto Mancini explains his signing of Owen Hargreaves and Neil Warnock hints there is truth behind David Beckham’s supposed move to Queens Park Rangers.

Premier League News:

Roberto Mancini says Manchester City took a gamble on the former United player Owen Hargreaves. The City boss wanted to sign Daniel de Rossi or Fernando Gago to boost their midfield. However, Mancini told the media, “We couldn’t spend any more money also or the question of financial fair play.” “We needed a central midfield player but unfortunately… a lot of [players] have gone out on loan, so fees haven’t come in for them,” said David Platt, the Italian boss’ assistant, “You have to get creative.”

“If we keep playing the way we are at Liverpool,” said winger Stewart Downing, “we’ve got a hell of a chance of being in the top bracket.” The England international claims there is a ‘feelgood factor’ at Anfield and midfielder is trying to keep that going help out the national side as well. Downing added, “Getting a run of games helps your confidence and getting used to the players around me.”

Neil Warnock spoke to the Daily Telegraph an said, “About three weeks ago I would not have dreamed to sign Joey Barton so I will never write anything off.” The QPR manager says the Beckham rumors, “came out of the blue,” but, “I think anything is possible.”

Jonny Evans of Manchester United believes this could be it for him at Old Trafford. After last year’s disappointing form on loan, Evans is glad to be back at United. The Northern Ireland defender said of his boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, “If you are not in his plans he will move you on.”

Owen Coyle is in no rush to sign Gary Cahill to a new contract. He said, “It is not a conversation for right now…my focus is making sure Gary concentrates on the football side of things.”

Sir Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports, “I think you could say that five or six teams will be involved… It’s always hard to win the league.” The long time Manchester United boss cites the big three in London and the North to be the key reason why it is so difficult to win the Premiership, especially this season. Ferguson has a young squad this year, but defended the team saying, “You have to try and build teams that will last for a few years…This is another example of trusting the young players and giving them opportunities.” Sir Alex also said that, “Sneijder is not the ideal replacement for [Paul] Scholes… Only Xavi and Iniesta are comparable to Scholes.”

In other Manchester United news, Michael Owen claims, “If we played Barcelona again in the final… We wouldn’t be frightened of playing them…that’s for sure.”

Aaron Ramsey has tipped Arsenal to, “put things right,” after being thumped by Manchester United 8-2. The Welsh midfielder believes the signing of Everton’s Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker will help the team recover. The Gunners take on Swansea City at the weekend.

Raul Meireles says he, “didn’t want to leave Liverpool.” The former Porto midfielder says the fact that Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas wanted him, led to the midfielder putting in his transfer request, to head for Stamford Bridge. “It was strange, because I knew of the interest of Chelsea, and the interest of the coach,” said the Chelsea man, “The people think that I wanted to leave [but] it is only because Chelsea wanted me. For Andre to want me, that is why I wanted to go.” The midfielder also says the relationships he has with Jose Bosingwa, David Luiz, and Ramires have helped him ease into the Stamford Bridge locker room.

Steve Bruce told Sunderland’s TV network that Niklas Bendtner has, “got something to prove and a real hunger to show people just how good he is.” The Sunderland boss has watched over the striker since his days at Birmingham.

Samir Nasri may have broken a bone in one of his hands while on international duty with France. The injury occurred against Romania on Tuesday. Nasri will be evaluated by the City medical staff upon his return to the club.

International Break Aftermath:

Luis Suarez went the distance in Uruguay’s 3-2 win in Ukraine. The striker wants no rest. He told the Daily Mirror, “I want to play in all the games I can for Liverpool. I don’t want any rest at all.” The South American admitted he was frustrated when Dalglish did not start him against Arsenal.

Vicente del Bosque confirmed that Fernando Torres’ place in the Spanish squad is in jeopardy. “Torres is an important player, but those who stand out with their clubs will get the call to the national team, not the other way round,” said the World Champion manager.

England News:

Fabio Capello knew that his team would perform poorly against Wales. After seeing the team’s warm-up he could tell the players were not ready for the qualifier. Capello told the press, “We train very well. Everything is perfect. Then when we are here [Wembley], it is different. We need to find a solution.” The Italian pointed to his head in an interview and said, “The problem was here.”

Misc:

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce says football’s governing body and the European Club Association will hold talks later in the month to reduce the amount of international matches. However, don’t get your hopes up too high, as the clubs and FIFA are very far apart on this issue. The clubs want no friendlies or smaller qualifying groups. Boyce said, “There have been a lot of meaningless friendlies recently…when players don’t really want to play and clubs don’t want to release their players.” The British VP insists the two sides must reach a compromise.

Article of the Day:

Chris Burton questions if the ‘Wembley factor’ is really an issue for the national side.

Video of the Day:

This referee sneaks a picture of himself and Leo Messi.

httpv:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9m6SEtRDIw

Question of the Day:

Will Arsenal turn it around this weekend against Swansea City?

Have your say below and comment on the days news!