<div id="attachment_33624" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33624" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-33624" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/4172211128_03404760a71.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375"></figure></div>Photo by Maurizio Zanella</div>
In the absence of live football during the close-season, the avid football fan is kept entertained by the bi-annual transfer merry-go-round where rumours of unlikely moves and bargain buys are rife as each team looks to build on the past season.
This summer has been no exception and certainly hasn’t disappointed. Manchester United were fast out of the blocks, laying down firm intentions with the acquisition of top young talent such as Phil Jones and David De Gea, whilst on the other side of Manchester, fans have been kept in suspense with the ongoing Carlos Tevez ‘will he, won’t he’ affair.
As well as keeping us entertained during the barren period, as we eagerly await the new season, the ins and outs of the Premier League also give us the chance to have a serious think about who is going to make the cut into our <a href="http://www.dreamteamfc.com/fantasyfootball/1112/">fantasy football</a> teams.
All the comings and goings mean there are new players to consider this season and below I’ve taken a look at 11 players who might just be able to make an impact and earn you those points that can mean the difference between success and failure in your <a href="http://www.dreamteamfc.com/fantasyfootball/1112/Registration/PackageSelection.aspx">fantasy football league</a>:

1. DAVID DE GEA – Fresh from winning the U21 European Championship with Spain, Sir Alex moved quickly to snap up De Gea who as well as being tipped to be the natural successor to Casillas is also touted as one of Europe’s top young keepers. With the departing stalwart Van Der Sar as well as a £18m price tag on his head, De Gea has some big shoes to fill but with a solid back four in front of him, De Gea is definitely one to watch and a dream team must.
2. KYLE WALKER – Technically not a new signing for Spurs but having proved his worth and ever growing maturity whilst on loan at QPR and Aston Villa last season where a string of solid performances earned the youngster an England call up, Walker and his marauding runs forward, could prove to be a major asset to both Spurs and your <a href="http://www.dreamteamfc.com/fantasyfootball/1112/">fantasy premier league</a> team. 
3. KYLE NAUGHTON – Another Spurs youngster who unlike Walker doesn’t quite look set to break into Harry’s first team plans just yet and as such has been farmed out to Premier League new boys Norwich. Plays in a similar mould to his Sheffield born counterpart Kyle Walker, and with an acute eye for Goal which was proved time and again during an impressive loan spell at Leicester last season, Naughton could well carry his eye catching form into the new campaign. 
4. STEFAN SAVIC – Another youngster who could break into any Fantasy Team, Savic has been snapped up by big spending Manchester City and looks set to force his way into Mancini’s first team plans this season. Billed as being a similar player to fellow countryman and cross-city rival, Nemanja Vidic, versatile Savic could earn vital fantasy points from both set pieces and clean sheets as part of a solid looking City defence. 
5. JONATHAN WOODGATE – Having seemingly put his injury problems behind him, Woodgate has departed White Hart Lane and looked to a fresh start at Stoke as he tries to re-establish himself as one of England’s top defenders. Solid at the back and a major threat from set pieces, a Woodgate and Shawcross central partnership could work could prove vital to Stokes (and your fantasy football team) clean sheet figures. Could prove to be one of the free signings of the summer.
6. JOHN ARNE RIISE – A fans favourite from his Liverpool days, Riise has ventured back to the Premier League following a successful spell with Roma looking to pick up where he left off and establish himself as one of the league’s best left sided players. Having already made his debut and impressing in the Europa League, Riise could gain you fantasy points via his blistering runs and balls into the box as well as a goal or two from that cannon of a left foot he has in his locker.
7. HATEM BEN ARFA – Having initially joined Newcastle on loan last season before suffering a nasty leg break only a few games into the campaign, Newcastle have taken a gamble on Ben Arfa and made the deal permanent. Briefly showing glimpses of pure class, Ben Arfa looks set to inject some real quality into the Newcastle midfield and with an eye for both goals and assists, surely one to consider for the fantasy football too.
8. OWEN HARGREAVES – Although not signed up by anyone just yet, a player of Hargreaves’ quality surely can’t be left on the free transfer list for too long. Should somebody decide to take a pay-as-you-play gamble on the midfielder and with his injury troubles hopefully behind him (according to his YouTube videos), Hargreaves is not only a versatile player but also possess deadly final balls, creative vision and is a set piece specialist.
9. CONNOR WICKHAM – Having struggled with squad depth last season, Steve Bruce has invested heavily during pre-season with no less than nine new signings, one of them being one of England’s most promising young talents, Connor Wickham. In two seasons at Ipswich, Wickham managed a return of 16 goals in 63 games – Not bad for a lad who broke onto the professional scene at 16. With a big frame, natural finishing and a sharp turn of pace, Wickham can surely only get better and could prove to be one of the signings of the season. 
10. GERVINHO – After relying heavily on Van Persie to get the goals last season, Mr Wenger has decided to splash out on Ivorian forward Gervinho to sure up his frontline. Having helped Lille to a league and cup double the previous year and with a goal to game ratio of nearly 1 in 2 during two seasons in the French league, Gervinho could excel in an Arsenal team that oozes class and creativity. 
 
11. SERGIO ‘KUN’ AGUERO – If it wasn’t for the pure genius of a certain Lionel Messi, there is no question that Aguero would be the golden boy of Argentina. Having broken onto the professional scene at the tender age of 15, Aguero was most recently plying his trade in Spain for Athletico Madrid where his stock continued to rise. Now recruited by Manchester City, Aguero looks set to fill and emulate the space left by a departing Carlos Tevez. With an eye for goal, a master of the set piece and skill and flair to frighten the most experienced of defenders, Aguero looks highly likely to become a fans and fantasy football favourite. 
So there you have it, 11 new players that will be hitting the Premier League this season all of who look set to have some sort of impact. Will any of them make the cut into your fantasy football team?

Fantasy Football 2011/12 – Who Will Make the Cut?

Fantasy Football 2011/12 – Who Will Make the Cut? - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33611" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fifa-12-north-america-cover1.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320"></figure></div>
EA Sports has unveiled the cover for FIFA 12 which will be distributed in the United States.
Gracing the cover are Landon Donovan, Wayne Rooney and Rafa Marquez. That takes care of MLS/US soccer fans, eurosnobs and the hispanic market — which make up a large contingent of soccer fans in the US of A. Having Landon Donovan featured (again) isn’t a surprise (doesn’t he seem to be the poster child for almost everything US soccer-related in the States).
Meanwhile, the UK version of the game will feature <a href="http://epltalk.com/jack-wilshere-and-wayne-rooney-grace-fifa-12-cover-in-uk-photo-33275" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jack Wilshere and Wayne Rooney</a> on the cover.

EA Sports Unveils North American Cover for FIFA 12 Game: Guess Who Is Featured

EA Sports Unveils North American Cover for FIFA 12 Game: Guess Who Is Featured - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33524" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/wayne-rooney-hair-fifa-121.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="321"></figure></div>
FIFA 12 is all about authenticity, but they’ve taken it to a new level with the upcoming release of FIFA 12 by painstakingly upgrading Wayne Rooney’s hairstyle so his new hair transplant is plain to see.
In the above photograph (before, on the left, and the hair transplant image on the right), you can see the receding hairline in the image on the left. In the image to the right, you can see the difference. The level of detail is pretty incredible. I wonder what they’ll do about Mario Balotelli’s ever-changing hairstyles and whether they’ll release updates throughout the season.

Wayne Rooney’s Hair Transplant in FIFA 12: Before and After Photos

Wayne Rooney’s Hair Transplant in FIFA 12: Before and After Photos - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33477" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/wigan-away-and-third-shirts1.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="257"></figure></div>
Wigan Athletic is hardly the most fashionable club in the Premier League. But this upcoming season, more so than others, their selection of <a href="http://epltalk.com/wigan-athletic-home-shirt-for-2011-12-season-photo-33263" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">home</a>, away and third shirts are aesthetically pleasing for once.
Gone is the Dutch orange, and in comes a navy blue shirt for Wigan’s new away kit. The bold color is accentuated by fluorescent yellow rounded collar and sleeve hems. The color combination of navy blue and fluorescent yellow work well together. And it’s definitely one of those kits that will stand out from the crowd.
Wigan’s third shirt for the 2011-12 Premier League season looks superb. The white shirt with gold-colored Mi-Fit and Wigan crests also features an old-fashioned collar. Typically I’m not a fan of sponsor logos on the front of shirts, but the 12Bet.com one on this white third shirt looks great.
When you put the three new Wigan kits together side-by-side, they’re actually one of the best designed collection of shirts from any Premier League club this upcoming season. Liverpool’s trio of shirts is strong except for their <a href="http://epltalk.com/liverpool-third-shirt-for-2011-12-season-official-photos-revealed-32391" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Olympique Marseille knock-off</a>.
What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments section below.

Wigan Athletic Away and Third Shirts for 2011-12 Premier League Season: Photo

Wigan Athletic Away and Third Shirts for 2011-12 Premier League Season: Photo - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33411" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/goodison-park1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="374"></figure></div>
The Premier League has announced that it’s in discussions with Sony to develop a unique immersion technology. The end result will be to allow soccer fans from around the world to put on headphones while watching a match and feel as if they’re sitting in the ground watching the game in person, when they’re actually at home in front of a 3D TV set.
The technology is still a few years away, but Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore is excited about the prospect and sees it as a more realistic alternative to the 39th Game, which was vehemently dismissed by many in the British media.
To read a more descriptive explanation of Scudamore’s thoughts as well as more details about the technology envisioned, read the article over at <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/aug/02/immersion-technology-premier-league-tv?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Guardian</a> and then come back here and share your opinion about whether you think it’s a wise idea or not.
Here’s my opinion:

Using American vernacular, Scudamore needs to get off the crack pipe. This is a horrible idea for many reasons.
First, 3D television sets have been a dismal failure. ESPN made a big deal about the 2010 World Cup being shown in 3D, but do you know anyone who watched it in 3D, or were you able to see it demoed?
Second, the only reason why Sony is interested in working with the Premier League regarding this technology is to sell 3D TV sets, which are expensive. Sure, prices will come down as technology improves, but why is the Premier League spending so much time regarding this technology (based on the level of interest and obvious meetings that must have happened between Sony and the Premier League, as can be surmised from the article in The Guardian)? Can’t the Premier League see through Sony and realize that they’re just trying to find ways to flog their expensive TV sets, which are a failing product right now?
Third, and most importantly, no one is asking for or wants this technology. Sure, it’d be a novel idea to try the technology once so we can be transported to our favorite Premier League ground to watch a match, as if we were really there. But, this is not something we want on a week-in week-out basis. Who wants to be tied down to wearing headphones (and presumably 3D glasses)? I want to have the ability to do whatever I want during a game on TV. Sitting for 90 minutes motionless isn’t how I experience a Premier League match. If you’re like me, I often watch two games at once (either split-screen, or one of our TV set and one on our laptop, iPad or phone). Or I’ll have Twitter or a chat open during a game, to read what other people are thinking about the match. And if it’s my team who are playing and they just scored a goal, I may find myself running around my room in hysterics after seeing a beautiful goal hit the back of the net. I do not want to be tied down by wearing headphones and/or glasses that inhibit the way I enjoy matches.
3D technology sounds wonderful, but no one is asking for it. Watching Premier League matches on a flat-screen television in HD is simply perfect for me. Nothing more is needed, thank you very much.
And if we want to see Premier League games in person, I would much prefer to either (a) save up and go to England to see the real thing, (b) wait for the clubs to come over on their preseason friendlies and then see them in person, or (c) keep on hoping that the 39th game will eventually happen. I don’t want to be sold an expensive technology that makes me feel that I’m at the ground. I’m not willing to suspend my disbelief to suck me in to a 3D avatar world that I know simply doesn’t exist in reality.
What do you think? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

Premier League Contemplates Using 3D Technology To Replace 39th Game Concept

Premier League Contemplates Using 3D Technology To Replace 39th Game Concept - World Soccer Talk

Inspired by the <a href="http://www.thefa.com/umbrofives">FA Umbro Fives</a> competition (with a final at Wembley), I’ve picked the ultimate 5-a-side team. The only criteria is that the players must be currently active, regardless of which league they are playing in.
 
Have a look through my selection below, and then share your own in the comments.
Selection Criteria
1. 1 goalkeeper, 4 outfield players, 2 substitutes and 1 manager. 
2. Pick players that would be most suited to / thrive in 5-a-side football. A player with great aerial ability isn’t necessarily made-for 5-a-side football. Technical ability, speed, low center of gravity, accuracy, consistency and the ability to play multiple roles in a team are the key factors. Don’t go for things like long-range shooting – really, how far do you need to shoot in a 5-a-side game? 
3. You can’t pick more than 2 players from the same club team. Otherwise people will have half of the Barcelona team lined up here, and where’s the fun in that?
Goalkeeper
You need the best shot-stopper in the world, someone who can make lightening fast saves, stop those low drives, and cause despair in opposition players just by stepping on the pitch. There are plenty of quality keepers around, but Iker Casillas is easily the best amongst them, and he would shine in a 5-a-side team (let’s face it, the Madrid defence have given him plenty of practice in one-on-one saves).

Defence
A libero the style of Beckenbauer is needed, but there are few defenders today who are comfortable on the ball. Strength is a good criteria to have but above all you need immaculate positioning, sharp tackling and great passing ability, with shooting a bonus. My shortlist here was Gerard Pique, Ashley Cole and Daniel Alves, and you could play any of these three in defence without hesitation. Ultimately though, it’s about ball-skills, and while that may be the perfect stage for Ashley Cole to shine, my 5-a-side team has Daniel Alves in it.
Yes, you don’t always have to pick a central defender here.
Midfield
Defensive ability is less of a concern than creativity, ability to score and a willingness to track back. It’s tempted to put in two creative midfielders but that would put a lot of pressure on the defender. The ideal option would be to have an all-action central midfielder (with great ball-skills, of course) and play two forwards-cum-midfielders instead.
And I’ve done exactly that – picked a central midfielder and placed two players in the ‘Attack’ section, although both of them are perfectly capable of playing on the wings, through the middle, up front, and are easily the two fastest and most-skilled footballers around today (you’ve already guessed, haven’t you?).
Any way, back to the midfield – who can we pick here? The shortlist was a lengthy one, but it came down to Fabregas and Xavi. It’s tough to find two players as complete as these two (there are other, all-action midfielders but their ball skills aren’t in the same park as these two), and it’s tough to pick one of them. Eventually, I went with Fabregas because of the 2-per-team rule.
Phillip Lahm makes the subs bench. He can play in defence (allowing Dani Alves to push upfront), he can also sit in midfield and pass the ball, and he’s got quick feet. Above all he’s a team man.
Attack
This one is simple to pick – as mentioned earlier, I decided to pick two players in attack who could basically play anywhere in the forward line, and in a 5-a-side game, they’d wreak havok on the opposition. Excellent ball skills, so fast cameras have trouble keeping up and the ability to win games on their own.
Take a bow, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It’s true that I could have picked more ‘traditional’ strikers – Drogba (ball-skills?), Villa, Torres, Van Persie, Rooney, Forlan, etc etc. But I’m building a team, and these two complement the ‘total football’ nature of this 5-a-side team.
The subs choice came down to Gourcuff, Robben, Jovetic and Sneijder. Ultimately I went with Stevan Jovetic for the pace / finishing, as his inclusion would mean one of the two attacking players dropping deeper into the midfield.
World 5-a-side
Manager: Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid) – no prepares for matches better than him.
GK: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) 
DF: Daniel Alves (Barcelona) 
MF: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) 
ATT: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Subs: Phillip Lahm (Bayern Munich) and Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)
Ok, that’s my choice for the ultimate world 5-a-side team. Do you agree/disagree with my picks? Let’s hear your suggestions…
<h3>Brought to you by the FA Umbro Fives</h3>
<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" style="float: right;margin-left: 10px" src="http://soccerlens.com/files/2010/09/umbro-fives.jpg" alt="FA Umbro Fives" width="150" height="106"></figure></div>The FA Umbro Fives is the national 5-a-side competition organised by the English FA. The final will be played at Wembley, with participating teams going through the same experience as teams playing a real cup final and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to score / win a title at Wembley.
The <a href="http://www.thefa.com/umbrofives">TheFA.com/UmbroFives</a> website has all the details on how to sign up, plus highlights from previous finals, tips on 5-a-side football from Umbro. You also have the chance to win TEN tickets to an England match throug the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FAUmbroFives">FA Umbro Fives’ Facebook page</a>, so check that out too.
Here’s the tournament preview video:
This article was written by Ahmed Bilal of <a href="http://soccerlens.com">Soccerlens</a>. You can follow him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/soccerlens">Twitter</a>.

The Ultimate World 5-a-side Team

The Ultimate World 5-a-side Team - World Soccer Talk

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur - World Soccer Talk

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