Welsh next split minnows Pontypridd Community to handle L . a . Liga leaders Valencia inside helpful.

David Ramos
Date set: Pontypridd Town will visit the Mestalla for their friendly with Valencia in July
Pontypridd Town, a club from Welsh League Division Three, are preparing to take on one of La Liga’s biggest clubs.

Manager Dominic Broad, a coach with strong contacts in Spain, will take his Ponty team to Valencia for a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 29.

Pontypridd are 15th in the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Third Division table.

It’s an astonishing coup for a club who struggled to even start this season and are battling to avoid relegation from the fourth tier of Welsh football.

Valencia - whose Mestalla Stadium has a capacity of 53,000 - have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies and earned major success in Europe.

”This fixture has given our club a whole new lease of life,” says Broad. “There is so much excitement at the prospect of facing Valencia in Spain. We’ll take 16 players at least and maybe up to 19.”
Wide-ranging features connection with mentoring throughout Italy and possesses pals in Valencia, who may have made it easier for prepare this specific renowned warm and friendly.

Pontypridd will certainly properly deal with Valencia’s hold crew and they are less likely into the future on companies ex - Strategy gamer Philippe Senderos as well as Oriol Romeu, closed in mortgage loan via Chelsea, nevertheless it will certainly are the most significant examination your Welsh team get encountered.

“What an event this is to the avid gamers, ” affirms Wide-ranging. “I’ve nagged pals throughout Italy for years to acquire this specific tidied along with it’s a superb permanent fixture pertaining to Pontypridd.

“This will certainly pick up each of our club’s account even as we operate to be sure we've got a new ecological Welsh Group team throughout Pontypridd. ”

Wide-ranging, 35, ended up being equiped Pontypridd player-manager at first on this time, generating your transfer via Caerau Ely, wherever they ended up being asst for you to Nana Baah. Close friend Damien signed up with your ex while player/assistant boss, even though Mike Houldsworth can be player/assistant instructor.

Pontypridd looked like there was for the edge involving flip-style ahead of there is much surprise commenced, though the session in the Wide-ranging friends along with Houldsworth converted your team.

“Our priority is to make sure we stay up,” says Broad. “I didn’t realise Pontypridd had only two players signed when I accepted the job, but we were able to strengthen quickly.

“We have organised a youth system for the first time at this club and there is a lot of optimism for the future. We have added quality players, we are building for the future.”

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Lukaku back education right after rearfoot injuries since Everton superstar goals Gulf Pig go back.

Romelu Lukaku has returned to training just three weeks after being taken off on a stretcher during Everton’s defeat by Liverpool last month.

There were initial fears that the striker had damaged ligaments in his ankle and was facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

But he has made a swift recovery and confirmed on Tuesday morning that he was back in training for the first time.

Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, now looks set to play a part in Everton’s bid for a place in Europe.

He is ineligible to face his parent club in Everton’s next match on Saturday, but is aiming for a return to action the following weekend when they play West Ham at Goodison Park.

Your 20-year-old has now got crystal clear that they would like to always be participating in Champions Group basketball up coming time.

This means your probability of your ex subscribing to Everton forever inside summertime are generally lean, while using Merseyside team dropping off of the tempo at the pinnacle; a few things guiding Tottenham throughout sixth along with nine faraway from Gatwick throughout last, even if which has a sport in a very side.

Nevertheless the potential is still not yet determined, using tips that will Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho can be happy to let the Belgian intercontinental keep inside summertime.

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Manchester City v Barcelona: We are now bigger than Manchester United, says Manuel Pellegrini

Man City manager stirs up Mancunian rivalry by saying there is one club in Manchester and it's not United, ahead of Champions League round of 16 tie with Barcelona
Manuel Pellegrini claims Manchester City will welcome Barcelona to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night as the ruling force in the city after insisting his club are now bigger than Manchester United.
With midfielder David Silva declaring that a Champions League victory over the Spanish champions would signal City’s “coming of age” on the international stage, Pellegrini’s hopes of masterminding a first-leg success have been boosted by the return to fitness of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho following a thigh injury.
The encounter with Barcelona, City’s first competitive meeting with the Catalans, is likely to prove the sternest test of the home side’s prospects of completing an unprecedented quadruple this season.
But with the visit of Lionel Messi and Co falling almost 15 years to the day since City entertained Macclesfield Town in a League One fixture at Maine Road, Pellegrini claimed that the club’s recent rise under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan means they have now surpassed champions United to become the cream of Manchester.
“If we only consider this season, there is just one club in Manchester and it is ours,” Pellegrini said. “But you cannot forget what United has done in the previous years.
“We are aiming to keep growing by winning many trophies, not just national, but international trophies.
“We are fighting for four titles this year. We have to be patient because you cannot change the team from one day to another. But we have to keep the philosophy of the style and for that you need time.”
City’s recent rise to prominence is reflected by the fact that Barcelona’s four previous competitive visits to Manchester have all been to Old Trafford, where they have lost two and drawn two of their European encounters with United.
Barcelona’s only trip to the Etihad came in August 2003, when the club were opponents for the official opening of the stadium following City’s move from Maine Road. But while that fixture proved a landmark moment for the home team, who will be without the injured Sergio Agüero on Tuesday night, Spain international Silva believes the game carries far greater significance for City’s ambitions of becoming a global powerhouse.
“Beating Barcelona would be like a coming of age for Manchester City,” Silva said. “It is very important for our confidence and international recognition.
“Barcelona are the favourites. They have the history, the experience, and the best player in the world in Leo Messi. But of course we have an opportunity. We believe in ourselves and in our football.
“The key is to keep the pressure on for 90 minutes, to avoid silly mistakes and take advantage of our chances. Against such a good team, you cannot miss them.”
Pellegrini faces Barcelona having enjoy some success against the club during his decade in Spain coaching Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga. The Chilean has won four and drawn four of his 22 encounters with the blaugrana and he insists City will not compromise their attacking approach when they tackle Tata Martino’s team.
“The spirit of the team is OK and we will see on Tuesday the same team we see every week.” Pellegrini said. “I believe in a style of playing. It’s always very important that the fans like the way we play, but I think we can have both – to achieve important results and play in a style the fans enjoy."
“You can make changes, you can play in different ways,” said Pellegrini, but added that it was not worth setting out to defend with 11 men, because that would not be playing to his side’s strengths.
“It is a good test for us, it is important, but it isn’t the most important thing because we can beat Barcelona, but in next round you could have a defeat. This club is trying to develop in all areas. I think that, so far, we have had a good season and we must finish in the same way.
“One of our targets of course is to try to continue in the Champions League, knowing that we play against maybe the most important club in the world.”
Barcelona arrived in Manchester on Tuesday with a full-strength squad and with Messi having eclipsed Alfredo Di Stéfano in the La Liga goalscoring charts following his two goals in the 6-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano.
Messi’s presence in the Barcelona team remains the ace in their pack, but Pellegrini warns that focusing too heavily on stopping the Argentine could backfire on City.
“I have never seen Messi play badly. He’s either excellent or great. We hope to face the worst Messi – the great one. Without doubt, it is very difficult to stop Messi because he is the top player of the world. He has a lot of different qualities – speed, good balance, good finish – but I don’t think Barcelona is just Messi.
“You can have a lot of other players who will also decide the game as well so it’s important to play as a team defending and attacking.
“If you review their season, they have qualified in the Champions League, they are top of table in the Spanish league and are in the final of Copa del Rey, so they continue to be a very strong team.
“I am absolutely sure that, if we want to have a good result in the first leg, we must prepare a very good game.”

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Manchester United watch leading transfer target Eliaquim Mangala in action for Porto

Fierce competition expected for signing of French international centre-back Eliaquim Mangala in the summer with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all interested
Manchester United sent one of their leading scouts to watch transfer target Eliaquim Mangala play for Porto at Gil Vicente on Sunday.
United will face fierce competition to sign the highly rated French international centre-back, not least from Manchester City and Chelsea.
City abandoned a January transfer deadline-day £50 million move for Mangala and his Porto team-mate but are expected to renew their interest in the summer.
Mangala, a 23-year-old centre-back, is one of a number of targets for David Moyes, as he bids to overhaul the United squad. Captain Nemanja Vidic has already announced he will leave the club at the end of the season and Rio Ferdinand could retire.
United's owners, the Glazer family, are prepared to provide at least £100m for squad strengthening after what they have conceded has been a "disappointing" season, with the club lying seventh in the Premier League.

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Premier League - Match facts: Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United have lost their last three Barclays Premier League games at St James Park without scoring.

Tottenham have won seven and lost just one of their last 10 Barclays Premier League away games.

However, Spurs have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven on the road in the league.

The Magpies have gone seven Premier League games without a clean sheet on home soil.

Newcastle have won five and lost none (D2) of their last seven Premier League home games against Spurs.

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has scored on his last two Premier League appearances at St James Park.

Spurs have scored on each of their last eight Premier League visits to St James Park.

Tottenham have not scored in the opening 15 minutes of a Premier League game since April 27th 2013 – nearly 10 months ago.

Newcastle have had fewer goalscorers in the Premier League this season than any other side (8).

Following their 0-3 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, Newcastle have now failed to score in six of their last seven Premier League matches – this after failing to score in just one of their previous 16 in the competition.

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Chelsea Target Bayern Munich Star as Jose Mourinho Looks to Strengthen Defence

Chelsea are ready to make a summer move for adaptable Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng according to Sports Direct News.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bring in the 26 year old German international to help beef up his back-line and will challenge Arsenal for his signature.

It may however prove tough for either Premier League side to land the former Man City man given the success he is enjoying at the Allianz Arena.

Boateng, who can play at centre-back or as full-back on either flank, has been a regular this term and helped the Bavarian side to a memorable treble of Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League triumphs last season so it’s not immediately obvious as to why he would consider leaving Bayern Munich anytime soon.

Mourinho brought in French teen Kurt Zouma as ‘one for the future’ though John Terry’s career at Stamford Bridge may well be nearing an end with no new deal on the table with the skipper’s current contract set to come to an end this summer.

Brazilian David Luiz is another who could leave the West London club, with Barcelona said to be keen on the fan favourite, who is seemingly not a firm regular under Mourinho.

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Jonas: In case they occurs, Vargas are going to be quite delightful in Valencia.

Valencia forward Jonas has given his backing to the move for Napoli striker Eduardo Vargas, claiming the Chilean will give them the boost they need.

With the move for Napoli’s Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas seemingly all but a done deal, at a press call on Wednesday, Valencia forward Jonas suggested that the player will be welcomed with open arms by his new team-mates.

“He was very good at Gremio. He has a lot of quality and he’s an international for Chile. If he comes, we will welcome him and help to ensure he’s relaxed and feels at ease.”

As for the goings on of the proposed takeover of the club, which is very much dominating the headlines for Valencia, Jonas admitted that it’s not something the players have much to do with, but hopes that whatever happens, it’s in the best interests of the club.

“It’s not really a matter for us. It’s for the board to deal with and we can’t really give an opinion. We don’t know everything that’s happening. We know things from the press of course, but we don’t know behind the scenes what’s going on. Obviously we know that the club is for sale and we’re hoping that it’s in the best interests of everyone.”
Some thing he or she had been much better in a position to talk about within much more fine detail, may be the scenario from the group, following a appearance associated with Juan Antonio Pizzi because supervisor.

“We’re on the route or even enhancement, with increased probabilities and much more ownership. We now have additional time throughout the 7 days to operate difficult as well as I’m sure we’ll alter every thing. We’ll earn video games as well as enhance the category placement. ”

Jonas couldn’t timid from saying yes which points should enhance rapidly, nevertheless.

“We’re quite a distance in the goals we’d arranged away. We have to create a response. All of us haven’t obtained the actual factors we want. ”

The actual B razil ahead additionally accepted he concerns occasionally, regarding coming to their greatest associated with type.

“It’s difficult in order to rest from evenings occasionally. Whenever points tend to be heading nicely, We rating as well as the actual group is victorious, it’s wonderful. Whenever we don’t, Personally i think unfortunate, however we now have to maintain spending so much time. It’s hard in order to possess the exact same regularity within each and every online game. ”.

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