Ben McAleer

Chelsea take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge and Tottenham Hotspur host league leaders Manchester United in the biggest Premier League clashes this weekend.

There can be no doubt that Gareth Bale is a fantastic footballer, but is he worthy of the tag ‘world class’ just yet? I would argue not quite.

The holding midfield position is one that is often overlooked. Although it may not be the most glamorous are jobs on the pitch, it is essential to a successful team. A defence often needs a helping hand, that’s where a holding midfielder comes in, picks up the pieces, breaks up play. As I said not the most glamorous of jobs, but one that is vital.

With the last 16 of the Champions League less than a month away, it is a good time to assess the teams in with a shout in the Champions League betting odds of walking away with the biggest prize in European football on May 25.

Aston Villa is a club in crisis. They were beaten by Bradford City in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final last Tuesday and are facing the very real prospect of being relegated, but why are they in the mess they’re in?

I remember watching a short review of the 1970 world cup when I was about 8 and being utterly mesmerised. It seemed different from any of the modern football I was watching at the time and had the feel of a fantasy adventure rather than a series of football matches.

Arsenal take on Swansea City at the Emirates while Manchester United host West Ham at Old Trafford in two FA Cup third round replays this evening.