The Mazy Run

Striker Conor Sammon finally looks set to make his full Republic of Ireland debut tonight after impressing this season in the Championship with Derby County.

Rumours have circulated this week that Xabi Alonso may be in line for a shock return to Liverpool, the club with whom he won the Champions League and began to establish himself as one of the world’s best midfielders.

Sergio Ramos celebrated his 100th cap for a Spain with a goal and the captain’s armband on Friday night.

The Finnish national team achieved one of the greatest results in their history on Friday night, earning a 1-1 draw with World and European champions Spain in Gijon.

Southampton rightly opted to sign up Morgan Schneiderlin on a long term deal in February as the stats reveal that the French midfielder has been somewhat of an unsung hero for the Saints in the Premier League this season.

After an 8th consecutive trophyless season, talks of crisis at Arsenal are ringing around the Emirates Stadium once more. However, according to the latest statistics on passing, one player in a Gunners jersey has stood above all others in the Premier League this season: Mikel Arteta.

With most European teams having already played 4 group games, this weekend’s fixture represent a critical stage in the World Cup Qualification process. We now look at which of Friday’s fixtures are likely to be crucial in determining which countries will be on the plane to Brazil next summer.

At 6 feet 8 inches, Lacina Traore may already be a big thing in African football. However, at the age of just 22 years old, Traore’s impressive performances in Russia have led to inevitable comparisons with fellow countryman Didier Drogba and claims that he could become Africa’s next big superstar.