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Pepsi today unveiled details of their superstar 2014 football squad, bringing together an unprecedented wealth of international talent to create one of the most jam packed, multi-talented and iconic lineups ever. 19 of the world’s greatest players, spanning five continents and nearly 20 countries, are uniting with Pepsi to inspire fans the world over to “Live For Now” in 2014.

Record breaking football superstar Leo Messi, Argentinian international striker Sergio Agüero and young British talent Jack Wilshere will be joined by Brazilian defender David Luiz, prolific goal scorer Robin van Persie and Spanish great Sergio Ramos as part of the global Pepsi lineup. These super six will be bolstered by additional footballing greats from across the globe representing their home countries, including: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Colombia), Clint Dempsey (USA), Tarik Elyounoussi (Norway), Maynor Figueroa (Honduras), Mario Gomez (Germany), Vincent Kompany (Belgium), Kemar Lawrence (Jamaica), Victor Moses (Nigeria), Peter Osaze Odemwingie (Nigeria), Oribe Peralta (Mexico), Andriy Pyatov (Ukraine), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Gylfi Por Sigurðsson (Iceland).

“Football has been my passion since I was a little boy and it’s certainly one of the things I live for now. I am so proud to be partnering with Pepsi again and representing the brand globally as part of this star-studded team,” says four-time player of the year and Argentinian captain Leo Messi.

Earlier today the Pepsi players took to social media to unveil the entire roster in an exciting digital relay that reached fans across the globe.

David Luiz, Premier League player for Chelsea and vice-captain for Brazil’s national team, comments:

“I’m excited to be teaming up with Pepsi and proud to be part of such a great team. For me, playing football is about making the most of every second on the pitch and showing your love and character for the game – and for the fans. I can’t wait to join fans from across the world and celebrate football.”

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The global player announcement also kicked off a series of exciting year-long activities as part of the 2014 Pepsi Football campaign. Not only will the players star in Pepsi’s global television commercial released later in the year, a selection of the players will also be featured on limited edition, eye-catching packaging and point of sale across the globe, designed to bring to life their flair and enthusiasm for the game. Special commemorative packaging featuring the global Pepsi players will start appearing in market in March, while integrations with music, art, digital, interactive experiences and additional special products will be unveiled throughout the year. Throughout the years, football has been a strong driver of growth for PepsiCo, with both its global beverages and snacks brands activating robust programs in 2014.

Kristin Patrick, Pepsi Global Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Global Beverages Group comments:

“Pepsi has had a tremendous relationship with football, going back nearly 15 years. For this, our latest incarnation, we’ve brought together our most impressive Pepsi football roster yet, comprised of players who truly embody our brand spirit and excite and electrify us every time they step on the pitch. Our players know how to live for the moment, and throughout the year we’ll be collaborating with them to bring our fans exciting and engaging content, products and experiences – bringing fans closer to the game they love.”

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In the UK Pepsi Max will be featuring the global football super team in a full, through the line campaign, including limited edition packaging, point of sale, outdoor and digital support.

Sebastian Micozzi, UK Head of Marketing – Beverages, comments:

“We are thrilled to bring this new football campaign to the UK. Football is such a passion point for our brand and our consumers. It is one of the many ways we celebrate Pepsi’s Live for Now ethos. The line-up of players involved in this new campaign is truly unrivalled and shows how passionate and committed we are to growing our longstanding association with global football. Our consumers in the UK can look forward to lots of exciting activities in the coming months.”

Liverpool are set to reward young Spanish playmaker Suso a new contract as reward for a string of impressive performances.

The 18-year-old has featured in the Reds last 3 matches, starting in the 5-3 win at Young Boys and the 5-2 win at Norwich, whilst appearing as a second half substitute during the 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United.

The fans have really enjoyed what they have seen so far, and it has come as no surprise that Real Madrid were interested in signing him before Liverpool stepped in in 2010.

“He’s in the last year of his contract, and it’s something we will look at,” Rodgers said in the Mirror. “We did have a couple of offers for Suso in the summer, but I always said I didn’t want him to go.

“I felt we had a very good young player so let’s keep him here and we will see where he is in a couple of years. We had offers for him to go abroad but he was keen to stay, he understood he was going to get a chance here.

“He is tactically very good, strong technically with the ball. He makes things happen. I love that type of player. Talent finds space. He is a real talent. He is in the reckoning and he is a good kid as well.

“I have noticed a big progression in him from the pre-season tour of America: I have seen a real difference in the last couple of months and he has got a good appetite for the game. He is on the same page in terms of the tactical idea for the team. If his fight matches his talent we will have a very good player.”

Fellow youngsters Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom are also set to be offered new deals. The Liverpool youngsters have been a bright spark in what has been a difficult start to the season for Rodgers, who has been forced to throw them in due to the lack of depth in his squad.

“It’s funny how things work out. Maybe it’s fate,” Rodgers said. “Maybe this is all part of the story. Sometimes things happen by design, others by necessity. Whichever way, the plan between the window closing and January was to see how many of the young, talented players are going to be able to come into our squad – and I’ve been very, very pleased by the impact they’ve made.

“They have played with no fear, but I always say young players will run through a barbed wire fence for you. You have seen that in games. It’s also a great demonstration that with talent and spirit and belief and hard work what you can achieve, not matter how young you are.”

Rodgers was delighted with the performances of the teenage trio during the 5-2 rout of Norwich at the weekend, and admits their work rate and appetite for the game makes it easy for him to pick them over more established players such as Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

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“Yes, it makes my job easy. In fact, my job couldn’t be easier because if you are fighting and someone else isn’t, there isn’t even a… it is so easy,” he added. “Lots of others in the team are putting their bodies on the line and the ones that don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

“There is no problem and for me status does not matter. It is what you are like as a player. It doesn’t matter how much money you have come for, that doesn’t matter to me. I will play a 17-year-old if he fights and he has quality.”

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As Gareth Southgate prepares to take perhaps the youngest and least experienced England World Cup squad of all time to Russia 2018, the biggest source of optimism lies in how the Three Lions gaffer has set up his side in the last four friendlies. The utilisation of a system that combines 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 (perhaps best described therefore as 3-1-4-2) has produced respectable performances and decent results against traditional footballing nations in Germany, Brazil, Italy and the Netherlands.

And there’s a logic to Southgate’s setup as well, especially compared to the mentality shared by many of his predecessors – shoving square pegs in round holes and hoping by some miraculous fortune that England suddenly emerge as a well-balanced, cohesive unit.

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Rather, Southgate’s formation seems to get everybody in their natural positions and even the one exception, Kyle Walker, has brought something crucially different to the back three in his pace and quality with the ball.

Much more than that though, it seems to address England’s two long-term problems at World Cups; breaking down teams of lesser ability and being continually pinned back by sides of similar or superior calibre.

Indeed, if England aren’t struggling to beat Algeria or USA in the Group Stages, they’re failing to gain territory as one-or-two-person counter-attacks against top teams amount to incredibly little. Eventually, that pressure and lack of control over the game tells as the attacking traffic moves in only one direction.

But the ball-playing tendencies of the three-man defence lure the opposing forward line and midfield that bit closer to the ball. A few cute passes in tight areas to beat the press and suddenly the key strengths of this England team – it’s dynamism, energy and mobility – really come to the fore.

This England side has the ability to stage counter-attacks from every department, it’s just a question of having the space to do so. That, more than anything else, is what Southgate’s setup creates in the areas where England are usually so congested.

Yet, there is a worrying counterargument which will resonate with anybody who has watched England at major tournaments over the last 20 years; is Southgate bringing something new and fresh to the World Cup with his 3-1-4-2 formation, or are England once again one or two tournaments tactically behind the rest of the world? For how quietly effective Southgate’s system has proved to be in friendlies, it’s not a revolutionary idea. Four years ago in Brazil, however, it very much was.

Coinciding with Antonio Conte’s success at Juventus, where 3-4-3 became a key part of the Old Lady’s armoury, three-man defences took an incredibly unspectacular Netherlands team to the third-place Playoffs and saw Chile emerge as the Group Stage entertainers before a penalty shoot-out exit to Brazil in the Round 16.

Since then, three-man defences have really hit a new wave of popularity, especially in the Premier League where Conte’s utilisation of it at Chelsea has resonated throughout the division.

It’s original impact remains unequivocal; not only Conte’s utilisation of the system but also his ability to implement it so quickly in a team and a top flight with almost no experience of it, at least at the division’s summit, left the rest of the Premier League trailing in Chelsea’s path en route to the 2016/17 title. It’s long-term effects, however, probably haven’t been as deep as you might think.

Two seasons ago, all but four Premier League clubs took Chelsea’s lead and attempted a three-man defence in at least one game. Amongst the top six, meanwhile, it’s success appeared to directly influence team selections at Manchester City, Tottenham and even Arsenal – a club that hadn’t previously used such a setup since the first year of Arsene Wenger’s reign, but embraced it to provide a positive end to an otherwise disappointing season.

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Compare that to last term. Aside from Chelsea, there were just 40 occasions from a possible 190 in which big six clubs used three-man defences in the Premier League. That’s still a massive gain from prior to Conte’s arrival in England, but it’s still less than a quarter of all the games in question. Likewise, Tottenham stopped using the formation in November, while Arsenal reverted back to type in January after a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth and Chelsea – sticking with it indiscriminate of results – finished in fifth place.

So, what is the top tactical setup across the world right now? Well, it may sound like old hat from a few years ago, but the story of this season has really been the quick revival of 4-3-3 – at least, in the Premier League. That was the most regular formation for the two clubs who finished top of the table, and it also took Liverpool to the final of the Champions League where they lost to a Real Madrid team that only really took control of the match after the introduction of Gareth Bale changed their diamond setup to a 4-3-3.

England too, have all the tools to play in that way. In fact, the World Cup squad includes eleven members who ply their trades with teams that finished the season using 4-3-3, and pretty much every position – perhaps excepting the ever-problematic left flank – has an obvious natural candidate. So, Three Lions fans, should Soutgate make a sudden switch to 4-3-3 for the World Cup? Let us know by voting below…

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It’s no secret that Liverpool need a goalkeeper.

Not only does Jurgen Klopp have two keepers of reasonably similar levels of ability and, indeed, of calamity, but he switches them around frequently. Loris Karius appears to be the current long-term choice, but that seems to change from month to month.

It could well be a case of fiddling while Rome burns. Karius was considered to have been at fault for Leroy Sane’s equaliser when the game was tied up at 1-1 against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. But for the moment, it looks like the German will keep the gloves. You have to wonder what that changes for the Reds.

With the January transfer in full flow, it looks unlikely that Liverpool will go for a replacement this month. And you’d think that it would be unlikely that they’d go for a keeper if Karius did relatively well from now until the end of the season. But that only serves to highlight the fact that Jurgen Klopp should be pushing for a goalkeeper sooner rather than later.

This winter, the transfer of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao to Real Madrid has been one of the sagas of the window. The Basque keeper can leave the club on a free at the end of the season, but the Champions League winners are supposed to be interested in acquiring his services in January, paying the £20m release clause.

What’s interesting, though, is that ZInedine Zidane has been reticent against signing a new goalkeeper for quite some time, placing his faith in Keylor Navas, so it seems as though there’s some form of power struggle going on at the Bernabeu with regard to whether or not the club should sign a new stopper.

Liverpool should use that uncertainty to swoop in.

The £20m figure quoted in the Daily Mail at the end of December would be nothing for a club who have just had the Philippe Coutinho windfall, and an upgrade on their goalkeepers should certainly be a priority which allows them to pay a little bit over the odds to bring Kepa in now instead of in the summer on a free – when he’ll probably move to Madrid anyway.

In terms of goalkeeping ability, it’s clear that the 23-year-old is in a league above those already at Anfield. He has been reliable at a good top flight club since his breakthrough last season. This time around, despite the fact that Bilbao find themselves in 12th whilst Liverpool are third, the Basques have conceded just 20 goals compared with the 28 that Klopp’s side have shipped.

That’s certainly not all down to the goalkeeper, and indeed the mere fact that Burnley have conceded fewer goals than Liverpool is hardly a reason to out and buy Nick Pope, who’s deputised in the absence of the injured Tom Heaton.

This season, Kepa has claimed more crosses than either of Liverpool’s two keepers, and his ability will only get better, as at a relatively young age, he can still improve a great deal.

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Perhaps, though, the same can be said for Karius. At only 24 years of age, the German has time to improve. From his early Liverpool career, though, that doesn’t look like an overly promising possibility.

It is likely that the Reds will buy a goalkeeper this summer, but if they have an eye on Kepa, waiting that long might not be an option. Instead, a quick swoop to steal him from under the noses of Real Madrid who seem to be dithering might be the best option.

Manchester City 6-3 Arsenal

Manchester City dealt table toppers Arsenal a hefty wakeup call today as they thrashed them 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium.

Having recently dismantled Tottenham 6-0 , City’s firepower proved too much for Arsene Wenger’ side who were constantly chasing the game. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have now scored 35 league goals at home this season.

It was Sergio Aguero who got the home side off to a flying start with an exquisite finish from inside the area. The goal was soon cancelled out by the returning Theo Walcott, but it wasn’t long until Alvaro Negredo again gave City the advantage.

The sides went in 2-1 at half-time, but after the break City again showed their class through Fernandinho, who slotted home to take the game further away from Wenger’s men

Aguero was taken off with a slight calf injury and City fans may have had cause for concern when Walcott struck again, but a goal from David Silva and a second from Fernandinho made sure it would be a home win for Pellegrini’s side. Per Mertesacker headed one more home before time, but it was too little too late for the Gunners. Yaya Toure sealed the win after slotting home a penalty to make it 6-3 and a humbling defeat for the visiting side.

Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace

Chelsea built on an impressive midweek European win with a 2-1 victory against London rivals Crystal Palace.

Fernando Torres netted the opener, before Marouane Chamakh levelled with his third goal in three games soon after. However Tony Pulis couldn’t continue his Eagles revival, with Ramires netting the winner in the first-half. The result moves the Blues into second after with Liverpool yet to play, while West Brom remain worryingly close to the relegation zone.

Everton 4 – 1 Fulham

Everton moved into the top four, and above Liverpool, with a 4-1 win against Fulham. Leon Osman goal gave the Toffees the lead before half-time, before goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Seamus Coleman, Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas completed the scoring. The result leaves the Cottagers a point clear of safety, with Rene Meulensteen having much to do to keep his side safe.

Newcastle 1 -1 Southampton

Newcastle and Southampton shared the points at St James’ Park as they both kept up their impressive starts to the season. Yoan Gouffran opened the scoring in the first-half, but the Magpies could hold on for all three points as Jay Rodriguez netted the leveller with 25 minutes to play. A touchline scuffle marred the afternoon, with members of both teams’ benches almost coming to blows in an otherwise orderly encounter.

West Ham 0-0 Sunderland

In the battle at the bottom West Ham and Sunderland secure a point apiece in a forgettable 0-0 at Upton Park. Sam Allardyce’s men once again struggled in front of goal, while Gus Poyet’s side showed glimpses of the form needed to avoid relegation.

Cardiff City 1-0 West Brom

Cardiff managed to produce a real moment of quality when it mattered to win 1-0 against West Brom.

The game was a tense and tetchy affair with both sides nervous in their displays. The home side did eventually start to raise the tempo after a forgettable first 45 minutes.

This eventually brought about a well fashioned glancing header from Peter Whittingham, to break the deadlock, as Craig Noone delivered an excellent cross in a mature performance in only his 4th outing for The Bluebirds.

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West Brom did have their moments with Marshall notably saving a header from Shane Long, but could not build enough momentum to force an equaliser.

This leaves Cardiff sighing with temporary relief whilst West Brom will reflect on a frustrating 4th loss on the spin in the Premier League.

Hull 0-0 Stoke City

The day’s late kick-off ended in a draw, with Hull and Stoke sharing the points in a less than spectacular offering at the KC Stadium.

In a first-half devoid of chances, Curtis Davies spurned one of the better openings as he headed a Tom Huddlestone cross wide of Asmir Begovic’s goal.

Stephen Ireland thought he has opened the scoring in the 70th minute, only to see the flag raised for offside after he poked home after a Peter Crouch header.

Prior to kick-off both sides had the opportunity to climb into 10th position, but point leaves Hull 12th and Stoke 13th.

Well, if we saw the Hyde side of United against AVB’s men the week before then the Jekyll side of United was certainly present in the North East last Sunday. Given the diabolical display at Old Trafford there was only one way to respond in order to avoid another dose of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment. And respond they did as they produced a faultlessly dominant display at St James’ Park, coming away 3-0 winners and avenge the defeat by the same scoreline in January. Amongst the sea of positives regarding the performance Ferguson’s deployment of Wayne Rooney at the point of his midfield diamond was arguably the biggest. There has been talk of Rooney shifting to the middle later in his career but his all action, box-to-box display was a delight to watch and engaged every one of his strongest attributes. Given the competition for places up front Ferguson may have found Rooney’s true calling and solved his midfield issue in one fouled swoop.

This week on FFC when will Ferguson make a definitive decision over his number one goalkeeper and which Cottagers defender is on the Red Devils boss’ radar?

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Quote of the Week

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“It’s what it’s all about, getting as many games as possible. I know the manager has got such a big squad now, especially in the midfield area, and there is a lot of competition for places. I have to be patient and wait for my chances but, hopefully, one will come around sooner rather than later. I think my general fitness is fine, it’s just match fitness – the sharpness, reaction times, things in your head and things like that. The positional sense, when you’re a little bit older, comes back to you fairly quickly.” Darren Fletcher is relishing returning to the Manchester United starting XI

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Featured Video

According to ESPN FC, Arsenal are at the head of the queue to sign Hamburger SV teenager Josha Vagnoman in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

Arsenal are expected to be busy this summer, with Unai Emery now confirmed as head coach of the Gunners.

There is absolutely no question that the London club need to boost their defensive unit this summer, and Emery will already have plenty of targets in mind.

Bringing in experienced players will be important, but according to ESPN FC, Arsenal are leading Chelsea and Everton in the race to sign 17-year-old defender Vagnoman.

Vagnoman is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in German football, but his Hamburg contract expires this summer, and he looks set to move on, with Arsenal seemingly at the head of the queue.

What are Vagnoman’s credentials?

Vagnoman became the second youngest player in history to play in the Bundesliga when he represented Hamburg against Bayern Munich at the age of 17 years and three months back in March.

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The youngster featured in every game of Germany’s Under-17 World Cup campaign, meanwhile, and his versatility is another attraction for interested clubs.

Indeed, Vagnoman is capable of operating at either left or right full-back, and his progress over the last 12 months has seen a number of clubs sit up and take notice.

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According to ESPN FC, Arsenal feel that they are in a strong position to complete the deal due to their connections, and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat has already scouted the teenager on a number of occasions this season.

The Gunners are certainly in need of some experienced signings this summer, but securing one of the best young talents in German football would be a huge coup for the London club.

Aston Villa will be hoping to secure their place back in the big time this season after a disappointing return to England’s second-tier last term.

Steve Bruce is beginning to improve the club’s fortunes, though, as they currently occupy a place in the top six and look likely to give themselves a chance of promotion come May.

On Football Manager 2018, Villa are a good project to take on. They have money, history and the players to make you one of the favourites from the very beginning. They also have a number of good young players coming through the youth setup if you’re the kind of manager who likes to develop youngsters in to world beaters.

There are four at Villa Park who deserve particular attention when managing Villa on the game, so read on to learn more about the four Aston Villa wonderkids on FM18…

Jake Doyle-Hayes

Age: 18

Position(s): M (C)

Nation: Ireland

Value: £160k

Asking Price: £11.25m

Keinan Davis

Age: 19

Position(s): ST(C)

Nation: England

Value: £2.8m

Asking Price: £24m

Andre Green

Age: 18

Position(s): AM(RL), M (L)

Nation: England

Value: £1.8m

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Asking Price: £16m

Josh Onomah

Age: 20

Position(s): M/AM (C)

Nation: England

Value: £8.5m

Asking Price: £87m

Throughout the World Cup qualifying rounds Joe Hart hasn’t had the easiest of runs. England fans have been scrutinising his every move because of his many high profile mistakes in recent matches and, only a few days ago, Roy Keane slammed him for his arrogant attitude.

Luckily for Hart though, this hasn’t stopped Hodgson backing him and he is still No.1 for tonight’s match at Wembley. Hodgson is not alone in backing Hart’s place in tonight’s match however, right behind him is Polish star Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski last faced Hart when Borussia Dortmund met Manchester City in the Champions League draw. The match may have ended 1-1, but, Hart’s outstanding performance at the Etihad last year has had a lasting effect on Lewandowski. He describes it as the “one of the best goalkeeping displays I’ve ever seen” adding “if he plays like that again then he will be very hard to beat”.

It’s unusual that the opponent has more faith in the English goalie than the fans themselves, although if he helps produce a win tonight then I’m sure we will be more than happy to be proved wrong!

Keep up with every goal, tackle, victory and heartbreak during tonight’s World Cup Qualifiers on our #GetMeToBrazil LIVE Blog below!

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Tottenham have drawn their opening Europa League fixture with Lazio 0-0.

The north London side had three efforts from Jermain Defoe, Clint Dempsey and Steven Caulker all ruled out, and in the end had to settle for a point against the Serie A outfit.

Andre Villas-Boas has stated that he has no qualms over his side’s display and feels that they did enough to win the game.

“I think we had enough football to get the win,” he told Sky Sports.

“I am extremely happy with the performance and effort the players put in and in the end you can’t reprimand them for nothing, they were outstanding today and they had enough opportunities to win the game.

“A team that puts the ball in the net three times, and see two goals that were clear is disappointing but it shows we are on the right track, but the team has been doing extremely well.”

It is believed that travelling fans may well have been guilty of racism chants and monkey noises, with Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend targeted; AVB feels that Uefa will be reviewing the incidents.

“I think (UEFA will act if the accusations are proven),” Villas-Boas continued.

“UEFA is very active on this kind of situation so and our overall objective is to kick racism out of football.

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“I can’t point the finger at anyone in any way shape or form tonight because I didn’t hear anything. It’s for the authorities to follow up in any kind of investigation,” he concluded.

Spurs host London rivals QPR at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

By Gareth McKnight