Match Preview: Manchester United Vs Chelsea

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WHEN: Monday, August 26, 2013. 20:00 UK time.

WHERE: Old Trafford, Manchester.

Chelsea's last win against Aston Villa may not have been convincing but their two wins out of two means a hundred percent record in the league. Pundits believe the Aston Villa match would have easily been a Chelsea loss some months ago. 

It will be Chelsea's and Mourinho's first match on the road this season and Manchester United's first home game at Old Trafford. The two teams have something to prove, Manchester United are defending champions and Chelsea are widely believed to be favorites this season.

A very competitive, combative and fascinating may be on the cards for either or both groups of supporters. 

TEAM NEWS

Tomas Kalas will surely miss out for Chelsea but there's doubt whether David Luiz will return. There's a possibility of Jose Mourinho handing the Brazilian a surprising start. 

Ashley Young, Luis Nani, Rafael da Silva, Darren Fletcher and Javier Hernandez are almost sure to be out for Manchester United as they are all injured.

David Moyes suggested that Chelsea's transfer target, Wayne Rooney will start against Chelsea. 

"Wayne has got a good chance of playing, he has got a good chance of starting too".

                                                                          David Moyes

TACTICAL VIEW

Manchester United are expected to play in a 4-4-2 formation. David Moyes could also opt for a 4-5-1 to boost their chance in the midfield.
                                 
                                           

Having Carrick and Cleverley in the midfield might look good enough on paper but if Chelsea play in the favored 4-2-3-1, there will be one extra midfielder to track back and help Chelsea gain control. David Moyes could then opt for one striker and allow Phil Jones sit behind Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick, I hope he doesn't. 

Chelsea have wealth of options in the attacking midfield but still struggled to break through the Aston Villa defence. There was lack of width and all Chelsea's threat was through the middle, Aston Villa smartly crowded the middle and made it difficult for the blue boys. 

In recent matches against Manchester United, Chelsea had the most ball possession but were vulnerable on the wings. Chelsea bossed the games but Manchester United were dangerous on the counter. It will be a smart move by Jose Mourinho to play his pure wingers and give Victor Moses a rare start.

                                

Many will believe Ryan Giggs will not be hard for Ivanovic to handle but when doubled up with Patrice Evra Ivanovic could be exposed. Playing Moses on the wing will not just help nullify the opposition's threat but give Chelsea another attacking dimension too. 

I think it's the perfect time to break the Lampard-Ramires pivot combo to ensure the midfield is owned by Chelsea. Pairing Michael Essien with Ramires will give the Brazilian the chance to join the attack when opportuned and both of them can still carry out the defensive duty together. Michael Essien is also a good passer from deep and can be the rock in the Chelsea midfield.

Fernando Torres was rested against Villa which means he could be handed a start by Jose Mourinho for this one. I still strongly believe that young Romelu Lukaku should lead Chelsea's attack. The Ferdinand-Vidic partnership is a strong one in the air and on the ground, Torres might not win a single aerial battle. Lukaku's hat-trick against United last season inconsequential, the Belgian is Chelsea's best bet to get the better of Manchester United's Centre back pairing.

KEY PLAYER: EDEN HAZARD


The Belgian wizard is set to be Chelsea's focal point of attack this season with Jose Mourinho giving him a big responsibility. Eden Hazard is a brilliant player with the ball and has the ability to unsettle the opposition defence. He scored two goals against Manchester United last season in five games. The eventual result could well depend on whether Eden Hazard gets it right on Monday night. 


Chelsea bench: Mark Schwarzer, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernando Torres. 

PREDICTION

Chelsea have only won two of their last five visits to Old Trafford, losing three and drawn none. Going by that, a loss seems unlikely.

Chelsea to edge the contest in reality despite domination but still win with a 3-1 scoreline. Look out for John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic.... But if Chelsea can "kill" Robin Van Persie as suggested by Marco van Ginkel, they might not be conceding any goals.

Match Preview: Chelsea Vs Aston Villa

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WHEN: Wednesday, August 21, 2013. 7:45 pm UK time.

WHERE: Stamford Bridge, London. 

Chelsea's opening game of the season ended a win, three points were bagged. It was a solid performance especially in the first-half. On to the next match now...

Chelsea will play an Aston Villa side that just defeated Arsenal at home. Chelsea isn't Arsenal but they can't take Aston Villa for granted.

Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea army will want to make it six out of six to continue in their bid for a solid form at home an in the season in general.

TEAM NEWS

Jose Mourinho has ruled David Luiz out but he suggested that the Brazilian will be available against Manchester United next week. Juan Mata is fit to play this time according to the Mourinho. No other injuries with the exception of Tomas Kalas who will still be out for sometime.

I'm expecting to see this starting lineup...


I also have this feeling Jose could spring a tactical surprise and something similar to this may be seen.



Bench: Schwarzer, Cahill, Ramires, Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar, Bertrand, Lukaku,

Gary Cahill is a good defender but he's not the best to play against a fast and pacey side like Aston Villa. We all saw what Benteke did with him last season. Ramires and Frank Lampard played 90 minutes against Hull City on Sunday, both need to kept fit and fresh for the Manchester United game. Essien and van Ginkel earned the right to play during the preseason fixtures too.

I don't think Mourinho will fancy Hazard on the bench. If Chelsea can overpower Villa early and put the game beyond doubt Eden could  be substituted early in the second-half with the Old Trafford clash in view. 

Fernando Torres started against Hull City and Romelu Lukaku replaced him to get few minutes but Demba Ba didn't step on the pitch. I'm not a big fan of Demba Ba and that's why I think he should start against Aston Villa. If he doesn't play well then he can be taken off and we know who plays against Manchester United. 

Selecting those to be on the bench is the toughest task now. Last season, we were lamenting lack of  squad depth with likes of Benayoun and Marin around. Having many good players is never a bad thing if you want to challenge for trophies. 

PREDICTION

Last time the two teams played, Frank Lampard was the hero as he scored two late goals to secure a win and seal a top four spot. 

Aston Villa's last visit to the Bridge was a complete overhaul by Chelsea, they lost 8-0. 

I predict a 3-0 scoreline in favour of Chelsea. The defence has looked solid and won't be gifting goals away this season. If Juan Mata starts too, Chelsea can be sure of creating more than enough goal-scoring chances.

Who would you like to start and who on the bench? Please use the comments section.  

Michael Owen Hails Eden Hazard

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Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, Michael Owen was more than impressed with Eden Hazard's performance against Hull City and he took to twitter.

Chelsea looking sharp. Hazard is different class.
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) August 18, 2013

You are right,Michael. We all know Eden is different class, don't we?

Match Review: Chelsea 2 Vs 0 Hull City

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Almost no one would have bet against Chelsea beating Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Jose Mourinho's return to his fortress as manager. The boys didn't disappoint too.

Chelsea piled pressure on Hull City's defence in the opening minutes. Fernando Torres was fouled in the box but Frank Lampard failed to convert from the spot as McGregor made a good save to his right. 

After some decent passing in Hull City's half, Chelsea got a goal through Oscar. Hazard did well on the left and passed the ball to Kevin De Bruyne who was on the edge of the box and slid the ball underneath a defender to a well-positioned Oscar to finish perfectly.

Prior to the first goal Chelsea players looked tense but were still dominating possession so the goal brought relief. Chelsea kept playing well, Fernando Torres soon got a freekick in a good position though he looked to have dived. Frank Lampard took the freekick and well too to make up for his earlier penalty miss. Jose Mourinho's reaction to the two goals was a lovely sight.

Chelsea would have scored more goals in the first-half but for McGregor great saves. He stopped Ivanovic's header from crossing the line just before the half-time whistle. Chelsea would end the half two goals up.

The second-half performance wasn't as impressive as the first. The players looked a bit tired but still remained solid at the back that Petr Cech didn't need to make any real save. Andre Schurrle came on in place of Kevin De Bruyne with 23 minutes to play. Romelu Lukaku too came on for Fenando Torres to take part for less than 20 minutes. MVG came on for Oscar late in the game.

Petr Cech (7.5/10): When a goalkeeper gets a clean sheet, he has to get a good rating. He didn't have to make many saves but he did well when called upon.

Branislav Ivanovic (7.5/10): He did all he ought to do and hardly put a foot wrong. Good performance by the Serbian rock.

Gary Cahill (7/10): He's building a solid partnership with John Terry. He didn't make his decisions early enough on some occasions but did well to contribute to the overall excellent defensive performance.

John Terry (7.5/10): John Terry has looked solid again under Jose Mourinho. Excellent performance by Mr. Chelsea.

Ashley Cole (7/10): Chelsea's Mr. Reliable is one of the sure names on the team sheet, he hardly disappoints and he didn't disappoint, he didn't join the attack as well as he can but he was as reliable as usual.

Ramires (7.5/10): He didn't score but this was a very good performance by the versatile Brazilian. He bossed the midfield and most of his passes found a man in blue. Like his teammates, he dropped a bit in the second-half. 

Frank Lampard (8/10): "Super Frankie" as he's fondly called by Chelsea fans, Frank did miss a penalty in the opening minutes but he still scored a brilliant freekick. 204 goals and still counting...

Kevin De Bruyne (7/10): He was decent but he wasn't anywhere near his best. De Bruyne assisted Oscar's goal and it was a lovely pass but his overall performance could have been better. He couldn't keep his long range strikes low enough but well done for trying. I have no doubt this kid will be one of the best players in the league this season.

Oscar (8/10): Chelsea's little Brazilian started behind  Fernando Torres as No 10. He opened the scoring in this match and this season, eased the pressure on Chelsea players. Oscar seems to be getting used to scoring in the league now. 

Eden Hazard (8/10): He didn't score a goal but those who watched this match will know Hazard was fantastic. He terrorized the Hull City defence and created the most chances of any player on the pitch (6). Brillian Eden!

Fernando Torres (7/10): Everyone wanted him to score, he failed to but he played well. Fernando Torres combined well with others and he didn't really have a clear chance to score. He got a penalty and a freekick that Lampard scored but Fernando needs to make himself a real presence in the box.

Andre Schurrle (6.5/10): I can remember him having a shot that didn't lead to a goal. He didn't really make an impact after replacing De Bruyne, probably because others were tired.

Romelu Lukaku (6/10): Romelu Lukaku didn't see enough of the ball and that's not his fault. He still dropped deep to try and take part in the game.

Marco van Ginkel didn't have enough minutes to be rated.

TALKING POINTS

- Chelsea will keep getting better.

- There's incredible squad depth.

- The lads want to play at their best.

- Chelsea still need Juan Mata, Chances creation not as much without him.

- Frank Lampard got his 18th opening day start. The most in Premier League history.

- Frank Lampard is now tied with Alan Shearer for the most goals on opening day.  

- The defence will concede very few number of goals this season, probably the fewest in the league.

- No Chelsea player was booked.

- Chelsea's attack will get more ruthless.

- Jose Mourinho is as hungry for success as ever. 
- Three points and a clean sheet, WAY TO GO!!!

Man Of The Match: Oscar Dos Santos

Remember to vote your best player on the poll... KTBFFH!!!

Match Preview: Chelsea vs Hull City

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WHEN: Sunday, August 18, 2013. 4 p.m. GMT

WHERE: Stamford Bridge, London.

Jose Mourinho marks his return to Chelsea and the Barclays Premier League with an opening match at home against newcomers, Hull City.

Chelsea have an excellent opening day record in the Premier League history. They won at home against Wigan Athletic 2-0 last season on the opening day. 

Coincidentally, the last time Chelsea won the league (09/10), it was Hull City they played against on opening day. Didier Drogba was the hero as Chelsea did a comeback to beat Hull City 2-1.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea signed three players for the first team this summer already, Marco van Ginkel, Andre Schurrle and Mark Schwarzer. Romelu Lukaku, Michael Essien, Kevin de Bruyne and Tomas Kalas who were all out on loan last season, will all with the exception of Tomas Kalas (injury) be available for selection.

Brazilian defender David Luiz has been ruled out by the manager, he's still injured. Juan Mata is still a doubt as the manager will still access him, the Spanish playmaker has not been fit for a while.

Some players were away on international duty on Wednesday. It's expected that the players who arrived early enough will be considered for selection.

"Luiz is injured and he couldn’t play for Brazil so he’s out. Moses, I don’t know where he is," Mourinho said.

"I don’t select him from Sunday. Probably I don’t select Azpilicueta because he is the same. He went from the States to Ecuador to be on the bench and then back to London.

"The only injury is David. The others will be an option and I have to assess Mata as he trained with the group for the first time. Let’s see how he feels."

Let's hope Victor Moses isn't kidnapped.

I'm expecting to see this starting lineup.



Petr Cech will start between the sticks as long as he's fit. There's no explaining to do for the backline really. A pivot of two of Ramires, van Ginkel and Michael Essien most likely, Frank Lampard took part for England during the international break. Demba Ba or Fernando Torres will likely start, Romelu Lukaku played many minutes for Belgium. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea are unbeaten against Hull City in their last four Premier League games against them.

Hull City have been unable to win on their last 19 trips to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 14 opening games in the league, winning 12 and drawing 2.

Jose Mourino has never lost at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, played 60 games.

PREDICTION

The boys showed their spirit against Roma in just a preseason fixture. The players will work hard especially to keep Mourinho's record at Stamford Bridge and also get their season to a flying start. Chelsea to defeat Hull City 4-0 and show the difference in class between the two teams.

                                     

Samuel Eto'o-Chelsea Update!

Even though I never said anything about the Samuel Eto'o to Chelsea rumours before now, I call this an update because I assumed most of you already saw the rumour somewhere else.

Jose Mourinho himself gave us a clue. 

"I am always happy that somebody that worked with me previously is happy to be back and work with me again. That is a good feeling that I have, when I read something that Samuel is keen. It is fantastic for us, but we are going to see what happens."

                                                         - Jose Mourinho

Today Chelsea and Eto'o agents have talked again. Negotiations ongoing positively about wages details
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) August 15, 2013

You must know Palmeri by now, a very reliable source. When he knows he doesn't quote any sources, when he's unsure himself he will quote his source. I've not had any reason so far to stop believing him as he has been right almost all the time.

It's looking more real to me now. Don't be surprised if Eto'o ends up at Chelsea, it's looking like Chelsea are losing the Rooney race.

Will you like Samuel Eto'o at Chelsea?

CHELSEA'S 2013/14 SEASON PREVIEW

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Jose Mourinho is back! Yes, he’s back. Chelsea fans are still jubilant “The Special One” now “The Happy One” has returned to Chelsea. It now seems like he never even left, Feels good to have him back. It feels even more good to know he feels the same way returning here.

As expected, rival English Premier League fans are not excited about Mourinho’s return to England, they have not hidden their ill-feelings towards the world class manager.

Mourinho has something to prove at Chelsea despite the fact he's already known as one of the best we have ever seen. His fall out with Real Madrid would have multiplied his passion to win. He will be looking to make his Chelsea team unbeatable and protect his Stamford Bridge unbeaten status.

The Blues performed well during the pre-season, winning six of their seven games. They convincingly beat Italian giants, AC Milan and Inter Milan. And although they fell to a Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid side, the Blues still finished strongly as they earned a hard-fought victory against Roma on Saturday night. Against Roma the blues displayed the sort of spirit every "real" team we have seen Jose Mourinho manage, the spirit to never lose or even draw but win, summarily, the spirit to never give up. They fought back and won the game at death, it was just a preseason game but the players played in the second-half like a win actually meant more than it did. 

Chelsea have done some business already this summer. The team was strong last season but squad depth was always a problem.

INs

Andre Schurrle

Marco van Ginkel

Mark Schwarzer

OUTs

Yossi Benayoun

Paulo Ferreira

Jeffrey Bruma

Ross Turnbull

Florent Malouda

Thibaut Courtios (Loan)

Patrick van Aanholt (Loan)

Oriol Romeu (Loan)

Marko Marin (Loan)

Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne were excellent on loan to West Brom and Werder Bremen respectively last season. Mourinho made the decision to keep both of them as he believes they have something to offer the team now. Both of them will be looking to repay the manager's faith in them.

Michael Essien too has returned to Chelsea too after having a solid last season with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Everyone knows what Michael Essien is capable of but there is little doubt about him been at his best. Essien will want to continue to give Mourinho more than enough reason to keep him in the starting eleven. 

Young defender Tomas Kalas too will be part of the squad this season according to Mourinho after spending few years on loan.

Chelsea isn’t surely done with transfers with the club in hot pursuit of England International striker, Wayne Rooney who is currently a Manchester United player. Jose Mourinho said that Chelsea will continue to try to snatch him away until the window closes. The player is rumoured to be bent on joining the West London club this summer.

The manager has also dismissed any potential departures, said he
won’t be selling any of his players. Squad depth is not a problem for Chelsea anymore.

Players To Watch

Juan Mata

The 25-year-old little Spaniard arrived at Stamford Bridge during the summer 2011 from Valencia. He made immediate impact at the club, was the club’s player of the year in his first season and won the accolade again for his last season’s exploits. 

The Chelsea play-maker has continued to go from strength to strength. Chelsea missed him against Real Madrid as there’s no one as good as him at creating chances in the team. Juan Mata has unbelievable vision and his deliveries from set pieces are excellent. 

When Mata is on the pitch and on his day Chelsea are certainly a much better team. Jose Mourinho and the fans will be looking forward to his imminent improvement on last season’s outstanding performance.

Eden Hazard

Some say he can't be stopped, we all know that he's hard to stop for the best defenders. Eden Hazard goes past you, you let him go or get booked. 

Chelsea’s 22-year-old Belgian arrived from Lille during last summer for a reported £32million after Chelsea beat Premier League rivals, Manchester United and Manchester City to his signature. He took the Premier League by storm and was MOTM in the team’s first four league matches. 

Hazard seemed to have fallen asleep at a time but he came back to life after his infamous clash with that ball boy. His combination with Mata and Oscar ripped defences apart. Hazard had a great first season and with Mourinho back at the club, he has got himself the best tutor around. Mourinho has vowed to help turn him into an even better player. Even non-Chelsea fans will be watching out for this man.

Marco Van Ginkel

At just twenty years of age, Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel was signed from Vitesse this summer. Before Chelsea’s first Pre-season match a friend of mine asked me who Chelsea’s latest signing was and I told him van Ginkel. He just laughed and asked when Chelsea would buy a star player. I smiled and told him to wait and see during the season if they already signed a star player in him (van Ginkel).

I’ve been greatly pleased with what I’ve seen from the youngster in preseason. He described himself as a box to box midfielder but Mourinho has deployed him as the holding midfielder in the pivot. He still has to improve but at the age he is, his reading of the game is excellent, he works hard defensively and contributes to the attack well too. 

Remember his name, you might be saying his
name all season. Marco van Ginkel is one to watch this season and I believe he will surprise not just every Chelsea fan but every football fan.

Verdict: Barclays Premier League Winners

You might not like Jose Mourinho but no one can deny that he's an established winner. He has won a lot since he started his managerial career, in different leagues for different teams. 

With him back at the bridge, expectations are high. How they start the season will be pivotal, but the key advantage Mourinho will have over other managers is the class he is, he is certainly in a class of his own.

I believe at the end of the season, rivals will feel right to have been shivering on hearing he's back and the fans will be feel vindicated to have celebrated Jose Mourinho's return to the club. Chelsea fans, expect success at all fronts! Remember you read that here...

Reports: Wayne Rooney Says He Will Be Joining Chelsea

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According to ESPN, Manchester United want-away star striker Wayne Rooney has told his teammates at Old Trafford he will be making a move to Stamford Bridge.

Wayne Rooney has been a Chelsea target all summer and Manchester United already rejected two bids from the West London side for the striker insisting he's not for sale. 

Reports claimed that some of the senior players at Manchester United are unhappy with the player's stance, they believe he's putting himself ahead of the team as a whole. 

Another round of reports claimed that Rooney has been exiled from the first team squad so has been training with the reserves. Comments by David Moyes inferred that Wayne Rooney won't be a major part of his plans as Robin van Persie is regarded as the main man upfront. 

Rooney is likely to be fit enough to play for Manchester United against Championship side, Wigan athletic in the community shield but it's unlikely David Moyes will let him feature for them unless he pledges his allegiance to the club.



Jose Mourinho has vowed to continue to chase after the English international striker until this transfer window closes. We will all see what happens in the next weeks. 

   

Kagawa Eventually Beats Eden Hazard At Something

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Teasing headline really, trolling Manchester United fans. Manchester United midfielder, Shinji Kagawa has beaten Eden Hazard at something at last. 

The Japanese international arrived roughly at the same time with Eden Hazard in the English Premier League. Manchester United signed him for reported £16 million after missing out on Belgian play-maker, Eden Hazard.




Eden Hazard set the Premier League on fire on arrival and has been a handful for defenders, he was among the six players nominated for the PFA player of the year award. Shinji Kagawa who some believed and few still believe to be better than the Belgian is obviously a good player but was not among the better players in English football last season. Kagawa was injured for part of the time and when fit could not hold down a place in the starting eleven as opposed to Hazard who featured for Chelsea all the time.

   

Top 10 PL shirt name sales globally 2012-13: 1 RVP; 2 Rooney; 3 Kagawa; 4 Aguero; 5 Torres; 6 Hazard; 7 Suarez; 8 Wilshere; 9 Ox; 10 Cazorla
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 5, 2013

Fernando Torres is on the list too, Chelsea fans still support him despite all. 

Many will argue that shirt sales doesn't necessarily mean popularity. Shinji Kagawa for example is probably on the list because he's Asian, no disrespect. And you also see players on the list mainly because they are English.

Congratulations to every player on the list especially Chelsea players, Fernando Torres and Eden Hazard. Well done Shinji, you have at least beaten Eden Hazard here, keep this memory forever. 

Manchester United Confirm Another Rejected Rooney Bid

Manchester United have confirmed that Chelsea have submitted another bid for unsettled striker, Wayne Rooney, which they have rejected once again.

Reports suggest the bid is close to £30 million with add-ons . Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho already confessed that the club's only remaining target this summer is Wayne Rooney. Obviously, David Moyes and Manchester United are not interested in selling him.

Rooney is reportedly unhappy at the club, reports say he wants out and Chelsea is where he wants to be. An official transfer request may be on the cards if Rooney actually wants to force his way out.

Its a win win for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea, if United refuse to sell, they can keep their unhappy player and if they sell, everybody knows what Wayne Rooney can do.

Hazard Hands Back Captaincy

In one of the most surprising moves in modern football, Chelsea's Thorgan Hazard was made Captain of Zulte Waregem yesterday.

Thorgan Hazard has given the captaincy back to Davy de Fauw. What a complete mess that was, Zulte Waregem #cfc
— The Belgian Waffle (@TheBelgianWffle) August 3, 2013

There was reportedly unrest within the squad when Thorgan was made captain at expense of Davy de Fauw.

Well done Thorgan, it didn't last long but you were made captain anyway. You can be proud!

Hazard Named Captain

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I believe by now most of us are aware that Chelsea own two Hazards, Eden Hazard and his younger brother, Thorgan Hazard. That's double!

Thorgan is currently spending another season on loan at Belgian side Zulte Waregem. Hazard did well for them last season and helped them to a serious title charge. He has now been named captain by the club.

Thorgan Hazard is indeed the new captain of Zulte Waregem.
— The Belgian Waffle (@TheBelgianWffle) August 2, 2013

It's a rare move to make a loanee the captain but still congratulations to Captain Hazard! He at least became captain before his world class older brother.