Sportlobster: Wayne Rooney and England Politics

"Despite disappointing at the World Cup, being suspended for most the Euros, and being far from England's best player in his position, Wayne Rooney has been named captain of the England football team.

Sportlobster: Man City Build Up

"Last season, this was a cracker.

Liverpool took the game to the hosts with Suarez, Sterling, and Coutinho wreaking havoc amongst the sky blue defence. After a goal from Coutinho, the linesman denying Sterling, and Glen Johnson missing a sitter, it was as ever Liverpool's defence that cost them. Kompany beat his marker to score from a corner, before Simon Mignolet got his feet in a flap and couldn't prevent Alvaro Negredo from scoring just before the break - having seen his centre backs flap around a pair of forwards themselves.

As much as we'd love to see another game like that, preferably one with a different linesman and a more organised defence, the timing makes it quite unlikely."

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Sportlobster: Why Mario?

Balotelli playing second to Sturridge in a group selected for their mentality and character. Like that's ever going to happen #LFC
— Jamie Doherty (@Jamielikeszelda) August 20, 2014

"One day on from claiming Balotelli to Liverpool was never going to happen in a million years, it turns out I was really wrong. Although we are yet to see pictures of the striker posing next to things at Melwood, the transfer (it seems) is nailed on. But after the hand bags and fireworks of his first spell in the Premier League, why?"

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This is a piece I wrote for Sportlobster in response to overwhelming reports suggesting Mario Balotelli was about to sign for Liverpool FC. Using his goal scoring stats I try to answer, and pose a few questions as to, why Liverpool would want to sign the controversial forward.

Sportlobster: Preseason is over, the PL is a scary place.

"It started at Old Trafford, continued on at the King Power Stadium, nearly spoiled the day at the Emirates, before finally stopping to make Anfield look a nervous wreck. The optimism from the close season, fuelled by clever signings and games in sunnier climates, completely gone in a flurry of poor marking and lose passing. The realisation that preseason is over, and how the Premier League is a scary place, had definitely set in."

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Sportlobster: LFC Season Preview: Lovren replacing Suarez?

"This Sunday Liverpool begin their league campaign at Anfield, ninety-eight days after the surprise title challenge of last season officially came to an end. Despite his departure from the country, the main narrative for Liverpool’s new season still manages to revolve around Luis Suarez. The difference this time however is that, rather than his skill or misdemeanours; the questions for the new season are about how the team can replace him."

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