According to Italian outlet seriebnews.com (h/t Berkshire Live), Serie A giants AC Milan are the latest club to register an interest in Reading teenage sensation Michael Olise.
The 19-year-old spent time at the academies of Manchester City and Chelsea before linking up with the Royals’ youth setup in 2015. Having risen through the ranks, Olise made his senior debut for the club in March last year.
Michael Olise made his Reading debut in 2019 (Getty Images)
However, it is this season that the teenage attacking midfielder has made a huge mark. Indeed, in his 20 Championship appearances for Reading this term, Olise has produced a return of four goals and seven assists.
This has led to interest in his services from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester City, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur. Now, AC Milan have also taken a liking to the teenager’s talents and are considering a swoop.
Stefano Pioli’s side consider Olise as a long-term investment and they plan to send him out on loan after signing him, either to lower-ranked clubs in the Serie A or to Serie B.
Lecce, Chievo, SPAL and Monza are some of the names mentioned as potential loan destinations for the youngster.
Olise’s contract with Reading runs out in the summer of 2022, meaning he is entering the final 18 months of his deal with the Royals. To date, he has featured 48 times for the Championship club, bagging four goals and nine assists.
Given the amount of interest he is generating, it remains to be seen if he will remain a Reading player for long. It will be interesting to see if Milan do make an approach for the teenager.
After eleven games of the Premier League 2020/21 season, one particularly interesting trend has emerged. Home advantage, which has traditionally translated to more points and bigger wins for sides, has been nullified entirely.
Of the 106 games played this far, 46 have ended in away wins while only 40 have resulted in home victories. That is a significant reversal from the previous season when over the entire campaign, there were 172 home wins versus 116 away wins.
A big factor in this change is the absence of crowds due to the global pandemic. Research by the University of Naples found that the vocal support of a crowd gives home sides a 13% better chance of securing a victory compared to the away team.
The influence of a partisan crowd is something that fans of all clubs will be familiar with, as this support can have a positive psychological effect on players. It can also intimidate opposing sides, especially at grounds like Anfield and Old Trafford.
Empty stadiums have removed this outside influence almost entirely as games, before the new COVID-19 tier system in England, played out without crowd noise, making matches at the high level feel reminiscent of training ground matchups.
Without a crowd to rally sides, home teams have fallen to bigger defeats this season. Spurs recently thumped Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford while Leicester City humbled Manchester City 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
There were seven goals in both of those games, which is indicative of another trend. After the first eleven rounds of PL matches, 317 goals have been scored at an average of 2.99 goals per game.
Back in September and October, there were severalhigh-scoring matches, including Aston Villa’s incredible 7-2 win over reigning champions Liverpool.
Free-scoring teams are arguably another factor linked to the absence of crowds. Players may lack a certain intensity in key moments without vocal support, especially defenders and goalkeepers who can make fatal errors that lead to goals.
However, there has been a slight drop off in goals scored during the last month or so. In late October, the average goals per game ratio was 3.14.Now it has fallen to under three. The average in a typical season is usually between 2.6-2.9.
The concept of home advantage is also being affected by the use of VAR in the Premier League. Fans have not warmly received the new technology, but it makes games more exciting and gives away sides more of a chance.
The Psychology of Sport and Exercise study, published 18 years ago, found referees are less likely to make decisions that go against the home side. This theory was supported by recent research from the University of Reading, showing that away sides get the lion’s share of yellow cards and fouls awarded against them.
VAR has been a leveller of sorts in this department. During the early season, away teams were awarded 22 spot-kicks, three more than home teams.
There has been a marked rise of penalties overall with the new interpretation of the handball rule leading to more offences in the opposition’s penalty box. However, away teams seem to be benefitting more for now. Since the Premier League began back in 1992, 61.5% of penalties have been awarded to home teams.
The unpredictable nature of the current season has also paved the way for some uncharacteristic results for the top sides.Such as Liverpool’s capitulation at Villa after Jurgen Klopp’s side stormed to the Premier League title last term with 99 points.
This has increased the likelihood of one of the “less fashionable” teams breaking into the top six. Southampton are currently in fifth place after picking up six wins from their first eleven games, while Leicester City, champions back in 2016, are in fourth following seven wins.
The league is bunched up at the top with Tottenham Hotspur currently in first place with 24 points. However, Jose Mourinho’s team are only ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and two and three points ahead of Chelsea and Leicester, respectively.
With home advantage being eroded and leading teams falling to defeats, there is the potential for punters on the Premier League market to benefit by making the right bets on teams and scorers during each round of games. Those using the Virgin Bet bonus code can also sign up to get free bets on the biggest matches.
While Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs and Man United are currently in the top seven and covered by six points, there is the chance for a Southampton, Wolves, or Everton to break into the Europa League or Champions League places with the right run of results.
One thing that will help other teams is the fact that the big sides all have at least one glaring weakness that is likely to prevent them from running away with the title.
Liverpool, for example, have looked shaky at the back since Virgil van Dijk was ruled out with a potential season-ending injury during the feisty 2-2 draw with Everton. Klopp has had to rely on a makeshift centre back pairing that includes midfielder Fabinho, which could unsettle them.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City have also struggled thus far following injuries to crucialgoal scorers Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, while Man United have had to rely on individual brilliance to rescue games amid speculation that club culture is in chaos.
Things are even worse for former top-four regulars Arsenal.Their latest 2-0 defeat to Spursin the North London derby left them in 15th place with just four wins and 13 points from eleven games.
With more than two-thirds of the season still to play, it is looking likely that the unpredictability will continue. However, the return of crowds, even in limited numbers, could restore at least some of the traditional home-field advantage.
What is certain is that the Premier League will continue to provide some of the best entertainment in top-level football and that there will be many twists and turns in the title race during the next few months.
Premier League Matchday 12 will kick-off with Leeds United entertaining West Ham United at Elland Road on Friday. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been one of the league’s most exciting teams to watch with their tireless workrate and they will be aiming to return to winning ways, similarly to the Hammers.
However, the main focus of attention will be Saturday’s 183rd Manchester derby from Old Trafford. Manchester United are the in-form side in the league at the moment with four wins on the trot and they will come up against arch-rivals Manchester City, who have registered back-to-back league triumphs.
Predictions for Matchday 12:
Leeds United vs West Ham United – Friday:
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa. (Getty Images)
Leeds were beaten 3-1 at Chelsea last week and the Blues were the first team, who outran them in the Premier League (by more than 6kms) this term. The Hammers, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United, where they should have been out of sight at half-time with the multiple clear-cut scoring chances. Instead, they managed just a 1-0 lead and paid the price for a poor second half display. This game has goals written all over it and we are fancying a high-scoring draw.
Leeds United 2-2 West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa – Saturday:
Saturday’s early kick-off will see Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa face off in the west Midlands derby. Wolves recently produced one of their best games of the season with their 2-1 win at Arsenal and that was followed by a lacklustre display against Liverpool with a 4-0 loss. They will be a response in the derby against the Villans, who are two places and two points behind them with two games in hand. With the home advantage, we are backing them to beat the Villans for a third-straight league game.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Aston Villa
Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion – Saturday:
Newcastle United’s previous game against Aston Villa was postponed after multiple cases of coronavirus in their squad. The match against West Brom, however, is expected to go ahead and it could be a tight affair. The visitors have vastly improved on the defensive side and last weekend’s 5-1 humbling to Crystal Palace resulted after Matheus Pereira’s sending off. Still, their main concern has been the lack of regular goals. The hosts have fared better and have a quality striker in Callum Wilson, who already has seven goals to his name.
Newcastle United 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Manchester United vs Manchester City – Saturday:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the 2018 Manchester derby. (Getty Images)
The highlight of the weekend and already one of the most popular searches on soccer streaming sites this week. United go into the game after a 3-2 defeat at RB Leipzig which saw them eliminated from the Champions League. They have won four league games on the trot, but it has been a game of two halves with comeback wins at Southampton and West Ham United after average first half displays.
The Red Devils had the upper hand in the derby last term as they won both league meetings, but they can anticipate a tougher test on Saturday with their uncertainty at the back. Still, we are not fancying the Cityzens to come up triumphs as they are also vulnerable on the counter-attack.
Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City
Everton vs Chelsea – Saturday:
The Toffees have picked up just one victory since Matchday 4 when they were three points clear at the top of the table. In the same period, the Blues have been one of the in-form teams in the league and they have registered four wins and stayed unbeaten. The Toffees have an excellent recent record against the Blues at home, picking up seven points from previous three meetings, but they could be up for a difficult night on Saturday. The Blues are now much better defensively and they will be aiming to pick up their first victory at Goodison Park since 2017.
Everton 1-3 Chelsea
Southampton vs Sheffield United – Sunday:
The Saints climbed to fifth on the table with a comeback win at Brighton & Hove Albion where Danny Ings scored a rather controversial winner from the penalty spot. Up next, they will come up against Sheffield, who are bottom of the standings with a solitary point. The Blades have shown better defensive resolve in recent weeks, but ultimately the lack of a genuine goalscorer has cost them. The hosts have no such trouble with Ings back after his injury and they will be hoping to jump into the four win with three points.
Southampton 2-0 Sheffield United
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur – Sunday:
Palace ended a two-match losing run with a stunning 5-1 win over 10-man West Bromwich Albion. Spurs, meanwhile, continued to maintain the top spot after a dominating 2-0 triumph over north London rivals Arsenal. The league leaders have an excellent record against Palace and they have beaten their neighbours in nine of the previous 10 meetings. The only setback came via the 1-1 draw in July this year. Both Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are in superb form upfront and we don’t see Palace picking up anything from the game.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham vs Liverpool – Sunday:
Fulham were outclassed by Manchester City last weekend and they did exceptionally well to concede only two goals. Their record against Liverpool has been poor over the years and have lost their previous six league meetings. It could be more of the same at Craven Cottage this weekend with the Reds coming off a stunning 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite multiple injury concerns, they have the superior quality in the attack and the Cottagers, who have already conceded 21 goals, can anticipate another tough challenge..
Fulham 0-3 Liverpool
Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion – Sunday:
Leicester may be fourth on the table, but their home form has been a concern with just six points from a possible 15. Brighton, meanwhile, have played some good football over the course of the season, but their defence has let them down in the closing stages of games. Graham Potter’s side are a more possession-based team nowadays and that may play into the hands of the Foxes, who could outwit them on the counter-attack.
Leicester City 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Arsenal vs Burnley – Sunday:
Arsenal have made their worst ever start to a Premier League season and they are currently 15th without a win in four matches. Burnley have likewise been disappointing as they languish in the drop zone. The Gunners have lost their last three league games at the Emirates Stadium, but there is bound to be a strong response. Burnley have a dreadful record against the Gunners with nine defeats and one draw from the last 10 meetings. Mikel Arteta’s side should return to winning ways, but the game won’t be straightforward.
Stan Kroenke is an American billionaire with a net worth of $8.3billion and is the owner of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment(KSE), which owns Arsenal Football Club amongst other sports teams.
Net Worth (2020)
$8.3billion
Source of Wealth
Real Estate, Sports, Self Made
Age
73
Date of Birth
July 29, 1957
Place of Birth
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Current football club (owner)
Arsenal, Colorado Rapids
Early Life and Education
Stan Kroenke is of German descent and was born to a lumberyard owner in the small town of Mora, Missouri, in 1947. Kroenke grew up in the town of Mora, where the population was not more than two dozen people.
His first job was sweeping in his father’s lumberyard at the age of 10. He attended Cole Camp Missouri High School, where he played and developed an interest in baseball and basketball.
Arsenal’s US majority shareholder Stan Kroenke takes his seat before the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers at The Emirates Stadium in north London, England on October 27, 2012. (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Kroenke earned his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Masters of Business Administration degrees while attending the University of Missouri. He also attended law school for a brief period of time.
Net Worth of Stan Kroenke
According to Forbes, Stan Kroenke’s net worth is approximately $8.3billion.
Stan Kroenke is the 59th richest man in the United States of America as of 2020, according to the ‘Forbes 400’ 2020, and the 135th richest billionaire in the world.
He was also on Forbes’ “Richest person in every State” in 2017 but was dropped off the list in 2018
Personal Life
Kroenke met his future wife, Ann Walton, on a ski trip to Aspen, Colorado. The two tied the knot in 1974. Walton was the heir to the Walmart empire.
Already from a rich family, Kroenke’s wealth multiplied when he and his wife inherited a stake in Walmart in 1995 upon the death of James “Bud” Walton.
Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke looks on before the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kroenke is called “Silent Stan” because of his tendency to avoid the spotlight and almost never give an interview to the media. He is also believed to be very reserved when it comes to interfering in the day-to-operations of his teams.
According to his friends, Kroenke loves travelling and working out in his gym. He is also said to be an avid reader of novels, biographies, etc.
Kronke has two children with Ann Walton – daughter Whitney Ann Kroenke and son Josh Kroenke. Additionally, he has two other children – Katie Kroenke and Brett Kroenke.
Business Career
Kroenke started the Kroenke Group, a real estate development firm that builds shops and apartments, in 1983. He is the owner of around 30 million sq. ft. of Real Estate, primarily in areas near Walmart.
In 2006, e formed a partnership in a winery named ‘Screaming Eagle’, situated in Napa Valley and reportedly assumed full control of it 3 years later.
Kroenke is also a major landowner, with over 2 million sq. ft. of ranches to his name across the United States of America.
Professional Sports
Kroenke most impressive business venture arguably came with the launch of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment in 1995. In the United States, the company owns NBA team Denver Nuggets, ice hockey team Colorado Avalanche, and football team Colorado Rapids.
Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal speaks to Stan Kroenke, Arsenal owner after The Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The stadiums of these teams were built by Kroenke’s development companies and are owned by KSE. TicketHorse, a ticketing service started by Kroenke’s company, that provides in-house sales for all his teams.
Kroenke held minority shares in Premier League club Arsenal FC since 2007, but became the sole owner of the team recently. Despite owning multiple sporting teams, it is perhaps his role as the owner of Arsenal that has made his name the most famous in the world of sports.
In 2018, he bid $58million and borrowed $718million to buy the minority stakes that he didn’t own. Arsenal were then subsequently delisted from the stock market as Kroenke owned 100% of the team.
Kroenke also owns two professional esports team based in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Gladiators and Los Angeles Guerrillas.
Yachts of Stan Kroenke
Stan Kroenke is reportedly the owner of the Oceanco yacht named ‘Jubilee’ which is approximately worth $300million. He reportedly made a bid to purchase the yacht in the 2018 Monaco yacht show.
Arsenal’s US owner Stan Kroenke shakes hands with Arsenal’s German midfielder Mesut Ozil (2nd L) as Arsenal players celebrate their victory over Chelsea in the English FA Cup final (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
His wife, Ann Walton, is the owner of the gorgeous ‘Aquila’ yacht, which costs approximately $150million apart from a $1015 million yearly cost of just operating the yacht.
Charitable Work
He and his wife, Ann Walton, donated $1million to the Red Cross in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
The Los Angeles Rams, a professional American football team owned by Kroenke, have a foundation which supports local youth organizations, albeit depending on donations from other people.
It is a possibility that Kroenke donates anonymously, as he is known to avoid the spotlight. His spokesperson denied any comment on this matter to Forbes.
Manchester United is the only English Premiership team in the Champions League that still hasn’t secured its spot in the knockout stage. Many believe Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s decisions directly brought the Red Devils in this position.
While Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City smoothly cruised into the Round of 16, clinching their berths before the final matches, Manchester United will have one very rough challenge in order to catch up with their Premier League rivals.
The Red Devils are traveling to Germany, and they need to stay unbeaten against RB Leipzig to avoid elimination. Even though Man Utd demolished the Bulls in the first leg, this will be a completely different match, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side playing much better at home.
On the other hand, Solskjaer’s side showed two faces in the Champions League. In Paris, they defeated PSG, 1-2, but United lost in Istanbul against Basaksehir, 2-0, which is arguably the biggest sensation of the entire competition.
Apart from that, what concerns the fans is the fact that some of Solskjaer’s recent decisions haven’t been logical at all. The most recently led his team to a defeat against PSG, complicating United’s position in Group H.
The Brazilian international Fred received a yellow card in the 23rd minute due to his unsportsmanlike conduct and debate with the referee. It was evident that the midfielder’s behavior will earn him a second yellow card and an automatic exit, but Solskjaer didn’t change anything.
Some of the English media suggest that the Norwegian manager saw some of his players calling him during the match, demanding to replace Fred, who became a liability at some point. They would even show footage of Bruno Fernandes shouting towards the bench, implying that the Portuguese advised his manager to pull Fred out.
However, nothing happened. One minute following Marquinhos’ goal and PSG’s new lead, 1-2, Fred received a second yellow card after a foul, and that was the end of all hopes for United that they might avoid a defeat in this contest.
With at least a draw here, they would have the edge over PSG in head-to-head events and three points more than the Parisians, making the entire situation about their trip to the next stage a done deal. Regardless of their match in Leipzig, Man Utd would be at least second, and the journey to Germany would be without any pressure whatsoever.
Right now, their morale is damaged, with the potential to be even worse, as they have a nasty road match coming up on Saturday against West Ham.
Solskjaer’s stubbornness could even cost him his managerial place in United. If the club from Old Trafford fails to reach the knockout stage, that would be a massive disappointment, although Group H was undoubtedly the toughest one in the UCL.
A part of the fanbase is already against the Norwegian, and as time goes by, that group is slowly becoming bigger and bigger.
All the United’s troubles are looking even saltier for them, with the remaining three rivals from the EPL confidently solving all of their hurdles at this stage. Furthermore, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City are all going to finish at the top place in their respective assemblies.
According to Italian publication Calcio Mercato (h/t Football.london), Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are keeping an eye on Mainz striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The 23-year-old French youth international joined the Bundesliga side from Lyon in 2018. He has since gone on to score 27 goals in 63 games for Die Nullfünfer.
While the numbers may not seem too prolific, he averages more than a goal a game this season. Mateta has 10 goals in just nine appearances this season including a hat-trick in the DFB Pokal against TSV Havelse. So if you are one of those tipsters go to one of those internet betting site and place a bid for Mourinho to make good use of the striker.
Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Mainz striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
It is not the first time that the Frenchman has appeared on Spurs’ radar. He was also linked with us in the summer but we eventually went with loaning Carlos Vinicius instead. It would appear that Mateta has since kicked his form up a notch.
With seven goals in the Bundesliga, only Robert Lewandowski and Erling Braut Haaland have outscored him this season. If he continues to put up the same number,s there will be no shortage of teams taking a keen interest in him.
Despite his streak, Mainz are currently struggling in 16th spot. His goals could prove to be the difference for the club come the end of the season.
Harry Kane is the club’s top striker (Twitter/SpursOfficial)
Is another striker incoming?
According to the report, Italian giants Napoli are also keen on the Frenchman ahead of the January transfer window. Interestingly the Serie-A side has frozen out Arkadiusz Milik who is another target for Tottenham.
Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud also continues to be linked with a move to North London. With Carlos Vinicius having broken his duck midweek, Spurs finally appear to have a reliable backup to Harry Kane. Whether we will seek to add further options in January remains to be seen.
Carlos Vinicius was brilliant against Ludogorets
Mateta has represented France at various youth levels. He has often been compared to former Mainz striker Adam Szalai. The 23-year-old is not the biggest name out there, however, he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition provided he keeps his numbers up.
Anel Ahmedhodzic is a target for Chelsea and is currently playing for Swedish side Malmo, according to Expressen (h/t Football.London).
The 21-year-old has played for the Bosnian national team this season too and has 34 appearances for Malmo.
Chelsea were to offer £7.2million for the center-back, however, there seems to be a twist in the tale. So if you are one of those tipsters get on Olybet
and place a bid for Lampard to successfully sign the player and bring on board to the success story at Stamford bridge.
Poland’s forward Robert Lewandowski and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s defender Anel Ahmedhodzic vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations League football match Poland v Bosnia and Herzegovina in Wroclaw, Poland, on October 14, 2020. (Photo by JANEK SKARZYNSKI / AFP)
Ahmedhodzic’s father, Mirsad, told SportBladet via Teamtalk that his son’s agent wasn’t letting the deal go through:
“He’s [Rosenberg] not doing his job. He has told Marina [Granovskaia] at Chelsea that Anel is not going there.
“He [Anel] wants to go abroad after the season finishes.”
Markus Rosenborg, the player’s agent, has also been told by Mirsad to work with an Italian and get a deal done:
“Markus hasn’t arranged this, he doesn’t have the contacts,” he added. “I have tried to inform Markus that Pastorello wants to cooperate with him.”
Crazy circumstances for the youngster
While Chelsea could do with more young players joining Frank Lampard’s interesting project, this story is certainly a wild one.
Malmo’s Swedish defender Anel Ahmedhodzic (L) vies with Wolfsburg’s Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager during the Europa League Last 32 Second Leg football match Malmo against Wolfsburg on February 27, 2020. (Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
An agent blocking the move of a player despite interest from a big club is something that isn’t heard often.
It will be interesting to see what is next for Ahmedhodzic and if we can land him later on. Chelsea had a busy summer, signing several youngsters and it seems like the team is finally clicking.
Chelsea sit fifth in the league after eight games and have suffered just one loss so far. Lampard’s men are just three points off the top of the table and we play Newcastle once the international break is done.
