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Papiss Demba Cisse, Bobby Zamora & more - the 10 new faces & Premier League movers looking to impress this weekend
As the weekend fixtures approach, we take a look at those who are set to make their first appearance following their arrival in last month's transfer window
3 Feb 2012 07:53:00
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ANALYSIS
By Chris Davie
Now the January window has passed us by, Premier League clubs have the chance to immediately assess their activity, or lack of, in the transfer market as they embark on the final third of the season.
QPR were the most active in the market last month as they brought in five players to aid their Premier League survival bid. Everton strengthened their attack by recruiting Nikica Jelavic, Newcastle United did likewise with the signing of Papiss Demba Cisse, while Manchester City added to their wealth of talent in midfield with the acquisition of David Pizarro.
Goal.com looks at those who are primed to make their debuts over the weekend and who they'll need to displace in order to feature for their new club.
Following in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere, the Japanese winger secured a loan move to Bolton on deadline day as he looks to gain regular first-team experience in the hope of cementing a place at Arsenal next season.
Although Bolton are hanging two points above the relegation zone, the form of Chris Eagles and Martin Petrov on the flanks has been one of Bolton's brightest points this season, which means Miyaichi will have to immediately impress Owen Coyle in order to feature against Norwich City this Saturday.
The forward was reportedly the subject of a bidding war between Cardiff City and Bolton before ending up at the Reebok on deadline day.
Sordell should be a welcome addition to Coyle's side who are struggling for goals this season.
In recent weeks, David Ngog has been the preferred choice in attack as both Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic have been restricted to appearances from the bench.
Despite Coyle's preference for Ngog, the Frenchman has two Premier League goals to his name this term and could be replaced by Sordell, who netted 10 in the Championship prior to his switch, for the match against Norwich City.
The Croatia international arrives at Goodison Park with a blistering scoring record after netting 36 times in 55 appearances during his time at Rangers.
Jelavic should be a boost for David Moyes' side who have struggled in front of goal in the league this season, only Wigan have scored fewer so far, and it is Roberto Martinez's side who the 26-year-old could make his debut against this Saturday.
With Louis Saha sold to Tottenham on deadline day, Jelavic appears to be the natural replacement in Everton's attack.
Pienaar admits he needs to regain trust from the Everton faithful after leaving Goodison Park just over a year ago for Tottenham.
The South Africa international struggled to impose himself during his time at White Hart Lane, and while injuries played their part, the midfielder had recovered from a groin problem by the start of November but has managed just 24 minutes over three appearances since then.
The form of Landon Donovan makes it unlikely for the 29-year-old to return to Everton's right flank, so for a starting place against Wigan, Pienaar would have to get in ahead of fellow loanee Royston Drenthe.
Martin Jol has tipped the Russia international to fill the gap left by Bobby Zamora, who departed for QPR on deadline day.
It appears, however, that Pogrebnyak may not be an instant hit as he arrives at Craven Cottage having scored just one goal in the Bundesliga this season. In addition, the 28-year-old wasn't even the German side's first-choice striker, restricted to 14 appearances as Cacau was preferred to lead the line.
His chances at Fulham under Jol could be more forthcoming. The in-form Clint Dempsey has been playing in a forward's role in recent weeks and the USA international could drop back into midfield while Pogrebnyak partners Bryan Ruiz against Manchester City on Saturday.
At 31, you could forgive Zamora's decision to pursue a move to QPR as he eyes a place in England's Euro 2012 squad this summer.
But for that he'll need regular football, and with Mark Hughes boasting seven strikers to choose from as QPR embark on the task of securing their Premier League survival, Zamora will need to have an instant impact at Loftus Road.
Replicating the debut of Djibril Cisse wouldn't be a bad start. The Frenchman arrived from Lazio and netted early on against Aston Villa in their 2-2 draw on Wednesday evening, and the prospect of he and Zamora in attack is likely to fill Hughes with confidence as his side host a leaky Wolves this Saturday.
In contrast to January 2011 where Roberto Mancini splashed out £27 million on Edin Dzeko, the Italian's subdued transfer activity last month led to the sole signing of Pizarro on loan from Roma.
A player in the mould of Xavi, the 32-year-old arrives at Eastlands after being frozen out under Luis Enrique. But Pizarro, who played under Mancini at Inter, still has much to offer in Manchester City's pursuit of the Premier League title.
Sharp and composed on the ball, the deep-lying midfielder's effective distribution both long and short has been an integral part of his game during his time in Serie A. While Yaya Toure remains away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Pizarro has his chance to seize his opportunity against Fulham this Saturday as Mancini continues to overlook Nigel de Jong in City's midfield, while the Chilean offers more technically than Gareth Barry.
Last season, Cisse ended the campaign as the Bundesliga's second-highest scorer behind Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez with 22 goals in 32 appearances. So there's reason for excitement at Newcastle United ahead of their match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
With the form of Demba Ba, who already has 15 league goals to his name this term, Cisse's prowess in the box should mean that he can forge an effective partnership under Alan Pardew.
The duo have just returned from a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign where Senegal finished bottom of their group, losing all three matches. Although neither scored in the tournament, the pair never played more than 60 minutes together in a single game, with Cisse starting just once.
With Wes Brown ruled out until March, the former Liverpool man, who has arrived from Wolfsburg on loan, could be required sooner, rather than later.
Martin O'Neill has helped guide Sunderland to eighth since his appointment in December and with three clean sheets and just two goals conceded in 2012, the acquisition of the 32-year-old provides the defensive presence and experience required to help prolong that record.
His aerial ability could also be of immediate use as Sunderland face a trip to Stoke City on Saturday.
The 25-year-old sealed his loan switch to Molineux on deadline day after finding his first-team chances limited at Tottenham.
The defender has started just one league game this term and played only 22 minutes of football in 2012 after coming on as a substitute during Tottenham's 1-0 victory over West Brom in January.
Bassong enters a Wolves side who sit second from bottom in the Premier League, and are without a league win in nine outings.
The centre-back pairing of Roger Johnson and Christophe Berra have been far from convincing as Wolves have shipped 43 goals this term and Mick McCarthy could be tempted to slot the Cameroon international straight into his side's defence as they face a trip to QPR this Saturday.
By Chris Davie
Now the January window has passed us by, Premier League clubs have the chance to immediately assess their activity, or lack of, in the transfer market as they embark on the final third of the season.
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QPR were the most active in the market last month as they brought in five players to aid their Premier League survival bid. Everton strengthened their attack by recruiting Nikica Jelavic, Newcastle United did likewise with the signing of Papiss Demba Cisse, while Manchester City added to their wealth of talent in midfield with the acquisition of David Pizarro.
Goal.com looks at those who are primed to make their debuts over the weekend and who they'll need to displace in order to feature for their new club.
| RYO MIYAICHI | BOLTON |
Following in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere, the Japanese winger secured a loan move to Bolton on deadline day as he looks to gain regular first-team experience in the hope of cementing a place at Arsenal next season.
Although Bolton are hanging two points above the relegation zone, the form of Chris Eagles and Martin Petrov on the flanks has been one of Bolton's brightest points this season, which means Miyaichi will have to immediately impress Owen Coyle in order to feature against Norwich City this Saturday.
| MARVIN SORDELL | BOLTON |
The forward was reportedly the subject of a bidding war between Cardiff City and Bolton before ending up at the Reebok on deadline day.
Sordell should be a welcome addition to Coyle's side who are struggling for goals this season.
In recent weeks, David Ngog has been the preferred choice in attack as both Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic have been restricted to appearances from the bench.
Despite Coyle's preference for Ngog, the Frenchman has two Premier League goals to his name this term and could be replaced by Sordell, who netted 10 in the Championship prior to his switch, for the match against Norwich City.
| NIKICA JELAVIC | EVERTON |
The Croatia international arrives at Goodison Park with a blistering scoring record after netting 36 times in 55 appearances during his time at Rangers.
Jelavic should be a boost for David Moyes' side who have struggled in front of goal in the league this season, only Wigan have scored fewer so far, and it is Roberto Martinez's side who the 26-year-old could make his debut against this Saturday.
With Louis Saha sold to Tottenham on deadline day, Jelavic appears to be the natural replacement in Everton's attack.
| STEVEN PIENAAR | EVERTON |
Pienaar admits he needs to regain trust from the Everton faithful after leaving Goodison Park just over a year ago for Tottenham.
The South Africa international struggled to impose himself during his time at White Hart Lane, and while injuries played their part, the midfielder had recovered from a groin problem by the start of November but has managed just 24 minutes over three appearances since then.
The form of Landon Donovan makes it unlikely for the 29-year-old to return to Everton's right flank, so for a starting place against Wigan, Pienaar would have to get in ahead of fellow loanee Royston Drenthe.
| PAVEL POGREBNYAK | FULHAM |
Martin Jol has tipped the Russia international to fill the gap left by Bobby Zamora, who departed for QPR on deadline day.
It appears, however, that Pogrebnyak may not be an instant hit as he arrives at Craven Cottage having scored just one goal in the Bundesliga this season. In addition, the 28-year-old wasn't even the German side's first-choice striker, restricted to 14 appearances as Cacau was preferred to lead the line.
His chances at Fulham under Jol could be more forthcoming. The in-form Clint Dempsey has been playing in a forward's role in recent weeks and the USA international could drop back into midfield while Pogrebnyak partners Bryan Ruiz against Manchester City on Saturday.
| BOBBY ZAMORA | QPR |
At 31, you could forgive Zamora's decision to pursue a move to QPR as he eyes a place in England's Euro 2012 squad this summer.
But for that he'll need regular football, and with Mark Hughes boasting seven strikers to choose from as QPR embark on the task of securing their Premier League survival, Zamora will need to have an instant impact at Loftus Road.
Replicating the debut of Djibril Cisse wouldn't be a bad start. The Frenchman arrived from Lazio and netted early on against Aston Villa in their 2-2 draw on Wednesday evening, and the prospect of he and Zamora in attack is likely to fill Hughes with confidence as his side host a leaky Wolves this Saturday.
| DAVID PIZARRO | MANCHESTER CITY |
In contrast to January 2011 where Roberto Mancini splashed out £27 million on Edin Dzeko, the Italian's subdued transfer activity last month led to the sole signing of Pizarro on loan from Roma.
A player in the mould of Xavi, the 32-year-old arrives at Eastlands after being frozen out under Luis Enrique. But Pizarro, who played under Mancini at Inter, still has much to offer in Manchester City's pursuit of the Premier League title.
Sharp and composed on the ball, the deep-lying midfielder's effective distribution both long and short has been an integral part of his game during his time in Serie A. While Yaya Toure remains away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Pizarro has his chance to seize his opportunity against Fulham this Saturday as Mancini continues to overlook Nigel de Jong in City's midfield, while the Chilean offers more technically than Gareth Barry.
| PAPISS DEMBA CISSE | NEWCASTLE UNITED |
Last season, Cisse ended the campaign as the Bundesliga's second-highest scorer behind Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez with 22 goals in 32 appearances. So there's reason for excitement at Newcastle United ahead of their match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
With the form of Demba Ba, who already has 15 league goals to his name this term, Cisse's prowess in the box should mean that he can forge an effective partnership under Alan Pardew.
The duo have just returned from a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign where Senegal finished bottom of their group, losing all three matches. Although neither scored in the tournament, the pair never played more than 60 minutes together in a single game, with Cisse starting just once.
| SOTIRIOS KYRGIAKOS | SUNDERLAND |
With Wes Brown ruled out until March, the former Liverpool man, who has arrived from Wolfsburg on loan, could be required sooner, rather than later.
Martin O'Neill has helped guide Sunderland to eighth since his appointment in December and with three clean sheets and just two goals conceded in 2012, the acquisition of the 32-year-old provides the defensive presence and experience required to help prolong that record.
His aerial ability could also be of immediate use as Sunderland face a trip to Stoke City on Saturday.
| SEBASTIEN BASSONG | WOLVES |
The 25-year-old sealed his loan switch to Molineux on deadline day after finding his first-team chances limited at Tottenham.
The defender has started just one league game this term and played only 22 minutes of football in 2012 after coming on as a substitute during Tottenham's 1-0 victory over West Brom in January.
Bassong enters a Wolves side who sit second from bottom in the Premier League, and are without a league win in nine outings.
The centre-back pairing of Roger Johnson and Christophe Berra have been far from convincing as Wolves have shipped 43 goals this term and Mick McCarthy could be tempted to slot the Cameroon international straight into his side's defence as they face a trip to QPR this Saturday.
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Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 4-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.
Hosted by Joe Doyle
Hosted by Joe Doyle
20:06 BST
So, that game gave a few players a chance to impress for England. Who did/didn't? Will Welbeck start against France? Or Carroll? Or Defoe?!
19:59 BST
Unfortunately for Northern Ireland, they are trailing the Netherlands 4-0 at half-time. Looks like that one's all sewn up then.
19:54 BST
We're still getting plenty of Hazard chat on Twitter. A few are now saying that he's not worth the hype, others saying he was brilliant(!?) and others (which I agree with), saying he created much of his own hype. What do you think? Get involved!
19:46 BST
Joe Hart has also been giving his thoughts after the Belgium game: "It was a really tough game, a good run out. I thought we played well, [but] we were a little bit bitty at times.
"But, we came through. Obviously there were a lot of changes so it's good to get the result.
"Belgium are a very, very strong side who are going to be really good in the future. Vincent [Kompany] told me about them and said that they were coming good and I totally agree with him."
"But, we came through. Obviously there were a lot of changes so it's good to get the result.
"Belgium are a very, very strong side who are going to be really good in the future. Vincent [Kompany] told me about them and said that they were coming good and I totally agree with him."
19:38 BST
Here's Roy Hodgson's reaction to the result and some injury chat: "I'm very pleased, it's been a hard week and we've used a lot of players. There was a lot of disruption in the second-half with substitutions – some forced upon us, some we wanted to do. But it's still a very good end to the week playing against a good Belgian team here. Arguably even stronger than the Norwegian team we played last week and I've got to be more than happy that we've come out with another victory."
"[Gary] Cahill I suppose is slightly more of a concern for me because it is a jaw injury. We're desperately hoping the CT scan doesn't show any fracture and it's just going to be a bruising situation, which will be bad enough, but won't stop him taking part in the tournament. As far as John's [Terry] concerned he felt his hamstring a little bit. Again it wasn't a major thing when he came off but we still need to scan it just to be 100 per cent sure."
Suffice to say, if Cahill has broken his jaw, he won't play any part in the tournament.
"[Gary] Cahill I suppose is slightly more of a concern for me because it is a jaw injury. We're desperately hoping the CT scan doesn't show any fracture and it's just going to be a bruising situation, which will be bad enough, but won't stop him taking part in the tournament. As far as John's [Terry] concerned he felt his hamstring a little bit. Again it wasn't a major thing when he came off but we still need to scan it just to be 100 per cent sure."
Suffice to say, if Cahill has broken his jaw, he won't play any part in the tournament.
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