Donovan to Fulham?

The 28-year old USA international is almost certain to return to England for another loan spell, following his successful stint with Everton earlier this year. Reports were indicating that Donovan would be back at Goodison Park, where he played 13 league matches in two-and-a-half months last season, but recent speculation suggests that a short-term shift to Fulham could be on the cards. Cottagers boss Mark Hughes needs a proven goalscorer and may be able to lure Donovan to London to team up with US teammate Clint Dempsey who is currently the club’s leading scorer.

*Donovan heavily linked with Fulham loan
*Rumor: Fulham Targeting Landon Donovan

Videos about Donovan's first experience in the Premier League after the jump...

Donovan keen on Everton return

Everton are ready to bring in Landon Donovan on another loan deal in January. The USA captain impressed during his stint last season and manager David Moyes is keen to bolster his midfield options. Tim Cahill may potentially miss most of January on Asia Cup duty with Australia and doubts remaining over Steven Pienaar's future.

Donovan admits it would be difficult to pass up the opportunity of a return the Goodison. 'It would be hard to say no,' he told BBC Radio Merseyside. I really hope that, if it's not this year, I get to go back there and play again. But if you asked me now I would lean towards a little more uncertainty.

'Last time when David Moyes called I was extremely excited about it and I just have to make sure that I get the appropriate rest.'
*Donovan keen on Everton return as David Moyes targets United States captain

Watch highlights from Landon's debut with Everton after the jump...

Could the USA really threaten England in South Africa? - 2010 World Cup Betting News with Betfred

V.

With England due to kick-off their 2010 World Cup campaign three weeks today, the hype about this summer's World Cup is well and truly underway, and you can't move for adverts in support of our national team. However one football expert reckons Fabio Capello's side face a tricky task early on in the competition.

England, who are third favourites in the World Cup 2010 betting, face the USA in Rustenburg in their opening game on June 12th. The Three Lions are well-fancied to win this clash at 1/2 with Betfred, while the Americans are 5/1 to cause a shock.

One man who thinks it may not be so easy for England is Sir Alex Ferguson, who thinks the USA have a "very good chance at qualifying", which could see some punters seeing the Americans to win Group C at 5/1 as a reasonable shout.

The Manchester United manager said there are a number of players in Bob Bradley's squad who are more than capable of springing a surprise on opposition defences in South Africa.

"I don't think they're going to be overwhelmed with the atmosphere of the World Cup, the importance of the World Cup, the intensity," Ferguson said.

"I think that will be easy for them. I think they'll be used to that. Those players have that, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey. Dempsey has had a great season in England this year."

He added: "They are very athletic, they apply themselves very well, and are difficult to play against."

England and the USA, the two favourites to progress from Group C, also have to play Slovenia and Algeria. The eastern European nation failed to clock up a point in their only other World Cup appearance in 2002, while the African side also have a poor record in the tournament. They are 15/8 and 10/3 respectively to make it through to the second round, something I can't see happening.

Remember, this is the same USA side that is ranked 14 in the world and made it into the final of the Confederations Cup last summer, beating Spain on the way and giving Brazil a real game in the final. So not only should they make it out of the group, but they could go even further - the online betting makes them 20/1 shots to be knocked out in the semis.


My Opening Tip of the Tournament:

England and USA to qualify from Group C at 4/5 with Betfred, while England at 3/1 to get knocked out in the quarter-finals should also be considered by those punters seeking value.

England v United States - Saturday 12th June, kick-off 7.30pm, live on the ITV.
England v Algeria - Friday 18th June, kick-off 7.30pm, live on the ITV.
England v Slovenia - Wednesday 23rd June, kick-off 3pm, live on the BBC.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)