For that domination to occur, they will need to build on this season’s success and to do that, they will need to keep the squad fresh, with a few new additions.

Lille’s highly-sought after Eden Hazard is expected to arrive to add even more quality to an already superb midfield.

However, in terms of strikers, apart from Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, City haven’t really been linked with many frontmen.

Today has seen a new name enter the reckoning. Fernando Llorente. The Athletic Bilbao striker is considered one of the best out and out strikers in European football and considering the fact he has a £28.7 million (€36 million) release clause in his contract with the Spanish club, this seems a goer.

City boss Roberto Mancini was quoted as saying today that he is looking to strengthen his squad this summer and considering the fact money isn’t really a problem for the Premier League Champions, I don’t see why this won’t happen.

Llorente is a top quality footballer. As well as being a prolific goalscorer (Llorente netted on 29 occassions this past season), the 27-year old is terrific on the ball and at bringing others into the game.

Obviously Llorente will be focused on the European Championships right now, but I am predicting he will be wearing sky blue by the time the new season comes around.

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Follow @CTGBreathnach

Feel free to comment in the section provided.

Would really appreciate it if you gave the show a listen. I am the host, so a great opportunity to hear my beautiful voice.

It really is an action packed show which we put a lot of work into.

Here it is the link for the show.

If you like Talking Balls, feel free to like the Talking Balls Facebook page and/or follow Talking Balls on Twitter.

Nearly two weeks ago, I spoke with French football expert, Julien Laurens and he was kind enough to talk to us about a certain Eden Hazard.

The Lille midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks and the player himself has confirmed he will be playing in Manchester next season.

But for who will he be playing? Julien told Talking Balls what he thinks and also lets us know some inside information regards which of the Manchester clubs had Hazard over as a guest at a recent Premier League game.

Here is the interview:

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Will Robin Van Persie be playing for Arsenal next season?

There has been intense speculation in recent weeks and months surrounding the Dutch striker and after wrapping up the Golden Boot for the 2011/2012 season, there is no shortage of interested parties.

I personally have no idea if Van Persie will be wearing an Arsenal jersey next season, but I am very keen to see what you lot think. Simply vote yes or no.

Feel free to leave your comments in the section provided.

Most Interesting Groups of Euro 2012

Otherwise known as the “Group of Death”, Group B is chock full of marquee matchups. The main event in the group stage lies on June 13^th 2012.  On that date, Germany and the Netherlands face off in a match-up that features the runner-up and third-place finisher of Euro 2008.  The matches between Portugal and Germany on June 9^th 2012 and Portugal vs. Netherlands on June 17^th are also must-see matches. Of course, Portugal has a must-see player in Cristando Ronaldo. However, these matches could be the time in which the powerful Dutch and German national teams could slip up and open the door for the other two clubs.

Denmark seems like the X that does not belong in Group B.  However, they should not be underestimated when you bet on Euro 2012. Denmark upset Portugal 2-1 on October 11, 2011 to help clinch their berth in the Euro 2012 tournament. It will be interesting to see the impact that highly touted 21-year old Christian Eriksen will make on the Danish squad.

On the other hand, it is hard to find a team that stands out in Group A. Czech Republic pounced on Latvia, Lithuania and Lichtenstein in the qualifying stage. However, they could not match up to the Spaniards. It took a playoff win over Montenegro to get them in the tournament. Poland has been able to stand up to the big boys in international football in recent friendlies. Poland drew against powerhouse Germany in September 6, 2011.

Russia qualified for the Euro tournament easily, but faced weak opponents. The same could be said of the Greek football squad. Unlike Group B, there are hardly any great upcoming matchups in Group A. In my opinion, Poland is the slight favorite due to the fact that they are the host nation and have fared well against big teams in international friendlies. Look to Group A and Group B for the most likely EURO 2012 Final win.

A 2-0 win away to Newcastle on Sunday, to follow up their 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Manchester United last Monday, has left them top of the pile in the Premier League, and three points at home to QPR this coming Sunday will be enough for Roberto Mancini’s men.

I am 100% sure that City will do the business against lowly QPR. I say this because of their home record this season. Played 18, won 17 and drawn 1.

Not bad, is it?

The draw was a disappointing 3-3 against Sunderland, a result which many felt was the beginning of the end for City’s title hopes this season. After their defeat at the hands of Arsenal a month ago, City were a whole 8 points behind United at the top of the table. At that stage, Alex Ferguson’s United were as short as 1/40 to win their 20th title, but four weeks on, they are now as big as 6/1 with one game to go.

I must say that I am absolutely delighted for Mancini and co. People talk about the money they have spent, and that it’s a hollow victory, but I beg to differ. In fact, take a look at the two starting line-up’s for yesterday’s games involving the top two. Manchester United’s starting eleven cost £169 million, whereas City’s cost £161 million.

The blue half of Manchester have no doubt played the best and most attractive football this season. Take a look at their goals for tally. 90 goals they have scored this season. That’s some amount of goals for a side who some still claim are “boring.”

They have shown the bottle which many thought they didn’t have, in recent weeks, especially with the win at Newcastle on Sunday. Everyone was laughing at City a few weeks ago. No one is laughing now.

Feel free to leave your comments in the section provided.

To see all the latest odds on next seasons Premier league contest from a whole host of bookies visit FREEbets.org.uk. Check out great odds as well as some fantastic sign up bonuses and offers, visit the site now to see more

Another strong Chelsea performance could see them return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2008, an outcome several Chelsea fans will undoubtedly be placing free bets on.

Didier Drogba, who was given the nod by manager Roberto Di Matteo ahead of Fernando Torres, made it two goals in 4 days following his impressive strike against Tottenham on Sunday at Wembley. The Ivory Coast striker did well to put the ball beyond Victor Valdes in the Barca goal to send the crowd wild.

In truth, the visitors probably deserved a draw on the night, but that won’t bother Di Matteo one bit. This latest win is just the latest in a long line of impressive victories which have seen him become the favourite with the bookmakers to become the next permanent manager of the London club.

Speaking of betting, and Chelsea are still the outsiders to go through to the final in Munich. The Blues are as big as 9/4 to go through, and to me, that represents real value. Meanwhile, Barca are as short as 1/3 to go through, which is perhaps not a surprise given the fact that they are just so good on their own patch at the Camp Nou.

Tonight’s result sets up the 2nd leg beautifully. Chelsea will no doubt go to Spain being set-up quite defensively, which ultimately could cost them. I have never been Chelsea’s biggest fan, but I must admit, I hope they do it. As much as I admire how well Barca play at times, I, like many others, like to see the underdog prevail from time to time, so here’s hoping Chelsea can do it.

What do you think? Feel free to leave your comments.