African impact

By James Pearson   Last updated: 9th January 2008

African impact

African Cup of Nations trophy

Skysports.com breaks down how the upcoming African Cup of Nations impacts on the Premier League and looks at who are the biggest winners and losers.

With the popularity of signing African talent growing and the quality of stars from the continent improving, the timing of the tournament is proving a headache for many top-flight managers.

Back in 1996 the likes of Lucas Radebe, Tony Yeboah, Nii Lamptey, Philemon Masinga and Mark Williams were called up for the tournament hosted by South Africa.

This year no less than 30 players are expected to be called-up from top-flight sides, leaving many clubs without key players and down to the bare bones.

Portsmouth have been hit harder than most with four players departing for Ghana later this month, leaving Harry Redknapp claiming he is down to a squad of just 14.

Newcastle and Chelsea also have four stars absent, while the likes of Everton, Spurs, Birmingham and Reading have lost three apiece.

Suffer the most

A skysports.com poll revealed fans feared Portsmouth (37.7 per cent) and Chelsea (36 per cent) would suffer the most throughout the tournament and it is no surprise why when breaking down who will be absent.

Pompey will he losing John Utaka and Sulley Muntari, who are mainstays in the team, along with Kanu and Papa Bouba Diop.

Chelsea, like Pompey, lose a quartet of first-teamers with Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel joining star striker Didier Drogba on the flight to Ghana.

Although Arsenal have three players absent later this month Arsene Wenger has the squad to cope.

Winners

Perhaps the real winners are Liverpool and Manchester United, who have no current regulars missing.

With The Reds adrift in the title race, the African Cup of Nations could be the catalyst for Rafa Benitez's side to close the gap on Chelsea and Arsenal if they pick up their league form.

Everton boss David Moyes could find himself in a pickle in January with a trio of key players absent. Joseph Yobo and Aiyegbeni Yakubu have been called-up for Nigeria, while Steven Pienaar is included by South Africa.

Moyes fielded a slightly weakened against Oldham in the FA Cup and slipped to a surprise defeat. Everton's squad will definitely need to up their game if they are to maintain their form throughout the ACN.

You can join in the African Cup of Nations debate! Who will shine and who will slump? Should the competition be moved to the summer? Send us your views!

Comments (1)

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Andrew Pockett (West Ham United fan) says...

No way should this tournament be moved to the summer or changed!, it makes me sick when big clubs demand this and that, if you sign african players then you sign them with the risk and knowledge that every two years they will be called upto the ACN, that said i do think the ACN should be more like the European Champiosnhip and played for every 4 years instead of the current 2 years as this would make the competition more valued and competitive!, at west ham we have pantsil a player who i really rate alot we have lost him but thats football we signed him knowing he will be goin to the ACN every 2 years its tough get over it, im looking forward 2 watching some top action and hopefully seeing some new talents emerging, i just hope the EPL, LA LIGA AND SERIE A hypocrit clubs who so often complain don't sign any of these talents...

Posted 13:04 15th January 2008
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