League leaders Queens Park Rangers travel to Reading on Friday in the pick of the Championship’s weekend action.
QPR have gone five games unbeaten in the league while Reading have strung together four unbeaten results heading into the clash at Madejski Stadium.
Rangers will be aiming to extend their five-point buffer atop the table, while Reading are hopeful of narrowing the gap on the top six to one point.
Loan signing Mikele Leigertwood – who has scored in his last two matches for Reading – will be unavailable to face parent club Ranger because of the terms of his loan deal, while Tommy Smith could return for QPR after missing their win over Portsmouth with a hamstring injury.
If QPR triumph, it would be their first taste of victory away at Reading since 1997 and would complete their first league double over the club since the 1963/64 season.
Second-placed Norwich City travel to Burnley’s Turf Moor on Saturday hoping to consolidate their place in the automatic promotion spots.
Top-six sides Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have home fixtures on Saturday which they can use to reinforce their promotion claims, with United to face Coventry City while Forest take on seventh-placed Watford.
Bottom-side Preston North End host fellow strugglers Bristol City in a huge opportunity for both sides to help their respective seasons.
Portsmouth can also move clear of the drop zone with victory over Derby County at Fratton Park, while Crystal Palace (21st) and Middlesbrough (18th) do battle in another clash between two teams at the lower end of the table.
Ipswich Town can consign Sheffield United to more time in the relegation zone with a victory at Portman Road.
Leicester City and Barnsley go face to face in a true mid-table battle, with the sides separated by just two points.
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Ninth-placed Milwall host Doncaster, while Scunthorpe welcome Hull City to Glanford Park having won just one of their past 12 in all competitions.
The South Wales derby between Cardiff City and Swansea City is the feature match on Sunday, with the fierce rivals to do battle at the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea have the edge on their Welsh counterparts, winning their most recent battle 1-0 at Cardiff City Stadium in November.
Following Arsenal’s defeat at the hands of Manchester United everyone from Bob Wilson to Emmanuel Petit is having an opinion on what is going wrong at the Emirates. While it must be frustrating in many ways it could prove a blessing in disguise for Arsene Wenger as it will enable the North Londoners to focus solely on the League title.
In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Villa players remorseful over fracas; Ferguson hits back at critics, while Beckham will relish a Premier League return.
Beckham open to Premier League return when LA Galaxy contract ends – Daily Mail
Ferguson blasts back at Dalglish and Taylor over referee criticism – Independent
Terry to be England captain – Daily Telegraph
No way Jose will replace Fergie – Sun
Rooney wants FA Cup to complete collection – Mirror
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No 1 choice: Fergie eyes Atletico’s De Gea as £15m replacement for Van der Sar – Daily Mail
Jack Wilshere has denied refusing to play for England at the Under-21 European Championship, despite fears his tired body is due an injury.The Arsenal midfielder was a surprise omission from coach Stuart Pearce’s 23-man squad for the tournament, which begins in Denmark on June 11.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had openly requested Pearce leave out the talented 19-year-old, who has made 55 appearances for club and country this season and has been named in Fabio Capello’s senior squad for a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June.
Arsenal had become concerned by GPS data collated by their sports science department showing a significant dip in Wilshere’s work-rate over the past month.
The evidence suggested the midfielder was close to burning out and putting himself at risk of an injury.
“When they showed me the stats, it didn’t really sink in at first, but it just kept going down, on a downward spiral,” Wilshere told The Mirror.
“It scared me a bit, made me realise (that) as much as I’m 19 and can keep going and keep going, there’s going to be a time when you’re going to hit the wall.”
Wilshere said he repeated these concerns to Pearce in an ‘awkward’ phone conversation last Thursday, prior to the squad’s announcement on Monday.
However, he is adamant he did not request to be omitted and would have gladly represented his nation had Pearce included him.
“When I said I wanted to play for the Under-21s, I meant that,” he said.
“I wasn’t lying. I wanted to play and I still want to play so that’s why there’s frustration.”
“But I think it’s the best thing. Obviously there’s a risk of injury and missing some of next season if I had gone to Denmark.”
“I’m not saying I would definitely have got injured but I want to be 100 percent. I didn’t want to break down next season or going towards the Euros.”
“I am 19 and I have just got into the England team and there have been players like Steven Gerrard injured so I can keep my place in the England team.”
“And with the Euros coming up, it was in everyone’s best interests for me to rest. I think Stuart Pearce agreed with me. He’s been great about it.”
“Even today, if they had announced that I was in the squad, I would have gone. I would never have pulled myself out and said, ‘I’m not going’.”
Champions League contenders Chelsea and Tottenham have both been warned that a summer move for unsettled Milos Krasic will cost as much as 15.5 million euros.
The Juventus man is clearly out of favour in Turin but the Serb is likely to seek pastures new when the transfer window re-opens at the end of the season.
Krasic who has opted to stick the current Serie A season out despite reported winter window interest from Spurs, will retain his value regardless of a lack of playing time according to the players representative Vlado Borozon.
‘Juventus intend to at least recover the money (15.5 million euros) they spent on signing Milos Krasic’ (TalkSport)
The winger who possesses a canny resemblance to former Old Lady hero Pavel Nedved made his name in Russia with CSKA Moscow with his elusive and technical dribbling skills from the flank.
However, he has struggled to rediscover this form in Italy and most recently appeared for Antonio Conte’s side in a January home draw with Cagliari.
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It remains whether Chelsea will plump for the wide man in what is likely to be a summer of rebuilding at Stamford Bridge. What’s sure is that Krasic will be seeking a permanent transfer following Lazio’s failed bid to take the player on loan in the past.
Tonight Manchester City host bitter rivals Manchester United in what should be a hostile and highly charged Premier League encounter. Manchester United sit three points above their ‘noisy neighbours’ in the table and will be looking for a win to put pressure on Chelsea. For Manchester City, its an opportunity for revenge after last seasons heartbreaking last minute defeats. As well as this, City can’t afford to drop six points behind Manchester United and lose further ground on Chelsea.
We have put together 5 iconic Manchester derbies to remind you of some classic games, before watching the big game this evening. The Manchester derby is never without surprise, and these five games examine the history and the drama that the Manchester derby has offered fans over the years.
Manchester United 0 – 1 Manchester City, April 27, 1974
Dennis Law scored 237 goals for Manchester United but arguably his most famous was his goal for Manchester City that effectively relegated Manchester United. In truth, his goal was irrelevant as Manchester United were already doomed – but this is the way it has gone down in footballing folklaw. The Scot was so distraught he had to be substituted – his back heel goal was his last touch in football. United fans invaded the pitch in a vein attempt to get the match abandoned. It wasn’t, and United were relegated.
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Manchester City 5 – 1 Manchester United, September 23, 1989
Dubbed the ‘Maine Road Massacre,’ Manchester City humiliated Manchester United with stylish attacking football. Manchester United fans will argue that in the 80’s they looked a shadow of the team that dominated the 90’s and Ferguson was still modeling him team. However, that day City were superb and goals from David Oldfield 2, Trevor Morley, Ian Bishop and Andy Hinchcliffe gave Manchester City their superb win.
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Continue to PAGE TWO for 3 more cracking Manchester derbies…
Manchester City 2 – 3 Manchester United, November 7, 1993
Manchester United had just been eliminated from the Champions League after surrendering a two goal lead against Galatasaray. Manchester City raced into a two goal lead and it seemed that United had lost all fight. However, up step Eric Cantona. Manchester City allowed United back into the game after a terrible defensive header, pounced on by Eric Cantona to get United back into the game. A second from Cantona and a last minute Roy Keane strike gave United a famous win.
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Manchester City 4 – 1 Manchester United, March 14, 2004
The first derby at the City of Manchester Stadium and it couldn’t have been sweeter for City. It would be fair to say that City fans never warmed to Robbie Fowler but they forgave his taunting after his performance in the derby. Along with Trevor Sinclair, Jon Macken and Shaun Wright Phillips, Fowler gave one of his best performances for City. Although the scoreline was flattering – but did City fans care?
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Manchester United 4 – 3 Manchester City, September 21, 2009
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The game had an edge as it was Carlos Tevez’s return to Old Trafford, there had been bitter slurs of ‘noisy neighbors’ and the ‘Welcome to Manchester’ poster had riled both Ferguson and United fans alike. One of the most pulsating Manchester derbies in recent years. On show, two quality teams, playing attractive football – a game that should go down as the best Manchester derbies ever. Wayne Rooney gave United the lead, before a mistake by Ben Foster gifted Gareth Barry an equaliser. Fletcher made it 2-1 before Craig Bellamy’s superb equaliser. A second from Fletcher had looked to have given United all three points, but Rio Ferdinand’s mistake gifted Bellamy an equaliser – and it looked like United had thrown away two points on three separate occasions. However, six minutes into the four added minutes allocated, Michael Owen pounced to give United the win, sparking wild celebrations from Sir Alex Ferguson as he danced down the touchline.
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What is your favorite derby game? Comment below and follow me on twitter
Click on image below to see a gallery of Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest lady
Andre Villas-Boas will look to strengthen his Tottenham squad by signing Daniel Sturridge and Brazilian wonder kid Oscar, according to The Daily Mail.
Sturridge, who was used frequently by AVB in his time at Stamford Bridge is seeking talks with current Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo after falling out of favour towards the end of last season. Although the Italian would be keen to hold onto the youngster, it is thought the a £10 million bid would be to good to turn down for a player likely to warm the bench for the Blues next season.Meanwhile, 20-year old Brazilian Oscar is being courted by Spurs as a potential replacement for want away Croatian Luka Modric. The 26-year old playmaker has expressed his desire to leave North London and Real Madrid have shown interest. Oscar, whose current club have slapped a £20 million asking price on their youngster, almost signing for QPR last season but work permit issues halted the move. It is thought that the Brazilian, capped three times for his nation would be interested in a move to England and with a midfield vacancy looming through Modric’s probable departure, Oscar could play a key role in Villas-Boas’ new side at White Hart Lane.[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’left’]
Manchester City are on the verge of selling fringe duo Roque Santa Cruz and Nigel De Jong, The Sun report.
The Premier League champions are starting to feel the implications of the upcoming Fifa Financial Fair Play rulings, and want to shorten their wage bill and sell some squad players this summer.
Santa Cruz has not played for the Etihad Stadium first-team in two years, and spent last season on loan at Real Betis in Spain.
However, Werder Bremen have been accredited with an interest in the Paraguayan striker and look set to make a move for him in the near future.
Meanwhile, De Jong has found a starting jersey at the club hard to come by, with the likes of Gareth Barry, James Milner and Yaya Toure preferred by Roberto Mancini in the City engine room.
The Netherlands international is wanted by Inter, who are set to launch a £7 million bid for him and offer more regular first-team football.
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Kenny Dalglish has stated that he was happy with Liverpool’s performance in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, and feels his side thoroughly deserved the three points.
First half goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel gave the Merseysiders a comfortable victory, and the Scottish coach felt that his team defended well against Alex McLeish’s men.
“We passed the ball and moved it and hit the bar twice – I think it was a well-deserved three points for us,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think the first goal was a little bit fortunate but the second one was a good flick-on from Martin. We get pleasure taking three points and that’s the greatest reward you can get from the work you do in training.
“We’ll go forward as a team and defend as a team. If we don’t have the ball the first person is the first defender.
“There is no point having one part of the team good and another rubbish. We do everything together and we’ll move forward together,” he concluded.
The win lifts the Anfield team up to sixth place, equal on 29 points with Arsenal.
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The recent 5-0 thrashing of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team has seen the Nou Camp boss’s stock rise even higher by many in the media.
Before ‘El Clasico’ many expected a tight, close match with both teams perhaps concentrating on nullifying the other’s attack rather than focusing on their own. Some pundits even expected Mourinho to outsmart Guardiola just as he had done in the Champion’s League several months earlier.
Well how wrong some of them- and I say ‘them’ because I went for a Barca win, even if I did predict a 1-0- were as a Messi-inspired Barca simply ran riot over Real. It was dubbed as being a battle of the games two biggest stars in Messi and Ronaldo and that may have been true as the Argentinean dominated a game while his Portuguese counterparts most noticeable moment was a push on Guardiola which nearly sparked a mass player brawl.
While most of the focus was on the two superstars of World football, many people, myself included were intrigued to see which coach would win the tactical battle.
Mourinho’s had a fairly successful time so far since he arrived at the Bernabeu, prior to the defeat at the Nou Camp, his record in La Liga was played 12 won 10 drawn 2, while he’d coasted through his group in the Champion’s League.
As usual for the self-titled ‘Special One’ he’d managed to grab a few headlines for more than just his results. His gamesmanship during the Champion’s League game against Ajax where he ordered Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos to get themselves sent off was arguably the most talked about football incident of the past few weeks.
Mourinho’s antics didn’t go down too well with those lovely chaps at UEFA who hit him with an unsporting conduct charge and according to sources in the Spanish media, the Real board were equally unimpressed.
Mourinho will have to learn that even success on the pitch is sometimes not enough at Real and members of their hierarchy expect the coach to behave in a certain way.
When it comes to ‘behaving’ how the club would like Pep Guardiola could write several books on what’s expected of a Barcelona manager. The Barca boss hasn’t just delivered stunning success since he was elevated to first team coach, he’s also done it dressed like a catwalk model- male one obviously otherwise he’d look daft- and has been adept at keeping the fickle Barca money men and media happy.
It’s been something of a dream tenure for Guardiola with the treble delivered in his first season and the La Liga retained last season. Of course there have been disappointments, such as the loss to Internazionale in last season’s Champion’s League and the relative failure of marquee signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Despite these setbacks Guardiola is still regarded as a star at the Nou Camp, after all his career as both player -where he won six La Liga titles and the Champion’s League- and manager has been a huge success. Knowing the club as he does though, Guardiola will be under no illusions about how long he expects to be in the job.
The Barcelona job is not one you’d apply for if you were thinking about long-term security- only three managers have lasted five years.
There’s been recent rumours that the best dressed coach in the history of world football could be heading to United one day as Fergie’s successor. There’s also been reports that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City may have their wealthy eyes on him.
Money isn’t a big part of Guardiola’s life though, in fact when he delivered the treble to Barcelona his wages were less then the majority of Premier League managers. While the oil-funded blue parts of Manchester and West London could offer him a lot more than he would get at Old Trafford, the chance of managing one of the other biggest clubs in the world may be too tempting to refuse.
Let’s be honest when you leave Barcelona there’s no places you can go that are truly considered a step up but United is at the very least a step sideways.
While I would welcome Guardiola at Old Trafford -especially if he could convince Messi to come with him- I think Mourinho would be a better choice.
The reasons for this are simple:
Unlike Guardiola, Mourinho has proven himself as a top manager at no less than three clubs in three different countries and could well do it with a fourth at Madrid. Many criticise his arrogance but I think it would actually serve him well at Old Trafford- after all almost everyone hates United anyway and do we really care? NO.
The ‘us’ against the rest of the world mentality that Mourinho instills in his players would be perfect for United as we’ve never pretended to be popular with other clubs, fans or sections of the media.
There’s also Mourinho’s knowledge of the English game, which proved particularly useful to him last season as he outwitted Chelsea.
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Like Guardiola, Mourinho would probably be courted by City, but would that represent the challenge he’s looking for? He’s already taken a club with money to the top of English football and it could be argued that by joining another ‘money-powered’ revolution he’d merely be going over old ground.
The biggest challenge anyone could face is replacing Sir Alex Ferguson and that would make normal man baulk at the prospect of coming to Old Trafford. Mourinho isn’t normal though, he’s special.
Guardiola’s work at Barcelona has been amazing but the Ibrahimovic signing may just have underlined why Mourinho is a little bit shrewder than his rival. Getting Samuel Eto’o and a pile of Euros for a player not nearly as good was the best bit of footballing business since Fergie rang Sgt Wilko.
If United were to get either Mourinho or Guardiola it would be a massive coup and they’d arguably be the envy of most of Europe, as either coach is easily in the top three- no prizes for guessing who’d be the third.
With Fergie showing no signs of retiring just yet, then there’s probably nothing to worry about for at least another season or two, but there’s always the question if Guardiola or Mourinho were to become available, would Fergie consider moving upstairs? I doubt it, very much and neither one is likely to be going anywhere very soon.
However there’s no reason why Fergie wouldn’t speak to the circus that is the Manchester United board and point them in the direction of Spanish football”s most successful bosses, when he finally does hang up his hairdryer. Either one would be great but for me Mourinho would be perfect.
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The FIWC is heading east to Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel, providing a luxurious setting for the eighth FIWC Grand Final, taking place from 21-23 May 2012, following Barcelona 2010 and Los Angeles 2011. FIFA and Presenting Partners EA SPORTS™ and PlayStation® will be flying the 24 finalists of the world’s largest online gaming tournament to Dubai for a once in a lifetime experience and the chance to be crowned FIWC champion.
Former FIFA World Cup™ champion Christian Karembeu has today been unveiled as an official FIWC ambassador and will be keeping a close eye on proceedings throughout the action-packed three day tournament. Karembeu, part of the Task Force Football 2014 and a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group who assess the performance of players at FIFA events, will be hoping to test himself against some of the world’s best FIFA 12 players to see how his skills match up off the pitch as well on it.
Whilst the finalists are in Dubai they will get to sample all the city has to offer from indoor skiing to desert tours as well as visiting the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Over 1,000,000 gamers from around the globe have competed with EA SPORTS FIFA 12 online via PlayStation®3 and at live qualification events in an effort to claim a seat at the Grand Final.
Karembeu commented, “I am delighted to be a part of this year’s FIWC Grand Final. The tournament gives football fans all over the globe the opportunity to become a real FIFA World Champion. The fact that over 1,000,000 players have taken part in this year’s tournament is astonishing and just goes to show how popular the FIWC is with football fans.”
Eleven gamers from seven different countries have already qualified for the Dubai Grand Final meaning that there are still 14 places up for grabs. Contestants can participate in this year’s FIWC through the ongoing online tournament played on the PLAYSTATION®Network, by registering ‘in-game’ in FIFA12 on their PS3™. For more information on the FIWC, go to: www.fifa.com/fiwc . This year’s Champion will walk away with USD 20,000 and an invitation to attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2012.
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