Premier League

Premier League round-up

2010-08-29T01:32:00.000-07:00

Wigan stunned Tottenham at White Hart Lane, Chelsea continue to set the pace at the summit and Blackpool were held on their home Premier League bow.

Arsenal secured an impressive victory over tough opponents Blackburn at Ewood Park, Manchester United brushed aside West Ham and Andy Carroll found the target again for Newcastle as they drew at Wolves.

Tottenham entered the field against Wigan to the strains of the UEFA Champions League theme tune, but left with boos ringing in their ears after a shock 1-0 home defeat.

Chelsea could not produce six goals for the third match in succession but still had too much for Stoke at Stamford Bridge as they cruised to a 2-0 victory

Wayne Rooney finally ended his scoring drought as Manchester United crusied past West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Blackpool's home Premier League bow produced an entertaining 2-2 draw against Fulham with Dickson Etuhu breaking the hearts of the majority inside Bloomfield Road.

Andy Carroll found the net once again as Newcastle hit back from a goal down to secure a point from their clash with Wolves at Molineux.

All Scores
Blackburn 1 Arsenal 2
Blackpool 2 Fulham 2
Chelsea 2 Stoke 0
Tottenham 0 Wigan 1
Wolves 1 Newcastle 1
Man Utd 3 West Ham 0

Spurs into Champions League group stage

2010-08-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

A Peter Crouch hat-trick helped Tottenham secure their debut in the lucrative Champions League group stages as they saw off Swiss side Young Boys.

After being beaten 3-2 in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie last week, Spurs overcame their Swiss opponents in the second meeting to ensure they will play in the European Cup proper for the first time in 48 years

Jermain Defoe appeared to control the ball with his arm before lashing in a controversial second for Spurs.

Crouch powered in a header and added his third with a penalty after Senad Lulic was sent off for a foul on Bale.

Spurs will now be eagerly awaiting the draw for the Champions League group stages on Thursday as they take their place among Europe's elite for the first time since 1961/62.

Crouch hit home three goals while Jermain Defoe also got in on the scoring act in a 4-0 triumph on the night, with the Premier League club largely comfortable throughout the 90 minutes.

Manager Harry Redknapp partnered Defoe and Crouch in attack, with the former expected to play a maximum of 60 minutes due to scheduled groin surgery. Ledley King was also called upon, such was the importance of the tie. For Young Boys, boss Vladimir Petkovic named an unchanged team to that which beat Spurs 3-2 last Tuesday.

Premier League - Winning start for Manchester United

2010-08-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

Manchester United began their Premier League campaign in commanding fashion with a resounding 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Dimitar Berbatov broke the deadlock after 33 minutes when he fired home inside the box from Paul Scholes' pass.

Darren Fletcher added a second four minutes before the break when he turned inside the six-yard box to drive the ball past Steve Harper.

Ryan Giggs came off the bench to volley home the third from Scholes' pass five minutes from time to maintain his remarkable record of scoring in every Premier League season.

Sports Betting

Pepe Reina allowed Arsenal to salvage a draw against a Reds

2010-08-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

A mistake by Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina allowed Arsenal to salvage a draw against a Reds side who had Joe Cole sent off on his Premier League debut.

Cole was red-carded for a bound on Laurent Koscielny afore David Ngog's apprenticed strike put Liverpool ahead.

The advance lasted until the latest minute when Marouane Chamakh absent a cross on the post and Reina agitated the backlash into his own net.

Koscielny was again beatific off for a second bookable answerability in injury-time.

The behindhand ball capped a agitated accomplishment to the game, with Reina the absurd culprit as win eluded a Liverpool ancillary who had advisedly captivated Arsenal at bay.

Reina had produced two key beforehand saves to advice advance Liverpool's advance as the Reds had dedicated with conduct and assurance to neutralise Arsenal afterwards Cole had accustomed the first red agenda of his career.

arrival of Cole at Anfield on a chargeless alteration had been heralded as one of the alteration coups of the summer, with Liverpool distressed for the affectionate of adroitness and apparatus the playmaker would bring.

But, instead of the England all-embracing accession to advice restore Liverpool's fortunes, his Premier League admission for the Merseysiders bound angry into a nightmare.

Liverpool 1 - 1 Arsenal

Premier League round-up

2010-08-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Blackpool announced their top-flight arrival in stunning style by trouncing Wigan as Chelsea routed West Brom, James Milner fired Aston Villa to victory and Tottenham drew with Manchester City.

Birmingham hit back from 2-0 down to draw with 10-man Sunderland, Blackburn overcame Everton, Wolves defeated Stoke and Bolton played out a stalemate with Fulham.

Marlon Harewood's brace had Blackpool in Premier League comatose as Ian Holloway's men ashamed the critics as they romped to a 4-0 win at Wigan area Latics goalkeeper Chris Kirkland had an afternoon to forget.

The Seasiders had been broadly hoping to be cannon-fodder in the top flight afterwards their advance via the play-offs but bare purely 16 minutes to accomplish their mark a part of the aristocratic during Gary Taylor-Fletcher afore new signing Harewood bagged two in 5 minutes advanced of the interval.

Alex Baptiste's hopeful cross ashamed Kirkland at his closer post to complete the scoring and forward Blackpool briefly top of the apprentice table, in a bout which aswell credible the acknowledgment to activity of adjudicator Mark Halsey afterward a spell abroad from the bout as he battled on throat cancer.

Chelsea began the defence of their Premier League appellation in accomplished appearance with a assault 6-0 win above a West Brom ancillary who were acutely punished for their arresting generosity.

Former Blues favourite Roberto Di Matteo was accepted a balmy accession on his acknowledgment to Stamford Bridge purely to see his ancillary dismantled with Didier Drogba allowance himself to a hat-trick, Florent Malouda bagging a brace and Frank Lampard aswell award the net.

Aston Villa started activity afterwards Martin O'Neill with a adequate 3-0 win above Avram Grant's West Ham as James Milner, whose advancing avenue for Manchester City played a key role in his above manager's departure, completed the scoring.

Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald adopted to name the England all-embracing in his starting XI and was adored with a accomplished left-foot accomplishment afterwards the interruption with Stewart Downing and Stiliyan Petrov accepting put the hosts in control.

Joe Hart produced a superb present to disprove Tottenham afterwards getting handed the Manchester City goalkeeping gloves advanced of Shay Given.

Roberto Mancini put his acceptance in the green England all-embracing and was absolutely rewarded, but will be anxious that the time-out of his expensively-assembled team bootless to blaze in a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.

Birmingham hit back from 2-0 down to draw with 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light as Scott Dann headed during Simon Mignolet's legs afore the goalkeeper was afresh abiding to his band in the closing moments as Liam Ridgewell arranged home two minutes from time.

Darren Bent had best up area he left off latest period by battlefront the home ancillary into an anon advance from the penalty spot, afore the Black Cats were restricted to 10 men when Lee Cattermole was absolved afore the interval.

Stephen Carr again hit a absurd own goal in the 56th minute, looping a attack above Ben Foster from the bend of his own box behind burden from Fraizer Campbell.

David Jones hit a beauteous goal from a abstract free-kick accepted to set Wolves on their way to win above Stoke, with Steven Fletcher bundling home a second anon afterwards afore Abdoulaye Faye powered in a attack afterwards the break.

The Potters endured a afflicted afternoon at Molineux with club register signing Kenwyne Jones, who had ashamed the bar in the initial exchanges, awkward out of the activity in accessible affliction with an credible abate trauma purely 14 minutes into his admission afore abutting his team-mates on the seat with the aid of crutches.

Tim Howard's amazing blooper able Blackburn win at Ewood Park as the Everton goalkeeper inexplicably agitated the ball in the 14th minute, acceptance Nikola Kalinic to aperture home.

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes watched his ancillary affirmation a point from his first bout in allegation as the Cottagers drew 0-0 with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Premier League title race: The main contenders

2010-08-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

With just two days to go until the big kick-off, we take a look at the main contenders in this season's Premier League title race.

Arsenal

The Gunners are something of an alien abundance this season. Jack Wilshere is yet to begin a Premier League accoutrement for Wenger but has done plenty to affect England manager Fabio Cappello. And Wenger will be cyberbanking on above Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh to claiming his Ligue 1 shape in England's top-flight. The capacity is assuredly there and Arsenal showed absurd animation to avoid Barcelona's blowing and accumulate authority of skipper Cesc Fabregas. Their advancing options are aces of any championship adversary - Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Andrei Arshavin, Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner and, of course, Robin van Persie are all abiding to aftermath a abiding accumulation of goals. But scoring has rarely been Arsenal's botheration - it's befitting them out at the added end. And a mantra of 'if you result five, we'll result six', will not answer above 38 games. Laurent Koscielny's accession to activity at the Emirates is key and the 24-year-old appears able of authoritative the footfall up accepting active from Lorient. Wenger should accept accession centre-back and a capital guard within his architect and the banknote is there to spend. Time is active out but, accomplish no mistake, if signings are accessible afresh Arsenal are 18-carat contenders.

Chelsea

The acumen of Chelsea as a accumulation of ageing stars arena anatomic yet dull football was burst in the latest attack as the Blues plundered a amazing 103 league goals. Michael Essien will be the active force for Carlo Ancelotti's side, and the Ghanaian's attendance will bolster the midfield alongside the abounding amulet Frank Lampard. Chelsea accept the firepower to bang their competitors and, in Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, they accept the biggest reliable goalscoring duo of the top sides in the league. The guile and address of new signing Yossi Benayoun should accompaniment Salomon Kalou's absolute approach, and Chelsea will never abridgement authority in the final third. The accident of Ricardo Carvalho's arresting commonsense is a far more appreciable draft than that of Joe Cole. A lot will, therefore, depend on the bendability of the advantageous Alex in partnering John Terry, but the Brazilian will analyze himself this campaign. Chelsea may not accept boastful the cheque book above the summer, but in Drogba, and Essien they acquire two of the biggest activating players in the world. Coupled with their inherent conduct and bunched formation, Ancelotti's ancillary accept it all. The Blues accept they will absorb their acme and there is none to advance that optimism is misplaced.

Liverpool

The 2008-09 best of Liverpool Football Club was confident, organised, free-scoring and agonisingly close to acceptable the Premier League. But for an trauma to Fernando Torres - and Rafael Benitez’s glorious bluster - the mid-late period bleep that accustomed Manchester United to allowance the appellation may never accept happened. The accident of Xabi Alonso abandoned should not about-face appellation contenders into a team that about aching seventh. Latest season’s slump was more affecting than abstruse as Rafael Benitez bootless to re-motivate his players afterward their disappointment, his awkward relationships with binding players and a argument lath advancing to the ahead while club talismans Torres and Steven Gerrard battled exercise and claimed problems respectively. In reality, they were a striker, a full-back and a playmaker-winger abbreviate of a top four ancillary - and a man-manager and abiding boardroom abbreviate of a league challenge. They are still cat-and-mouse for the second forward and a club buyout, but both should appear anon and the added positions accept been filled. The supporters - and players - assume absolutely aflame by the Joe Cole accomplishment and in Roy Hodgson they accept a manager committed to adorable football and able of axis the brand of Bobby Zamora and Paul Konchesky into top players.

Manchester City

Write off Manchester City's Premier League opportunities at your peril. Supporters ability not like it, but the force of money in football can't be denied. It's been so anytime back Jack Walker spent Blackburn to top flight celebrity in the mid-1990s - and the bleating of the alleged 'big four' about the bent of it all is absolutely laughable. Nobody spends bigger than Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - it's only that City accept awkward a decade of investment into the amplitude of two summers. And it's harder to disprove that back the accession of the Mansour millions, Manchester City accept accumulated a team loaded with actual talent: throughout the side, City accept an about awkward wealth, giving them both backbone and depth. It won't necessarily construe into a team that can bang all-comers - but as able-bodied as their accomplished players, City accept two added huge benefits. First of all, their almost aboveboard agenda of rivals in the Europa League will beggarly they won't be burdened mid-week in the first part of the period like their appellation opponents. And secondly, it's absurd to disprove that City accept created a bit of a buzz: and if the players absolutely accept started assertive in their accepted cause rather than only belief their pay cheques, the Premier League bigger watch out.

Manchester United

Much has been said about Alex Ferguson's refusal/inability to dip annihilation more than his toes into the alteration bazaar this summer, but the United manager about has a appalling team to alarm on already again. They may accept played second dabble to Chelsea latest time out, but injuries - especially at the back - bedfast their advance then. A echo of that accident is unlikely, and even if lightning does bang twice, the accession of Chris Smalling has added some abyss in that area. Up foreground livewire Javier Hernandez looks like the affectionate of amateur Premier League defenders accept nightmares about and if he proves to be an able bang accomplice for Wayne Rooney, at a simple £7 actor he could about-face out to be the arrangement buy of the summer. The one catechism mark above United's team persists the character of a abiding almsman to Paul Scholes. The adept midfielder, like Ryan Giggs, may not be appearance signs of absolution up only yet but should Fergie be able to attract the agitative Mesut Ozil to Old Trafford afore the alteration window closes - and by accomplishing so silencing those who anytime doubted there is money accessible to him - United should be able to check Chelsea and bulwark off the challenges of the time-out to achieve the Premier League crown.

Capello admits no contact with former captain David Beckham

2010-08-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello has confirmed that David Beckham will be given the chance to say farewell to the England fans.

The England manager accepted advanced of Wednesday's affable success above Hungary that the above captain, 35, was 'probably a little bit old' to be piece of his approaching plans.

The LA Galaxy midfielder's latest all-embracing entry was on Belarus at Wembley latest October afore an Achilles trauma prevented him from actualization in a fourth World Cup.

Capello is now searching to claret green players, handing out four debuts in the 2-1 success above Hungary.

But the Italian appear he affairs to accord England's biggest capped outfield amateur the befalling to play one more time for England, biggest acceptable on France on November 17.

"I achievement when David is accept he can play his latest match actuality at Wembley in a affable to say goodbye and acknowledge you actual much to the crowd," Capello said afterwards Wednesday night's game.

"I won't be acrimonious him for any more aggressive matches.

"David is a absurd player, he was absolutely important, but we accept to see the new players for the approaching because the age is important for a lot of people, not purely for David."

Beckham is actually convalescent from his trauma and assisted Capello during the World Cup finals in a non-playing capacity. He has won 115 caps and hit 17 goals for his country back authoritative his admission in 1996 on Moldova.

The above Manchester United and Real Madrid brilliant is the country's biggest capped outfield amateur but Capello's accommodation so he will absence out on breaking Peter Shilton's entry register of 125 caps.

Premier League: Ricardo Carvalho agree to join Real Madrid

2010-08-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho will accompany Real Madrid afterwards both teams appear that a accord was agreed to assurance the Portugal international.

"Real Madrid and Chelsea accept accomplished an acceding for the alteration of Ricardo Carvalho," Real said on their website. "The amateur will be apprenticed to Real Madrid for the next two seasons."

Chelsea said in a account on their website that the accord was accountable to a medical and Carvalho accordant claimed terms.

"Chelsea would like to acknowledge Riccy for his six years of service, and we ambition him able-bodied in his approaching career," the account added.

The 32-year-old will acknowledge his above manager and accessory Jose Mourinho, who replaced Manuel Pellegrini as Real manager at the end of latest period afterwards arch Internazionale to a acute of Champions League and Italian league and cup.

Mourinho took Carvalho with him to Chelsea from Porto afterward their 2004 Champions League celebration and he has been a near-permanent accoutrement in the centre of Chelsea's defence above the past six seasons.

During that time, he helped the West London club success three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups and was piece of the Portugal team at the World Cup in South Africa latest month.

He aswell joins up with all-embracing team mates Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real.

The Spanish club did not acknowledge banking data of the deal. Local media appear the fee was 8 actor euros (£7m) and said Carvalho had aswell agreed an advantage for a third season.

He is Real's fifth accession to the team back the end of the latest attack afterward the acquirement of accompaniment Angel Di Maria and midfielders Pedro Leon, Sergio Canales and Sami Khedira.

Premier League - Martin O'Neill resigns as Aston Villa boss

2010-08-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

Martin O'Neill has resigned as Aston Villa manager just five days before the start of the Premier League season.

The accepted Northern Irishman, 58, appear his accommodation in a collective account with arch controlling Paul Faulkner on the club website.

"I accept enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely. It's acutely a bend to be abrogation such a arresting club," O'Neill said.

"I would like to pay accolade to the Villa players, my apprenticeship agents and the Villa fans for all the abutment and advance they accept accustomed both the club and me alone during my time as manager."

Reserve team boss Kevin MacDonald will take babysitter allegation for the club's initial match of the period at home to West Ham on Saturday.

Former Villa forward Gary Shaw criticised O'Neill's accommodation to quit.

"I don't apperceive what has happened but the timing is not great, it's a bit annoying of Martin to leave the club in this bearings only a little days afore the begin of the season," Shaw told Reuters.

"The club abominably require two or three capacity players bringing in as bound as accessible and I can't brainstorm Kevin MacDonald has licence to accomplish these signings so they require to accomplish an arrangement actual soon.

"I don't apperceive who they should go for but it is a abundant job for someone. I accept heard Glenn Hoddle and Martin Jol mentioned, maybe they wouldn't be bad options," added Shaw.

O'Neill gave no acumen for his abandonment but has had to accord with connected media belief above the accessible auction of midfielders James Milner and Ashley Young.

Last anniversary O'Neill, speaking about the likelihood of Milner abutting Manchester City, told the club website: "I guess accident your best players would acutely cause you a headache.

"That's a problem, it's a botheration because you're aggravating to construct something and something like this happens."

He had a alike action above above skipper Gareth Barry who was heavily affiliated in the media with a alteration to Liverpool in 2008 afore abutting Manchester City latest year.

O'Neill's abandonment comes four years afterwards abutting the Midlands club. His administration included three sixth-place league finishes and Villa's first final in 10 years - a 2-1 League Cup loss by Manchester United latest season.

"The club would like to acknowledge Martin for the abundant plan he has done at Aston Villa above the past four years," Faulkner said.

"He has helped to authorize the club in the high echelons of the Premier League, has taken us to Wembley and we accept aswell able for European contest for the past three seasons behind his management. We ambition him the best for the future."

O'Neill, who took Leicester City to the Premier League in 1996 and aswell jumped two League Cups with them, went on to victory three SPL titles with Celtic as able-bodied as four cups afore demography allegation at Villa.

Richard Bevan, arch controlling of the League Managers Association, said in a statement: "The LMA shares Martin's disappointment at him abrogation Aston Villa.

"He has accomplished abundant victory not only with Villa but throughout his authoritative career. He is a abundant archetype to all ambitious managers."

Birmingham vs Arsenal Preview & Prediction

2010-03-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

Arsenal travel to Birmingham in Premier League tie to face Blues, standing just two points behind the leaders.

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham City vs Arsenal
Ground: St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham, march 27th 2010

It’s a very important game for Gunners who could move up to second or even first with a win and if Chelsea and Man United lose. Arsene Wenger's men have won their last six matches and gained appreciable progress in the title race. They have been signed out several times this season but each time the they bounces back.

Birmingham has had a great season and is in nineth position with 44 points. They don’t have to disturb about relegation and still have a chance at a Europa League spot. They are seven points back of Aston Villa heading into the match. Unfortunately, City’s form has falled in recent matches after two defeats and a draw in their last three games.

A success at St Andrews Stadium will put the Gunners in great position as they have a game in hand. Birmingham have been a great story but are still lacking a few players to compete with the top-four teams in Premier League.

Verdict: Birmingham City vs Arsenal 0-2

West Ham vs Stoke Preview & Prediction

2010-03-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Stoke City travel to London in Premier League tie to face West Ham United after terrible Hammers performance lately.

Barclays Premier League
West Ham vs Stoke City
Ground: Upton Park, London, march 27th 2010

Gianfranco Zola has seen his place fall under threat of late, with five consecutive defeats suffered in the Premier League.

That shoing slump has left the Hammers uncertainly squated only three points ahead of bottom three.

From the othe hand, the Hammers have won five of their last six meetings with the Potters in all competitions.

But worryingly, they have only managed to take one point from games in which they have conceded first this season and must secure they keep things tight.

Stoke will travel to Upton Park on the back of a run which has brought just a single success from seven visits.

Verdict: West Ham vs Stoke City 2-1

Chelsea vs Aston Villa Preview & Prediction

2010-03-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

Chelsea welcome Aston Villa in Premier League tie at Stamford Bridge after disapponting period for both teams.

Barclays Premier League
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Ground: Stamford Bridge, London, march 27th 2010

Chelsea disappointment start with knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Inter Milan this month, and travel to Ewood Park in Premier League clash finished with 1-1 draw with Blackburn.

The Blues get back to winning road with a 5-0 success of Portsmouth on Wednesday and the Italian boss expexting his team have turned a corner after suffering a blip in recent times.

Aston Villa, missed the chance to close in on the much coveted fourth-place as Wolves and Sunderland travelled to Villa Park and walked away with not empty hands, sharing the points.

Martin O'Neill's team is still undefeated in the league in 2010, but seven draws in their last 10 games has seriously injury the Villains chances of gaining the last Champions League qualification spot.

Verdict: Chelsea vs Aston Villa 2-1

England welcom Bulgaria for EURO 2012

2010-03-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

England will kick off their Euro 2012 qualification campaign at home welcome Bulgaria on 3rd September.

After the draw in Tel Aviv on Thursday to decide the schedule, England have avoided any June matches in Bulgaria and Montenegro following the reason the heat could have proved a problem.

After the opener with Bulgaria, Fabio Capello's men travel to Switzerland four days later and then welcome Montenegro to Wembley in October.

England take on John Toshack's Wales at the Millennium Stadium on 26th March 2011.

They host the Swiss in June and travel to Bulgaria in early September when the temperature is likely to be less of an issue.

The return match with Wales follows at Wembley on 6th September, 2011 and they finish their campaign away to Montenegro on 7th October.

Wales face a tricky start, away to Montenegro on 3rd September followed by a home match with Bulgaria the following month.

They travel to Switzerland and are at home to Montenegro either side of their home match against England.

The principality take on Switzerland in Cardiff in October 2011 and finish their campaign away to Bulgaria on 11th October.

Real Madrid move back to the top

2010-03-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid claimed a 4-2 victory over Getafe to move back to the top of the Primeria Division.

The convincing success over their city rivals on Thursday edges them to the top spot on goal difference.

It took only 13 minutes for "El Clasico" to go ahead at Coliseum Alfonso Perez, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring in a trademark free-kick.

Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain doubled Real advantage seven minutes later after low shot into the bottom corner.

The South American hot-shot took his tally for the season to 22 on 23 minutes, drilling home after latching onto a Fernando Gago through-ball.

Madrid based side were flying at this point and put the result beyond doubt when Ronaldo scored his second of the night on 37 minutes.

Daniel Parejo pulled one back for the hosts and Real allowed Getafe to grab a second via Pedro Leon

Napoli come from behind to beat Juventus

2010-03-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

Napoli leapfrogged the Bianconeri in the Serie A table after coming from behind to beat the Juventus 3-1 at Stadio San Paolo.

Giorgio Chiellini had given the Old Lady an early lead, but an out-of-sorts Juve were undone by goals from Marek Hamsik, Fabio Quagliarella and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Alberto Zaccheroni's team 11 days nightmare continue where Juve have seen them throw away a 3-0 lead to draw with lowly Siena, suffer a 4-1 mauling at Fulham as they were dumped out of the Europa League and lose to Sampdoria.

And this result will have done little to lift the gloom over the Bianconeri as they fall out to seventh in the standings, three points away of the fourth and final UEFA Champions League place currently held by Palermo and outside the Europa League places on goal difference.

Napoli vs Juventus Preview & Prediction

2010-03-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

Alberto Zaccheroni and Juventus face another tough game away in Serie A to face European challengers Napoli.

Serie A
Napoli vs Juventus
Ground: Stadio San Paolo, Napoli, march 25th 2010

The Bianconeri have undergo a sad week as they fall out of the Europa League in a misery 4-1 loss at Craven Cottage before loosing 1-0 to Sampdoria, that further broken their effort for Champions League football next season.

Defeat to Napoli, who are currently seventh, could see the two clubs swop positions depending on the scoreline, as Napoli would move level on points.

Regardless of their high standing in the table, Napoli might not be so bad opponent for the Bianconeri at the moment, as they dont have a success since January 24.

Five draws and three defeats in the last eight games have seen them drop out the pace at a far more alarming rate than Juve.

A long list of injuries for Juve remains, with Gianluigi Buffon, Martín Caceres, Antonio Chimenti, Alessandro Del Piero, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Hasan Salihamidzic all injured, while Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended.

Verdict: Napoli vs Juventus 0-1

Tottenham come from behind to beat Fulham in FA Cup replay

2010-03-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

Tottenham preserved a place in the FA Cup semi-finals as they came from goal down to overcome Fulham 3-1 in the quarter final replay at White Hart Lane.

Europa League heroes Cottagers seemed well until the preiod to book a Wembley date with Pompey, as they fairly led 1-0 following Bobby Zamora's goal.

But only a minutes after the second time start Tottenham levelled as substitute David Bentley saw his free-kick bounce in the box and beyond Mark Schwarzer without anyone touching the ball.

On the hour, the substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko continued his outstanding form as he scored second to gave the Spurs lead.

The success was sealed not longer later when a wonderful flowing Spurs move saw Eidur Gudjohnsen round Schwarzer and scored for home side, although perhaps with a little help from the incoming Aaron Hughes.

Harry Redknapp now sets up a tie with his former club Portsmouth, who he led to FA Cup glory in 2008.

Chelsea moving within a point of Man. United

2010-03-24T23:46:00.000-07:00

A mistake from David James helped Chelsea a 5-0 success over in adminstration Portsmouth as the Blues revive their Premier League title hopes back on track, moving just a point away of leaders Manchester United.

Ex-England goalkeeper David James mis-kicked a bouncing ball to permit Didier Drogba the easiest way of scoring into an empty net 32 minutes from start as Carlo Ancelotti's men trying to forget probably the poorest week.

In the beginning of the second period the aftereffect was put out of doubt when Florent Malouda, who in the first half looked to hold Ricardo Rocha with his elbow and subsequently received a yellow card from referee Lee Mason, lashed home.

The French international moreover chafed the home support when he scored his second of the match before Drogba and the Frank Lampard both struck to secure former Chelsea manager Avram Grant saw his Pompey edge closer to mathematical relegation.

Top-flying Everton took Man.City scalp

2010-03-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

Everton dent Manchester City's UEFA Champions League hopes after an impressive 2-0 win at Eastlands and boosted their own European striving.

A victory would have moved Man. City into the fourth spot in the table, but they were imperfect by goals by Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.

Tim Cahill scoring with a trademark header after 33 minutes of play while Areta wrapped the game in the finals minutes with a superb team effort.

The success for Toffees did neighbours Liverpool a big favour, but also leaves David Moyes team only seven points away of the fourth Tottenham.

The hosts dominated the most of the match and the pressure on manager Roberto Mancini was obviously as effort spilled over when he and Moyes collision in added time.

The Italian took opposition to Moyes picking up a ball, seemingly interpreting the Scot's action as an attempt to waste time.

It needed fourth official Howard Webb to interpose and referee Peter Walton sent off both managers to the stand.

Sunderland dent Aston Villa's Champions League hopes

2010-03-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sunderland dent Aston Villa's UEFA Champions League hopes after a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.

Martin O'Neill men had the chance to climb to fifth place and close the gap on fourth placed Spurs but the Aston Villa found themselves a goal down when Fraizer Campbell coolly slotted within 22 minutes of play.

The Sunderland lead did not endured long as John Carew cashed in on a gorgeous cross by Ashley Young to score his eighth goal in seven games.

Both teams had chances to grab the three points but a composite of good goalkeeping and poor finishing saw Wednesday's Premier League clash end honours even.

Aston Villa remain without a loss in the league in 2010, but Martin O'Neill's team, who have now drawn seven of their last 10 top-flight matches, dropped two more valuable points in their hopes to play in UEFA Champions League next year.

Portsmouth to sell stars

2010-03-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

The "in administration" club Portsmouth basicly asked for permission from the Premier League to do business outside the transfer window so they could pay their debts.

The Premier League initially refused but the position has now changed after a board meeting several days ago where Pompey's were deducted nine points punishment for going into administration.

Administrator Andrew Andronikou has been given the "green light" to begin negotiations over the sale of the club's players, although there are some terms attached.

A Premier League statement today read: "The Premier League board meeting that convened last week to consider the administration of Portsmouth FC dealt with a number of matters beyond just the application of the sporting sanction (deduction of nine points).

Portsmouth vs Chelsea Preview & Prediction

2010-03-24T03:23:00.000-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea travel to Fratton Park in Premier League tie to face in administration Portsmouth after huge disappointment in both UEFA Champions League and domestic League.

Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth vs Chelsea
Ground: Fratton Park, Portsmouth, march 24th 2010

Chelsea desperately need to recover from Sunday’s disappointment after draw at Ewood Park with Blackburn which blew them away four points back of Sir Alex Ferguson men in the title race.

Pompey, standing at bottom in the Premier League table, and who were deducted nine points for entering into administration, surprised Hull City at Fratton Park on Saturday, will definitely not give up without a fight.

It’s a determinative tie for Chelsea who will need a success to stay in title race chase.

Verdict: Portsmouth vs Chelsea 0-3

Aston Villa vs Sunderland Preview & Prediction

2010-03-24T02:28:00.000-07:00

Sunderland travel to Birmingham in Premier League mid-week tie to face Aston Villa where the hosts are fighting for top-four spot and place in UEFA Champions League.

Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
Ground: Villa Park, Birmingham, march 24th 2010

Martin O'Neill men dropped two important points at home ground to Wolverhampton on Saturday and still missing Gabriel Agbonlahor with a foot injury. But John Carew two goals on Saturday and has done enough to hold up his place as Villans looking to continue their unbeaten run in the League.

The Black Cats arrive on the back of a four games without a loss but with just a single success away during whole season. Captain Lorik Cana is available after his latest ban while Kenwyne Jones could be also available for the clash.

Regardless of Steve Bruce men awful away performance, they have reached some impresive results lately, ending a 14 games series without victory by smashing Bolton Wanderers 4-0 and success over Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Aston Villa have lost just a game from their last 14 league clashes at home ground and have one of the in-form strikers - John Carew, who scored seven times in his last six appearances in all competitions, including two goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Verdict: Aston Villa vs Sunderland 3-1

Manchester City vs Everton Preview & Prediction

2010-03-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

Everton travel to Eastlands in Premier League mid-week tie to face Manchester City where the hosts are fighting for top-four spot and place in UEFA Champions League.

Barclays Premier League
Manchester City vs Everton
Ground: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, Eastlands, march 24th 2010

Man. City have the get back fourth place with a win after a six games unbeaten League run. However, they have lost only four matches during the season, which is the fewest in the Premier League. Joleon Lescott, Martin Petrov, Wayne Bridge and Michael Johnson all missing with injuries while Emmanuel Adebayor finish his four-match ban.

Everton have won 12 matches but just three away from Goodison Park. Striker Victor Anichebe, who played only 15 minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Bolton before injuring, passes a test but Louis Saha could start. Marouane Fellaini is also missing for Toffees.

While Tottenham are involved in an FA Cup sixth-round replay against Fulham, Man. City could leapfrog Harry Redknapp's team and move up to fourth place in the table. But this could be possible only if they can take all three points from this mid-week fixture.

From the other hand, Everon revitalize his Europen dreams and will be chasing seventh spot in the standings.

Verdict: Man City vs Everton 1-1

Xerez hold Sevilla, while Sporting Gijon overcame Depor

2010-03-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

Xerez hold 1-1 draw with Sevilla, while Sporting Gijon overcame nine-man Deportivo La Coruna 2-1 in La Liga mid-weak games.

Sevilla missed the opportunity to climb fourth in Primeria Division after being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by bottom Xerez.

Diego Castro's penalty in final minutes gained Sporting Gijon a 2-1 victory over nine-man Deportivo La Coruna

Deportivo were down to nine men in added time when Alberto Lopo was sent off for bringing down Enrique Mateo in the penalty area and Castro kept his cool from the spot to give Sporting all three points.