The Bulls acquired center Brad Miller and John Salmons from the Kings on Wednesday for four players, including forwards Drew Gooden and Andres Nocioni. Sacramento also got Michael Ruffin and Cedric Simmons in the deal, but immediately traded Ruffin to the Trail Blazers for forward Ike Diogu and cash. The Kings then waived guard Quincy Douby and veteran Sam Cassell, acquired on Tuesday from Boston, to make room for their new players.

The Kings made another deal on Thursday, sending Bobby Brown and Shelden Williams to the T-Wolves for Rashad McCants and Calvin Booth. McCants value to the Kings is as an expiring contract, and he wont see many minutes behind Martin. Williams gives the Wolves another big, as their depth was seriously challenged by Al Jeffersons injury. Right before the deadline, the Kings dealt a draft pick for OBryant.

The Knicks made two deals today. In the first, they picked up Larry Hughes from the Bulls for Tim Thomas, Anthony Roberson, and Jerome James contract. The second netted them Chris Wilcox from the Thunder for Malik Rose (and cash).

Just before the deadline, a three-way deal was consummated between Orlando, Houston and Memphis that sent Rockets guard Rafer Alston to the Magic, with Memphis guard Kyle Lowry and Orlando forward Brian Cook going to the Rockets. Memphis is getting a future first-round pick from Orlando as part of the deal.

Tuesday night in Houston, the quarterfinal round of the CONCACAF Champions League kicks off with MLSs Houston Dynamo hosting Atlante of Mexico.
The top-level club competition in the region brought about a few surprises in the group stage, notably the advancement of two USL teams, Montreal and Puerto Rico, and there are sure to be more unexpected outcomes going forward.
With that in mind, heres a look at some of the developing storylines heading into the final eight, and how they might determine who struts away with a trophy and shuffles back home. 
Injury Problems For Marathon
Marathon will take on the Puerto Rico Islanders with a host of injuries hampering the squad. No less than eight players from the Honduran side are battling for fitness, including midfielder Maynor Suazo, defender Erick Norales, and defender Mario Beata.
Suazo, the cousin of Benfica star David Suazo, is a supremely gifted midfielder. Norales proved in the group stage that he is not only a rugged defender, but has a nose for goal. The 34-year-old Beata is a proven commodity who provides the Green Monsters with a calming presence at the back.
The loss of such key players could prove to be the downfall of the heavily favored Hondurans. The scrappy Islanders this winter bolstered their attack with the acquisitions of Jamaican striker Nicolas Addlery and Uruguayan midfielder Martin Nunez, a rookie sensation in 2008 with the Carolina Railhawks.
USL Hits The International Stage
The biggest storyline of the CCL has been the fantastic run from two USL teams. But can either Cinderella advance to the semifinals, or will the slippers fall off?
Both the Montreal Impact and the Puerto Rico Islanders benefited in the group stages from playing against reserve squads from the bigger clubs who were in season and resting players.
Now, the USL is out of season, meaning that Montreal and PR are in preseason form rather than the midseason highs on which they rode through the group stage. The upside is that neither is facing a team that has been particularly stellar of late.
Montreal face Santos Laguna, who are struggling to find their legs early in the Mexican Clausura season, having won only once in their first six matches. They sit in last place in the Primeras Group 1, and could be without prolific marksman Chucho Benitez, who injured his shoulder in early February. The defensive-minded Canadians allowed only five goals in six group matches. If they can continue their defensive ways, they could prove to be a tough test for a Mexican squad without its top striker.
As mentioned above, Marathon will come into the tie with Puerto Rico nursing plenty of injuries. The Islanders will need to take advantage of the Hondurans defensive woes to advance. However, Collin Clarks squad proved to be very opportunistic during the group stage, advancing despite a -1 goal differential. If Marathon waver at the back, look for the USL runners-up to take full advantage.
That said, the odds are still heavily stacked against either USL team reaching the semifinals.
MLSs Lone Hope
Houstons tie with Atlante is full of intrigue. Gone from the Dynamo are forward Nate Jaqua (Seattle) and midfield maestro Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto). Both figured prominently in Houstons advancing from the group stage.
But plenty of firepower should still be on display for the Dynamo. US international mainstay Brian Ching leads the attack, with highly touted midfielder Stuart Holden filling the void left by De Ros departure.
Atlante can match Houstons arsenal, though. Venezuelan striker Giancarlo Maldonado is an accomplished goal scorer, and attack minded Christian Bermudez keys the attack.
The match will be Houstons first competitive action since clinching a spot in the quarterfinals back in November. Atlante began league play in January, although they have only one win so far in the Clausura season.
The last meeting between the two sides in international competition came during the 2008 SuperLiga, where Houston routed the Iron Colts 4-0. That match saw an on-form Houston side playing against an out-of-season Atlante. With the tables turned for the CCL, it will be interesting to see if Houston can duplicate the result and push onto the semifinals.
The Quarterfinal Derby
The UNAM Pumas-Cruz Azul match will feature the first-ever derby in the CCL knockout stages.
The two teams squared off in last falls quarterfinals of the Mexican Apertura with the Azulinos notching a 3-1 victory.
But Pumas have been the class of the CCL to this point. Pumas roll into the quarterfinals not only as the sole undefeated side in the tournament, but also as the leading scorers of the group stage, having tallied 18 goals in six matches.
Cruz Azul struggled through Group A, finishing in second on goal differential over Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica.
Pumas currently sit just one point ahead of Cruz Azul in the Mexican Premier League, Group 2 standings.

Milan were on the verge of losing their star man Kaka to Manchester City in the winter transfer period, but to the huge relief of all concerned at the club, the deal fell through after Silvio Berlusconi stepped in at the very last moment to halt negotiations.

In a recent interview with Sportsmediaset, the Brazilian has once again reaffirmed that parting ways with the Rossoneri was never a likely option, although he did consider leaving at one stage.

I thought about what I had won here, and also the things that I still want to win in these colours, and because of that, I couldnt leave, Kaka declared in the interview.

Another decisive factor was the affection of the fans, which was extremely important for me.

I never wanted to leave this club, and this was proven by the fact that I rejected all of the offers that came my way, he added.

However, out of respect for Milan, I did consider some of Citys offers, as from an economic point of view, their proposal was very convenient for my club.

AC Milan are also a business and in this moment of crisis, I think it is normal to consider the budget, Kaka concluded.

 

Manchester Airport is pursuing an insurance claim against Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo for the damage he caused when he crashed his Ferrari in a tunnel, airport bosses confirmed on Friday.

The Portuguese winger walked away uninjured after he wrote off his sports car in the collision last month.

His vehicle bounced off the walls of the tunnel on the A538 near the airport which takes traffic under the runways between Wilmslow and Hale.

His £200,000 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Spider then struck a metal handrail which guarded an emergency exit door and came to a halt when one of the wheels came off.

It is understood Ronaldo faces a £20,000 bill to pay for repairs to damaged brickwork, buckled railings and the smashed exit door.

A Manchester Airport spokesman said: "Part of the airport's infrastructure was damaged in a road traffic accident and as is normal practice our insurers are talking to the other party's insurance company."

Ronaldo, 23, was driving to Manchester United's training ground near Sale when the collision took place on January 8 at about 10.20am.

Team-mate Edwin van der Sar was travelling behind at the time of the crash and later gave him a lift to training.

Greater Manchester Police continue to investigate the incident.

Arsenal's fixture away to Birmingham City on February 23, 2008 bore witness to one of the most horrific injuries ever to occur in the Premier League era.

Eduardo da Silva, the visitors' star striker, was rushed to hospital early in the first half after his foot was left dangling by a thread following a late challenge by Martin Taylor.

The Brum defender has often expressed his regret over the incident in the press, insisting he never had any intention to hurt the Brazilian-born player.

The Englishman has also claimed to have apologized to Eduardo, but the naturalized Croatian international said yesterday that he has never talked with Taylor.

He said in The Sun, Some friends told me he was saying hed spoken to me, but he never did. Ive never met him.

And someone at Arsenal received an email from him when I played for the reserves at Barnet a short while back and it said he was pleased I was playing again.

I have received lots of mail from other people. Ive had around 25,000 emails - from Croatia, Brazil and England - wishing me a speedy recovery and Ive had letters by the sackful.

But hes never sent anything directly to me.

After months upon months of rehabilitation, Eduardo made his long-awaited return to the Arsenal first team for the FA Cup replay against Cardiff City.

The 25-year-old scored twice as Arsene Wenger's men claimed a 4-0 win to book a spot in the fifth round, where they will tussle with Burnley for a quarter-final slot.

On the injury, Eduardo said, I did not see the tackle coming, so there was no way I could ride the challenge because I was not expecting it. When I was tackled I heard a crack.

All I can say was that I had the ball under control for what seemed like a long time. But I dont want to talk about the incident. Its probably best left alone now.

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez admits he is ''not sure'' if he will remain at the club beyond this season.

The Argentina international is nearing the end of a two-year loan deal at Old Trafford with United having to negotiate a transfer fee and personal terms if they wish to keep him beyond the summer.

Tevez impressed in his first season but has found opportunities limited during the current campaign since the summer arrival of Dimitar Berbatov.

And he told the Daily Express: ''I do have a great feeling about Manchester United and, in particular, the fans. I have a great affection for them and they have made the feeling phenomenal.

''But at this point I am not sure if I will stay, not least because it is not just my decision.

''It is up to Manchester to decide if they want to keep me - and I have to decide what is right for my career, for my future.''

Tevez admits he is frustrated at the moment, highlighting his form last year and saying: ''But this season I have been benched and I find that hard to understand when I am not playing badly.''

The former Corinthians striker also fought his corner over his role in the 'Carlos Tevez affair', relating to penalties suffered by West Ham for breaching rules banning third-party ownership when he played for the Hammers.

He said: ''As far as I am concerned, why should it be the Carlos Tevez affair? It is West Ham's affair. This is not my problem and it was not my fault. I did nothing wrong.''

He added: ''If West Ham have not submitted the documents correctly, that is down to them.''

Six year old Madin Mohammed is already being referred to as the "new Zidane" by European football clubs who have been anxiously tracking his progress.

Watch a general in di making

-- Edited by I-CO at 11:11, 2009-02-21

 Robin van Persie insists he is keen to sign a new contract with Arsenal but has sent a warning to the club insisting he will only do so if he is convinced the club share his ambition.

 

 

The 25-year-old Holland forward's contract expires at the end of next season and he confirmed the Gunners have offered him a new deal.

''Financially the last offer made by the club is fine but that isn't everything for me. It's about my ambitions and how they can be fulfilled in the coming years. The club and I want the same and it is our intention we achieve that,'' he told The Sun

''Arsenal have promised me they will do everything possible to make that extra step to a level where we win prizes on a regular basis.

''In the last four years I've had only one prize, the FA Cup, and that's not enough.

''I want to achieve more and I feel I can play an important role in bringing Arsenal to a higher level.''

With Arsenal fifth in the Premier League and five points behind Aston Villa in the last Champions League place Van Persie's fear must be that next season the Gunners will not feature in Europe's top competition - unless they win it this year.

Although it has been a disappointing season for the Gunners the club will point to the capture of Andrei Arshavin as evidence of their ambition.

http://www.iraqgoals.com/en/ch3.html

-- Edited by Donakee at 08:04, 2009-02-21

 Manchester United club captain Gary Neville has signed a one-year contract extension which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2010.

The 34-year-old Neville, who made his United debut in 1992, has struggled with injuries over the last year and despite the emergence of young Brazilian Rafael at right-back, the club had no intention of letting one of their stalwarts leave.

"Manchester United is the only club I have ever wanted to play for so I am delighted to have signed for another year," Neville told the club's official website.

Neville's signature follows on from another United veteran, Ryan Giggs, agreeing a new deal last week.

Sir Alex Ferguson welcomed the news that Neville would remain at least until the end of next season.

"Gary, Ryan and Paul (Scholes) are the spirit of Manchester United and so we are delighted that Gary has signed for another year," he said.

"Gary is a true professional and I admire how he has overcome an injury which kept him out for over a year, returning as good as ever. He deserves this new contract and we are very happy to have him here."

Neville was sidelined by a c****ination of ankle and groin problems dating back to March 2007, and only returned to competitive action in one match last season, against Roma in April.

He has started nine Premier League games so far this season, featuring in a further three as substitute.

 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that club record signing Andrei Arshavin will make his debut against Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Mission Impossible?

Having taken West Ham into a lofty eighth place in the Premier League, Gianfranco Zola must now attempt to do something the Irons have never before managed namely claim a win at Bolton Wanderers.

Since the Trotters swapped Burden Park for the Reebok in 1997, the Hammers have visited eight times, drawing twice and losing on the other six visits.

A win on Saturday could potentially see Zolas men leapfrog Wigan Athletic into seventh in the table, should results elsewhere go in their favour. To do so, however, they will need to put a stop to a run that has seen them go three games without a win.  

Yet the Irons have looked good away from home this season and indeed have not lost on their travels since back in October when they returned from Old Trafford empty-handed.

Back In Action

Bolton, meanwhile return to action following a two-week break having been knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Sunderland.

The Trotters last action was a 3-0 defeat by Everton, a result manager Gary Megson has this week insisted he has forgotten about already.

Certainly Bolton ought to be keen to return to action and Saturday hands them the chance to complete a double over the Hammers. Bolton gave Zola his first defeat as West Ham boss back in October. The Trotters won 3-1 at Upton Park courtesy of goals by Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill and Matthew Taylor.

Should they manage another win over the east Londoners, it will be Boltons third successive victory against the Upton Park outfit.

FORM GUIDE

Bolton Wanderers

Feb 07: Everton 3-0 Bolton

Jan 31: Bolton 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Jan 28: Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Bolton

Jan 17: Bolton 0-1 Manchester United

Jan 10: Arsenal 1-0 Bolton

West Ham United

Feb 14: West Ham 1-1 Middlesbrough

Feb 08: West Ham 0-1 Manchester United

Jan 31: Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

Jan 28: West Ham 2-0 Hull City

Jan 24: Hartlepool 0-2 West Ham

TEAM NEWS

Bolton Wanderers

Joey OBrien is out for the next two months but Gavin McCann, Ricardo Vaz Te, Mark Davies, Johan Elmander and Nicky Hunt have all regained fitness and are available for selection.

Possible Starting XI: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Puygrenier, Samuel, Taylor, Mark Davies, Muamba, Gardner, Kevin Davies, Makukula

West Ham United

The Hammers have injury problems with Carlton Cole missing due to an ankle knock and Luis Boa Morte having torn a calf muscle.

Lucas Neill is suspended and Jonathan Spector or James Tomkins will replace him at full-back.  

Possible Starting XI: Green, Spector, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Parker, Noble, Behrami, Di Michele, Savio

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bolton Wanderers Mark Davies

A few eyebrows were raised when Bolton tempted young Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet Mark Davies to the Reebok in January.

Yet he has sparkled since his arrival and he has recently been celebrating a call-up to the England U21 side.

His debut against Tottenham Hotspur was particularly impressive and Bolton will be hoping for more of the same from their hot, young prospect on Saturday.

West Ham United David Di Michele

With top scorer Carlton Cole out injured and Craig Bellamy having long-departed for Manchester City, the goalscoring responsibility will fall on David Di Micheles shoulders.

The Italian has managed four goals this season, from 11 starts, and Zola will be hoping he can add to this tally at the Reebok Stadium.

Whilst the 33-year-old has not scored away from Upton Park, he will undoubtedly be a threat on Saturday and could be the man Bolton defenders need to watch.

PREDICTION

West Ham look to be favourites to win this match, however Bolton possess a good recent record against the Irons, particularly on home turf.

Megsons men will be raring to go after a short break whilst the Hammers will have to cope without top marksman Carlton Cole.

Interestingly there has never been a goalless draw in a league match between these two sides and although that may well continue on Saturday, dont rule out a score draw.

Bolton Wanderers 11 West Ham United

Atlas' Bruno Marioni and Santos' Juan Pablo Rodriguez will each have time to think about their respective red cards each player received on Wednesday.

The Mexican Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee ruled that both Marioni and Rodriguez would sit out two additional games on top of their automatic one-match ban.

Marioni instigated a fight with America's Juan Carlos Silva, an altercation that saw each player receive a red card.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, was sent off after a retaliatory attack on Tecos' Rodrigo Ruiz, who had scored the game's only goal just minutes earlier.

All told, 11 players and one coach - Puebla's Jose Luis Sanchez Sola - saw red on Wednesday. Sanchez, who was sent off for arguing an annulled goal, will also miss three games as the FMF also slapped him with a three-match ban.

The journey for many a football fan will begin right here, right now, as FIFA's official website is open to applications for World Cup tickets for the very first time.

The first phase of ticketing stretches from today - February 20 - all the way up to March 31.

For South African based supporters, there are extra opportunities to get to games through registry at FNB National Bank branches throughout the country where incentives can translate to tickets.

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke has added to the hype surrounding the greatest sporting event on the globe by stating on the world governing body's website:

"The fervour is already palpable within South Africa and all around the world; everyone wants to take part in this extraordinary event.

"Our ticketing policy has been drawn up to reflect our determination to ensure that FIFA's flagship competition is accessible to all football fans.

"We hope that you will come and enjoy the game!"

"The start of the ticket sales kicks off the chance for fans from all over the world to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a FIFA World Cup match in South Africa.

"We have strived to give everyone a fair and equal chance to access a ticket, so that that all people around the world have a possibility to enjoy the wonderful celebration that we will have next year."

Applicants who register at this early stage have the chance of landing some of the best seats in South Africa's stadiums. It is important to note though that the scheme is not structured to a "first come, first serve," basis. As all who register during this window will be on an equal footing.

Michael Ballack has this week denied that he undermined Luiz Felipe Scolari's employment at Chelsea, with assistant manager Ray Wilkins also quick to insist that "player power" is not prevalent at the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Today though, a pensive Ballack told the club's official website how Nicolas Anelka's 12-minute hat-trick against Watford, that sealed progression in the FA Cup, has the potential to lift the side so that they can go on to manufacture a late surge in the league that could have a knock-on effect in Europe.

"It is always good if you can win games, the FA Cup was very important for us.

"The situation in the league is not the best and our chances look better in the FA Cup and Champions League. It was a big game to win though, especially after the change of manager.

"It was really important to be in the next round, and this week we have had the whole week to train and work with the new coach in preparation for Aston Villa, and it is going well. We have to work and we have to learn about each other, and it has to be quick!"

Guus Hiddink's first game in charge is against Aston Villa where a positive result is a mandatory requirement if the Blues are to cement their position amongst the Champions League elite. Chelsea have thus far failed to exert themselves in the bigger domestic games this season, and Ballack is wary of the evident strengths that exist at Villa Park.

"They are a very physically strong team, very well organised and score a lot of set-pieces from wide, very strong in the air and they have played a very good season until now.

"But, if I can remember the game at Stamford Bridge in October we played a very good game, controlled the whole 90 minutes and the 2-0 score was less than we deserved. We have to remember that game, and it must give us confidence. The situation is they are two points in front, but if we win there we can be in a stronger position," he concluded.

The Aston Villa and Chelsea game kicks off at 12:45 GMT.

Villanous Exploits

Aston Villa are officially in nosebleed territory. With 13 games remaining in the Premier League season, they sit eight points back of leaders Manchester United in third place. Pending results elsewhere over the weekend, they could be level second - on points, at least - by the end of matchday 26.

Red Devils aside, the Villans are the form team in England's top flight. Their last league outing culminated in a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers, thus stretching their unbeaten run to 13 games. In fact, the Midlanders and United both suffered their last defeat on the same weekend, way back in early November.

So it is with great confidence that Martin O'Neill and his troops approach this Saturday's fixture, even after their stumbles in cup play over the last week. A win here would make them red-hot favourites to claim a Champions League spot, and they will be further buoyed by their opponents' indifferent record at Villa Park.

Guus' Blues

Chelsea, believe it or not, have failed to claim victory on any of their last nine trips to the claret-and-blue sector of the West Midlands. Not even under Jose Mourinho could they best a Villa side defending their own patch, and that psychological factor could prove vital in this top-four blockbuster.

The Blues sit two points behind their hosts, having been leapfrogged after drawing 0-0 with Hull City at home two weeks ago. That was Luiz Felipe Scolari's last game in charge at Stamford Bridge, and this will be Guus Hiddink's first as interim boss.

The Dutch trainer will be hard-pressed to unify the divisions that sprung up under Scolari in time for this weekend's clash, having only officially taken office a few days ago. The initial response from the playing group has been very positive, though, and the Blues could benefit from a bout of 'new manager syndrome'.


FORM GUIDE

Aston Villa

Feb 18  Aston Villa 1-1 CSKA Moscow  (UEFA Cup)
Feb 15  Everton 3-1 Aston Villa  (FA Cup)
Feb 07  Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Aston Villa  (Premier League)
Feb 04  Aston Villa 3-1 Doncaster Rovers  (FA Cup)
Jan 31  Aston Villa 0-0 Wigan Athletic  (Premier League)

Chelsea

Feb 14  Watford 1-3 Chelsea  (FA Cup)
Feb 07  Chelsea 0-0 Hull City  (Premier League)
Feb 01  Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea  (Premier League)
Jan 28  Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough  (Premier League)
Jan 24  Chelsea 3-1 Ipswich Town  (FA Cup)


TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

Steve Sidwell was suspended from midweek UEFA Cup action, but he will return to the squad for Saturday and could feature against his former club.

Emile Heskey (Achilles) and Jamer Milner (thigh) also sat out the 1-1 draw with CSKA Moscow, but they too are potential inclusions.

Carlos Cuellar, Wilfred Bouma and Nigel Reo-Coker will all remain sidelined, as will Martin Laursen, meaning Gareth Barry will continue to skipper the side.

Possible Starting XI: Friedel - L Young, Davies, Knight, Shorey - Milner, Petrov, Barry, A Young - Carew, Agbonlahor

Chelsea

Hiddink has some selection worries on his Blues bow, especially in defence. Ricardo Carvalho and Alex have both been struggling with injury, so Michael Mancienne is expected to make his Premier League debut. Paulo Ferreira will replace the suspended Ashley Cole at left-back.

Joe Cole and Michael Essien are out with knee problems. The former will miss the remainder of the season, while the latter is at least a month away from a return.

Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are expected to partner each other in attack, having played a full practice match side-by-side during the week, in which Deco also featured extensively.

Possible Starting XI: Cech - Bosingwa, Terry, Mancienne, Ferreira - Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Deco - Drogba, Anelka


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa

When this mob play, it is impossible not to mention Ashley Young. The young Englishman has been in irresistible form this campaign, wreaking havoc whether on the left, the right or behind the strikers. His free-kicks and corners could cause serious problems against a team whose set-piece defending has been questionable of late.

Chelsea

After falling out of favour under Scolari, Didier Drogba is ready to re-establish himself in the Pensioners' starting XI. The Ivorian striker has been talking up the potential of his pairing with Anelka, so now it is time to deliver the goods.


PREDICTION

Remarkably, you would have to call Chelsea the underdogs. Thus, even though it will be interesting to see how Villa conduct themselves in such a crucial clash, it would be a little surprising if they didn't managed a point at least.

Fernando has always had a bit of boyish charm about him.

In full flight, he has the pace and grace of a fully-developed striker, but the infectious grin and eye twinkle are that of a boy enjoying his sport.

All that only serves to make this video of him at aged 12 all the cuter. He played on Atletico Madrid's youth team against A.C. Milan, and even then showed the potential of the world beater he would become.

In this clip, he scored two goals, assists a couple more, and frequently gets tangled up with opponents for the ball. Some of the same style is there, but I think we can all be grateful the childhood bowl-haircut has long since departed.

Watch a precocious Fernando Torres for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UCuNZXwwrs&eurl=http://goal.com/en-us/news/88/spain/2009/02/18/1114993/riggs-replays-fernando-torres-at-age-12&feature=player_embedded

Ahead of Aston Villa's crunch clash with Chelsea this weekend, Stiliyan Petrov has suggested that the Stamford Bridge club have been on the slide ever since Jose Mourinho vacated the hot-seat.

The 29-year-old said in The Guardian, "When Mourinho was there they had a special team. I think they had more belief in themselves.

"I don't think Chelsea are the team that they used to be under Mourinho. A lot of changes have happened there."

Indeed, the Blues have not won a trophy since the Portuguese boss, now at Inter, left the club in September 2007 following a long-running dispute with owner Roman Abramovich.

The Londoners currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, two points behind third-placed Villa, and Petrov knows they will be fired up for their trip to the Midlands.

"They'll come here and be strong," the Bulgarian international said. "They have a new manager [Guus Hiddink] and every new manager wants to start with a win, so we are expecting a hard game.

"They'll try to show that they can still be at the top, but we'll try to show them that what we have achieved so far is not just because of luck but because we've been playing well."

British tabloid The Sun has sensationally reported that Chelsea and Real Madrid will battle it out for the right to have a six-year-old child on their books.

The talent in question is French youngster Madin Mohammed, who is described as an "amazing talent."

Christian Lazaoui, the president of Madin's local club, Roubaix, added, "He can cross the ball, control it, swerve, pass between the legs. He is spectacular with the ball--really magic."

Madin's family moved from to France from Algeria three years ago and has reportedly been handed a scholarship by the FFF (French Football Federation).

The Algerian link has brought inevitable comparisons between the child and Zinedine Zidane, but you can judge for yourself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0oNNt7d1gY&eurl=http://goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2009/02/18/1115520/chelsea-madrid-reportedly-chasing-6-year-old&feature=player_embedded

David Beckhams short loan spell in Milan is set to expire in early March, meaning that he was initially expected to return to the LA Galaxy immediately following its completion.

Obviously, both he and the Rossoneri are hoping that this will not have to be the case, as Beckham has managed to rediscover some of his very best form whilst playing in the fashion capital.

According to the latest reports from the Daily Mail though, some fans of his MLS club have expressed their displeasure that the Englishmans future is more likely to lie in Milan. 

These fans of the Galaxy recently produced a few T-shirts and banners against the return of Beckham, as they now consider him a traitor at the club.

Yet at a recent preseason Galaxy game, jerseys with Beckham's name on the back far outnumbered the few hand-drawn T-shirts with his number crossed out. It is clear many would forgive Beckham if he returned to the club.

Still, on team message boards, many Galaxy fans have voiced their disappointment at Beckham's desire to leave their team and have urged club management to hold out for a fair compensation for the English midfielder. There has been much scorn heaped upon Milan's reported opening offer of $3 million for Beckham.

The Italian club has returned to the bargaining table to sweeten the deal.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani recently declared that the clubs were reaching an agreement, and that a deal could quite possibly be finalized by Tuesday.

Milan are still confident of securing a permanent deal for England international David Beckham, however, Los Angeles Galaxy chief executive Tim Leiweke has issued a stark warning to the Diavolis directors in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Are we close to reaching an agreement with Milan? Not really, he openly admitted.

Milan put a ridiculous offer on the table two weeks ago and I turned it down within seconds. With that amount of money, the Galaxy would not even cover the losses in the sale of his shirts. No-one came to us after that and there are no meetings scheduled.

Milan offered $3 million to the California-based club, who are reportedly holding out for at least between $10m and $15m.

After that ridiculous bid, we have not heard from Milan, continued Leiweke. They contacted other people, including the MLS commissioner and Beckhams representatives, but they did not call us. We are still the owners of his contract.

This is a big mistake and they do not understand that fans are threatening to give up their season tickets, sponsors will be asking for compensation, opposition teams would like to know if the Galaxy will play with or without Beckham.

If Milan really want him, why are they dragging things out? Do they think we will settle for less money? They are wrong. I have read that [director Umberto] Gandini will arrive over the next few days. I have a great rapport with him, but whats important is that they will make us a real offer.

Two Down, Ten To Go

Ten points currently separate Real Madrid from the top of the Primera Division table.

On any other year, in any other season, it would be absurd to highlight such a mammoth deficit as a positive development. It could even be considered disastrous for the 31-time league champions to be so far off the pace. But taking into account Madrids plight just two months ago and considering Barcelonas merciless form so far this campaign, cutting the gap down from 12 points to just 10 has meant a lot to the men in white.

Their morale would undoubtedly have gone into overdrive after seeing all their hard work in the form of eight successive wins paying off. And it gives the club a fresh injection of hope that they might just be able to pull off the most biblical of title comebacks after Barca stumbled last Saturday.

But the real test comes now for Juande Ramos and his boys. They have finally, finally managed to make up some ground in the standings, but can they build on that upward momentum and keep their red-hot streak going until the title race is mathematically over?

The other big challenge is, of course, the little matter of the Champions League. Ever since mid-December, the team have had an entire week to prepare for their La Liga matches and that has contributed enormously to their eight-game winning run. But with continental commitments back on the agenda, how will they fare?

Depending on how deep Madrid progress into the competition, Juande will no longer have the luxury to field his strongest possible line-up each and every weekend. Squad rotation will have to come into consideration and players fitness and focus will also be a telling factor.

The first physical and psychological obstacle for Los Blancos to conquer will be the Real Betis-Liverpool c****o and the Andalucians, although just three spots above the relegation zone, will be no pushovers. Just ask Barca.

Almost Famous

Indeed, Betis almost became only the second team in Spain to have the honour and distinction of beating the Blaugrana so far this season. In last weeks clash at the Ruiz de Lopera, they raced to a 2-0 lead even before the half-hour mark, but somehow allowed the Catalans to sneak away with a 2-2 draw. Had they held on for a win, they would have pushed themselves all the way up to 12th place in the ladder heading into Saturdays clash in the capital.

Still, the Beticos can be proud of their result and the way they performed. They are the only side in the league this season, other than Osasuna, to have breached Barcelonas back-line on two occasions in a 90 minute match. In fact, they have done it twice after just narrowly losing 3-2 at the CampNou in the corresponding fixture earlier in the term, when they came back from two goals down but conceded the winner ten minutes from time.

Paco Chapparos richly talented side continue to show their true potential against the leagues top dogs but its the frustrating slip-ups against the lower ranked opponents that are keeping them stuck in the bottom half of the table.

With only five points separating them from the drop zone, the Andalucians will have an important few weeks ahead of them. After playing host to Villarreal next weekend, they will have a straight fight with fellow strugglers, Mallorca and Osasuna, in what could be two vital encounters that will shape their season. 

FORM GUIDE

Real Madrid

Feb 15 Sporting Gijon 0-4 Real Madrid (LA LIGA)

Feb 07 Real Madrid 1-0 Racing Santander (LA LIGA)

Jan 31 Numancia 0-2 Real Madrid (LA LIGA)

Jan 25 Real Madrid 1-0 Deportivo La Coruna (LA LIGA)

Jan 18 Real Madrid 3-1 Osasuna (LA LIGA)

Real Betis

Feb 14 Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona (LA LIGA)

Feb 08 Sevilla 1-2 Real Betis (LA LIGA)

Feb 01 Real Betis 2-2 Getafe (LA LIGA)

Jan 28 Real Betis 0-0 Real Mallorca (COPA DEL REY)

Jan 25 Recreativo Huelva 1-0 Real Betis (LA LIGA)

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid

Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder have recovered from their injuries but Juande has strongly hinted that he will rest them this weekend in light of Liverpools visit on Wednesday. Lassana Diarra has shaken off his midweek gastroenteritis attack. Guti has also regained full match fitness following his month-long lay off from a torn calf muscle, and he may get the nod ahead of the Frenchman. Rafael van der Vaart returns from suspension but Michel Salgado is still sidelined with a muscular ailment.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Casillas Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze Higuain, Diarra/Guti, Gago, Marcelo Raúl (c), Huntelaar

Real Betis

Forward Sergio Garcia is a huge doubt for this clash as he nurses a sore throat and high fever. But the good news is that versatile midfielder, Achille Emana, who was suffering from the same illness earlier in the week, has recuperated and resumed normal training. With centre-backs Juanito and Lima still out, midfielder Arzu looks set to drop to partner Melli in the heart of defence.

Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ricardo Nelson, Melli, Arzu (c), Fernando Vega Juande, Aurelio Damia, Emana, Mark Gonzalez - Oliveira

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Real Madrid

Man of the moment, Raul is certain to get a rousing reception in front of the Bernabeu faithful after becoming the clubs all-time top scorer last Sunday away from home. Strike partner Klaas-Jan Huntelaar had his own reason to celebrate on the same weekend when he finally broke his Madrid scoring duck. He will be eager to show that it was no fluke.

Real Betis

One of La Ligas revelations this season, Achille Emana will be an instrumental figure for Betis as they rely on him to provide the steel and the spark in midfield to control the game. An industrious player with plenty of creativity, he will also supply the necessary ammunition to striker, Ricardo Oliveira, who has made a decent start to his second stint with the Heliopolis outfit.

PREDICTION

Madrid may have shoved four goals past Sporting last Sunday, but they have yet to overcome their shyness at home. In the five league matches at the Bernabeu since Juande took over, only once have they managed to score more than a goal a game and that was against the rock-bottom side then, Osasuna.

Expect to see the Blancos clamp up their game again as they look to stop an in-form Betis attack. This could be an entertaining evening, but if the visitors really take the game to their hosts from the onset, it could end up being a cagey affair.

Real Madrid 2-1 Real Betis

Palermo Aiming For The Treble Over Juventus

Davide Ballardini's men head into the game needing some points to keep their hopes of European football alive for next season. Although the Rosanero welcome the Turin giants following last week's 0-0 stalemate with Reggina, they will take confidence from the fact that they have already beaten the Bianconeri this season.

At home the Sicilians have been rock solid, but it has been a different story on the road. The Renzo Barbera has become a fortress for the team; 10 wins, no draws and only two defeats will have Juve worried and the home side will be looking to take full advantage, knowing the Old Lady will have an eye on their Champions League tie with Chelsea next week. Unlike many other of Serie A's bottom half teams, Palermo boast an impressive record against the boys from Vinovo. In fact Juventus have not beaten the Sicilians since November 2007 when their opponents were the victims of a 5-0 hammering.

Ballardini's side have won against the Old Lady twice in their last two meetings and they will be looking to make it third time lucky on Saturday afternoon. Last season, the Rosanero beat Juve 3-2 in Palermo in April and they have already ruffled Claudio Ranieri's feathers this term also as a shock 2-1 win in Turin left the Old Lady looking frail.

The home team are well aware of the less than perfect form Juventus have shown on the road and thus the game will be set up to, hopefully, deliver an exciting clash as poor away form meets solid home comforts. Striking duo Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli have struck 16 times between them so far this term, and the latter will be relishing to get one over his former employers.

Juventus Needing Points

After last week's poor 1-1 result at home to Sampdoria, Juventus will not be looking forward to travelling down to Sicily a full nine points behind bitter rivals Inter. A loss at the Barbera will all but signal the end of the Scudetto dream. Perhaps Juve would welcome that so they can focus on their Champions League ambition. Recent form has not triggered any suggestion that Ranieri's men have the hunger and belief of a Scudetto win. However, they could change the critics' opinion with a comfortable win this weekend.

Points are needed after a string of consecutive poor results. Only two wins in their last six games has painted a sorry picture in Turin. Such form will not win any trophy this season and things need to change with, perhaps, the toughest of fixtures in Sicily. As well as this, Juve will be feeling the pressure from every angle. Apart from the heat being turned up in Serie A, a Champions League tie with Chelsea next week as well as a Coppa Italia semi final clash against Lazio a week later will mean they will have a game every three days from now until mid March.

It's a lot to juggle for Alessandro Del Piero and team-mates, but points make prizes and only a win will do for the team on Saturday, not only because it will help keep their Scudetto hopes alive, but the players will be able to head into the Chelsea game with confidence and less weight on their shoulders. It's a crucial stage of the season for the Old Lady, and it's about time the team showed their mettle, or there will be nothing but major disappointment at the end of term.

Form Guide (Serie A)

Palermo

Feb 15: Reggina 0-0 Palermo

Feb 8: Palermo 2-1 Napoli

Feb 1: Genoa 1-0 Palermo

Jan 28: Roma 2-1 Palermo

Jan 25: Palermo 3-2 Udinese

Jan 18: Sampdoria 0-2 Palermo

Juventus

Feb 15: Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria

Feb 8: Catania 1-2 Juventus

Jan 31: Juventus 2-3 Cagliari

Jan 28: Udinese 2-1 Juventus

Jan 24: Juventus 1-0 Fiorentina

Jan 18: Lazio 1-1 Juventus

Team News

Palermo

Mark Bresciano has returned from suspension but Levan Mchedlidze, Igor Budan and Abel Hernandez are all unavailable with various injuries for David Ballardini's side. The coach is likely to stick to his favoured 4-3-1-2 formation against the Bianconeri to offer plenty of fire power up front. Former Juventus star Miccoli will partner Cavani up front.

Probable Starting XI: Amelia, Cassani, Kjaer, Bovo, Balzaretti, Nocerino, Liverani, Bresciano, Simplicio, Cavani, Miccoli.

Juventus

Claudio Ranieri has an almost full squad to choose from for the game on Saturday. Paolo De Ceglie, Jorge Andrade and Cristiano Zanetti are all in the treatment room, and Nicola Legrottaglie is looking doubtful as he was unable to train normally on Thursday with a back problem. Ranieri is likely to rest the Italian stopper with the Chelsea game in mind.

Giorgio Chiellini will return for his side in defence while there could be a starting role for Tiago in midfield. Amauri heads back to Palermo looking for a goal against his old side, but he has promised not to celebrate against the Rosanero if he hits the net. A number of changes are expected from the coach. Alessandro Del Piero is likely to be rested and there maybe a start for David Trezeguet.

Probable Starting XI: Buffon, Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro, Camoranesi, Sissoko, Tiago, Nedved, Trezeguet, Iaquinta.

Players To Watch

Palermo:

Keep an eye out for Fabrizio Miccoli. The Italian hitman has scored some crackers this season and he will be relishing the chance to score against Juve. The Napoli-born man has bagged eight goals already this term. His free kicks and deadly shooting will provide plenty of entertainment.

Juventus:

David Trezeguet could start from the front for his side on Saturday and he has a point to prove. With Amauri being the first choice this season, the Frenchman will want to show he can still do the business and Palermo will provide the perfect opportunity to do just that. Rosanero defenders will know all about the heading ability of the former Monaco man and thus they will need to be on top of their game in every sense.

Prediction

It's all change for Juventus this weekend. Although the Bianconeri have been poor in recent weeks, the Rosanero will not be fooled. Juve can explode into life with a moment of magic and their quality should be enough. However, Palermo are just too strong at home and a draw seems on the cards. The Old Lady will have one eye on the Champions League and this will play into the Sicilians' hands.

Palermo 2-2 Juventus

Steven Gerrard will not be ready to play for Liverpool against Manchester City on Sunday, as he continues his recovery from the hamstring strain he suffered whilst on duty for the Reds in their Mersey derby FA Cup defeat to city rivals Everton.

Manager Rafael Benitez had indicated that the injury was caused by Gerrard being tired due to the unreasonable demands placed upon him, and many observers expressed concern about what might happen to Liverpool in his absence.

With the Reds' Champions League knock-out tie against Real Madrid taking place next week, the Spaniard will not risk Gerrard for the Lancashire derby with Manchester City. He is looking to the clash with the Spanish giants for his skipper's possible return.

"Steven will not be ready for this game," Benitez told the club's official website regarding the City match.

"We don't know if he'll be back for the game in midweek but clearly he will not be involved against City.

"He is improving but we cannot take any risks so he won't be in the squad."

Meanwhile, Liverpool coach Mauricio Pellegrino has asserted that the team will be aiming to push Manchester United as hard as they can for the rest of the campaign, as they look to end Liverpool's 19-year-long wait for a league title.

"In football you never know and things can change from one week to the next. With three points for a win gaps can be closed very quickly," he told The Liverpool Echo earlier.

"If you look at the Premier League table the gap between Manchester United at the top and Aston Villa in third place is not so big.

"We still have chances, Villa still have chances and Chelsea in fourth still have chances.

"Our target now is to ensure that we get towards the end of the season with our chances still intact.

"Man United will be the favourites because they are the champions and they are at the top of the table but our team is having a good season and we will try to continue in this way.

"The team has confidence, the players have energy and they want to fight to the very end."

With Manchester United still on track for an unprecedented quadruple, and Inter with a point to prove to all of Europe, the match between the two northern giants was always going to be big.

It forms a third of the trinity of Italy v England ties Europes premier competition has thrown up, and while the English team are the favourites for most people, one man, who has experience of playing football in both countries, believes the side from Milan can win.

Ex-Manchester United and Parma forward Guiseppe Rossi told La Gazzetta Dello Sport, I have met Manchester United twice recently, while playing for Villarreal, and they are great.

They play some fantastic football, but they dont pressure you much, I think Inter are more solid.

Its a strong point of all [Inter boss Jose] Mourinhos teams, they know how to win even if they play badly, and Inters recent achievements in Italy are there for all to see.

It seems then, that Rossi believes Manchester Uniteds lack of pressing, could be their undoing on Tuesday, and Inter certainly have a side that is the physical match of their opponents.

Rossi, like the rest of Europe, will only have to wait a few more days to see what will happen.

 Carlos Tevez's future at Manchester United has been thrown into fresh doubt after the striker's representative Kia Joorabchian declared he is ''studying other options''.

 

 

Tevez has been on loan at Old Trafford for nearly two years but with the deal expiring at the end of the season and United have failed to take up their option to sign the striker on a permanent basis.

"Carlos is in the market now that United have not made any move for him," Joorabchian told the Daily Star.

"We are now studying other options and interested parties. There is no option left with United any longer."

United missed the chance to seal a deal for Tevez in January, despite the Argentina international's repeated claims that he would be happy to stay in the Premier League and speculation has continued due to the fact he has only started 13 games this season.

Argentina boss Diego Maradona has urged Tevez to join Serie A leaders Inter Milan, who have been linked with a £30m bid (along with Real Madrid) in the summer, but Joorabchian's confirmation that the player's third-party owners are weighing up interest from other clubs suggests they will not be the only ones interested.

Tevez himself has said recently that he would have to wait until June to discover where he would be playing his football next season, claiming: "My mind is pointing me towards United and my plan is to stay here for several years more. I've already talked to the club and now we'll have to wait and see what happens in June.

"We talked but I've signed nothing yet. I want to stay. It would be difficult for me to quit one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Feb 19, 2009 11:35:20 AM

Sergio Aguero has become a father today after Giannina Maradona, daughter of Diego, gave birth to a baby boy, according to Esparavos.

The baby was not expected to arrive until later on in the month, however, Leonel Benjamin Aguero, as reported by various news sources, was born in Spain this afternoon.

The couple have reportedly been dating for nearly a year now and live together in the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Argentina national coach Maradona is thought to be with the trio. He stayed behind in Spain following the friendly against France, knowing that there was a possibility of the birth being this month.

The legendary player has expressed on a few occasions in the past his desire to have a grandson and he will no doubt be as happy as anyone today.

The reports state that the birth went without any complications and that the family will be travelling to Madrid from Argentina soon.

As for Aguero, it is not yet known if he will now take part in Atletico Madrid's clash with Sevilla this weekend.

Real Madrid have found themselves back in the Primera Division title race thanks to their eight consecutive league wins and their struggling days under Bernd Schuster now appear to be a distant memory.

New coach, Juande Ramos, who took over the reigns in mid-December following the Germans dismissal, has brought instant change to the side in terms of performance and results and the teams usual right-back, Sergio Ramos has acknowledged the enhancements.

We have improved on a lot of areas on the pitch such as your timing, the way we press, how we join attack and defence and cover for each other, and we understand how to come together in the centre of the field, he was quoted as saying by AS.

Juande knows how to organise a team. He took a risk by making a lot of changes, such as our playing system, but it has favoured us, the defender added.

The 22-year-old Euro 2008 winner then went on to clear the air about the slight quarrel he had with then-Spain coach, Luis Aragones during the European Championships last summer in Austria-Switzerland.

That argument served us well because it united us even more because he [Aragones] knew that he could get more out of me. Im actually grateful for it.

He also did the same with Fernando Torres and we both ended up performing better, he revealed.

Finally, Sergio reiterated his desire to see Florentino Perez return to seize control of the White House.

He has already demonstrated his qualities as a president. I know him personally and hes a great person.

As I said before, I will always appreciate what he did for me when I was still at Sevilla and the way he put his faith in me when I was a nobody, he concluded.

Madrid will try and steady their title charge when they take on Real Betis on Saturday, 20:00 CET.

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina both think that the Merseyside outfit can beat Real Madrid, but while one hopes for an away goal, the other thinks that Steven Gerrard's return is vital.

Feb 19, 2009 4:01:41 AM

Xabi Alonso believes that Liverpool have to score at Real Madrid to give themselves a good chance of winning the Champions League tie, although he thinks though the Spanish outfit are better at the back under Juande Ramos.

The Reds' playmaker knows exactly what los Merengues have to offer and recognised that an away goal in the Bernabeu could be crucial to the English team's chances of triumphing.

Liverpool travel to Madrid for the first leg next week and already the two sides are beginning to look ahead to the fixture. Alonso seems confident.

"For us it is important that we score in the Bernabeu because it would give us something [to defend] in the second game. It gives us a greater chance to go through," he told Radio Marca.

"If we do not score then it could limit us for the return leg because, if we then concede at home, it will make things very difficult.

"I think it will be a very even tie and a great one to watch for the fans.

"Madrid have improved a lot defensively under Juande. They now concede fewer goals and that has certainly given us something to think about.

"But we have good players and we expect to score and go through."

Pepe Reina was also present with Alonso and he feels that things could be cagey as both sides know how to defend very well.

"I do not think that there will be many goals in the tie," he explained. "I am sure that they [los Blancos] are in great form and it will be difficult to score against them.

"It will be very tight with few chances and the games will be decided by [small] details. Both teams are better at defending than attacking."

Steven Gerrard is facing a race to be fit for the first game and Reina hopes that the Liverpool captain makes it back in time to play.

"He will be doubtful until close to the game, the goalkeeper added. We hope that he recovers in time because he is a player that can win games.

"I believe that he is not only one of the best players at Liverpool but also in world football."

Feb 19, 2009 10:46:30 AM

Bayern Munich manager Jurgen Klinsmann recently spoke about the possibility of Landon Donovans permanent transfer to the club, and the outcome doesnt look to be too bright for the American star.

"The club would have to spend a lot of money on Landon, said Klinsmann in an interview with the German news agency, Sports Information Service. Since Ivica Olic has already signed, and given the financial crisis, it is legitimate that the club [is careful] about how much money it spends another striker."

Since joining Bayern Munich in January on a three-month loan, Donovan has been in impressive form, netting goals in their mid-season friendly tour. Hes come on as a substitute in three league matches for the club.

The 26-year-old has made it clear that he is ready for a new challenge, and a permanent deal with the German giants would be the perfect opportunity for him to grow as a player. Given Klinsmanns recent comments about the financial struggles of the team, coupled with the lofty price tag placed on his head by the MLS, the move may be a difficult one to complete.

Before joining Bayern on loan in January, Donovan was a stalwart in the LA Galaxy line-up, making 96 appearances over his four years with the club, scoring 52 goals. He was the 2008 MLS Golden Boot winner, scoring 20 goals. Prior to joining the Galaxy he played with the San Jose Earthquakes on loan from German club Bayer Leverkusen. With San Jose he took the field 87 times, scoring 32 times.

Line-ups

FC Copenhagen: Christiansen, Pospech, Laursen, Antonsson, Wendt, Kvist, Kristensen, Norregaard, Hutchinson, Almeida, Santin.

Man City: Given, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Bridge, Zabaleta, Kompany, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Bellamy.

First Half

The teams were greeted with a rousing reception at the Parken Stadium tonight, both sets of fans determined to keep the spirits high despite the freezing conditions.

The early stages of the game did not boast much in the way of excitement, both teams playing wearily of their opponents and looking unwilling to be caught off guard. Perhaps the only notable mention was the man-marking job on Robinho, who was being double marked - The home side clearly intent on keeping the Brazilian quiet.

Ten minutes into the game, Shay Given made a mess of a seemingly simple task, almost dropping a ball that he had cl**tched out of the air from a Copenhagen corner kick. Thankfully the City back-line was there to clean up and the crisis was avoided.

As the first half unfolded, both teams mellowed out slightly and started to test their opposition. Culmination of the home side's play always seemed to fall to Danish midfielder, William Kvist, who seemed to be lacking the technical ability to put the ball past Given, while at the other end of the field, Shaun Wright-Phillips squandered an almost surefire goal, peeling off his marker but shooting straight at ex-Rangers prospect, Jesper Christiansen.

Thirty minutes in and the deadlock was broken, the most unlikely of canditated providing the strike. City defender Nedum Onuoha stayed fairly advanced as the home side failed to cleanly clear from a set piece. The big Englishman sneaked through the opposition's defence, connected with a through ball from Stephen Ireland and drilled straight for goal. The weak strike was not dealt with properly by the Danish 'keeper, who failed to get low enough and smother the ball, resulting in Onuoha's shot trundling past him and into the net.

The half drew to a close with only Zabaleta making a notable attempt. The Argentine charged down the right flank, cut inside, and produced a drive that could only find the outside netting. A poor final decision from the wide player.

Second Half

The game offered no substitutions at half time, but it appeared both managers had a word with their teams, both sides looking hungrier at the start of the half.

Wright-Phillips quickly reiterated his presence on the field with the first attempt of the half. His charging drive sailed in at a rather difficult angle, but the fumbling Cristiansen overcame his nerves to easily stop the effort.

Craig Bellamy was another to produce a good appearance tonight, putting in a good shift as a target man and allowing his five-man midfield to play off him with relative success. Five minutes into the second half, the emphatic Welshman played on from the left hand side of the box to Ireland, who was looming in the centre. Ireland's shot was on target, but again blocked by the somewhat rejuvenated Danish stopper.

The home side made full use of some static defending by the Citizens, Brazilian striker Almeida cashing in on the 56 minute mark to even the scoreline and put Copenhagen back in the game. Wonderful positioning from the unmarked hitman.

The Danish Lions were reveling in their apparent comeback for all of five minutes, when Stephen Ireland popped up once again to capitalise on some wonderful play by Wright-Phillips, finishing emphatically past Christiansen, and putting the visitors in the lead once more.

City, looking eager not to make the same mistake twice, matched the Superliga outfit in their surge for a result. Both sides produced some outstanding play after Ireland's wonderous finish, but neither looked sharp enough to produce an end product.

Ulrik Laursen, Copenhagen's captain was let off the hook late in the game, as he mistimed his attempt at a clearance, which subsequently played in Robinho. The young Brazilian burst through the Danish defence, but his shot was only fitting to end up in the gloves of Cristiansen once more.

The first minute of the three added at the end of the match, City would throw their lead away once more. Copenhagen substitution Martin Vingaard was allowed a free header in the box and made no mistake, burying the ball in the net behind Given. The Danish youngster had been the greatest performer on the night for the homeside, and his efforts were duly awarded.

Attendance:
30,159, Parken Stadium, Denmark.

F.C. Copenhagen 2 - 2 Manchester City.

 

 

 AC Milan director Umberto Gandini is expected to fly out to Los Angeles on Thursday to finally thrash out a deal with LA Galaxy for David Beckham, with sources suggesting the England international will be offered at least an 18-month contract.

 

 

The 33-year-old, who has been in fine form since joining the Serie A side on loan in early January, is determined to stay at the San Siro rather than return to Major League Soccer when the deal expires on March 9.

"We hope to sign Beckham until at least June 30, 2010", an AC Milan source told Reuters. It is thought this Friday could now be the crunch date for the proposed full deal.

Beckham initially joined Milan on a temporary basis to keep his form and fitness for England duty before the US season restarts at the end of next month. But he has been a revelation, proving his ability to still perform at the highest level.

Sunday's defeat to Inter in the Milan derby was the first since his arrival. In seven appearances, he has scored two goals and claimed two assists and won the adulation of theRossoneri faithful.

Now level with Bobby Moore as the record caps holder for an outfield England player, Beckham does not want to jeopardise his chances of playing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by returning to the United States.

So desperate is Beckham to seal a move it has been suggested that he could buy out his Galaxy contract at a cost of £22.8m with Milan paying part of the sum.

Major League Soccer officials initially imposed a deadline of last Friday for Milan to make the move permanent though that passed without any increase on an initial bid in the region of £5m. It is thought Galaxy are holding out for £12m while Milan are refusing to go higher than £8m.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said on Tuesday there was still "a bit of distance" between the two clubs.

Galliani said: "We are negotiating and trying to resolve the problem. Friday could be the crucial day. Between our offer and their request there is still a margin but the will of the player is to remain. We will have to wait and see how it develops - there is still time."

Milan appear reluctant to spend too much money on Beckham as they will have to replace some of their ageing players in the summer, with Liverpool defender Dan Agger high on their wanted list.

Kaka, meanwhile, has become the latest Milan player to praise Beckham.

He said: "Maybe it was a marketing move [for Milan] at first. But today the truth is that he is fundamental. He is a player that in the last games was very decisive, with passes and goals.

"I wish Milan can reach a deal to acquire him permanently because he is a player who can help us now and in the next seasons."

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Adriano could end up missing Inter's next two league games following the alleged handball during his team's 2-1 win against Milan on Sunday evening.

In fact in the past few hours the possibility of Adriano receiving a match-ban has increased drastically as the substitute attorney general Stefano Palazzi reported the incident to the sports judge Gianpaolo Tosel.

The judge is expected to decide on the punishment - if any - that Adriano will receive.

Fiorentina's Alberto Gilardino received a similar ban after scoring with his hand during the Palermo-Fiorentina game.

A lot will depend on what referee Roberto Rosetti wrote on his report card. If he saw the handball and judged it as accidental, then no punishment will be handed out to Adriano, but if Rosetti did not see the incident, then the Brazilian player risks up to two games suspension.

 Arsenal striker Eduardo has revealed that he is still waiting for an apology from Martin Taylor, the Birmingham City player whose mistimed tackle last February left the Croatian with an injury he has only just recovered from.

 

 

Eduardo broke his left fibula and suffered an open dislocation of the left ankle on February 23, 2008 in Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Birmingham at St Andrews.

There was concern that the injury could end Eduardo's career, but he battled back with what Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger described as a ''mountain'' of mental strength, and completed his return on Monday when he scored twice in the Gunners' 4-0 FA Cup fourth round replay win over Cardiff City.

However, in an interview in The Sun the 25-year-old said he is still surprised that almost a year on Taylor has yet to apologise.

''Some friends told me he was saying he'd spoken to me - but he never did. I've never met him,'' said Eduardo. "And someone at Arsenal received an email from him when I played for the reserves at Barnet a short while back and it said he was pleased I was playing again.

''I have received lots of mail from other people. I've had around 25,000 emails - from Croatia, Brazil and England - wishing me a speedy recovery and I've had letters by the sack-full. But he's never sent anything directly to me.''

Taylor was sent off for the tackle and has only ever been contrite following the accident and even tried to visit Eduardo in hospital in the immediate aftermath of the injury only to find that the Arsenal man was undergoing surgery.

He told the Daily Mail: ''I went to the hospital on Saturday night. I saw Arsenal's liaison officer there. I'm glad I saw someone from the club but Eduardo was in no fit state to see me then.

''I went back again on Sunday morning when he was recovering from the operation. I saw him face-to-face but he was obviously under the influence of a lot of drugs. I don't know whether he was aware I was there or not. But the same employee from the club was still there. With the language barrier, it was difficult to communicate.''

Unfortunately for both players it seems that Taylor's efforts to apologise were lost on Eduardo, resulting in the story once again being played out in the tabloids, largely to the detriment of the Birmingham defender who was subjected to death threats over the incident.

 Arsene Wenger has conceded that Sir Alex Ferguson's current Manchester United side appear to be ''untouchable''.

United sit two points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand at the Premier League summit, with Arsenal 12 points off the pace in fifth.

Wenger, whose Gunners side went unbeaten in 2003/04, is refusing to give up on having a say in the title race but admits the Red Devils are currently some distance clear of the pack.

The two-goal return of Croatia striker Eduardo after a year out in Monday night's 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round replay win over Cardiff City gave Arsenal fans reason for cheer, but Wenger has warned that long-time rivals United will take some stopping.

''We are on a very strong run at the moment and we have promised to give everything until the last day of the season but at the moment Manchester United look untouchable,'' confessed the Arsenal boss.

''They are 12 points ahead of us and they have a game against Fulham which they will certainly win. If they win that they are 15 points in front and that means they need to lose five games.

''Let us say they lose one against us, that still leaves four. They still need to lose four other games, which they haven't done yet this season.

''But our basic target is to get into the Champions League and therefore the championship remains a priority.''

Wenger, meanwhile, told Cardiff that the trouncing meted out to them at the Emirates could be a good thing for their promotion ambitions.

The Frenchman believes that talented Championship sides can often get sidetracked in the knockout competitions to the detriment of their league form.

''Look at the table. They are, I think, fourth with a few games in hand. For them it is better they go out of the FA Cup,'' he said.

''I saw it a few years ago when we battled with Sheffield United when they had (Phil) Jagielka and (Michael) Tonge in a very good team.

''There were seasons when they did very well in the FA Cup and the League Cup and in the end they always failed to come up because it was very demanding to do both.

''In the Championship there are 24 teams so there are a lot of games. This is better for 

David Villa's agent has dismissed the idea of a move to Manchester City as "nonsense" and says his client is likely to remain in Spain.

The striker is one of the most feared forwards in world football and he has been a target for a host of clubs, but he has thus far stayed put at Valencia.

The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan and La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have been tracking him - but it isManchester City who looked to use their new financial muscle to sign him.

But Villa's agent insists his charge does not want to move to England and he would have no interest in joining City.

"David has rejected the chance to play in England," Jose Luis Tamargo told the Daily Mirror.

"It would be a nonsense to negotiate with Manchester City andChelsea aren't interested.

"If Valencia do decide to sell him he wants to stay in Spain.

 Manchester City could reunite Luiz Felipe Scolari and John Terry at Eastlands this summer as the Abu Dhabi-backed club look to improve their flagging on pitch fortunes by exploiting disharmony at Chelsea.

 

 

City had an approach for Terry rejected in the January transfer window but The Guardian report that conversations between City and people close to the Chelsea and England captain suggest Terry might be interested in listening to what the Abu Dhabi United Group plan for the club.

This report runs contrary to quotes from Terry and Chelsea who both intimated that the player was committed to the Stamford Bridge club for the long-term.

On Tuesday night, Scolari's spokesman Acaz Fellegger moved to calm speculation linking the Brazilian with a move to Man City, insisting that ''Nobody has been in touch.''

Although well regarded within the game, City boss Mark Hughes is enduring a torrid season with the club struggling in mid-table and are currently closer to the drop zone than the European places.

Observers contend that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, City's billionaire owner, believes that former Chelsea boss Scolari could get more consistent performances out of £30m striker Robinho and could be instrumental in luring Kaka to the club, if a move to bring the Brazilian playmaker from AC Milan is reprised.

If any changes are to made at City it seems likely that they will not take place until the summer, not least because, as Fellegger insists: ''Scolari has no intention of taking on another job during this season. He has no intention of doing anything before the end of May or June.''

Meanwhile, Michael Ballack has insisted that he was not responsible for making Scolari's position at Chelsea untenable.

In the immediate aftermath of Scolari's sacking it was reported that Ballack, along with goalkeeper Petr Cech and striker Didier Drogba were responsible for engineering Scolari's departure.

But the German midfielder told The Telegraph: ''This is unfair. I couldn't believe this when I heard about it when I was away on team duty with Germany. This is speculation and it is not true.''

''I had always a good relationship with every coach. I was disappointed when I heard this but I couldn't react because I was away. In recent months I've spoken only good things about Scolari. They were even surprised in Germany because I always had a lot of good words about him.''

Milan will send director Umberto Gandini to Los Angeles on Wednesday and his American mission will be to close a deal for David Beckham.

Gandini and two of the Italian club's lawyers will fly out to the States after tomorrow's UEFA Cup clash against Werder Bremen in order to convince the Los Angeles Galaxy to part company with the Englishman.

The Sun claims vice-president Adriano Galliani has instructed his men to get their brief cases and bring him back some good news on Friday. According to reports, the Rossoneri's entourage will sit down and hold crucial talks with the MLS side and they will try to swing the deal in their favour.

So far any attempt from Milan has been swatted away by the Americans, who are playing hardball. Galaxy are not satisfied with the offers they have received so far and they are holding out for more money.

Beckham has always stated his desire to stay in Milan despite Galaxy coach Bruce Arena still hopeful of his return.

The Italians are still confident of reaching an agreement with the American side in order to avoid further complications before the March 9 deadline.

Meanwhile, Beckham may feature for his side on Wednesday night as he is in the squad to play Werder, despite picking up a minor knock during Sunday's 2-1 derby defeat to Inter.

 AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has said that he expects David Beckham's future to be decided on Friday.

 

 

Beckham is less than halfway through a five-year contract with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy franchise, but is currently on loan to the Serie A giants and has said he wants to remain in Italy permanently.

The MLS set a deadline of last Friday for an agreement to be reached for the 33-year-old to complete a full transfer, but with no deal done, the Galaxy have insisted that Beckham should return to L.A. for pre-season training on March 9 as per the terms of his two-month loan deal.

However, Milan are still confident of reaching a deal and talks are expected to resume later this week.

"There is still a bit of distance but Friday could be the decisive day for Beckham," Galliani told reporters as Milan flew out for Wednesday's UEFA Cup clash at Werder Bremen. Beckham, who has recovered from a minor hamstring injury, travelled with the Milan squad.

Galliani added: ''We are negotiating and trying to resolve the problem. Between our offer and their (the Galaxy's) request there is still a margin but the will of the player is to remain. We will have to wait and see how this situation develops - there is still time.''

Various figures have been bandied about in the media after Milan's opening offer of 5m ($6.3m) was turned down. Milan-based sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Galaxy want 10m - double what the Serie A club has offered to date.

Beckham, who has impressed during his performances in Serie A - scoring twice and setting up two goals - does not believe Sunday's 2-1 defeat in the Milan derby will hurt his chances of a permanent transfer despite the loss leaving the Rossoneri 11 points behind Inter Milan in third place in the standings.

''I am disappointed because our hopes of winning the Scudetto are truly minimal,'' said Beckham. ''But this doesn't alter our plans. I know that Milan want me until the end of the season.''

 Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink said he could turn to promising young players to get the London club's Premier League title challenge back on track.

Hiddink, who transformed a drab Russia team into an exciting one that reached the Euro 2008 semi-finals by bringing in inexperienced young players, hinted he could draw on that successful tactic during his temporary spell at Stamford Bridge.

''Even if you are a big club ... you will always create some space for youngsters,'' he told Sky Sports News.

''There are always promising youngsters and that's why we have to keep an eye on them. If they have the quality to come in, we don't hesitate to (bring them in).''

Hiddink, appointed to manage the London club until the end of the season after last week's sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari, watched his reserves beat Portsmouth reserves 6-0 on Monday in the company of club owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and trail leaders Manchester United by seven points having played one game more.

The Dutchman's first challenge is Saturday's trip to third-placed Aston Villa and around 6,000 Chelsea fans turned up at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to watch an open training session to gauge how Hiddink might handle it.

 
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta will be sidelined for around a fortnight, the Primera Liga have confirmed.
The Spain international suffered a thigh injury during training and, after undergoing further tests this morning, he will be out for around 15 days according to the club's medical staff.

That means the 24-year-old, who is the only Barcelona player to have played every game in 2009, is set to miss the league matches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.

He will also sit out the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Mallorca, and the Champions League last 16 first leg against Lyon.

 

 Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could make an earlier-than-expected return from a hamstring injury against Manchester City on Sunday.The England midfielder suffered the tear in the Merseyside derby on February 4 and was initially expected to be out for three weeks - with the Champions League clash with Real Madrid thought to be his most likely target.

 

But manager Rafael Benitez has opened the door for a potential return from the bench at the weekend.

The Spaniard said: "He is improving. In these situations each day is important. He is working with the medical staff and is progressing.

"Normally he is a player who recovers quickly. He needs less time than other players," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"I was surprised because the Spanish press said he'd play some minutes this weekend and then play against Real Madrid, but the truth is we don't know yet.

"Maybe he could be on the bench against City but we don't know.

"He wants to play every single game. He knows the game against City will be very important, and a

 Sir Alex Ferguson has virtually dashed any hope Anderson had of making next week's Carling Cup Final while ruling out Gary Neville and Wes Brown of Wednesday's match with Fulham.The good news for the Scot is that Wayne Rooney has returned to the squad after seven matches absent with a hamstring problem.

 

Anderson, who would almost certainly have been involved against Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday week, is still some weeks away from a return to action after suffering an ankle injury in the latter stages of the semi-final win over Derby.

Neville is still recovering from a virus, while Brown has not yet reached full fitness, despite a couple of substitute appearances after an ankle operation. Neither man will be considered for the Cottagers clash, as United look to stretch their lead at the top of the table to five points.

Dimitar Berbatov, meanwhile, has signalled his desire to land a first Premier League crown.

"The players here who have already won it, need it again and again and again," he said.

"I have none of that. When I am here, it is like I need it - I want it.

"With the help of everybody, with the right amount of effort on the pitch and with the team we have, I am pretty sure we can win it again."

 Nemanja Vidic feels Manchester United can land a major psychological blow by winning their game in hand against Fulham on Wednesday night but admits he barely has time to enjoy the success he has enjoyed at Old Trafford. "Psychologically it would be very good to win this game in hand," said Vidic, the bookies' favourite for this season's PFA Player of the Year Award.

"It will be difficult but we are determined to get the victory because when this match is over, we will have played the same number of games as everyone else.

"Most of the time we have been a few points behind but if we beat Fulham we will be in a very good position."

The match was originally due to be played last August but was postponed due to United's presence in the European Super Cup. United will find themselves five points clear should they beat the Cottagers yet Vidic says United players still shocked at how quickly they have gained the upper hand given their fears heading to Japan for the Club World Cup in December.

"Immediately before that tournament we drew with Tottenham and were thinking how the table would look when we got back," said Vidic.

"But no-one took advantage and this is a time of year when we have always done well, so once we started playing our matches again, we caught up pretty quickly."

"I have improved my abilities and I have been part of a team that has won trophies and become part of the history of the club," continued the 27-year-old.

"It was definitely a good choice to join United, not that I ever worried whether it would be. It is always nice to break records and win things but that is something I will enjoy more when I have finished playing.

"Then I want to be able to say I worked hard and won a lot of things. But for now, there is no time to enjoy the trophies. You just think about each game."

Vidic is among a cl**tch of senior players set to get their places back after Ferguson relied heavily on youth for the FA Cup triumph at Derby on Sunday.

Rio Ferdinand, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick and Carlos Tevez can all expect to be involved, along with goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar.

Having now claimed English and British league records for the amount of time without conceding a goal, the Dutchman is now moving on to the European list.

It has been widely assumed Atletico Madrid's Abel Resino holds that mark with 1,275 minutes, 63 ahead of Van der Sar.

However, the record actually belongs to former Club Bruges stalwart Dany Verlinden, who reached 1,390 minutes in a 16-match run that spanned two seasons in 1990, meaning Van der Sar needs to keep out the Cottagers and Blackburn on Saturday to overhaul him.

Wayne Rooney will return to the bench for Manchester United on Wednesday as the Red Devils look to open up a five-point lead at the Premier League summit by beating Fulham at Old Trafford.

Rooney has missed seven games since limping out of the home win over Fulham with a hamstring strain.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted to leave him out of the squad for Sunday's FA Cup trip to Derby, a decision that has proved to be a wise one.

It allowed Rooney to get an extra day's training under his belt that should ensure he plays some part against Roy Hodgson's men, even if Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatovare expected to be handed the starting spots in attack.

''The plan is for Wayne Rooney to be involved tomorrow night and he will start on the bench,'' Ferguson told Key103. ''We have handled him in the right way.

''He is training now. His performances have been excellent and he is back to his best.

''The decision not to involve him on Sunday was a good one because he was able to train and that extra day has brought him on a lot.''

Rooney is likely to be joined on the bench by Ryan Giggs, who despite 788 appearances and 35 years behind him is in the form of his life, according to Ferguson.

''He is playing better than he did two or three years ago because he has added composure, control and authority to his game.

''What you are seeing is someone who has played for a long time and collected all these experiences together.

''Even at 35, Ryan is at his absolute peak as a footballer. Some players reach their peak at 28 or 29 and then fade a little bit, which is why they retire at 33 or 34. But Ryan has been at his peak for a long, long period.''

And it is not just Giggs' ability on the pitch which earmarks him as someone special. The example he sets to youngsters has also been highlighted, with Ferguson recognising his good fortune in working with such a shining example of professionalism.

''Ryan is fantastic,'' he said. ''It is not just the example he shows on the football field, it is what he does off it.

''Every player in the club is saying to themselves 'How does that guy do it?' He is the living example of looking after yourself.

''The nutritional advice that is around today, the sports science and the training methods, give players a far better opportunity of playing well into their 30s now.

''Maybe people scratch their heads in wonderment at the achievements of the lad but he shows what can be done.''

Two footballers were charged on Tuesday in connection with the same nightclub brawl which saw Steven Gerrard accused of assault.

 Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, and the club's midfielder, Robert Grant, 18, were both charged with affray, Merseyside Police said.

A third man, Paul McGrattan, 31, was also charged today with affray and assaulting a police officer.

Liverpool and England player Gerrard, 28, remains on bail after appearing in court charged with assault and affray last month.

He was arrested in the early hours of December 29 after a disturbance at the Lounge Bar nightclub in Southport, Merseyside.

Company director Marcus McGee, 34, from Churchtown, Southport, required hospital treatment after receiving facial injuries in the incident.

Gerrard, a father of two who is married to model Alex Curran, 26, was at the bar with friends to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle United earlier that day.

Gerrard's solicitor indicated at his first court appearance that he would plead not guilty to the charges against him.

He is due to before North Sefton Magistrates again on March 20.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said Dunbavin, of Guildford Road, Southport, Grant, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland, Merseyside, and McGrattan, of Linden Drive, Huyton, Merseyside, will appear at North Sefton magistrates next Monday.

Two men, a 33-year-old from Huyton and an 18-year-old from Roby, Merseyside, remain on bail pending further inquiries.

Portugal and France's finest will do battle in Paris next month as Pauleta and Zinedine Zidane prepare to don their international colours again.

Record reports that the two player will take part in a national indoor tournament on March 29, which takes place in the outskirts of the French capital.

Pauleta, who is the top scorer for Portugal, having scored 47 goals in 88 matches, will yet again play for his national team at this tournament.

Likewise, Zidane, who is arguably the best player to ever play for France, will be part of a team composed from the World Cup winning squad of 1998.

Paris Saint-Germain, the club where Pauleta spent his final years as a player, will also take part in the tournament.

The French futsal team are another side involved in the competition, which looks as though it could be an exciting event.

Zidane has been rumoured to be getting back into football lately, specifically with a role as world ambassador for Real Madrid.

Former Blancos president, Florentino Perez is reportedly interested in bringing him back to the club and he could well return in the summer.

Pauleta has followed that path after his retirement and he is now in an ambassadorial role at PSG.