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Dalglish hails Reds resolve

2012-01-30T04:57:00.000-08:00

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has hailed his players after they booked their place in the Carling Cup final with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The Scotsman saw his side suffer a frustrating 3-1 defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers last weekend in the Premier League, after which the Reds manager intimated heads could roll following the lacklustre performance at the Reebok Stadium.

However the Merseyside outfit responded to the defeat and battled to a 2-2 draw against City at Anfield, with their previous goal advantage from the first semi-final leg ensuring a date at Wembley is just around the corner. Those looking at the Carling Cup betting should remember this.

Liverpool have not been at the national stadium since it was rebuilt and Dalglish has praised his players for showing great character to reach the League Cup final. Anyone looking at the Odds Carling Cup final needs to bear this in mind.

He said: "I think it was a fantastic performance. Although the game finished as a draw, we were deserved qualifiers for the final.

"The boys were magnificent tonight and deserve a great deal of credit, and everybody in the squad has helped us get through.

"The supporters were magnificent and it is a great reward for them and the loyalty they have shown us, so for everybody at Liverpool it has been a fantastic evening."

Dalglish and his men will now look forward to a day in the capital as they prepare for the clash against Championship outfit Cardiff City, who managed to beat Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout to secure a place in the final.

Freedman proud of defeated Eagles

2012-01-24T04:51:00.000-08:00

Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman has revealed his pride in his players following their heartbreak exit from the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.

The Eagles were just a game away from a much deserved trip to Wembley, as they held a goal advantage going into their trip to South Wales for the semi-final second-leg.

However, after seeing his side score an own goal in regular time, Freedman had to watch has his players saw their first two penalties saved by City keeper Tom Heaton, with the Bluebirds eventually winning the shootout and booking their place in the final and a date at Wembley. Those looking at the Odds Carling Cup final need to bear this in mind.

Palace worked wonders to reach the final four of the Carling Cup this term and will take plenty of memories from the journey, which included a shock win over Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Freedman paid tribute to the effort shown by his players who just fell short of earning a big day for their loyal supporters. People placing a Carling Cup bet should remember this.

He said: "I am really proud of my players and the physical output they put into the game and the desire to keep the ball out of the net.

"I've got to be disappointed in the short-term, but in the long-term you can see what we're trying to do.

"We have won a lot of hearts.”

Palace will now turn their attentions back to the Championship campaign as they look to climb the table with the play-off places just five points away for the London outfit.

Chelsea struggling to meet traditional standards

2012-01-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech reckons the team need to continue to battle for the Premier League title this season as the club’s stature means they must win trophies.

Andre Villas-Boas has been under huge pressure during his short time at Stamford Bridge to date and Chelsea are facing a battle to at least finish in the Premier League top four.

The Portuguese coach has inherited a squad full of ageing stars and misfiring forwards and now AVB will be under the microscope as Chelsea have not gone two seasons in succession without lifting a trophy since Roman Abramovich took over. Anyone looking at the Premier League betting should remember this.

With Manchester City and Manchester United looking front-runners to win the league, Chelsea have to be classed among the chasing pack along with the likes of Spurs and Arsenal.

That means there are five clubs chasing four Champions League qualification spots, while Liverpool fans will also claim they are in the reckoning, but Cech reckons Chelsea need to look to meet recent standards and still battle for the Premier League title. Those gambling on football should bear this in mind.

The keeper said: “We want, ourselves, to win something. We don't want to go another season without trophies, so our aim is to end this season with silverware.

"We're doing everything in our power to achieve that, alongside the transformation and transition of the team. I think it will be a good year to build on for the future.”

Chelsea have completed the signing of Gary Cahill from Bolton as they look to shore up a leaky defence. The Blues now have England’s first-choice central defensive partnership and AVB will hope this can bring a new stability to the club as they look to ensure a Premier League top four finish.

Carling Cup: Can Liverpool go on to win the Carling Cup?

2011-12-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

Liverpool Football Club are one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Their comprehensive history includes: 18 English top tier league titles, 7 FA Cups, 7 League Cups, 5 UEFA Champions League titles, and 3 Europa League titles. The last time Liverpool achieved any form of prestigious silverware was back in 2006 where The Reds managed to claim the FA Cup after beating London side West Ham 3-1 on penalties. Having not won a competition in over 5 years, Liverpool fans will be hoping for silverware this season. Their best chance has to be the 2011/12 League Cup.

This season The Reds are performing at a mediocre level, especially in comparison to their past accomplishments. So far, their greatest triumph this campaign has to be the fact that they have managed to get to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. The only foe that stand in their way of the final are the mighty Manchester City. The Blues have performed extraordinarily well in the 2011/12 season and are sure to be problematic opponents for Liverpool. In the Premier League The Reds presently reside in 6th position and remain to be unbeaten at home. I imagine 6th position is where they will finish this season, particularly so when regarding the fact that Luis Suarez, Liverpool's star player, has been banned for a total of 8 games after being found guilty of racial abuse towards Manchester United's left-back and French international Patrice Evra. Anyone placing a Carling Cup bet should bear this in mind.

So, to answer the question in the title: "Can Liverpool go on to win the Carling Cup?" The answer to this question would have to be yes, even with their semi-final opponents being City. People looking at the Carling Cup betting need to remember this.

The best The Reds can hope for in the first leg of the semi-final is to claim an away draw against City at the Etihad Stadium. Particularly a score draw as the away goals rule applies in the League Cup competition. If they were to claim a draw at the Etihad, it would put them in a prominent position when they face the Manchester side at Anfield in the second leg of the semi-final.

United eying Dutch starlet

2011-12-21T03:06:00.000-08:00

Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has admitted the club are keeping tabs on a promising midfielder on continent, who is being touted as having a bright future ahead of him.

Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen has been impressing in the Dutch domestic league and on the international stage with Denmark; sparking plenty of interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

United have been strewn with injuries throughout the current Premier League campaign and are calling on the likes of centre-back Phil Jones to fill the void in the middle of the park.

There has been plenty of speculation that manager Sir Alex Ferguson will look to bring in players in the January transfer window to cover for some high profile absentees. People looking at the Premier League best odds should bear this in mind.

Scotland international Darren Fletcher has been forced to take an extended break from football through illness, whilst the Brazilian Anderson has been sidelined through injury. Those following the Premier League betting predictions should remember this.

Eriksen could be another exciting young player to be based at Old Trafford and Meulensteen has admitted the Red Devils are interested in the 19-year-old.
He told Voetbal International: "This is a player that is on our radar.

"But that is to be expected. If people weren't looking, no-one would ever have an opinion on these players.

"It is true that a player like Eriksen would fit our transfer policy.”

It’s not certain whether United will make a move in January but considering Eriksen’s talent it would not be a surprise to see the Premier League champions making a move for the playmaker in the near future.

Adebayor urges improvements

2011-12-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

Tottenham Hotspur's Emmanuel Adebayor has warned his team-mates against complacency after they scrapped for a 1-0 victory over Sunderland on Sunday.

Spurs were found wanting in front of goal for much of the encounter against the Black Cats at White Hart Lane and gave away too many chances to the visitors, in a game that should have had a higher socreline.

The north London outfit managed to keep hold of third place in the Premier League, as they hope to make a return to Champions League action next season. Those who bet on Premier League games should remember this.

Tottenham are still one of the in-form sides in the top flight, with a run of 10 victories in 11 games, as only Stoke City managing to get the better of the Lilywhites at the Britannia Stadium earlier this month.

Adebayor, who is on a loan deal from league frontrunners Manchester City, is eager to see Spurs continue their fine form but believes they will have to put in far better performances than their showing against the Black Cats if they want to be successful. Anyone gambling on football needs to bear this in mind.

The Togo international Spurs TV Online: "I don't know what happened in the first half. I don't really want to know. I'm just glad that the game is over.

"We felt heavy on the pitch and we didn't have any solution. It was tough but to be champions that's what it takes.

"It's the kind of game that, regardless of what happened, we were just pleased to get the three points."

Wenger concedes title race

2011-12-19T02:57:00.000-08:00

Following their narrow defeat at the hands of Manchester City, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted his side are all but out of the race for the Premier League title this season.

The Gunners produced a courageous effort but failed to score in a thrilling game at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. People looking at the football odds will know how close they came.

It was a goal from Spain international David Silva which was ultimately the difference between the two attacking teams, as City went back to the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory.

Arsenal would have to overhaul a 12 point gap if they were to leapfrog the top flight frontrunners and Wenger believes it might be too much to ask of his players this season. Fans of Premier League betting should bear this in mind.

The Frenchman said: "If we had won the game we would have come back to six points and with players coming back like our full-backs and [Jack] Wilshere and [Abou] Diaby - we will have a better squad in the second half of the season.

"At the moment we are too far behind.”

The Gunners will have to put that defeat to City behind them and they don’t have to wait long to turn things around, as they get set to take on Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Villa were unconvincing in their last outing, as they went down 2-0 to Liverpool at Villa Park on Sunday and manager Alex McLeish will be expecting a more spirited performance from his side when they host an Arsenal outfit, who will be looking to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

Evans delighted with comeback

2011-11-29T04:01:00.000-08:00

Stourbridge winger Sean Evans has revealed his gratefulness after he notched up the second goal in his side’s 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup.

The 24-year-old who used to be on the books at defending Premier League champions Manchester United, enjoyed a strong performance against the League One side, as Stourbridge booked their place in the second round of the tournament.

Evans has come a very long way in the past year, after he received the news 12 months ago that he may never play football again. Those placing FA Cup bets should remember this.

The player suffered a serious broken leg, which required a number of operations and metal bar placed in the area, along with a number of screws.

Evans has gone through a long road to recovery and his goal in the FA Cup caps off what has been an impressive achievement from the man to get back into football. Anyone gambling on football should bear this in mind.

He said: "Four weeks ago I was playing local football, paying £3 to play.

"To be where I am now, I wouldn't say it's a dream come true because I'd still like to be a professional footballer and that's not going to happen.

"But I'm enjoying myself, enjoying my football, enjoying the players and enjoying the fans. I think if you enjoy your football, you show your best.”

Stourbridge now have a home tie with Stevenage to look forward to on December 3, as they go in search of another upset and chance to play in the FA Cup third round.

Blades out to end Gulls run

2011-11-29T03:57:00.000-08:00

League One promotion contenders Sheffield United should prove to be formidable opposition at Bramall Lane when they take on Torquay United in the second round of the FA Cup.

The Blades were ruthless in their first round clash with Oxford United as they put three goals past the League Two outfit, thanks to a brace from their talented striker Chad Evans.

United boss Danny Wilson is clearly hoping for his side to do well in the competition this season, with key players featuring in that game against the Us, with Evans, Richard Creswell and Nick Montgomery all starting in a strong first eleven. Anyone placing FA Cup bets should remember this.

That will be a troubling sign for Torquay but they have a decent away performance against Chesterfield in the FA Cup first round to build on, as they won that encounter 3-1 on the road.

They will be looking to produce a similar display against the Blades on December 3 but that will not come easily at Bramall Lane, against a United side who have welcomed back a former striker this week. Those looking at Promotions FA Cup should remember this.

Five-time England cap James Beattie has put pen to paper on a short-term deal with the club till the middle of January, as the former Stoke City and Rangers goalscorer hopes to get some regular football under his belt.

The 33-year-old could feature in the FA Cup clash which could cause problems for Torquay if he can get back to top form in the coming weeks as the Blades look for a place in the FA Cup third round.

Ferguson won't dwell on Tevez

2009-07-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Never one to dwell on past glories, Sir Alex Ferguson today gave short shrift when asked for his reaction to Carlos Tevez turning his back on a five-year contract offer at Manchester United.

The spiky Argentina international is this week expected to move across town to join local rivals Manchester City despite strong interest from clubs across Europe. The South American proved popular with the Old Trafford faithful in a successful two-year stay, but his criticism of Ferguson over a perceived lack of first-team English football and club officials for delaying contract talks have cast a shadow.

There was more evidence of this when Ferguson intimated the former West Ham favourite had made up his mind to leave United as far back as January. The Scot added his attempts to make contact with Tevez since had fallen on deaf ears, so confirmation of his decision to leave the champions did not come as a surprise.

"I half expected Carlos Tevez would be going a long time back," said the United boss.

"I think he maybe did a deal around January because I spoke to him and gave him an offer on the night we played Inter Milan and he never came back to me.

"I phoned him on holiday and he never got back to me and I texted him twice and he never got back to me then either, so obviously he had made his mind up a long time ago.

"He was a good player and did well for us. But he obviously assessed the situation and wanted to go somewhere else."

City are hopeful of clinching the signature of Tevez before they head off for a three-match tour of South Africa on Wednesday.

Nick Walsh writes features and football betting previews for Betfair.

Ferguson not fazed by Benzema snub

2009-07-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has shut the door on any more incomings this summer and declared champions Manchester United closed for business.

The Scot made his admission after confirming he did enquire about signing Karim Benzema but lost faith as soon as big-spending Spanish football giants Real Madrid entered the running for the France forward's signature.

It means the Old Trafford boss will choose from Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and youngsters Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck when United begin the defence of their Premier League title.

The signing of Owen gives Ferguson the impact goal-getter he craved since Carlos Tevez decided it was wise to turn his back on a five-year contract offer. And fellow new recruits Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan will be charged with the task of supplying the ammunition in a top-heavy midfield.

Zlatan Ibrahimovich, Sergio Aguero and Klaas Jan Huntelaar have been touted as close-season targets but Ferguson is adamant that he will not pay inflated prices just because he has £80m from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo burning a hole in his pocket.

"There are some amazing numbers being talked about, not all of them realistic," he said.

"It is very difficult to get value now. In a way we benefited through the sale of Cristiano, although that figure was non-negotiable.

"But I feel we have a good squad, which meant there was no need for knee-jerk reactions.

"We asked about Benzema and we had a value for him. Lyon have done well because they got 42million Euros but I think we took a sensible view."

Tevez antics leave nasty after-taste

2009-07-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

Carlos Tevez, who asked to leave Manchester United, refuses to go quietly and his latest accusation that he was "thrown out of the club" risks alienating him from the same set of supporters who once worshiped him.

Let us not forget Tevez, for all his "pain" and "sadness", suffered the hardship of winning successive Premier League titles and the Champions League during his loan arrangement at Old Trafford.

His work-rate won him many admirers but his recent trick of trying to turn fans against manager Sir Alex Ferguson over his decision to turn his back on a five-year contract offer is unlikely to win him many new friends.

"If I play for Manchester City I don't think the United fans will feel I am a traitor," reasoned Tevez.

"They have to remember that at least as far as I know I have been thrown out of the club and I have to study the best offers available."

Tevez, also a target for Chelsea, should remember he gave good service during a productive stint at one of the world's biggest clubs instead of blaming anyone in earshot over a decision he made.

The 25-year-old Argentina striker continued his sniping at the weekend when he blamed Ferguson for blanking him in response to the 4-1 drubbing by fiercest rivals Liverpool – a game in which he started - at Old Trafford in March.

The apparent cold shoulder left former West Ham favourite Tevez with no option but to move on – a decision backed up by his advisor, Kia Joorabchian.

"It has come about because I could not stand my sporting situation at Manchester United any longer," he continued. "My first year was good in all senses. I played in the games and felt respected by the coach but in my second year some strange things happened that I still do not understand.

"After the game at Old Trafford where Liverpool beat us, Ferguson ignored me almost as if I was to blame for the defeat when really Liverpool dominated us all over the pitch. After that the fans called for me to be in the team but he never took the advice on board because he always knows best.

"I gave everything for Manchester United and people know that," Tevez told the People. "For that reason I don't deserve the way things have ended up."

Tevez takes aim at Berbatov

2009-06-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

Carlos Tevez could not resist one last parting shot at Manchester United when he rounded on former strike partner Dimitar Berbatov for forcing his exit this summer from Old Trafford.

The Argentina international raised eyebrows last week when he announced he had asked to leave after rejecting the offer of a five-year contract to stay with the Premier League champions. Manchester City and Chelsea now lead the race for his signature, although the former loan forward has insisted he has not decided on his plans for the future.

Tevez struck a chord with match-going United supporters because of his willingness to chase lost causes and the former West Ham favourite felt he was not rewarded in the big games by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I am not sure where I am going to play, but I know for sure that it will not be at Manchester [United]," Tevez told the Argentina TyC Sports television network. "When I arrived I had to fight for a place like any other player. My first season was good. I was a starter or a substitute, but I respected that.

"But in my second year, after the match against Liverpool, the coach started to overlook me. The fans supported me a lot so I thought that something was going on as my performances were also good. I was a professional.

"The signing of Berbatov from Tottenham on transfer deadline day last summer also convinced Tevez he was not rated by Ferguson. Curiously, Tevez revealed he was never urged by the Old Trafford boss to sign a new contract.

"I did not feel supported after they signed Berbatov, because I was the man for the job he was bought to do. Last year I was the second top scorer after Cristiano [Ronaldo]. We won two titles [the Premier League and the Carling Cup] and being shut out like this was something that I could not understand.

"They did not ask me to sign the contract. Ferguson told me not to be worried about Berbatov's arrival, but I did not like it when he started to put me on the bench often. I gave my life for the Manchester United shirt."

Nick Walsh writes features and football betting previews for Betfair.

No hard feelings, insists Charlton

2009-06-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

Club director Sir Bobby Charlton has assured Manchester United fans that manager Sir Alex Ferguson can be trusted to spend the cash generated from the impending world-record transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid wisely.

The Portugal international is expected to complete his dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu by the end of June and he will leave Old Trafford "with our blessing", according to Charlton, who also described the fee as "vulgar".

Ferguson fought long, hard and, sometimes, publicly, on his mission to defy Real's overtures so it curious that he has kept a diplomatic counsel on the loss of his most prized asset.

The sale of Ronaldo has been greeted with open arms by rival Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal supporters. Charlton, however, who has witnessed the departures of former favourites such as Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and David Beckham, has insisted it would be folly to write Ferguson off just yet.

The wily Scot has been given the Glazer family stamp of approval to strengthen his attacking options and Charlton would not be surprised if he had one last trick up his sleeve.

"He is a great judge of player. Alex Ferguson is very brave, he's very brave with his decisions, he's very decisive with his decisions, and that is why he's been a major success," Charlton said.

Ferguson has been linked with close-season swoops for Franck Ribéry of Bayern Munich and Antonio Valencia of Wigan.

Nick Walsh writes about football betting for Betfair

Ribéry riddle to rumble on

2009-06-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has set aside a large proportion of the world-record £80m fee to be received for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid by making an offer for France playmaker Franck Ribéry, according to Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Real have also enquired about the 26-year-old's availability, but, Rummenigge claims, Chelsea and Barcelona have stolen a march by joining the Premier League title-winners in making offers for the in-demand forward.

The former Germany international, speaking in an interview with Bild newspaper, said: "Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and his advisor Pedro Jiménez asked if we were willing to speak with them over a transfer but we rejected the chance and we have no intention of selling Ribéry."

Asked if Spain's big-spending capital club made an offer, he replied: "No but other clubs have done. Chelsea have lodged a bid, as have Manchester United and Barcelona. We are completely relaxed about it. The power lies with Bayern Munich."

Old Trafford officials have maintained a diplomatic silence on their attempts to recruit Bayern's most saleable asset, but it is safe to suggest Ferguson, who is on holiday in the south of France, is keen to bolster his attacking options.

United want the transfer of Ronaldo to Spain rubber-stamped by June 30 and uncertainty over the future of Carlos Tevez, who is wanted by neighbours City, leaves Ferguson with potentially two large holes to fill.

Bayern have repeatedly insisted Ribéry is not for sale and maintain he will see out his contract, which runs until 2011, so Ferguson may decide Antonio Valencia of Wigan is a more viable option.

DW Stadium chairman Dave Whelan revealed: "They (United) have been in touch with us and we will be starting negotiations very shortly, I would imagine. United have been in touch with us over Antonio for the last two or three months, expressing an interest and actually putting cash offers on the table."

Berbatov safe, says agent

2009-06-11T02:58:00.000-07:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has no desire to offload striker Dimitar Berbatov before the start of next season, according to the player's agent.

Speculation has been rife that Ferguson will look to shake up his attacking options during the close-season, with England international Wayne Rooney, at its core, while ongoing speculation about the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez could shape any decision he makes about incomings and outgoings.

Berbatov, a £30.75m transfer deadline-day capture from Premier League rivals Tottenham, has blown hot and cold since making the switch from White Hart Lane and a perceived lack of effort has led to dissenting voices from sections of match-going supporters.

The Bulgaria international managed just nine Premier League goals for the champions last season, despite making 29 league starts, and failed to cement his place as the principal focal point of Ferguson's strikeforce.

Ferguson, when pressed, refuted all talk last season that the former Bayer Leverkusen man doesn't like getting his socks dirty and agent Emil Dantchev has insisted he has no knowledge of the Scot seeking a parting of the ways

"Despite speculation that he may leave, I want to declare that Dimitar will play next season in Manchester United," Dantchev told Dnevnik.

"There is no desire from the management for any separation.

"He will stay and we hope that he will win what he missed out on this year."

Ferguson right on with Valencia offer

2009-06-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

Antonio Valencia looks set to follow Steve Bruce out of Wigan in a move which could have significant repercussions for the JJB Stadium outfit – and the Ecuadorian winger's reported suitors.

Manchester United and Real Madrid are understood to have lodged bids in excess of £16million as both clubs look to beef up their attacking options ahead of a summer of transition.

A close-season switch to Old Trafford, however, would fuel more speculation about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. Valencia could operate on the right, allowing Ferguson to play world player of the year Ronaldo as his principal striker, as seen in the Champions League last season.

Alternatively, his arrival could also give weight to the theory that Ferguson has grown tired of speculation about his star forward and is finally prepared to let him leave for pastures new.

Nani has continued to frustrate match-going United supporters and it would appear Ferguson's patience has finally snapped.

Newly-elected president Florentino Perez has vowed to return Real to the summit of domestic and continental football and, although a confirmed admirer of Ronaldo, is also in the running for Valencia.

The 23-year-old nearly moved to the Bernabeu in the winter transfer window but the Latics managed to keep hold of their most saleable asset.

Now, with Bruce confirmed as the new manager of Sunderland, the goalposts have changed and Dave Whelan may decide now is the time to secure a maximum profit.

Pérez puts Ronaldo back on agenda

2009-06-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

Florentino Pérez has risked a complete breakdown in relations between his club Real Madrid and Manchester United by promising "to work" at finally delivering Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu faithful.

Pérez, the capital club's new president, has fanned the flames by vowing to go back over a pre-contract agreement made between Real and Ronaldo last season which could see the 24-year-old world player of the year quit the Premier League title-winners for an estimated £75m.

He said: "It would be very good if great players were at Real Madrid this season. Cristiano would be one of them."

And the question facing Sir Alex Ferguson now is how much more conjecture about his star forward can he possibly take before his patience snaps? The Scot infamously declared he would never sell "that mob" a virus, but, at the risk of upsetting a harmonious dressing-room, the thought of cashing in on his most saleable asset is a carrot even Ferguson may not resist.

Ferguson has never shirked a decision and past favorites such as David Beckham, Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy all faced the same inevitable end when the notoriously unsympathetic Old Trafford boss thought they had overstayed their welcome.

A public show of dissent when substituted in the Manchester derby and apparent criticism of his manager's tactics in the wake of United's 2-0 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona has led to suggestions that holes are appearing in Ronaldo's relationship with Ferguson.

The Portugal international affectionately refereed to Ferguson as a "second father" when seemingly nailing his flag to the mast recently. He will do well to hold on to that thought if he should decide to end his near six-year association with the club this summer.

Ferguson ready to join pantheon of greats

2009-05-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

There is no more fitting city than Rome and all its historical splendour for Sir Alex Ferguson to cement his status in the top echelon of the game's greatest managers by inspiring Manchester United to victory against Barcelona in the Champions League final on Wednesday.

The Scot has never been one for sentiment although the significance of the epic win against Bayern Munich in 1999 on what would have been Sir Matt Busby's 90th birthday had the hallmarks of a victory sent from heaven.

There was also a whiff of fate last year when United beat Chelsea to provide the most fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of the air disaster in Munich – the club's darkest day. This time around and Busby would have been 100 on Monday, but Ferguson is happy to let events take care of themselves in what has all the ingredients of a final fit to stir the Caesars who once kept watch in the Eternal City.

"You had a feeling that night in Barcelona and obviously there was fate attached to last year as well," said the United boss. "That happens. But I think this type of game might be beyond fate."

It has the capability to be a fantastic final. Ferguson famously told his players before the 1999 win they would only be able to walk past the Champions League trophy if they failed to produce on the night and, even at the grand old age of 67, it would seem he still searches for the right words to inspire his players.

He added: "These things usually happen to me about three in the morning when I am trying to get some inspiration from the deep chambers of my tiny little brain. But at the moment nothing is coming out."

Ferguson will know his players will not get a better chance to beat an injury-hit Barcelona and become the first club side in the modern game to successfully defend their European crown. He will also appreciate that the La Liga title-winners are capable of magic on their day and in Lionel Messi possess a player destined for greatness. But Ferguson will put all of his faith in his own match-winners and trust they can deliver on the biggest stage.

Ferguson points to weak defence

2009-05-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has bullishly predicted that Manchester United will beat Barcelona when the two giants meet in Rome for the Champions League final next Wednesday. The Scot is insistent that the newly-crowned Spanish champions will be severely handicapped by the absence of their suspended first-choice full-backs, Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal, and centre-half Rafael Márquez.

He is also not convinced Yaya Touré, a holding midfielder deployed as a makeshift centre-back against Chelsea in the semi-finals, is at home in defence. The veteran Sylvinho is also expected to start at left-back but has enough big-game experience to cope with the sleepless nights lesser lights might endure when faced with the prospect of shackling an interchangeable United midfield.

"We are in a stronger position because of that," Ferguson said of the headache facing Barca counterpart Pep Guardiola. "Chelsea showed they can be 'beaten'," he added. "I take some encouragement from that." For all of their problems, on paper at least, the Catalan giants remain a potent force when crossing the half-way line and their recent 6-2 destruction of bitter rivals Real Madrid left Ferguson in a cold sweat.

"I watched the game," Ferguson explained. "It was an absolutely magnificent performance and I said to myself, 'Christ, we have to play them, possibly.'" Question marks remain about the fitness of Thierry Henry and, perhaps more significantly, Andrés Iniesta, but Ferguson has too many grey hairs to even contemplate the thought that United simply have to turn up at the Olympic Stadium on May 27 to become the first team in the modern era to successfully defend their European crown.

For all of United's superstars, it is curious that Ferguson has stuck his neck out for one of his unsung heroes by promising John O'Shea a start in defence. Ferguson's biggest concern centres on whether or not to gamble on key centre-back Rio Ferdinand's lack of match fitness. He has missed United's last three matches since sustaining a calf injury in the Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Arsenal at the Emirates at the start of May.

"I am hoping he will be fit for Sunday [against Hull] – if not he is doubtful for Wednesday that is for sure," warned the United manager. "I think he needs a game going into the Champions League final because him having not played for three weeks is too much."

Final heartache for Neville

2009-05-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson faces the unenviable task of telling Manchester United club captain Gary Neville he will not need to get changed for the Champions League final against Barcelona in Rome on May 27.

The Old Trafford boss has admitted he is "dreading" trimming his squad down from 30 to 18 names and Neville, who on Saturday lifted the Premier League trophy, is expected to be a high-profile casualty when the players learn their fate.

Rafael da Silva should get the nod ahead of Neville, whose career in recent years has suffered from a catalogue of injury lay-offs, while youngsters Federico Macheda and Daniel Welbeck are certain to join their experienced team-mate in the stands at the Olympic Stadium. Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown and Fabio da Silva will miss the final because of injury, while Darren Fletcher's red card against Arsenal in the semi-finals means he too can keep his suit on.

Park Ji-sung was left out completely in Moscow against Chelsea last year and Ferguson revealed the decision "almost broke my heart", but the South Korean is in the squad this time around and could provide the legs in the absence of the industrious Fletcher.

"There are obviously going to be several players left disappointed," said Ferguson. "Hopefully the ones who don't make it will remember we wouldn't have reached the final without their contribution and each and every one who has played in the competition should remember they are as deserving as those selected for the final. The Champions League involved six group games and a further six at the knockout phase to reach the final and we have had 20 players involved. The Champions League will not be won or lost by the players on duty on the final day."

Ferguson is expected to provide some insight into his thinking for the Rome showpiece when United travel to take on relegation-haunted Hull at the weekend and it is safe to assume those not involved at the KC Stadium can pack their boots for the final of Europe's premier club competition.

Possible team (4-3-2-1): Van der Sar; O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Giggs, Anderson; Park, Rooney; Ronaldo
Subs: Kuszczak, Evans, R da Silva, Scholes, Nani, Berbatov, Tevez
Injured: Foster, Brown, F da Silva
Suspended: Fletcher
In the stands (possible): Neville, Macheda, Welbeck, Gibson, Possebon, Eckersley, Petrucci, Amos
Not in 30-man squad: Hargreaves

Nick Walsh writes features and betting previews for Betfair.

Agent talks up Ibrahimovic interest

2009-05-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be given the keys to Milan if his manager Jose Mourinho had his way, but that is unlikely to persuade Sir Alex Ferguson to reach into his coffers this summer to make an approach for the Swedish man mountain.

Mourinho questioned Old Trafford superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's credentials when he was crowned World Player of the Year in January this year, insisting Ibrahimovic was the more worthy winner of the Ballon d’Or. It was difficult to see any reason to Mourinho's argument when his Internazionale were sent packing from the Champions League by Manchester United at the last-16 stage and Ibrahimovic lived up to his reputation of blowing hot and cold on the big stage.

For all his undoubted ability – Ibrahimovic has scored 21 goals so far this season in Serie A – the former Ajax man has forged out a career which has seen him deliver when the mood takes him and was all-but anonymous when he passed up the opportunity to upset the Champions League odds and knock the holders out of Europe's premier club competition.

The 27-year-old is seeking a fresh challenge away from the Nerazzurri and United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid are ready to meet his reported £160,000-a-week wages. "Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are in contact with me," Ibrahimovic's agent, Mino Raiola, told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. "They are the only teams capable of taking someone like Zlatan.

"Until proven otherwise, he will go ahead with Inter because he is under contract with the Nerazzurri club. If we do move, it will be to another great team. Otherwise he will stay and try to win the Scudetto and Champions League with Inter next season."

Drogba sinks Chelsea to new low

2009-05-07T02:31:00.000-07:00

Uefa could take action against Didier Drogba for a post-match confrontation with referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and foul-mouthed tirade at television cameras in the aftermath of Chelsea's dramatic Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Barcelona – and rightly so.

The combustible Ivory Coast striker made a mockery of a supposed knee injury which forced him off in the second half to race towards the under-fire Norwegian match official in his flip-flops and begin a wide-eyed rant.

Drogba was incensed that Ovrebo had rejected four genuine penalty appeals for the home side but no amount of perceived injustice should have brought about the shameful scenes which could yet result in serious repercussions for Drogba and Chelsea.

This is the same player who put his ego before his club in last season's Champions League final when he was sent off for a petulant slap at Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic. Drogba, who was restrained by Chelsea stewards before breaking loose and yelling "It's a f****** disgrace" straight down a live TV camera, was not alone in leading the protests.

Michael Ballack, who has been playing on his reputation for most of the season, chased Ovrebo for 20 yards in a provocative attempt to win a penalty when his shot appeared to strike the arm of Samuel Eto'o.

Captain John Terry, no stranger to unsavoury headlines throughout his career, took on the mantle of playground bully at the final whistle and he too could come under scrutiny by Uefa bosses for branding Ovrebo's performance as "astonishing".

The manner of their elimination from Europe's elite club competition was all the more galling given that Barcelona, for all their possession, had not registered a single shot on target until the 92nd minute when Andres Iniesta cancelled out Michael Essien's wonder strike.

Yet Chelsea, and, specifically, Drogba, must surely rue a hatful of chances passed up over the two legs to kill off the gifted Primera Liga leaders. Guus Hiddink's comment that he would "protect" Drogba from any action by Uefa was as predictable as it was unhelpful and it will be no surprise if the Ivorian follows the temporary manager out of west London at the end of the season.

Capitulation a concern for Wenger

2009-05-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger found sympathy from an unlikely source on Tuesday in the aftermath of arguably his most harrowing night in 25 years of football management. Old adversary Sir Alex Ferguson said the Arsenal manager should not be judged by his failure so far to win the Champions League, but it could be some while before the Frenchman gets anywhere near celebrating success in Europe's premier club competition based on his side's ruthless dismantling by Manchester United.

The biggest concern for Wenger, by his own admission, was his side's failure to even suggest they had the competitive spirit to prevent United from having the opportunity to upset the Champions League odds and become the first club side to successfully defend their European crown.

He said: "All we can do is look at ourselves. To fight such a long way to get here and then to give the game away like we did– it is very disappointing.

"The most difficult thing for me is that we have the feeling that we never played in the semi-final."

Wenger has talked long and hard about the potential of his young side – but a promise is nothing until it is delivered, as the saying goes. He must address a lack of experience and quality in his defence and add more steel to a lightweight midfield to have any hope of ending a four-year wait for a piece of major silverware.

In mitigation, Wenger must surely feel let down by the failure of star men Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor to wrestle the initiative off United over the two legs but that alone should not gloss over the gaping chasm between the two sides on the big stage.

United simply wanted the victory more and Arsenal had no answer to the hunger shown by Ferguson's charges, inspired by the mesmeric Cristiano Ronaldo. Afterwards the Emirates boss spoke of "taking some distance" to assess the season because "when it mattered we couldn't win".

He may need to do some soul-searching before he can convince the Arsenal supporters who left in their droves before the final whistle that Arsenal can again take on the game's very best.

Nick Walsh writes features and betting previews for Betfair.

Barton's Newcastle career may be over before it has really begun

2009-05-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

The fact that Newcastle lost to Liverpool at Anfield yesterday probably didn't come as a shock to anyone, even the fans of the north-east club which is now well and truly embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Sadly, this lack of surprise can also be applied to the ugly scenes which saw Joey Barton leaving the pitch after an immature display of petulance and frustration.

Xabi Alonso, the victim of Barton's lack of discipline, was also forced to leave the field after the Newcastle midfielder's rash lunging tackle left him lucky to escape serious injury. These types of tackles are often blamed on frustration or are simply put down to mistimed, ill-judged attempts to win the ball at all costs.

Unfortunately for Barton, those closest to him in the football world are quite obviously becoming sick and tired of searching for excuses for his behaviour. For a player who spent periods in jail last year and has hit the headlines after violent confrontations with team-mates, tackles which initially appear mistimed and badly judged often take on a new prominence in the minds of those observing his on-field activity.

In this respect, it is refreshing to hear Newcastle manager, Alan Shearer, voicing his criticism of the midfielder. The boss stated that he was "bitterly disappointed at the way" the tackle happened and was unapologetic in his assertion that the player "deserved to be sent off". Barton will now miss Newcastle's games against Middlesbrough, Fulham, and Aston Villa.

For all his petulance and aggression, Barton is a player capable of putting in displays of hard graft and natural talent on the pitch and his absence deprives Shearer of an important player in the relegation run-in. The fact that Barton's disappointing attitude is coupled with natural talent makes his situation all the more frustrating. The player has made promise after promise to his team-mates and managers concerning a change in attitude but this transition has entirely failed to materialise.

Unfortunately for Barton, it seems as if his chances, at least at Newcastle, are running out fast. Alan Shearer didn't actually voice his opinion that the midfielder's future at the club was coming to an end...but he may as well have: "it would be wrong to discuss his future now but I'm not very happy".

If Barton is forced out of Newcastle, it is hard to imagine many clubs striving to secure his signature.

Giggs faultless in face of Father Time

2009-05-04T02:49:00.000-07:00

Ryan Giggs rolled back with the years with a midfield masterclass to edge Manchester United closer to a third successive Premier League title and push relegation-threatened Middlesbrough closer to the abyss.

Gareth Southgate, Boro's manager, had urged the Teesside faithful to turn the Riverside into a bearpit, but Giggs is too long in the tooth to be rattled by audible dissent and turned in a performance of such panache and poise to silence the critics who dared to suggest crowning him PFA Player of the Year last week was a sympathy vote.

The 35-year-old was simply untouchable in the United engine room and picked holes in the Middlesbrough midfield with consummate ease. Southgate's charges huffed and puffed but lacked the craft and guile to get near to the experienced Welshman and the equally-impressive Paul Scholes in what proved to be a one-sided contest.

It was fitting that Giggs would mark a week in which he passed the 800 appearances barrier with a sublime finish to set the visitors on their way to a 2-0 victory. The skipper sent a low drive past goalkeeper Brad Jones on 25 minutes and the life seemed to drain for Boro. Ji-Sung Park made sure of the points late on when he latched onto a delightful Wayne Rooney through-ball and the rest was a formality.

Sir Alex Ferguson was in no doubt about the architect of United's win and argued Middlesbrough's young players had much to learn from his captain marvel. He said: "What more can I say? He was fantastic. I think that goal sealed the victory. Once we got in front, that was the key to it because Middlesbrough are a young side."

Both sides have bigger battles ahead, albeit for contrasting reasons, and United will have to be more clinical when they travel to north London for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second-leg against Arsenal when Giggs is expected to take a back seat. Middlesbrough, however, are in freefall and their top-flight destiny could be determined by what happens when they face north-east rivals and fellow strugglers Newcastle next at St James' Park.

Time running out for Shearer's survival bid

2009-05-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

The scenes across Newcastle on the day local hero, Alan Shearer, was confirmed as manager, with thousands of fans surrounding St James' Park in excitement and disbelief, epitomised the feeling in the city of anticipation and, ultimately, hope of a much-needed 'great escape' from the threat of relegation to the Championship.

Such was the euphoria reverberating throughout the city amongst the club's passionate fans that few wearing the black and white of Newcastle would have dared contemplate the prospect of Shearer not experiencing some form of instant success.

Some fans remained more realistic than others, revealing their thoughts that whilst long-term problems which have haunted the club for years would find no solution in the form of Shearer, a magnificent player but one still lacking in managerial experience, the lift the players would receive from his arrival would no doubt be enough to record a couple of wins and lift the club to Premier League safety.

Furthermore, Michael Owen would be filled with renewed confidence and under-performing egos such as Obafemi Martins would be snapped into line by the presence of a local legend.

Fast-forward one month and Alan Shearer has been at the helm for four matches. The instant rejuvenation has not been seen. Michael Owen still can't find the back of the net. Obafemi Martins still appears to have problems with his discipline and self-motivation and, most importantly, Newcastle have not recorded a single victory.

This situation has probably come as some surprise to the Geordie faithful, who allowed their hopes and dreams to blindside their concept of reality, but to the Newcastle boss, his first month in charge has brought no shocks whatsoever. Shearer stated: "Is it everything I thought it would be? Yes. Is it difficult? Yes" but was keen to add that the job has not been "more difficult" than he initially imagined.

In light of Newcastle's damaging scoreless draw against Portsmouth earlier this week (a match which Shearer insisted was a must-win prior to kick-off), it is difficult to believe his affirmation that he is "enjoying" the job "despite not winning".

Quite how anyone at the helm of a relegation-threatened club can enjoy their job appears hard to comprehend - just look at Gareth Southgate's face over the past few months and the ever-increasing expression of disbelief, anger, and anxiety that has gradually replaced the smug grin plastered across Hull boss, Phil Brown's face.

Enjoyment aside, Shearer will have to do something radical if he is to steer his beloved Newcastle to Premier League safety this season. A clash against Liverpool at Anfield may not provide Shearer and Newcastle with the points they need to kick-start a belated attempt at survival, although the manager was keen not to admit defeat: "We go there as underdogs, but nothing is impossible in life".

At the moment, survival is certainly not impossible. However, if Shearer continues to delay the start of Newcastle's bid to play in the Premier League for another season, he may well find that the remotely possible soon turns into the mathematically impossible.

Regrets, I've had a few…

2009-04-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson's football prediction that a 1-0 first-leg win may be enough to secure Manchester United a place in the Champions League final in Rome on May 27 could yet prove prophetic.

But given the profligacy shown by his players in the first half at Old Trafford, when it appeared Arsenal were there for the taking, he may just question whether the door is still ajar for Arsene Wenger's men to reverse the deficit and consider an end-of-season trip to the Eternal City.

Odd-job man John O'Shea finally returned some confidence and authority to his game to become the unlikely hero with an early goal in an opening period in which the visitors seemed content to retreat behind the half-way line.

United sizzled with enterprise and endeavour but passed up countless opportunities to further embarrass the north Londoners. Cristiano Ronaldo saw Manuel Almunia make a potentially-decisive save from his close-range header when it appeared easier to score, while fans' favourite Carlos Tevez was also denied by the inspired goalkeeper.

Tevez, whose future at Old Trafford remains a thorny subject, would later blot his copybook with a show of petulance when he got the hook in favour of Dimitar Berbatov.

Cries of 'Fergie, sign him up' reverberated around the stadium and it will be interesting to see which of the pair the Scot goes with in the return at the Emirates.

Ronaldo went close in the second half with a stunning long-range effort and Ryan Giggs, making his 800th club appearance, was denied a goal to remember when he was controversially adjudged offside.

It could have been a lot worse for the Gunners and Wenger promised we would see "a different Arsenal team" next week, while Ferguson insisted United would not be fazed by their slender lead.

"We played at a good high tempo and maybe we should have scored four goals but before the game I wanted to win without losing a goal," he said.

"We know we can go there and score and that is the big problem Arsenal have."

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand (Evans 87), Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Giggs 66), Ronaldo, Tevez (Berbatov 66), Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Park, Scholes, Rafael Da Silva.

Booked: Tevez.

Goals: O'Shea 18.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs, Song, Diaby, Walcott (Bendtner 70), Fabregas, Nasri, Adebayor (Eduardo 82).

Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Denilson, Ramsey, Djourou, Eboue.

Att: 74,733

Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).

Messi not the only star set to shine in semi-final clash

2009-04-28T03:41:00.000-07:00

The intense debate surrounding precisely how a Chelsea side stripped of a natural left-back will cope with Barcelona winger, Lionel Messi, in tonight's Champions League semi-final first leg, is becoming farcical.

I refer to Lionel Messi as "Barcelona winger" rather than the laughably over-used descriptions of "genius" and "footballing wizard" because that is precisely what he is. He is a very talented winger, that's for sure, but (and this may surprise you if you've been reading the papers this week) he is actually a real human being. He doesn't have magical powers. I know this is shocking but let's be honest, Messi is a 21-year-old kid who is the star attraction at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

How Chelsea fare in Barcelona tonight does not depend upon their ability to keep the winger quiet. Messi only has such an impact because he is surrounded by a team which sticks religiously to an attacking philosophy (although, if Chelsea do have anything to worry about it's that Pep Guardiola has brought a disciplined defensive edge to a side previously undone by individual egos). Throw Messi in the Bolton starting line-up and the likelihood is that he wouldn't be able to display the kind of performances which have made him superhuman in the eyes of the media.

For Chelsea to succeed against Barcelona, they will need to focus upon the overall philosophy of the Spanish side, rather than concentrating upon the individual cogs that make it work. The entire Chelsea back line will have a job to do tonight, not just Jose Bosingwa, who has been handed the task of keeping Messi quiet. After all, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry can't exactly be ignored. Furthermore, the interplay between midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi will need to be quashed, and the attacking threat of right-back, Dani Alves, must be diminished.

For all Barcelona's talent, and, let's be clear about this, talent is something the side does not lack, Chelsea will provide them with a stern test. Chelsea have players worth boasting about themselves and one player springs to mind instantly in this context: Didier Drogba. The forward has experienced mixed fortunes against Barcelona, with a magnificent equaliser in the 2006/2007 competition a perfect way to exact revenge for his sending off the year before.

Maybe Barcelona fans should be the ones worrying about individual stars in the side their team will face tonight. After all, if Drogba manages to find the back of the net tonight, he will become the only footballer ever to have scored in six consecutive Champions League matches.

Drogba's importance to Chelsea cannot be underestimated. His presence is felt not only on the pitch, where his physical dominance more often than not causes defenders real trouble, but also off the pitch. Drogba has the ability to fire up the Chelsea faithful with a single gesture and this charisma, something which Guus Hiddink recently spoke of, is as important as his goalscoring ability.

Bear in mind that I haven't yet mentioned Frank Lampard, who was unlucky not to have been recognised by the PFA Player of the Year shortlist this season, or Michael Essien, who many Chelsea fans regard as one of the best footballers in the world, and it seems clear that tonight's match is far from a foregone conclusion. Football betting on this one is likely to favour the Spanish side but rule out Chelsea at your peril.

Hiddink on the attack

2009-04-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

Guus Hiddink will instruct his Chelsea players to go for the jugular when they travel to Spain for a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final first-leg clash on Tuesday against warm football favourites Barcelona.

The Dutchman does not subscribe to the theory that Pep Guardiola's Primera Liga title-chasers are untouchable and is convinced they are vulnerable when put under pressure.

Hiddink's optimism should be admired given that such a huge emphasis has been placed on how Chelsea can even begin to shackle flying winger Lionel Messi in the absence of suspended first-choice left-back Ashley Cole.

Jose Bosingwa, the club's right-back who has only 58 minutes of first-team football behind him in the past five weeks, will switch flanks to put the brakes on the Argentina superstar, not that Hiddink is getting too wrapped up in delivering a blueprint for success.

The Russia coach says he has already played out Tuesday's showdown in his head and is adamant that Chelsea must not sit back and invite Barcelona on.

"It's not chess," he said. "With that, you have systems to attack or defend. Football is more complicated than that.

"We should not go there and drop back, wait and wait until the storm is coming.

"We must take what is in our team and do some harm as well. That is always our intention in big games. If we wait, we will have problems."

Chelsea have never beaten Barcelona at the Nou Camp in Europe's premier club competition but they have scored five goals on their last four visits and their last two trips there have resulted in draws.

If Hiddink watched Barca eke out a late 2-2 draw against Valencia on Saturday and witnessed how David Villa left Carlos Puyol in knots, then his plan to go on the offensive could reap dividends.

Ferguson driven by European dream

2009-04-27T03:46:00.000-07:00

The sun was still piercing through the crowds at Old Trafford long after Manchester United had completed a shock 5-2 comeback win against Tottenham when Sir Alex Ferguson turned his thoughts to the Champions League.

Europe's premier club competition remains the benchmark, according to the game's longest-serving manager, and the chance to lock horns again with Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger on Wednesday guarantees extra spice to an already intriguing semi-final two-legged tie. Cordial relations may have resumed between the pair but when Ferguson and Wenger come together there are usually fireworks.

Ferguson also enters into the unknown because United have never faced Premier League opposition in a two-legged match. He is also driven by a disappointment that United have not won the competition more than twice (1999, 2008) since the official inauguration of the tournament in 1992/93.

"It's not easy winning a European Cup. Christ, it took me 13 years to win one, then another nine to win it again," the United manager said. "We've had good teams throughout that time, but it's just not an easy thing to do. What I've always said, though, is that a club like Manchester United should have done better in European competitions."

Real Madrid are the most successful side overall in Europe with nine triumphs, followed by seven for AC Milan, five for bitter rivals Liverpool and four each for Bayern Munich and Ajax. United have triumphed in the competition three times overall but it irks Ferguson that they are not in that top bracket of past winners.

He added: "That's what's driving me at the moment. Winning in Moscow [against Chelsea in 2008] gave me more satisfaction than winning the title last year. I'm not saying we should be up there with Real Madrid – they won a lot of their titles before the rest of Europe was really focused – but there's no reason why a club like this shouldn't be in the next band. We've still got ground to make up on the likes of Ajax and Bayern Munich, as well as Milan and Liverpool."

Minnows should qualify for UEFA Cup for the good of English football

2009-04-24T04:56:00.001-07:00

It's all too easy to adopt an attitude of arrogance and snobbery when thinking about the prospect of a team such as West Ham or Fulham qualifying for next season's UEFA Cup competition. Traditionally unpredictable sides, both of which have extensive experience of flirting with relegation and the upper echelons of the mini-league that forms under the top four of English football, West Ham and Fulham are entering the final stages of the Premier League campaign optimistic of European qualification.

Perhaps the prospect of Fulham entertaining some of Europe's top football talent is one which embarasses some football pundits. The idea of Andy Johnson taking on some of the top defences in the world is one which many may laugh at. However, is it not more embarassing having to sit through the performances displayed by Aston Villa in the UEFA Cup this season, after manager, Martin O'Neill, decided that the competition was an unwanted distraction for his players who were desperate to qualify for the Champions League next year (a plan which has obviously backfired in hideous fashion for the talented manager and his current crop of youngsters).

There are several teams currently competing for a UEFA Cup spot, including Fulham, West Ham, Tottenham and, to a lesser extent, Manchester City. Wigan are also in with an outside chance but horrendous form would have to be shown by the sides sitting above them for Steve Bruce's men to qualify.

Tottenham fans will be desperate for their side to qualify, particularly since they started the Premier League campaign in such dire form. However, why is this? They surely know that the UEFA Cup won't be high on Harry Redknapp's priority list, something the manager himself was quick to point out earlier this week when he described the competition as a mere "distraction". Redknapp pointed out that "pride wants you to get there" but this admission has done little to detract from the feeling that the sides which are conventionally seen as UEFA Cup contenders don't actually care about the competition.

Compare this attitude to that of Roy Hodgson or Gianfranco Zola. Both managers know what their teams can achieve and recognise that their sides have the ambition to take on even the top sides in Europe. Zola has been a revelation since arriving at Upton Park and European qualification would be nothing short of what the football legend deserves.

Whilst the first team players currently at West Ham and Fulham may not have the wealth of experience that the players lining up week in, week out for Villa and Spurs do, this issue is beside the point, given that the managers of the latter two would probably have no intention of playing these individuals in the competition.

Fulham and West Ham may find competing in Europe a tough task and they may not progress very far. However, this is nothing for English football fans to be embarassed about. Watching an English team show ambition, hunger, and determination, rather than taking what should be regarded as an important European competition for granted, should fill us all with significantly more national pride.

So, this weekend, don't be surprised if West Ham show the grit and determination needed to overcome a tough Chelsea side revitalised under Guus Hiddink, and don't waste your next football bet backing Harry Redknapp's men to get something from Old Trafford. After all, there's really nothing for Spurs to play for, is there?

Lee intervenes in touchline saga

2009-04-22T02:09:00.000-07:00

It was curious that Rafael Benitez decided to shun the limelight just when the world was waiting for his latest retort in response to a stinging rebuke from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last Friday.

The feeding frenzy that has enveloped the warring managers has become as fascinating as the spat itself, so it came as something of a let down when assistant manager Sammy Lee stepped in to diffuse the situation ahead of Liverpool's Premier League game against Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday.

Ferguson chose his FA Cup semi-final press conference to let fly with a withering attack on his Anfield counterpart, branding him arrogant, lacking in humility and showing "absolute contempt" for Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce over a 'game over' touchline gesture the Spaniard made immediately after Fernando Torres' second goal during Liverpool's 4-0 drubbing of the Ewood Park club 10 days ago.

The Scot was unrepentant when he appeared before the press on Tuesday, adding "they [Liverpool] are hurt by it [Benitez's gesture]".

Lee attempted to draw a line under the matter when he argued: "It's not for us to talk about other football clubs. We very rarely do. We try to concentrate on what's going on here and let the game take its course."

Curiously, Lee, Allardyce's former assistant at Bolton, said his former Reebok Stadium colleague had not even raised the subject when the pair enjoyed a post-match drink on Merseyside.

Then, in a staunch defence of Benitez, added: "This is not Britain's Got Talent; you don't win anything for being popular, but our manager is not arrogant. He is astute, learned, educated and his attention to detail is fantastic. We are all a bit sensitive to criticism but he knows what he is doing, why he is doing it and who he is gesticulating at!"

It is safe to assume Benitez will return to face the cameras if he, and Liverpool, have the last laugh in a compelling Premier League title race.

Chelsea set for FA Cup Final clash with Everton

2009-04-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend's FA Cup semi-final action was criticised by football pundits for being largely uneventful and something of a let-down. However, Chelsea and Everton fans haven't been complaining after their sides knocked out Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

The managers in charge of the losing teams have, somewhat predictably, been quick to place the blame on the poor quality of the Wembley pitch, with Sir Alex Ferguson in particular blasting the on-field conditions.

However, for the two managers who will be proudly leading their sides out on to the Wembley pitch at the end of May, the quality of the surface was not a huge concern. Guus Hiddink managed to mastermind yet another important Chelsea victory and the Blues' fans were once again left ecstatic after their team fought back from a goal down to overcome the challenge posed by an Arsenal side left crippled by some questionable decisions from Arsene Wenger.

Wenger, for reasons best known to himself, decided to leave midfield ace Arshavin on the bench for the large part of the match. When the talented Russian star was introduced, he barely had time to adjust to the pace and tempo of the game.

Taking off Adebayor and Robin van Persie, both of whom had performed below the high standard expected of top Premier League players but still displayed touches of class the side needed to turn the game on its head, are decisions which the Arsenal boss may now regret. Quite why Wenger decided to bring on Bendtner, a player who consistently disappoints, is a mystery.

However, Arsene Wenger cannot take all the blame for a Chelsea victory which was ultimately well-deserved. Didier Drogba was a handful throughout the game and Mikael Silvestre simply couldn't cope with his physical presence and technical ability.

Lukasz Fabianski proved to be a poor replacement for Manuel Almunia in goal and Abou Diaby once again showed why most football fans (including ardent Arsenal followers) laugh in disbelief when the midfielder is compared to legend of the game, Patrick Vieira.

Combine this lack of quality from Arsenal with combative midfield displays from Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, who both made up for the relatively poor performance displayed by Michael Ballack, and the result was a Chelsea win that will fill them with confidence ahead of a clash against Everton in the FA Cup final.

David Moyes should be congratulated for the role he had to play in his team's victory over United. Moyes started the mind games early by making comments about the choice of match referee and it is likely that his comments were ringing in the ears of Mike Riley when he decided to turn down a relatively strong penalty claim for United during the match on Sunday.

Either way, Everton deserved to win and Manchester United, and in particular Ferguson, deserved to lose. Ferguson's team selection smacked of arrogance and contempt, two characteristics the United boss slammed Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez, for apparently possessing just last week.

Manchester United may be champions of England, Europe, and even the world, but taking the FA Cup for granted in the manner suggested by Sunday's team sheet is quite frankly unforgivable. To blame the team selection on the physical condition of the Wembley pitch, as Ferguson did after the match, is also laughable in the extreme.

So, Everton and Chelsea will meet at the end of May to battle it out in the quest to achieve glory in this famous cup competition. Chelsea are sure to be football favourites to win this one, but with David Moyes in charge of the opposition, Guus Hiddink will need to warn his men not to take anything for granted.

Ferguson and Allardyce round on Benitez

2009-04-20T02:01:00.000-07:00

Some might call it mischief-making, others a gamble, but few would argue Sir Alex Ferguson's tirade at Rafa Benitez on Friday has added extra spice to an-already fascinating Premier League title race and simmering tension between the two managers.

What was more intriguing was that Ferguson was not alone in expressing his indignation for the Liverpool manager. Sam Allardyce, whose Blackburn side were on the receiving end of a 4-0 hammering by Benitez's Liverpool last weekend, also waded in with accusations of "disrespectful" and "quite humiliating" behaviour by the Spaniard in front of a rival manager.

The pair were pointing to an open-arm gesture made by Benitez in reaction to Fernando Torres' 33rd-minute header, as if to suggest "that's it, game over, job done".

Allardyce was visibly upset at his press conference having studied the footage again – and Ferguson could not hold back when pressed on the subject, accusing Benitez of "arrogance" and showing "contempt".

First, he let rip at Benitez for his ill-advised barb that Everton, United's FA Cup semi-final opponents at Wembley on Sunday, are a "small club".

Ferguson said: "Everton are a big club, not a small one which Benitez arrogantly said. But arrogance is one thing."

Then, he added: "You cannot forgive contempt, which is what he showed Sam Allardyce last weekend.

"In my experience no Liverpool manager has ever done that. It was beyond the pale."

Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho have both tried, but few managers have quite managed to rattle Ferguson like Benitez has recently.

Their strained relationship dates back to Benitez's extraordinary presentation of "facts" about the United manager, who he has also described as "nervous", and the Spaniard has refused to back down while his team have maintained their impressive assault on the title race.

Ferguson has never needed a second invitation to defend his club and players, so it's a safe football bet that this latest outburst should ensure a compelling end to the season.

Who should win the PFA Player of the Year award?

2009-04-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

This week, the shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year was revealed and, in all honesty, it contained very few surprises. Manchester United dominate the list with defenders, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, keeping midfield legend Ryan Giggs company in a line-up which also boasts Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin van der Sar, and Steven Gerrard (the only non-United player to merit inclusion).

The shortlist may have provided shocking reading had the voting not occurred prior to the beginning of United's alarming dip in form, which saw Vidic turn from hero to zero within the space of one match and Edwin van der Sar put in some uncharactertistic performances that really made him look his age.

So, who deserves to win this award? Well, firstly, let's rule out Cristiano Ronaldo. It's fair to say that he has scored some important, and spectacular, goals this season (last night's screamer against FC Porto is a fine example) but his effort levels have been questioned this season and he has gone missing on the pitch far too often during United's Premier League campaign. It seems that his mind is elsewhere and the young star should perhaps spend more time pondering his team play than he seems to spend thinking about what hair gel to use.

Ryan Giggs hasn't suffered from such problems. As ever, the dedicated professional's work ethic has been exceptional. However, handing him the award at this stage in his career would smack of nostalgia (he has never won before) and this is something that football should avoid at all costs.

Edwin van der Sar has, on the whole, been magnificent between the sticks for the Red Devils but United's impressive run of clean sheets seen in the league earlier this season had a lot to do with the resilience of the back four. Rewarding van der Sar for this run of form may therefore be detracting from what was a fine spell for the defensive unit as a whole.

So, that leaves Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard. Ferdinand has had his moments of brilliance this season and he has truly led from the back. However, in my opinion, Steven Gerrard deserves the award. He has single-handedly dragged Liverpool through matches at times, as he has in many other seasons, and the club's rise to the pinnacle of the league has been largely thanks to his talent, work ethic, and leadership on the pitch.

He is one of those players who defenders really can't afford to lose track of at any point during a game. It took a monumental effort from Chelsea midfield star, Michael Essien, to keep him quiet during the Champions League match at Anfield and the fact that tactical genius, Guus Hiddink, believed the Liverpool captain was worth man-marking proves how valuable Gerrard is as a midfield force.

If Gerrard does win the award, it is likely that Ferguson will have some complaints to make but this shouldn't detract from the fact that Liverpool's influential captain deserves recognition for his talent.

Whilst we're discussing awards, my football prediction for the winner of the PFA young player of the year award is Manchester City's talented youngster, Stephen Ireland.

Carroll confident of Magpies safety

2009-04-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

For the large majority of Newcastle's clash against Stoke on Saturday, it seemed like the unbelievable was becoming more and more likely. Newcastle have been flirting with the relegation zone for most of the season but few have dared to believe until fairly recently that the club could start the next footballing year in the Championship.

The old 'too good to go down' saying is a dangerous one but most people took it for granted that the Magpies have enough class, history, and talent to compete with the best in the Premier League. However, the club's rapid decline has led some to believe that there is no hope left for Alan Shearer's men and a result against Stoke was desperately needed.

Newcastle didn't manage to grab the three points they needed to start to ease the fears of the anxious fans but one player, Andy Carroll, believes that the manner in which the team earned a draw late in the game could be just the thing to kick-start a much-needed revival.

The club has been criticised this season by fans and pundits alike for failing to keep faith with youngsters. The importance of young players cannot be underestimated in the Premier League. Everton and West Ham have relied heavily upon young blood this season and Manchester United would be languishing in third position in the Premier League if they didn't have the skills of a certain 17-year-old at their disposal.

Alan Shearer was keen to change this approach and so decided to put his faith in Carroll, a player who will be regarded as a hero alongside his manager if Newcastle do stay up this season.

The young player scored the equaliser for Newcastle and revealed after the match that the team "needed a break" and this break came in the form of his late goal. Carroll continued to state that the team is now confident that they can "get out of trouble" but the 20-year-old also recognises that the upcoming game against Spurs will be extremely tough.

The Premier League has been revitalised this season, with shocks and surprises coming at both ends of the table. Whilst Manchester United look to have sealed their position at the top of the league, nothing has yet been decided and football betting remains split as to who will be crowned champions and who will spend next season in the Championship.

Rare rebuke hits Ronaldo hard

2009-04-13T03:29:00.000-07:00

Public criticism of his own players is rare, so the warning from Sir Alex Ferguson to Cristiano Ronaldo that he should cut out the histrionics should be adhered to.

The Portugal international has played the victim's card too many times for his manager's liking this season and Ferguson has ordered his star winger to stop the regular shows of petulance and play-acting.

The former Sporting Lisbon star scored a remarkable 42 goals in all competitions last season as United collected the Premier League and Champions League double, but a perceived lack of commitment and tiresome speculation about his future with the world club champions has cast a long shadow over Ronaldo this campaign.

There was audible dissent from the Old Trafford faithful against Aston Villa and FC Porto when Ronaldo was at fault for giving the ball away in the lead-up to goals and made no effort to retrieve the situations.

Ferguson protects his players like Tuesday follows Monday, so this rare public rebuke would suggest Ronaldo is no longer untouchable.

"I don't accept that he will give goals away because of the player he is," said Ferguson. "I speak to him about it. I don't accept that from anyone. In European football, if you give the ball away it takes a long time to get it back."

Ronaldo's argument that he does not get enough protection from referees also does not wash when you consider it was only recently that he admitted he would expect the same rough-house treatment from defenders in another league.

The 24-year-old will return to his homeland on Wednesday when United look to become the first English side to win at the Estadio do Dragao and keep alive their hopes of retaining their European crown. Football betting is currently split as to whether United will achieve their goal.

Ferguson does not subscribe to Ronaldo's theory that he gets kicked more than most and has warned the World Player of the Year he must stop challenging match officials.

"It's just a frustration that he feels he doesn't get the decision and he gets upset about it," added Ferguson. "I think, obviously, he doesn't enjoy that and he knows he's letting himself down more than anything. He holds his hands up. I have had to remind him about that but I'm not getting into what has been said."

Chelsea seal shock win at Anfield

2009-04-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

Liverpool's recent run of form, which has seen them overcome opponents including Real Madrid and Manchester United with ease, gave Chelsea fans reason to worry before kick-off at Anfield this week in what was a crucial match for the London side hoping to banish the Champions League disappointment of last year by progressing to the semi-finals of the competition.

Only a few minutes into the match, it seemed that Chelsea's worst nightmares were going to come true, when Liverpool went ahead. However, far from any kind of nightmarish situation becoming a reality, the wildest dreams of even the most hardcore Chelsea fan could not have come close to matching the 3-1 score line which was recorded after ninety minutes.

Liverpool now have it all to do when the two teams meet at Stamford Bridge next week and, despite the team's fans doing all they can to conjure up memories of Istanbul and the miracle comeback that saw them clinch the Champions League after most people had written off their chances, Chelsea fans must be feeling quietly confident that they can progress to the semi-final without exerting too much effort.

The boys in blue were tremendous on Wednesday night and their performance was one of their best for many months. The team performance was a far cry from the lacklustre displays shown under previous boss, Scolari. Hiddink has revitalised the team and individual displays of brilliance were accompanied by a fine tactical overview from the boss.

Michael Essien in particular did a fine job keeping Steven Gerrard quiet. Prior to kick-off, many pundits had billed the match as a clash between midfield stars, Gerrard and Frank Lampard. However, Lampard's play was full of uncharacteristic mistakes and the Liverpool captain was strangely subdued.

For Chelsea, it was Essien and new star, Ivanovic, who ran the show, whilst Drogba was a constant threat in attack. If Drogba had been wearing his shooting boots, he could have hit the back of the net three or four times.

It seems likely that Barcelona will await Chelsea in the next round after their humiliation of Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. The Spanish side is on fire at the moment, with Lionel Messi in particular in scintillating form.

For this reason, Chelsea's hopes of claiming a much-desired Champions League title have been all but written off by many sectors of the sports media. However, with Hiddink in charge and the team willing to put in the hard graft needed to succeed, don't be too quick to place your football bet going against them.

Midfield stars could decide Champions League clash

2009-04-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night, Chelsea will travel to Anfield to meet Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. The two teams have had significant impacts upon each other's fate in this competition over recent seasons and this year is set to be no different.

Clashes over recent years have been tight and, although Chelsea emerged victorious last year, football betting on this tie is likely to be split.

Two players who could prove decisive are England stars Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Both players have been instrumental to the success of their sides this season and the individual who manages to emerge victorious in this midfield battle could subsequently lead his side to glory.

John Terry has increased the hype surrounding the Liverpool captain this week, revealing his sense of dread at coming up against the in-form midfielder. Terry, who has recently been reminded of Gerrard's talent after meeting up with him on international duty, stated that he is "one of the best players in the world" and is in frightening form for his club.

The Chelsea captain did not stop there in his praise for Liverpool. He spoke of the quality that is running throughout the side and was particularly keen to praise the "spine" of the team, which Terry believes is composed of Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, and Fernando Torres.

However, as always, the Chelsea defender was quick to point out the quality inherent within his own side. By comparing Steven Gerrard to Frank Lampard, Terry gave the Chelsea midfielder a public backing which will boost his confidence ahead of the vital Anfield tie.

A further boost to Lampard's ego will undoubtedly arrive after he hears about Guus Hiddink's latest comments. The Chelsea boss stated after the Newcastle match that Lampard, who is apparently a "terrific character", has the talent to stop Liverpool in their tracks. The midfielder is a "box to box player and times his runs so well".

Hiddink revealed that he knew about Lampard before he arrived at Stamford Bridge but, since his arrival, his "respect has grown even more". The midfielder was instrumental in helping Chelsea to banish the woes of their recent Spurs defeat by winning at St James' Park and the manager was keen to point out how "incredible" his recent performances have been.

With Manchester United still firm favourites to retain their Premier League crown, fans of both Liverpool and Chelsea will be hoping that their respective midfield stars can provide them with the boost they need to progress to the semi-final stage of the Champions League.

Late show seals day of drama

2009-04-06T03:24:00.000-07:00

"Never feel sorry for an opponent until you are shaking his hand," said one Manchester United supporter in the aftermath of Sunday's five-goal thriller which saw Sir Alex Ferguson's side retain pole position from Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

Old Trafford and drama make for easy bedfellows but not even 17-year-old substitute and debutant Federico Macheda could have imagined in his wildest dreams ending a week in which he scored a hat-trick for the reserves by coming off the bench to grab a potentially decisive late winner against Aston Villa in what proved to be a see-saw encounter.

United looked on their way when Cristiano Ronaldo smashed in an early free-kick following an unfortunate James Milner backpass which Brad Friedel handled, but the manner in which Villa responded, courtesy of a John Carew equaliser and Gabriel Agbonlahor follow-up, suggested the jitters had come back to haunt the world club champions.

Ronaldo came to the rescue with a low drive in the 80th minute to bring the home side on level terms – only for Ferguson's gamble to pay dividends when Macheda sent a sublime curling effort past the helpless Friedel in the second minute of stoppage time.

Villa were crestfallen and on another day they could have inflicted a third successive defeat on United, who were missing Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand, but Ferguson's sides down the years have proved time and again they usually go to the wire.

"Winning is the name of the game at this club," said Ferguson. "Risks are part of football and this club has been that way for a long time."

Liverpool supporters' chants of "We're going to win the league" in response to their side's late win at Fulham on Saturday could prove a tad premature.

Wayne's world requires reality check

2009-04-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

Haunting memories of a het-up, almost psychotic, Paul Gascoigne launching into a suicidal and illogical challenge at the midriff of Gary Charles in the 1991 FA Cup final between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest resurfaced on Wednesday when England met Ukraine in a 2010 World Cup qualifier.

Wayne Rooney, England's best player on the night, mirrored Gazza's career-defining moment of madness with an equally late and cynical tackle on Oleksandr Aliyev.

How and why the Manchester United firebrand was spared an early bath would make for a good episode of 'The X Files'.

Part of the problem is that Rooney, no longer a boy at 23, is publicly wrapped in cotton wool by his club manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, whose argument that his aggression is arguably his best attribute is as predictable as it is nonsensical.

What Ferguson says to Rooney in private is of course a different matter, although eight yellow cards and one red – against Fulham for a show of playground petulance – in all competitions already this season would suggest it goes in one ear and out of the other.

He was lucky to escape unpunished against Aalborg in the Champions League for two poor challenges and backed up his assertion that he "hates" Liverpool with arguably his worst game in United colours in the 4-1 drubbing by Rafa Benitez's men recently.

Paul Parker, who played for United for six years and won 19 England caps, playing in the 1990 World Cup semi-final against Germany, hit the nail on the head when he said: "It frustrates me to hear his team-mates and even his manager say that that is the way he is and that you cannot take away his passion or try to change him. If you've got a wayward child, you shouldn't just accept it. You have to try to get them to control themselves and relax."

The fact that even Fabio Capello sought to justify Rooney's challenge was even more surprising when the harsh truth is that if he does not learn to tame the red mist he risks becoming an accident waiting to happen in tournament football.

Rangers right to take strong action against disgraced players

2009-04-03T05:11:00.000-07:00

Rangers have moved quickly and decisively to strip Barry Ferguson of his captaincy and drop goalkeeper Allan McGregor after the pair's dismal behaviour whilst on international duty this week. The manager of Rangers, Walter Smith, revealed that such firm action had been taken not solely as a result of the players' initial breach of conduct (which saw them indulge in a late night drinking session) but as a result of their actions during Wednesday night's clash against Iceland.

The controversy began when it became clear that the Scottish pair had stayed up late drinking after the defeat at the hands of the Netherlands last weekend. The manager of the national team, George Burley, quite rightly decided to drop the pair to the bench for the subsequent match against Iceland.

However, rather than appearing ashamed or sorry for their behaviour, the players brought more trouble upon themselves by sitting on the bench making V-signs with their fingers. They have both been suspended for two weeks after being sent home from training earlier today and this latest controversy has put their long-term futures at the club into doubt.

This latest story is the last thing that football, as a sport, needs at the moment. High-profile footballers seem to be doing all they can to sour the reputation of the game, often appearing like pampered, spoilt little kids who think they can take the ridiculous amount of money being paid to them for granted.

Rangers are right to have taken action against the players for events which occurred whilst on international duty. Not many people in the UK, especially at the moment, believe that footballers are worthy of the wages they receive and we expect professional players to at least try to justify such financial excess by staying away from the booze and late night frolics whilst playing for their country.

Furthermore, we expect them to know that they are not above the law. If the manager drops them, they need to do all they can to prove themselves again, both on and off the pitch. The last thing they should be doing is sitting on the bench behaving like 5-year-olds.

The president of the SFA may decide to launch an investigation into the events and further Scotland players may yet become involved in this unfortunate saga. For now, Rangers must hope that new captain, David Weir, will be able to guide the club successfully for the remainder of the season but don't waste your next football bet by predicting that this kind of situation won't happen again in the near future.

Lampard still believes Shevchenko to be a footballing threat

2009-03-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

This week, England fans have been listening to lengthy comments made by Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard, about footballing issues surrounding the national team at the moment. His comments focused upon two strikers who, in the not too distant past, were stars for their respective clubs and countries.

The prospect of each player's national side competing in a must-win game without their involvement was once simply unthinkable. However, over the last few years, both strikers have faded into the background and now face uphill battles to recover the kind of form that made them fan favourites in the first place.

Lampard was quick to defend both players, namely Michael Owen and Andriy Shevchenko. His defence of Michael Owen may be backed by some football pundits. After all, he has been plagued by injuries for some time now but has still managed to put in some good performances for Newcastle, a team which has been performing well below-par since the striker joined them.

Hopes remain that Fabio Capello will give Owen another chance, as long as he stays injury-free and starts banging in the goals on a regular basis for Newcastle. However, Lampard's defence of his ex-team mate, Shevchenko, appears misled and wildly optimistic.

England's defenders will come up against the striker on Wednesday as the national team meets Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

The likelihood is that John Terry and co. will not be suffering any sleepless nights from thinking about this prospect. However, Lampard disagrees with this, stating that he is "obviously a fantastic player", who is going to be a "huge threat" during the game. Lampard was also keen to discuss the striker's ability to "produce something out of the blue".

His belief that Shevchenko will want to prove himself during the match on Wednesday is the only part of his speech that is in any way believable. Of course a striker who has suffered such a miserable few years as Shevchenko will be desperate to prove his doubters (of which there are many) wrong.

In football, statistics do not always tell the whole truth but, in Shevchenko's case, they really do. He has scored just ten club goals during the last three years and became a figure of ridicule during his stay at Chelsea.

It was thought that his move back to AC Milan could signal the start of the player's return to form but Shevchenko now spends most of his time warming the bench, making cameo appearances in domestic cup matches.

Indeed, since he returned to the club where he was once a true hero, he has scored just one goal. The fans have been left feeling confused and let down by a player who once embodied the spirit of their club.

Lampard may be trying to support an old friend but his comments simply do not ring true with reality. The likelihood is that Wednesday will present further evidence of the rapid decline of a player who was handed the Ballon D'Or just five years ago.

Capello casts shadow over Owen

2009-03-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello has dropped his strongest hint yet that Michael Owen's England career is at an end.

The notoriously unsympathetic Italian underlined the widespread theory that he does not possess one nostalgic bone in his considerable frame when he promoted Darren Bent in place of the injured Emile Heskey ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

The move marks a significant death knell in the international career of England's fourth highest goalscorer.

Owen's career has been beset by a string of demoralising injury lay-offs and he only returned recently from ankle ligament trouble to start Newcastle's draw with Hull - only to be dropped for the subsequent game against Arsenal.

The luckless 29-year-old has 40 goals from 89 caps and is just nine short of Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time record of 49.

Capello's preference towards a more physical lone presence and Owen’s time on the treatment table has made for an uneasy relationship. Capello has given Owen just one cap during his reign so far, as a substitute in the friendly defeat to France in Paris 12 months ago, and has also overlooked the former Liverpool and Real Madrid goal-getter when match-fit.

However, given that Carlton Cole has also pulled out of England's vital World Cup qualifier against Ukraine because of a groin strain, this latest snub smacks of a blatant disregard for Owen as an international force.

"I have to choose players to play against the Ukraine, not against history," Capello warned. He added: "I have chosen the best players who are in good form at the moment.

"It is impossible to choose someone who has only played for 20 minutes. Why didn't he play the last game?"

Capello concerned by England discipline problems

2009-03-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

England manager, Fabio Capello, seems to be growing increasingly concerned about the discipline problems creeping into the national side ahead of the match against Slovakia this weekend. The England boss has made it clear since his arrival on the national scene that he will not tolerate any kind of bad behaviour from his current crop of players, many of whom seem to encounter trouble around every corner.

Indeed, Wayne Rooney ran into trouble last weekend when he expressed his anger at encountering an innocent corner flag at Fulham. The 23-year-old striker punched the flag as mounting frustration became too much for the Manchester United star to handle.

Rooney was sent off after throwing the ball in an aggressive manner towards match referee, Phil Dowd, and Fabio Capello has made it explicitly clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Capello has branded the England striker a "crazy man" for acting in such a manner and was quick to question what the player thought he was doing by "punching the corner flag". Rooney's temper has long been a point of debate among football pundits, with some individuals believing it is a vital element of his game.

However, prior to the match against Fulham, the striker had been booked just six times in the Premier League since the start of the campaign and his game has not seemed to suffer.

The decision by Capello to speak out about disciplinary issues such as this one is positive for the national team. Whilst it may be embarassing for Rooney in the short-term, it is far better that problems are confronted head-on.

It is difficult to imagine Steve McClaren adopting such a firm approach and Fabio Capello has worked hard to distance himself from the lax and laddish culture of banter which the ex-England boss seemed to encourage.

Capello, unlike McClaren, does not care about being friends with his players. England have many talented players at their disposal but many of them also have disciplinary issues. Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard have both hit the headlines recently after reported incidents off the pitch and the new England boss has made it clear that this will not be tolerated on any level.

Wayne Rooney will no doubt be angry at himself for his actions, which have cost him a place in the Manchester United squad facing Aston Villa in what could now be a key clash for the Champions. However, it is vital that he puts this disappointment firmly behind him as England prepare to assert their dominance at the top of their World Cup qualifying group next Wednesday when they come up against Ukraine.

Fulham collapse has Ferguson in a fluster

2009-03-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson won few new friends with his misguided attack on referee Phil Dowd on the back of a disastrous afternoon for Manchester United on the banks of the Thames on Saturday.

The experienced Scot is the master at finding diversions in the face of adversity but his assertion that Wayne Rooney should not have been sent for an early bath for throwing the ball in a show of petulance is papering over the cracks.

Ferguson told the official club station MUTV: "Did he (Rooney) throw the ball at the referee? The ball was thrown direct to where the free-kick was being taken - did it hit the referee? No.

"He threw it because he wanted to get the game going. What can you say about that?"

Dowd had no option but to show the luckless Paul Scholes a straight red in the 17th minute when he prevented a certain goal with his hand, but to focus on the match official would be hiding from the truth that the wheels are in danger of coming off for the Premier League leaders.

Cristiano Ronaldo might also have joined his two team-mates on the coach early had Dowd not spared the off-colour Portugal international in the face of a sustained show of histrionics.

A 2-0 defeat against an inspired Fulham, on the back of last week's 4-1 home reverse against Liverpool, means the world club champions suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time in 147 games.

Liverpool's 5-0 mauling of Aston Villa on Sunday has also seen Rafa Benitez's rejuvenated side trim United's lead to just one point, although the Old Trafford club does still have a game in hand.

Ferguson also talked about his team, a few weeks back trumpeted as his best ever, "meeting the challenge" of a tight title race, although the impending break for internationals will hardly improve his efforts to galvanise a squad in danger of an end-of-season collapse.

Hodgson wins war of words over master of mind games

2009-03-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

It's official: Liverpool are well and truly back in the Premier League title race. They produced a magnificent performance yesterday to thrash Aston Villa at Anfield, in a match which severely dented the visiting team's fading hopes of securing a Champions League position.

Benitez was understandably keen for his team to send out a message of intent after Manchester United slipped up at the hands of Fulham on Saturday and the team did just that, running rampant for 90 minutes.

Liverpool certainly have their own players to thank for their unexpected return to the title race. They also have their manager to thank, who has shown his value to Liverpool during the last two weeks. However, Liverpool fans, who are once again becoming excited about the prospect of ending Manchester United's dreams of securing yet another Premier League title, also have another man to thank: Roy Hodgson.

Before the clash between Fulham and Manchester United on Saturday, the Fulham boss had some interesting words to say. The manager mirrored the opinion of most people, even those who wanted nothing more than to see United slip up in London, when he stated that "we'll work very hard, but the Liverpools and the Chelseas who are chasing Manchester United can't really expect that much of Fulham and think we'll beat Manchester United for them."

These words brought the usual criticism from many football pundits, who criticised the Fulham manager for being pessimistic and forcing a losing mentality into the minds of his players before they even entered the field of play. However, after seeing his team beat the champions of England, Europe, and indeed the world, Roy Hodgson may be laughing at those who thought he was admitting defeat before the match had been played.

It is actually possible that Hodgson deliberately picked his words to have an impact upon the psychology of the United team. Sir Alex Ferguson is a master at this art and loves nothing better than indulging in a war of words. By playing down his team's chances of picking up even a point against Manchester United, Hodgson encouraged complacency and arrogance to creep into the play of the opposite team's players.

The statement also gave his players a defiant mentality. The Fulham players evidently felt that they had a point to prove, whilst also playing with the weight of expectation firmly lifted from their shoulders. Nobody expected them to draw against United, let alone win, and the few optimistic fans who did harbour hopes let them slip after the Fulham manager apparently made it clear that the team was doomed to fail.

The players were therefore free to play the game they love without needing to worry that defeat would let people down (or indeed, lead to involvement in the relegation battle which has consumed so many sides this season and for this, the Fulham boss must also be praised).

It's a risky tactic to employ, and one which backfired on Hodgson earlier in the season when they came up against United. However, it is also a brave one and the Fulham boss deserves all the recognition and plaudits he gets after Saturday's victory.

Road to Rome looks rosy

2009-03-23T02:50:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was understandably delighted with Friday's draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The road to Rome sees the current holders face 2004 winners Porto in the last eight of Europe's elite club competition ahead of a last-four meeting against the winners of the Arsenal-Villarreal clash.

It means Ferguson's side have avoided English opposition and the giant banana skin that is Barcelona, while dark horses Bayern Munich have also been given an almighty swerve.

Jesualdo Ferreira's men won't cause Ferguson too many sleepless nights – the Portuguese giants have not reached the quarter-finals of the competition since they won the trophy five years ago under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho.

The experienced Scot was quick to dismiss any suggestion of an easy ride, but United should have the resources to prevent the embarrassment of an early exit.

United will also have to shackle Argentina forward and principal threat Lisandro López, who has scored six goals in eight appearances this season.

"This is a good draw for us," Ferguson told the official club website.

"You sometimes wonder if being at home first is a good or a bad thing but I think in this modern-day competition there's no indication of what is better.

"The only thing you hope is that you don't lose a goal in the home tie."

The first leg will take place at Old Trafford on Tuesday April 7, with the second leg in Portugal on Wednesday April 15.

Middlesbrough hope Stoke home form will falter

2009-03-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

The majority of the football previews doing the rounds on the web have been concerned with those teams at the top of the Premier League battling it out in what still, despite Manchester United's humbling at the hands of Liverpool last weekend, seems to be a foregone conclusion.

Manchester United will be hoping to recapture their form when they come up against a Fulham team which has emerged as resolute and defiant during several key matches this season, whilst Chelsea will no doubt be worrying about meeting a Spurs team which has managed to shed its old fear of playing the Blues.

However, one of the real clashes of the weekend, which may not provide neutral spectators with much to be excited about but which will no doubt provide ardent fans with more than enough nail-biting moments during the course of 90 minutes, will be played out at Stoke.

Tony Pulis' side will be up against a Middlesbrough team competing without Matthew Bates after the midfielder was sent off against Portsmouth, whilst Pogatetz and Aliadiere are sweating on fitness problems, causing Gareth Southgate unneeded anxiety.

Stoke are currently sitting two points above Middlesbrough in the relegation zone and both sides have a similar goal difference. The fact remains that even if Middlesbrough manage to record a win against Stoke, they still face a tough test in escaping the drop into the Championship.

Gareth Southgate, who has been questioned by many football pundits this season, has been quick to thank the club's chief executive, Keith Lamb, for remaining resolute in his support. The Middlesbrough board has displayed a patience and loyalty that some believe will prove detrimental to the long-term success of the club but the manager disagrees with this opinion.

The young manager revealed that having "internal backing" is essential and having such a strong support system allows him to perform his job adequately. Southgate believes that his job is to keep the team in the Premier League and the manager is "not thinking about the scenario of falling".

Stoke will do their best this weekend to make sure that the pressure on Gareth Southgate's shoulders remains. Unfortunately for Middlesbrough, Stoke's home form has been impressive and the players are relying upon their winning home habit to keep them up.

Fulham fear wounded animal

2009-03-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

If silence speaks volumes then the noise from Old Trafford since Saturday's humiliation by fiercest rivals Liverpool has been deafening.

All eyes will be on Craven Cottage this weekend when Manchester United attempt to respond to their 4-1 drubbing by Rafa Benitez's rejuvenated side against Fulham and prove they have the mental strength to defy those who have predicted an end-of-season wobble.

Sir Alex Ferguson provided some insight into the psyche of his shell-shocked players when he demanded that they deliver on the club ethos of triumphing in the face of adversity and Roy Hodgson will be wary of a wounded animal when the Premier League leaders arrive in west London.

Ferguson himself has never thrown the towel in and the battle-hardened Scot has said he expects his players to fight their corner and meet the challenge of a race to the winning post head on.

"You only relish it if you end up winning," he told Inside United. "You're prepared to go through the agony as long as you end up on top."

"It can be edgy, but you have to accept the challenge. Being there is the greatest thing and that is what we are all striving for."

United have been embarrassed before, of course, but the manner of their humbling against their biggest domestic rivals on home soil will have hurt Ferguson.

The experienced Old Trafford boss knows the chasing pack are ready to pounce, although historically he has usually had the last laugh.

With 10 games to go in the Premier League, including awkward home games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal, United remain in the box seat because of their four-point advantage and fixture in hand.

The smiles could disappear, however, if the world club champions have not finished licking their wounds come Saturday.

Villa fans should hang their heads in shame

2009-03-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

There's no denying that Aston Villa fans have reason to complain at the moment. After looking like they were perfectly at home occupying a Champions League spot several weeks ago, Martin O'Neill's team has allowed an Arsenal side growing in confidence to steal fourth position.

However, no matter how angry Villa fans are at the situation, there is no excuse which can even begin to justify the behaviour which was on show at the weekend. Sections of the Aston Villa crowd vocally criticised Gabriel Agbonlahor, the young star who has flourished under the leadership of O'Neill this season.

The player was substituted in the second half of the match against Tottenham, which Villa eventually lost 2-1, and this tactical move from the manager was greeted with cheers and ironic chants. Agbonlahor has since insisted that this does not bother him, revealing that he has become accustomed to such treatment and stating that he cares little for what others think about his game.

However, Martin O'Neill has been strong in his criticism of the fans who decided to boo the player, stating that "Gabby's been fantastic" for the club and booing such a player is not the right way to act in the slightest.

Agbonlahor may not have been in the goals recently and the team may have been stuttering where before they were running riot, but nobody can doubt the effort put in by the young star. His early to mid-season form was a key factor in propelling the side up the table and Aston Villa fans are displaying an extremely unattractive and fickle side of themselves by behaving in such a manner.

The fact is that Aston Villa could string together a couple of good results from this point, Agbonlahor could bag a couple of goals, Arsenal could slip up in a manner which has become characteristic this season, and Villa could find themselves heading towards elite European competition once again.

If this happens, Agbonlahor will no doubt be worshipped by the fans in the terraces but Villa fans must be careful. Players do not easily forget the way they are treated by their fans, particularly if there is no good reason lying behind their criticism. If the club isn't careful, stars such as Agbonlahor may decide to look for a team with fans which do not boo their precious young talent for no apparent reason.

Ferguson's warning proves prophetic

2009-03-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson told his players to expect a kick up the backside but not even he could have forecast a 4-1 humiliation and potentially pivotal defeat by fiercest rivals Liverpool on Saturday.

The Merseysiders backed up their hammering of Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday by inflicting United's biggest home reverse since 1992 to breathe new life into their Premier League title challenge.

The wise money remains on Ferguson's side to secure their third successive crown but with tricky home games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal still to negotiate, Rafa Benitez's men have ensured a fight to the winning post.

Ferguson did himself no favours when he went against 75,569 people inside Old Trafford to reflect with a vaguely spiteful and blind assertion that United "were the better team" but it is difficult to see any clarity to his argument.

The nature of this shock result was made all the more remarkable given that Cristiano Ronaldo had put the home side ahead from the penalty spot after Pepe Reina had sent Park Ji-Sung tumbling.

Liverpool's riposte, however, was swift and savage.

Yet for all their attacking verve and intent, United had a hand in their own downfall courtesy of some calamitous and uncharacteristically bad defending.

Nemanja Vidic endured his worst day in United colours and inexplicably allowed a routine long ball to bounce for Fernando Torres to pounce for the equaliser, before Patrice Evra brought down Steven Gerrard for the Liverpool skipper to put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot.

Vidic suffered his second red card against Liverpool this season when he hauled down Gerrard and was still making his way down the tunnel when Fabio Aurelio curled home the visitors' third - only for Andrea Dossena to make the scoreline more emphatic with an exquisite lob.

For Liverpool it was the perfect end to a day which could yet come back to haunt Ferguson.

Chelsea's Hiddink revival rolls on

2009-03-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Chelsea's winning run under new manager, Guus Hiddink, came to a dramatic end this week when the team failed to secure victory for the first time since the Dutchman arrived at Stamford Bridge. The end of a winning run is usually cause for sadness and regret but fans of the Blues were left feeling ecstatic after their team drew against Juventus in Turin.

The draw sent Chelsea through to the quarter-final stages of the Champions League. Chelsea have a good record in European competition but the performances of the team under old boss, Scolari, meant that fans could not take Champions League progression for granted.

The Chelsea players have been performing with a new-found confidence and battling attitude since the arrival of Hiddink and the team will be hoping to continue their determined Premier League assault when they take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Chelsea will obviously start the match as firm favourites but fans of the club are not taking anything for granted, particularly since the arrival of Manchester City at Stamford Bridge will signal the return of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Wayne Bridge. Both players became favourites with the fans during their stay at the club and, although they should receive a warm welcome, Chelsea will be hoping that their efforts can be quashed by a resilient team display.

Meanwhile, several of Chelsea's top stars have spoken out this week about their desire for Guus Hiddink, who is currently only staying at the club until the end of this season, to remain at the club for a longer period of time.

Both Michael Ballack and Petr Cech believe that the new manager has revitalised the club and the recent performances of players including Didier Drogba support these claims. Ballack revealed that he would "love" Hiddink to stay "for three years", whilst the goalkeeper for the Blues spoke of his coaching qualities.

It remains to be seen whether or not Hiddink will stay beyond the close of the season but the fans will hope that the team's surge of confidence continues for the foreseeable future, regardless of who is in charge.

Real start war of words prior to Liverpool clash

2009-03-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

Fabio Cannavaro has started an intriguing war of words that is likely to continue until he comes up against a determined Liverpool side in the Champions League on Tuesday night. This clash, which sees Liverpool holding the advantage of a vital away goal, didn't really need any building up in order for football fans across the country to look forward to it with excitement, but the Real defender has decided to provide some controversy regardless of this fact.

Cannavaro has stated that Liverpool didn't try to "win the game" at the Bernabeu and, as if that little dig wasn't enough, the defender continued to slate the tactics employed by Benitez, who has been praised throughout his time at the club for masterminding successful European campaigns. The Real Madrid defender belittled Liverpool's long ball tactics and revealed his belief that "they will do the same at Anfield".

Interestingly, Cannavaro's words also revealed one of Real Madrid's downfalls, which could plague them on Tuesday night when the team is sure to face opposition from the passionate Liverpool fans urging their team towards victory. Cannavaro revealed that the team must not "rely on Arjen Robben or Marcelo or Wesley Sneijder". The simple truth remains that Real's defensive vulnerability has proved costly for years and, whilst they may put on a scintillating attacking show, mistakes at the back have proved decisive in far too many key matches.

Furthermore, despite Cannavaro's protestations, the team has been reliant upon individual talent this season. Arjen Robben has been in fantastic form for the club, showing an attacking prowess that has made Chelsea fans regret his untimely departure from the club. The fact is that Benitez will be aware of this and Cannavaro is right: Liverpool "are a very organised and solid team and they know exactly how to play".

Starting a war of words against a manager who has proved himself at European level is dangerous and questioning his tactics is downright foolish. Cannavaro and his Real teammates should be hoping that the defender's comments do not backfire and bring an end to the Spanish team's European dreams.

Ferguson predicts battle of minds

2009-03-09T01:32:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players they may have to go the distance against Internazionale when the two sides meet again in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The great rivals square off in what promises to be an epic and Ferguson has thrown a spanner in the works by predicting that old adversary Jose Mourinho will instruct his Serie A powerhouses to try and take the game to penalties.

The Portuguese coach tried to second guess Ferguson before the first leg at the San Siro by suggesting United would not be willing to meet Inter "eye to eye". His forecast could not have been any more removed from the truth as Mourinho's men spent the first half chasing shadows.

Now, Ferguson has attempted to draw first blood by implying that the Italians will look to stifle the contest.

"Could he really have believed that we wouldn't attack at the San Siro?" Ferguson said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. "Well, I'll tell you that at Old Trafford Inter will play for penalties. There is always that Italian mentality. Even with Argentinians and other foreigners, that remains the idea."

"They will look to suffocate the game and aim for 120 minutes of goalless football. But I'm not worried about anything. My players have shown they have what it takes when it comes to penalties. I hope it continues like that."

Inter warmed up for the second leg by beating Genoa 2-0 on Saturday to maintain their seven-point lead at the top of Serie A, while United breezed past Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage to set up an FA Cup semi-final clash against Everton.

Only a cigarette paper separates these two sides and it is true that football at this level is often decided by fractions.

Fergsuon, however, has fanned the flames by revealing it could come down to which team copes best with the intensity of the occasion.

He said: "We controlled them well in Milan – Inter only had a couple of half-chances in the second half. My players played with an incredible level of concentration. They have to do the same in the return leg."

Inter will be without injured defenders Marco Materazzi and Nicolas Burdisso when hostilities resume.

Rio Ferdinand left west London on Saturday wearing a protective boot on his right foot and is United's only injury concern.

Heroic Foster performance tinged with sadness

2009-03-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

There can be little doubt as to who most sports pundits believe the star of the Carling Cup final was this year. As Ben Foster was standing between the sticks staring out at the Wembley pitch whilst the referee was preparing to start the match, he may have been praying for a performance which would see him go largely unnoticed.

Conversely, he may have been wishing for a few chances to prove himself as a talented young goalkeeper capable of playing regularly at the top level. Ultimately, even if the thoughts that were running through his mind as the players were preparing to start the battle for glory and silverware were ambitious and approaching the level of fantasy, they probably still wouldn't have matched the reality of what followed.

Ben Foster has been hailed as something of a hero since the Carling Cup final, in which an accomplished and professional performance was enhanced by a heroic display in the penalty shoot-out. The young goalkeeper may have been helped by an iPod and the apparent inability of certain Spurs players to take an accurate or powerful penalty but the vital component which should really be credited is Foster's natural talent.

The truth is that certain sports writers have been keen to place such emphasis upon the influence of the iPod to hide the fact that they have never really paid much attention to Foster's talent. As a result, it is easier for them to comprehend such a strong performance resulting from a small gadget than it is for them to comtemplate it arising from natural ability.

The sad news is that this ability will remain largely hidden whilst the player stays at Manchester United. Van der Sar, with the exception of his recent howler against Newcastle, remains the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. It is difficult to see how Foster will be able to break into the first team and establish himself whilst Van der Sar remains injury-free.

This is bad news for England fans because Ben Foster may just be the best goalkeeping prospect we have for the next World Cup. David James puts in some majestic performances in a Portsmouth shirt but he also puts in some performances which make us question whether he has a split personality.

The problem is that we can't fully assess whether or not Ben Foster can adequately master the consistency which David James famously lacks unless he is playing week in, week out in important games.

He could go out on loan but this wouldn't test his talent or ability to cope well under pressure vigorously enough to persuade Fabio Capello to place his trust in him. Foster needs to be experiencing the likes of the San Siro on a regular basis but, unfortunately for fans of English football, this doesn't look like happening anytime soon.

Jose lurks behind Fulham trip

2009-03-06T00:50:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has always been one to strictly adhere to the tired old football maxim of taking one game at a time.

But the mouth-watering visit of Internazionale and the return of Jose Mourinho next Wednesday in the Champions League may have some bearing on his team selection for the FA Cup quarter-final clash at Fulham on Saturday.

Darron Gibson is expected to be given another chance to enhance his credentials as a vital future cog in the Old Trafford engine room, while Carling Cup man of the match Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak will again compete for Edwin van der Sar's shirt if the veteran is denied an appearance against his old club.

Cristiano Ronaldo may be taken out of the firing line at the end of a turbulent week in which he was wrongly booked for diving on Sunday against Tottenham before being almost put into Row Z by the over-zealous Steven Taylor at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Ferguson has since complained that his star winger is fair game for referees and there is a suggestion that the Portugal international will be removed from the spotlight at Craven Cottage so that his batteries are recharged for the resumption of Europe's prestigious club competition.

Ferguson has led Manchester United to a record five FA Cup wins and he will not entertain the idea that this is a fixture he would rather do without, but privately he will be yearning to bring a halt to a disappointing head-to-head record with Mourinho which has brought him just one win in 13 meetings - and his starting line-up against Roy Hodgson's men may reflect that.

The wily Scot has already promised his new best friend and, according to reports, potential future successor a bottle of vintage red wine to share at Old Trafford next week.

Ferguson will be hoping there is no sour after-taste if the holders are sent packing.

No high fives from Ferguson

2009-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

No other manager has arguably mastered the art of bursting a bubble quite as effectively as Sir Alex Ferguson.

So we assume he is well placed to predict it will be a tough ask for Manchester United to win an unprecedented five trophies this season.

The wily Scot made his assertion after United lifted their second major piece of silverware of the season following a dramatic penalty shoot-out to finally overcome Tottenham at Wembley in the Carling Cup final on Sunday.

Ferguson made an educated risk by putting his faith in emerging stars Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck and the outcome might have different had reserve goalkeeper Ben Foster not saved from inspired winger Aaron Lennon.

But United carry a confidence that comes with winning eight consecutive Premier League games since the turn of the year and their refusal to throw the towel in has to be admired.

United have already been crowned world club champions, are seven points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the Premier League and have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

On March 11 the holders will attempt to send Jose Mourinho's Internazionale packing from the Champions League to book a last-eight place in Europe's premier club competition.

Suffice to say it is not beyond the realms of possibility.

However, Ferguson rained on giddy United fans' expectations when he insisted talk of a clean sweep was premature.

Mindful of a potential banana skin against Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday, he said: "The great advantage I have is I won't get carried away with it."

When pressed about the prospect of a quintuple, he added: "We'll keep our feet on the ground.

"It would be great to think we could do it but my experience says we could go to Fulham next weekend, get a deflected shot off someone's backside and we're out of the FA Cup."

Brown must act quickly to avoid relegation dogfight

2009-03-02T04:29:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, Hull City were exceeding all expectations on the pitch, securing fairytale victories against tough opposition including Arsenal and Spurs, scoring wonder goals left, right, and centre, courtesy of stars including the Brazilian playmaker, Geovanni, and ensuring that fans leaving the KC Stadium or travelling back to the city after an away match had wide smiles spread across their faces.

However, since Christmas, the situation has changed dramatically and Hull fans are now, unbelievably given their early season form, contemplating involvement in a relegation dogfight which is also threatening the long-term future of clubs including Blackburn and Middlesbrough.

The club is currently sitting in thirteenth position in the Premier League. If you had approached a Hull fan prior to the start of their first match of the campaign (a game which ended in victory over Fulham) and informed them that they would be sitting in this position at the beginning of March, they would probably have laughed in your face.

Even the most hardcore of Hull City fans could not have expected the run of form which the club experienced during the early months of the season and although Phil Brown's team is several positions away from the dreaded relegation zone, their recent form tells a more worrying story.

Furthermore, tensions and frustrations which must be mounting in the dressing room after each defeat appear to be spilling onto the pitch and this is something which must not be tolerated by the manager. Yesterday, during the team's 2-1 defeat to Blackburn, Phil Brown decided to substitute Geovanni after the Brazilian once again failed to show any sign of the natural talent which proved to be so influential earlier in the season.

No fan wants to see a player happy to be substituted but Geovanni's reaction to Brown's decision was disrespectful, petulant, and ultimately unacceptable. The manager agreed with this assessment, stating that the player "will never do that to me again". Brown continued to argue, quite rightly, that Geovanni is "not bigger than this football club".

The manager will have to act quickly in order to ensure that this kind of situation does not happen again. The frustration evident in the player's reaction is thoroughly understandable but Hull desperately need to pull together if they are to bring an end to their potentially devastating slide down the Premier League table.

Benitez surrenders title deeds

2009-03-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Rafael Benitez waved a white handkerchief when he conceded it was now down to bitter rivals Manchester United to lose the Premier League title race.

Maybe it was a case of after the Lord Mayor's show following their Champions League excursions against Real Madrid but it is safe to assume the biggest cheer was heard in Manchester – not Teesside – when Liverpool crashed to a demoralising 2-0 reverse against relegation-threatened Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

Middlesbrough's first league win since November 9 - coupled by Chelsea's late 2-1 win against Wigan - saw Liverpool slip to third in the table, albeit on the same number of points as the west Londonders, but, significantly, Sir Alex Ferguson's side now have a another game in hand and a seemingly unassailable seven-point lead.

Benitez, as is his way, refused to state the obvious, but did say: "Before the game, it was very difficult - after the game it is more difficult."

He added: "It depends on United, but it will be more difficult, clearly."

Boro, who had not scored a Premier League goal in 526 minutes of competitive action prior to Liverpool's visit, somehow conjured up a second wind following their FA Cup defeat of West Ham on Wednesday, although they were gifted a good slice of fortune for their opener.

The luckless Xabi Alonso contrived to deflect Stewart Downing's corner into his own net and life seemed to ebb away from the visitors when Tuncay swept in Jeremie Aliadiere's low centre to make the points safe.

Not even inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, so often the saviour, could inspire Liverpool on his 300th appearance for the club and without principal threat Fernando Torres there appeared to be no focal point for the Merseysiders when they did manage to cross the half-way line.

Benitez insisted his ongoing contract situation, or the imminent departure of chief executive Rick Parry, had caused his players to take their eye off the ball.

It would not be wholly inaccurate to suggest he is running out of excuses as fast as Liverpool are running out of fixtures.

O'Neill causes controversy by leaving stars at home

2009-02-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

Aston Villa fans across the country have been sporting little red marks on their bodies for months now. This is the inevitable result of these fans waking up every morning, turning to the sports pages of the newspaper, and pinching themselves in disbelief as they still find their team sitting comfortably in the top four of the Premier League.

Villa's scintillating run of form has been dismissed by many as a "lucky streak" which will undoubtedly come to an end sooner rather than later. Those holding such an opinion will point to Villa's recent defeat at the hands of Chelsea as evidence of this theory. Despite this result, which for Villa fans will hopefully turn out to be a minor blip rather than an indicator of serious trouble at Villa Park, it's been a fantastic season so far for the club and the fans.

Given Villa's break into the top four, it's understandable that Martin O'Neill wants to do everything possible to ensure the table still looks as rosy when the end of the season comes. If Villa do manage to break the established order of English football and finish in a Champions League qualifying position, it will be an outstanding accomplishment from a young team led by an extremely talented manager.

However, some fans have been left questioning the sacrifices made in the quest for such glory. Yesterday, O'Neill decided to field an under-strength team away to CSKA Moscow in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup. The manager left eight regular first-team players out of the starting line-up, choosing instead to throw numerous reserve and young players in at the deep end.

CSKA Moscow beat Villa 2-0, a result which "disappointed" the manager. However, O'Neill refused to admit that he had made a mistake, stating that "it's important to look at the bigger picture".

If Villa qualify for the Champions League and find themselves playing in the Bernabeu or the San Siro next season, this result will no doubt fade into insignificance. However, with the talent and pace inherent in the Villa first team, some fans have been left rueing a missed opportunity.

Not many feelings in sport compare to the one experienced by fans after their team wins a trophy and a victorious run in this competition could have given the Villa players that extra level of confidence needed to ensure they keep their nerve during the season's closing stages.

UEFA Cup defeat means that the players will have fresh legs for their Premier League assault but psychology counts at least as much as physical fitness and, taking Arsenal as one example, the damage inflicted by just one negative result can be disastrous.

Kill or be killed, warns Ronaldo

2009-02-23T04:35:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has warned his Manchester United team-mates to "kill or be killed" when the holders resume the defence of their Champions League crown on Tuesday.

United travel to the San Siro for a tough-looking assignment against the runaway Serie A leaders Internazionale on the back of a scruffy 2-1 win over Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League by seven points.

But domestic duties pale into insignificance alongside this mouth-watering first knockout round clash in Europe elite's club competition.

The games takes on extra spice because of Inter manager Jose Mourinho's recent assertion that his striker, Swedish man mountain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is a better player than recently-crowned World Player of the Year Ronaldo.

The pair, of course, have history.

Mourinho once implied his countryman was uneducated and branded him a "liar", while a riposte from Ronaldo suggested the former Stamford Bridge boss "never recognises when he is wrong".

Mourinho has also managed to rattle Sir Alex Ferguson, most famously when in 2004 he ran down the touchline at Old Trafford to celebrate the goal that eliminated the current World Club champions from the Champions League when he was in charge of Porto.

Ferguson has insisted Mourinho is "my old friend" but it is fair to suggest no current manager polarises opinion quite like the Nerazzuri boss - not even the great Scot himself.

Inter are nine points clear at the top of Serie A, they have reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia and have already won the Supercoppa Italiana, Italy's version of the Community Shield - a run of form not lost on Ronaldo.

He said: "They're a team we need to respect," he said. "They're a good side and first in Serie A so we need to be very careful."

Mourinho suffered only one defeat at the hands of Ferguson in 10 games while he was Chelsea manager and the Old Trafford boss has spoken of the need for United to "control" Inter when the two sides meet at the San Siro.

They will have to so without the suspended Nemanja Vidic for what, on paper at least, has the look of a classic.

Arteta injury dents Toffees' European dreams

2009-02-23T02:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon saw Everton play out a goalless, and relatively dull, draw against Newcastle. Although the Toffees were bitterly disappointed not to have picked up another three points in their quest to secure European football next season, the mood in the dressing room after the final whistle would have been ecstatic in comparison to how the players, coaching staff, and management will be feeling this morning after it was revealed that Mikel Arteta will miss the rest of the season through injury.

Everton fans have been left wondering how a seemingly innocuous fall in the opening minutes of a match could fundamentally change the course of their season. Arteta was stretchered off in visible pain after rupturing a knee ligament and his absence from Everton's midfield was notable, with the Toffees displaying their trademark resilience and determination but sorely lacking the creative spark provided by the talented Spaniard.

The Toffees have not been shy about their hopes for this season. They are desperate to secure a European place and David Moyes has been handed the task of balancing this ambition with the club's dream of winning the FA Cup.

This task has been made far more difficult now that Arteta, who has scored seven goals in thirty-one appearances for Everton this season, has been ruled out.

If there is one positive to be taken from yesterday's match, it is that the bones in Victor Anichebe's leg remain unbroken. Anichebe was the victim of a horrific tackle from Kevin Nolan, who later apologised to the Everton player and manager.

Anichebe limped off the pitch following the incident but was extremely lucky to be walking at all after the two-footed lunge from the Newcastle player.

Rooney return leaves Tevez twitchy

2009-02-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Wayne Rooney will start on Saturday against Blackburn at Old Trafford when Manchester United look to extend their Premier League lead over nearest challengers and bitter rivals Liverpool by eight points.

The England striker celebrated his return to competitive action on Wednesday from a career-first hamstring injury by scoring with his first touch in the 3-0 cakewalk against Fulham.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed: "Wayne Rooney will play. He has to start so we can see how far advanced he is but we think he's fine."

Rooney's inclusion does not, however, bode well for fellow striker Carlos Tevez, whose agent, Kia Joorabchian, on Friday revealed his third-party owners are now "studying other options" after Ferguson gave up first option on the 25-year-old at the end of January.

Tevez's two-year loan at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season and Real Madrid and Internazionale are understood to be considering offers in the region of £30million.

Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Rafael are also set to feature against Sam Allardyce's side, but defender John O'Shea is a minor doubt because of a heel injury.

Allardyce enjoyed Ferguson's company after the midweek win over Roy Hodgson's travel-sick side but has refuted Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger's assertion that the Premier League leaders look "untouchable". He has also ventured down the reverse psychology route by claiming there is no pressure on his players.

But the omens do not look good.

Blackburn make the 27 miles journey between the two clubs one point off the foot of the table, without any away league goals since November and without an away top-flight victory since September.

They have also dropped more away points to United than to any other club in the Premier League (36).

Giant defender Chris Samba is suspended for the game after picking up five yellow cards this season.

Edwin van der Sar will be looking to set a new European record with a 15th consecutive clean sheet, and, while Ferguson has been quick to play down suggestions that the Premier League title race is already over - despite one bookmaker paying out on bets placed on United to win the domestic crown, Carling Cup and FA Cup - this one does have the look of a home banker.

Exciting weekend ahead in Premier League

2009-02-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

Fans of the Premier League are in for a treat this weekend, with several tantalising fixtures lying in wait for clubs at both ends of the table. The Emirates Stadium will welcome Sunderland tomorrow afternoon, with new signing Andrey Arshavin set to make his debut. Wenger has stated that the exciting Russian star will make an appearance but the manager has not revealed the extent of his inclusion.

Arsenal are keen to make Arshavin's introduction to English football as gentle as possible since he has not played a competitive match since November of last year. However, injuries to many of Arsenal's key playmakers have left Wenger with unwanted selection issues and the Arsenal boss will be hoping that the player can adapt to the rigours of the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Another clash involving two teams in the top four will make for exciting viewing tomorrow lunchtime, as Aston Villa host Chelsea. Both sides have injury problems, with Heskey and Milner struggling to prove their fitness ahead of the tie, and injuries to Alex and Carvalho may leave Chelsea's defence severely lacking, particularly since Ashley Cole is unavailable due to suspension.

The match will see Guus Hiddink take charge of his first match with the Blues and victory for the London side will see them climb above Villa in the league. However, Martin O'Neill's young side has been in top form recently and will not be afraid to take their game to a Chelsea team lacking in confidence and inspiration.

Chelsea fans will hope that Hiddink has an instant impact and most will be excited at the prospect of seeing a rejuvenated Didier Drogba, who has spoken out about the detrimental impact Scolari had at the club prior to his departure. Drogba revealed that the boss made him a scapegoat for Chelsea's poor run of form which has left them floundering in fourth position.

The striker believes that Hiddink is just the right man for Chelsea at the moment and fans will be hoping that Drogba can quickly recapture the form which made him a favourite with the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Towards the other end of the Premier League table, Hull will be hoping to reverse their poor run of form as they take on Spurs at the KC Stadium. Tottenham desperately need to improve their away form if they are to make any real impression in the league this season.

Eduardo makes fairytale comeback

2009-02-17T02:19:00.000-08:00

The TV commentator responsible for guiding football fans through the FA Cup action at the Emirates Stadium last night was mournful of the fact that Eduardo, who made his first team comeback after suffering a horrific leg break early last year, narrowly missed out on a hat trick, something which would have made his comeback a true "fairytale". However, in reality, the striker could not really have asked for much more.

February 2008 is a month in football that we will all remember. On the 23rd of that month, Arsenal came up against Birmingham City in a crucial Premier League match. There were not too many talking points until Martin Taylor misjudged a tackle, leaving Eduardo with injuries too disturbing to be broadcast immediately on TV. However, over the following days, photos and videos of his injuries spread far and wide and the extent of the damage done to his leg was clear for all to see.

Many pundits doubted whether Eduardo would ever play football again and his successful comeback is a tribute to both modern medicine and the individual spirit of the striker, who showed resilience and great determination in returning from such a traumatic event. Tougher tests than Cardiff, who were completely outplayed at the Emirates last night, will soon come Arsenal's way and Eduardo will come up against defenders more familiar with his game. However, the signs are all looking good for the striker, who is only 25 years of age.

After scoring two goals and showing flashes of brilliance which made him a firm favourite with the fans prior to his injury, Eduardo described his excitement. He stated that his return had been the "best day" of his life and revealed that the experience of scoring had been "very emotional". Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, was also keen to praise the striker, describing his mental attitude as "extremely strong".

Wenger conceded that the importance of the striker's comeback would only become clear "at the end of the season" but the potential importance of Eduardo to an Arsenal team which has been unusually static during recent weeks should not be underestimated.

Sunday best from rampant Reds

2009-02-16T05:19:00.000-08:00

Michael Carrick had warned his Manchester United team-mates not to underestimate FA Cup fifth-round opponents Derby on Sunday.

He needn't have bothered.

Carrick was given the day off as United made sure there was to be no repeat of their Carling Cup defeat by the same side with such panache that opposing manager Nigel Clough predicted the quintuple was not beyond the realms of possibility for the World Club champions.

Sir Alex Ferguson made seven changes for the trip to the Midlands but his shadow side had barely broken sweat by the time they had gone 2-0 in front with goals from Nani and Darron Gibson. The young Irishman played with such authority that Ferguson made the unusual step of confirming he will start the Carling Cup final against Tottenham on March 1.

But at the hub of everything good about the visitors was Ryan Giggs.

The Welsh veteran turned in a midfield master class to leave him just three wins short of becoming the first player since the 19th century to collect five winners' medals in this famous old cup competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo and substitute Danny Welbeck gave the scoreline an emphatic look with second-half goals but the result was made all the more remarkable by the fact that Ferguson opted not to start with a recognized centre-forward, with Wayne Rooney not risked and Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez not given the chance to get their socks dirty.

Derby did rally when Miles Addison proved United's record-breaking defence can be breached with a header on 56 minutes, but that apart there was a whiff of inevitability about the end result.

Edwin Van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic were also afforded the luxury of an afternoon off but they should return when United resume their quest for a hat-trick of Premier League title successes against Fulham at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

England fans anxious prior to tough Welsh test

2009-02-13T06:35:00.001-08:00

If Wales manage to overcome the challenge posed by a less than convincing England side tomorrow, they will be able to boast a record-equaling eighth consecutive Six Nations match victory. England fans will, of course, be hoping that this doesn't happen but the current signs don't look particularly positive.

The national team's forwards coach, John Wells, has attempted to ease the worries of anxious England fans by stating that if the team can take "the things" they are currently doing in training to the Millennium Stadium, they will be able to give Wales a "bloody good game". Ominously for England fans who are already biting their fingernails in anticipation of Joe Worsley's return, Wells continued to state (somewhat desperately) that "if we're still in it at the end, we'll win it".

The England players will hope that the management team has, behind closed doors, developed a slightly more technical and precise game plan for the match, especially given the recent form of the Welsh side. England eventually managed to overcome the Italians in their opening match of the Six Nations campaign but this Welsh side will pose very different problems for the team.

The Welsh team has an additional incentive to be victorious in tomorrow's match, given that a win would see them recording a hat-trick of Six Nations victories over their English rivals for the first time in their history and the prospect of entering the match as firm favourites has not become a daunting factor for star players including flanker, Martyn Williams.

Williams has been quoted as saying that although being favourites is a little "strange" to him personally, many of "the younger boys have had a lot of success and are wondering what all the fuss is about". The flanker is still hungry for more success, particularly since many of the experienced players remember the "bad times" and do not wish to see a return to those days.

Giggs still enjoying the ride

2009-02-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

It came as no surprise this week when Sir Alex Ferguson was fulsome in his praise of Ryan Giggs after the veteran penned a one-year extension to take him beyond his 20th year at Manchester United.

In a football age dominated by ego and crass headline makers, the Welshman remains the "true professional" first spotted by Sir Bobby Charlton at the club's Lyttleton Road training ground.

The World Cup winner recalled: "He had just been signed that morning from under the noses of Manchester City. I just thought 'that will do me'."

Giggs' appearance in the European Cup final last season took him past Charlton's club record of 758 games - and he could go on to break the 800 mark before the end of the current season.

One-club man Giggs may no longer be the first name down on Ferguson's team sheet but his value to the Premier League champions was illustrated last Sunday when he scored the only goal in the 1-0 win against in-form West Ham at Upton Park.

He may no longer be able to cut a swathe through opposition defences but his experience in a more withdrawn role stood out in the recent drubbing of fellow title-chasers Chelsea.

By the time he reaches the end of his new contract, Giggs will be 36 and the most decorated player in the club's history. But, unlike Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar, who may all retire in 18 months' time, Giggs' unyielding desire for silverware shows no sign of abating.

It was fitting then that Ferguson, who snapped up Giggs from neighbours Manchester City, should lead the tributes.

The Scot said: "His lifestyle, the way he looks after himself, and his desire always to want to win is a credit to him and an inspiration to any young kid who wants to be a professional footballer.

"He is like a young boy in the way that he plays and, although he wants to be involved in every game, he understands that using his experience when it matters is a benefit to him and the team."

Giggs will reach 788 if he plays at Derby County on Sunday, in the fifth round of the FA Cup, a competition he has won four times.

Chelsea fans left reeling after goalless draw

2009-02-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

Chelsea fans were no doubt reluctant to flick through the sports pages of the newspapers on Sunday morning after another disappointing result in the Premier League left the club in fourth position behind Aston Villa, who managed to overcome a difficult test in the form of Blackburn. The test facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon came in the form of Hull, a club which had not managed a single win in eight League matches. Sadly for fans of the Blues, the team played out a dull goalless draw, with the best chances falling to Hull in the second half.

Fans, several of whom had brought damning banners to the game, perhaps in anticipation of this unacceptable result, made their voices heard after the final whistle, with many individuals calling for Scolari to leave the club. This reaction is entirely understandable, particularly after the crushing defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Earlier today, Ralph Ellis wrote an article for Betfair about the importance of randomness in football. To be fair to the Chelsea manager, nobody could have accounted for the random nature of John Terry’s woeful miss during the game’s opening stages or the influence the woodwork had on Michael Ballack’s sublime free-kick but Ellis is far too lenient in his affirmation that Chelsea fans were harsh in their treatment of Scolari.

Some of his decisions this season have been baffling to say the least and Chelsea fans have been left feeling particularly disenchanted after the manager’s appalling treatment of Didier Drogba, a player viewed as a hero by the Stamford Bridge faithful. The Chelsea side is currently playing with no heart or desire to win and, although he is not entirely to blame for this malaise, the manager must take some responsibility for this damaging trend.

If Chelsea had traipsed back to the dressing room at half-time under the control of Jose Mourinho, with all the signs pointing to a goalless draw against the likes of Hull, you could bet your bottom dollar that the side would emerge with renewed focus and determination for the last 45 minutes. There seems to be none of this inspiration flowing from Scolari and, whilst Chelsea are obviously missing key players such as Michael Essien and Joe Cole, the real problems seem to be with the man in charge.

Beckham the great…discuss

2009-02-09T00:42:00.000-08:00

George Best once delivered a scathing assessment of David Beckham.

"He (Beckham) cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that he's all right," said the Northern Ireland great.

Best made his withering attack when nominated to collect the World Player of the Year runner-up award on behalf of Beckham in 2000.

Fellow professionals of his generation still argue Best, at his peak, would have graced any era and so we assume the former Manchester United favourite was well qualified to make his facetious dig.

And while it is always dangerous to compare players from different periods, one wonders what another former England captain, Bobby Moore, would make of Beckham equalling his outfield appearances record of 108 if he plays against Spain on Wednesday.

Few would argue Beckham has been, and still is, a good player - but can we really consider him a great as this potential landmark would suggest?

Fabio Capello cast doubt on his own judgement this week when he preferred to talk about Beckham the "media star" and it is true his profile dictates the 33-year-old will always generate headlines, front and back.

Ryan Giggs asserted he wanted to be successful rather than famous when asked about his former Old Trafford team-mate's inclination to court the catwalks as part of his brand Beckham agenda.

Seasoned United fans remember Beckham fondly but it is fair to argue he is not mentioned in the same breath as, say, Eric Cantona, whose name is still chanted.

Sir Alex Ferguson never bought into Beckham's thirst for fame and their strained relationship led to the wily Scot sanctioning his sale to Real Madrid in 2003. It is curious Ferguson was not so agreeable when the Spanish champions came knocking again last summer for Beckham's eventual successor, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Beckham is currently enjoying a new lease of life with AC Milan and has made no secret of his desire to end his brief flirtation with America's MLS and clinch a permanent move to the San Siro to stay on the radar of Capello in the hope of playing at his fourth World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

Now the wrong side of 30, the routine pace of Serie A unquestionably suits Beckham's passing game and his recent impressive form means he merits his latest call-up.

He remains a technically accomplished footballer and well liked by the same England fans who hung an effigy of him outside a London pub on the back of his and the country's acrimonious exit from the 1998 World Cup.

But, somehow, Beckham the great does not ring true.

Rafa hamstrung by attacking options

2009-02-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

Liverpool's Premier League title aspirations nosedived yesterday when it was revealed that skipper and talisman Steven Gerrard will be out for three weeks because of a hamstring tear.

The Anfield powerhouse cut a dejected figure when, to the delight of euphoric Everton supporters, he limped out of his side's demoralising FA Cup defeat to cross-city rivals Everton after just 16 minutes.

The 28-year-old will miss England's international friendly next Wednesday against Spain but the repercussions for Liverpool could be a lot worse.

The midfielder is now a doubt for the club's next two Premier League games against Portsmouth and Manchester City and is a genuine worry for the first leg of Liverpool's Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, which is due to take place at the Bernabeu on February 25.

His absence will again raise doubts about manager Rafael Benitez's decision to allow striker Robbie Keane to re-join Tottenham on transfer-deadline day for £12million – just six months after spending £20million to prise him from White Hart Lane.

The Spaniard aimed a veiled swipe at Keane by suggesting he never delivered on the big stage at Anfield, although cyncis may argue this was a clever ploy by Benitez to deflect some of the attention off him.

The debate will rage on but the loss of Gerrard, so often the saviour, cannot be underestimated.

Of the 40 goals scored this season by Liverpool's starting line-up at Goodison Park, 23 had arrived courtesy of skipper Gerrard and principal striker Fernando Torres, who has yet to reach top gear after his recent injury lay-off.

Between them they have amassed 77 goals in 19 months as team-mates but Benitez is optimistic he has the support cast to fill the void.

"We have Kuyt, Babel, Ngog and if we need them also Nemeth or Pacheco. Nabil and Benayoun can also play as second strikers. If you need to change and to use different players we can do it," he reasoned.

The proof will come on Saturday when Liverpool will be expected to extend Portsmouth's winless run to nine games.

Rafa's roar stirs Liverpool

2009-02-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

A defiant Rafael Benitez insisted Liverpool were still in the title race after his side ended a run of three morale-sapping draws with a stirring 2-0 won over fellow contenders Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

A first half that was as cagey as it was predictable burst into life two minutes from time when Spain international Fernando Torres scored twice in the space of 60 seconds to secure Liverpool a result which takes them to within two points of leaders and arch enemy Manchester United.

Frank Lampard had already departed for an early bath when Torres had fired the first of two nails into Chelsea's title coffin for a lunge at Xabi Alonso, although replays suggested the England international had played the ball first.

Defeat means Chelsea have taken only one point from a possible 15 against their 'big four' rivals this season and manager Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted his side's title hopes are now "distant".

The west Londoners are now five points adrift of Sir Alex Ferguson's side and too may times this season, against their title rivals, have looked rudderless.

Scolari brushed off talk that his job is on the line by insisting there is "no pressure" but hardened Chelsea fans will know they are fast losing ground and hope.

Not even the spectre of co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet – who sat 12 seats apart in the directors' box – could ruin the day for Benitez, who insisted United would have a wobble before both sides reached the winning post.

United go to Upton Park next – where they have lost twice in succession in the league – to take on an in-form West Ham team unbeaten in eight away games, but are showing devastating form and can be found trading as short as 4/11 in the latest football betting odds to win their third successive crown.

Liverpool, by contrast, travel to take on free-falling Portsmouth who are on an eight-game winless run and are just a point above the relegation zone with the vultures already circling over the head of under-fire manager Tony Adams.

Liverpool have been supported in to 11/2 in the title race betting odds after their Chelsea win, but lack the experience of proven course-and-distance winners United and place too much emphasis on skipper and perennial match-winner Steven Gerrard.

The run in should be fascinating and, as Benitez roared, bring it on.

No retreat in Rafa's "crazy" world

2009-01-29T23:39:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously declared that the Premier League title race reaches "squeeky bum time" about March but for his new adversary down the East Lancs Road it would appear paranoia has already set in.

The wily Scot coined his now well-worn maxim back in 2003 when Arsene Wenger's Arsenal dared to challenge Ferguson en route to collecting his eighth domestic crown.

And it would appear the cracks are beginning to show on Rafael Benitez, who complained about things "you cannot control" after his Liverpool side were held 1-1 by Wigan on Wednesday.

Liverpool were seven points clear of new leaders Manchester United at the beginning of January when Benitez launched a bizarre tirade against Ferguson that ranged from his supposed influence with referees to the FA lenience towards the Old Trafford club.

The Merseysiders have managed three draws in succession since Benitez imploded and have since been eased out to 10/1 in the latest football odds to win their first league title since 1990.

United, by contrast, have won four on the spin, scored 10 goals and conceded none to see their betting odds for their 11th crown come in as short as 4/9.

You do the math.

Conjecture about the future of striker Robbie Keane - and the decision to buy him in the first place - and complications surrounding Benitez's contract situation, confusion about the club's ownership, as well as the decision to take off star men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres against Wigan, has led to raised eyebrows among match-going Liverpool supporters.

And if the Spaniard was hoping to draw breath then he has the small matter of the visit of Chelsea to contend with on Sunday.

The correct score of 0-0 at about 8/1 could be the way forward here in what, on paper at least, looks an even contest, although hardened Kopites seeking a morale-boosting 1-0 home win may find 7/1 of more interest.

WEST BROM V MANCHESTER UNITED

2009-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

Injuries should not prove too much of a distraction for the Manchester United juggernaut when Sir Alex Ferguson takes his decimated squad to The Hawthorns on Tuesday.

Albion last beat United on home soil 25 years ago when Steve Mackenzie and Cyrille Regis were on target and the visitors have the added incentive of claiming a sixth successive Premier League maximum and a new record of 11 successive clean sheets if they manage to keep Tony Mowbray's men at bay.

United hold a 100% record at The Hawthorns, having won three of three, and this is reflected in the football odds, with the champions as short as 2/5 to continue their title charge.

Albion have also been hit by injuries and manager Mowbray will be without four centre-backs in Abdoulaye Meite, Jonas Olsson, Leon Barnett and long-term casualty Neil Clement.

The big loss to Mowbray will be skipper and United old-boy Jonathan Greening because of a strained medial ligament in his left knee and this has had an impact on the home side's betting odds, with Albion as big as 11/1 to derail the Old Trafford giants.

Mowbray has made the right noises by promising to give United "an uncomfortable night" and he will have the backing of a boisterous home crowd as Albion go about inflicting revenge for a 4-0 drubbing by Ferguson's men at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Albion have not lost at home in the Premier League since a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on November 15 last year – drawing once and winning three on the spin since – but sill find themselves entrenched in a basement battle at the foot of the table on 21 points with four other teams.

United, however, tend to hit their straps at this stage of the season and will know they cannot afford to lose momentum with bitter rivals Liverpool breathing down their neck.