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watch Fulham v Hull City live online streaming

2009-03-04T01:47:00.000-08:00

Roy Hodgson has admitted Fulham are in negotiations to improve Brede Hangeland's contract in order to ward off interest from top-flight rivals.The Norway captain has been a big success in his 14 months at Craven Cottage, helping Fulham avoid relegation last season and achieve a top-10 place this term.

Hodgson said: "We have had plans for a while to talk to him a) about an extension and b) about improving his contract. That's in hand."

Hangeland has made it clear he is currently happy to stay at Fulham but Hodgson know the 27-year-old could soon be the subject of a resolve-testing bid with both Manchester City and Arsenal known admirers.

He said: "If it happens, it happens and we will deal with it the best we can but in the meantime Brede and other players who might interest other clubs are still here and we will do our best to keep them."

Hull's first top-flight fixture saw them beat Fulham 2-1 at the KC Stadium in August as Phil Brown's side became the great success story of the first half of the season

The Tigers have found points harder to come by recently however and they will arrive in London without having tasted victory in their last 11 league outings.

Hodgson said: "At the moment they are not going through such a successful spell but their fine form at the start of the season has given them a very good platform and we know we will have to be at our best if we are to get a result.

"Winning matches in the Premier League is hard for anybody. And once you start losing one or two it is easy to get into a spiral.

watch Blackburn Rovers v Everton live online streaming

2009-03-04T01:45:00.000-08:00

Jason Brown is relishing the prospect of Blackburn's relegation fight - and insists he prefers the pressure to being in mid-table obscurity.The 26-year-old Londoner is set to take Paul Robinson's place in nets for Blackburn when Everton travel to Ewood Park on Wednesday night, having stepped in at half-time when the England keeper was injured against Hull on Sunday.

Robinson is a major doubt, and Brown said: "I haven't had many chances so I will do my best to grab this one.

"This might sound silly but being stuck in mid-table you don't have anything to play for. Being at the top or in a relegation fight is what's exciting.

"The pressure that's on us is fantastic. I was saying to the boys yesterday there's nothing better than going away and beating teams like Hull and their fans are going mad at you.

"Feeling the buzz and the nervousness is great, playing in the pressure of the Premier League is what it's all about."

Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has been impressed by Brown but does not agree with all his sentiments.

Allardyce said: "It's going to be touch and go with Paul, we'll give it until the morning but it's doubtful.

"Jason did well on Sunday so he may get another chance. A strong mentality should stand him in good stead but I for one would settle for mid-table obscurity right now - but we are a long way from that at the moment."

David Dunn is back in training after a hamstring problem and could step in to left midfield to replace the suspended Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Everton, in sixth place in the table and pushing Arsenal for fifth, are daunting opponents, especially as their away form is better than their home record.

watch Tottenham Hotspur v Middlesbrough live online streaming

2009-03-04T01:42:00.000-08:00

Gareth Southgate insists he will not be "sucked in" by Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp's claims his squad is depleted by injury and fatigue.Spurs and Middlesbrough meet at White Hart Lane on Wednesday and Redknapp has said Southgate's Boro players should be delighted to face a side still recovering from Sunday's Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United following extra time and penalties.

Boro head into the game having beaten title hopefuls Liverpool at the weekend but Southgate will take Redknapp's comments with a pinch of salt and is refusing to write off Spurs' chances.

"I read what Harry said but we won't be getting sucked into what he was going on about," said Southgate.

"In any case, we've looked at the players Spurs have got available and there's a lot of them. They've got a large squad with strength in depth.

"And they've got players like (Robbie) Keane,

(Jonathan) Woodgate, (Pascal) Chimbonda, (Wilson) Palacios and (Carlo) Cudicini who did not take any part in the cup final.

"So Harry will be able to put a good team out and one which will have a lot of fresh legs.

"We will be ready for a hard game. If we are to get anything there we will have to be at our very best.

"It's a big game for Spurs just as it is for us."

The shock defeat of Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium was Boro's first league win in 15 games - an indication of how badly they have struggled since the end of last year.

watch Newcastle United v Manchester United live streaming

2009-03-04T01:37:00.000-08:00

United visit Newcastle on Wednesday night knowing they would need to lose four of their remaining 12 matches to open the door to one of their major rivals.

It seems unlikely but as Ferguson knows only too well - and as Barcelona are currently experiencing in Spain - seemingly impregnable advantages can soon be reduced.

The Red Devils chief is taking nothing for granted. However, he has enough experience in his dressing room to count on his players keeping their nerve if the unexpected does occur.

"The experience we have garnered over the years helps us," said Ferguson.

"We don't panic. We very seldom have. Even in games we always keep playing our football and remain patient.

"Matches at Stoke and Bolton have been won like that this season. It is not an easy (thing) to do when you are chasing titles."

watch Manchester City v Aston Villa live online streaming

2009-03-04T01:32:00.000-08:00

The pair picked up injuries in the 1-0 defeat at West Ham last weekend and will miss Wednesday's match at Eastlands.

The biggest worry is for Wales international Bellamy, who has a knee injury and is expected to miss at least three weeks, although boss Mark Hughes said it is not related to a cruciate ligament problem from earlier in his career.

"It's not an old injury," Hughes confirmed. "It needed to be allowed to settle down for 48 hours before we can look at the extent of it.

"It's the patella, he's torn fibres in his knee. The best-case scenario is three weeks."

Robinho has an ankle problem but is expected to return for next week's UEFA Cup clash with Aalborg.

City are not in action in this weekend due to the FA Cup.

watch Wigan Athletic v West Ham live online streaming

2009-03-04T01:28:00.000-08:00

Mark Hughes says Craig Bellamy's absence leaves a major hole in his Manchester City side to tackle Aston Villa at Eastlands on Wednesday.Bellamy will be out for at least two weeks with a knee injury, with Hughes desperately hoping scans on the problem he suffered at West Ham on Sunday do not indicate the damage is more long term.

After his £10million January arrival from the Hammers, Bellamy has certainly stirred things up at City, scoring four goals as the Blues marched to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup and also having cross words with record signing Robinho over a perceived lack of effort against Portsmouth.

With Robinho missing too, Hughes must decide whether to select Felipe Caicedo, Darius Vassell or long-term injury victim Valeri Bojinov to spearhead the City attack.

But whoever gets the call, Hughes knows Bellamy will be missed.

"Craig has been outstanding since he came to the club," said Hughes.

"He has been carrying the fight for us and his goals have been really important.

"He is going to be a big miss because against a team like Villa you need as many avenues to cause them problems as possible."

At least there is an outside chance Micah Richards may recover from a hamstring injury in time to face Villa, who have suddenly started to wobble.

watch Stoke City vs Bolton Wanderers live online streaming

2009-03-04T01:01:00.000-08:00

Bolton manager Gary Megson has hit back at critics who anticipate their match against Stoke on Wednesday will hardly be one for the purists.Megson is relishing the date at the Britannia Stadium, insisting the game has a lot of merit and is worthy of respect.

He said: "It will be a classic in terms of support, atmosphere - and 22 honest players giving it a right, good go.

"We will all be trying to get the points. If you are prepared for a good, old-fashioned British game it will be something like that."

Bolton are aiming for their fourth win in five games, after defeating Newcastle at the weekend.

A place in the UEFA Cup could be open to the club that finishes seventh in the table, following Manchester United's Carling Cup victory.

Bolton are within touching distance after a good run of form, but Megson is refusing to contemplate the prospect of European football for the second time in three seasons.

"That is not something we are looking at, " he said.

"Purely and simply we want to get three points against Stoke, then move on to the next game.

"I have not set the players any targets. We just want to do the best we can."

Megson had a spell as Stoke manager and coach - alongside current boss Tony Pulis - and expects a stiff test.

The home side go into the match of the back of taking a point against Aston Villa, and Megson said: "That will feel like a win. It will be a huge boost for them.

watch Newcastle United v Manchester United live online streaming

2009-03-04T00:55:00.000-08:00

Chris Hughton has urged Newcastle to repeat their gutsy August display at Old Trafford when they face Manchester United again on Wednesday.Few gave Newcastle any hope of returning with something to show for their efforts when they opened their campaign at United seven months ago.

However, against all the odds, Obafemi Martins gave them an early lead and it took a Darren Fletcher equaliser to snatch a point for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

The respective fortunes of the two clubs have diverged alarmingly during the ensuing months, and United will arrive at St James' Park with the Carling Cup already banked and comfortably clear at the top of the Premier League table.

By contrast, the Magpies will go into the game struggling to stay out of the relegation zone and with Arsenal and Chelsea also looming large on the horizon.

However, Hughton believes a much-changed team is still capable of turning in the kind of performance which paid dividends back in August.

He said: "We know a lot of people will look at Manchester United at the moment and think they are capable of going on an unbeaten run right through to the end of the season.

"But we have got a group of lads who have got to look forward to playing against the best team, and come out of it with first, pride of performance, and hopefully some points.

"You are looking at the team that is the best team in the country, and an away fixture at Manchester United isn't one we would have preferred when the fixtures came out.

watch Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers live online streaming

2009-02-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

Manchester United have won four of their last five top-flight encounters with Rovers.

Blackburn won a league game at Old Trafford in September 2005 - only three away teams have claimed victory there Dreams since.

United have scored in 13 of their 14 Premier League home games against Blackburn.

Blackburn are yet to score in a Premier League away game under Sam Allardyce - both of his road trips have ended 0-0.

Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy have scored nine of Blackburn's last 10 goals.

United have scored only 10 goals in eight North West derby games this season.

Blackburn have scored and conceded 180 goals in North West derby games in Premier League history.

watch Stoke City v Portsmouth live online streaming

2009-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Stoke are unbeaten in their last four home encounters with Pompey.

Stoke's last six Premier League games at the Britannia Stadium have produced a total of only five goals.

The Potters have lost six of their last eight league games.

Portsmouth have scored exactly two goals in their last two league games.

Pompey's clean sheet against Manchester City last weekend was their first for 12 games.

Portsmouth have gone six away games without a win.

Stoke lead the division in red cards this season - five.

Peter Crouch (pictured) has scored or assisted 48 per cent of Portsmouth's goals this season, the highest of anyone in the Premier League.

Portsmouth have not scored a first-half goal since Boxing Day.

watch Middlesbrough v Wigan Athletic live online streaming

2009-02-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

The last four meetings between Boro and Wigan in the Premier League have all ended as 1-0 wins, three of them to the Teessiders.

The last five league meetings between the sides have produced only six goals in total.

Boro have failed to score in seven of their last eight Premier League games.

Gareth Southgate's team would be bottom of the league if it had started on
Wigan's last two league games have ended 0-0.

The Latics have gone five games without a win, after a run of six wins from seven games previously.

Boro have conceded a league-high five own goals this season.

Wigan have benefited from only one substitute goal this season - fewer than any other team.

Stewart Downing has now unleashed 40 shots without scoring in the Premier League this season.

watch Bolton Wanderers v West Ham live online streaming

2009-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Bolton have scored at least once in each of their last 12 Premier League games against West Ham.

Wanderers have won their last five Premier League home games against West Ham.

The Hammers have scored only one goal in their last five trips to the Reebok Stadium.

Bolton have scored a total of nine goals in their last three home games against West Ham.

Bolton have gone 13 games without a clean sheet in the Premier League.

West Ham have gone 291 minutes without a Premier League goal.

Bolton are the only team not to have scored a penalty this season.

Only seven different players have scored for Bolton this season, a joint-low along with Middlesbrough.

Kevin Davies has scored six headed goals - more than any other player in the Premier League.

watch Arsenal v Sunderland live online streaming

2009-02-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Arsenal have scored 98 league goals at the Emirates.

The Gunners have won six and drawn one of their seven Premier League home matches against the Black Cats.

Arsenal have scored exactly three goals in each of their last four home games against Sunderland and at least two in all seven Premier League meetings at the Emirates and former home Highbury.

Robin van Persie has scored three goals in three Premier League starts against Sunderland.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, but have only won five of those.

Sunderland have only kept one clean sheet in their last 15 Premier League away games.

Arsenal's last two Premier League games have ended 0-0.

Sunderland have taken seven points from their last three games, equalling their best run of the season.

Sunderland have scored in their last five games - only Manchester United are on a longer run.

Djibril Cisse has unleashed a shot every 25.8 minutes this season, the fastest rate in the league.

watch Aston Villa v Chelsea live online streaming

2009-02-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Nicolas Anelka has scored five goals in his last five Premier League starts against Villa.

Chelsea have won none of their last nine Premier League visits to Villa Park.

The Blues have scored only one goal on their last four visits to Villa Park.

Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 13 league games.

Chelsea have only won four of their last 12 Premier League matches.

Villa have gone 349 minutes without conceding a Premier League goal.

Villa have won only two of their last six home games - the other four have ended as draws.

Chelsea have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League away games.

Villa have made the fewest substitutions this season (37), Chelsea the joint-most (71).

Villa have benefited from five own goals this season, more than any other side.

Michael Ballack has hit 25 shots for Chelsea in the league this season but has not scored with any of them.

watch Manchester United v Fulham live online streaming

2009-02-18T05:17:00.000-08:00

All the match facts ahead of next Wednesday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford.

Man Utd have gone 20 hours and 12 minutes without conceding in the Premier League.

Only the top four teams in the Premier League have kept more clean sheets than Fulham this season.

No team has been more accurate with their shooting than United who have found the target with 48% of their attempts.

United have won the last seven league meetings in a row with Fulham.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored seven goals in his last five league starts against the Londoners.

In fact, Ronaldo has scored more goals against Fulham than any other Premier League opponent.

United have taken 46 points from the last 48 available at Old Trafford since their last defeat on home soil almost one year ago on 10 Feb 2008.

Fulham have won none of their last 12 Premier League away games and have scored just one goal in their last eight.

Fulham have the best disciplinary record in the league with just 23 yellow cards and one dismissal.

watch Portsmouth vs Manchester City Live Streaming

2009-02-14T02:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 14, 2009

Kick off: 15:00, 26th Day, Fratton Park

Countdown: Today - 15:00

Referee: Mike Dean

Portsmouth

Manager: Paul Hart

Captain: Sol Campbell
Starting line-up

D. James
G. Johnson
S. Distin
S. Campbell
N. Belhadj
J. Pennant
S. Davis
H. Mullins
N. Kranjcar
D. Nugent
P. Crouch

Player to watch
Peter Crouch

Crouch has a lot of responsibility to shoulder in Pompey’s attack for Paul Hart’s first match as caretaker boss.
Subs
Injured

J. Ashdown
R. Hughes
P. Bouba Diop
J. Thomas
Y. Kaboul
A. Traore

Suspended

None
Manchester City

Manager: Mark Hughes

Captain: Vincent Kompany
Starting line-up

S. Given
P. Zabaleta
M. Richards
V. Kompany
W. Bridge
D. Vassell
N. De Jong
S. Ireland
B. Elano
.. Robinho
C. Bellamy

Player to watch
Robinho

After his stunning strike in midweek in the colours of Brazil, Man City fans will look to him to produce something magical at Fratton Park.
Subs
Injured

M. Petrov
V. Bojinov
M. Benjani
M. Johnson
C. Evans

watch fa cup Watford v Chelsea live streaming

2009-02-14T02:37:00.000-08:00

A round-up of the weekend's team news ahead of the FA Cup fifth round, with Chelsea skipper John Terry unable to turn out for his new boss.

All matches kick off at 15:00 UK time unless otherwise stated.

Saturday February 14

Swansea City v Fulham (12:45)

Swansea full-back Angel Rangel is available again after missing the 3-0 win over Ipswich due to a one-match ban. Gorka Pintado will not feature as he is recovering from a hernia operation.

Olivier Dacourt - currently on loan at Fulham from Internazionale - replaced Dickson Etuhu at half-time in the 0-0 draw at Wigan last weekend. The French midfielder is likely to make his full debut at the Liberty Stadium.

watch fa cup Swansea City vs Fulham Live Stremaing

2009-02-14T02:35:00.000-08:00

February 14, 2009

Kick off: 12:45 Round 5

Countdown: Today - 12:45
Referee: Howard Webb
Swansea City

Manager: Roberto Martinez

Captain: Garry Monk
Starting line-up
D. De Vries
A. Williams
A. Tate
G. Monk
.. Serrán
L. Britton
G. Mark
G. Jordi Gómez
N. Dyer
J. Scotland
J. Allen
Player to watch
Jason Scotland

The Trinidad & Tobago striker has been in blistering form over the past two months, netting 11 times in his last 11 games.
Subs
Injured

None
Suspended

None
Fulham

Manager: Roy Hodgson

Captain: Danny Murphy
Starting line-up
M. Schwarzer
J. Paintsil
B. Hangeland
A. Hughes
P. Konchesky
C. Dempsey
D. Murphy
O. Dacourt
S. Davies
A. Johnson
B. Zamora
Player to watch
Simon Davies

The Wales international will do battle in midfield against close friend Mark Gower, among others.
Subs
Injured
D. Etuhu
D. Kamara
C. Baird
Suspended

watch fa cup Blackburn Rovers vs Coventry City Live Streaming

2009-02-14T02:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 14, 2009

Kick off: 15:00 Round 5

Countdown: Today - 15:00

Referee: Steve Tanner
Blackburn Rovers

Manager: Sam Allardyce

Captain: Ryan Nelsen
Starting line-up

P. Robinson
A. Ooijer
R. Nelsen
C. Samba
S. Warnock
V. Grella
K. Andrews
D. Dunn
M. Pedersen
R. Santa Cruz
B. McCarthy

Player to watch
Benni McCarthy

McCarthy has seen his form sky-rocket with six goals in his nine games since Sam Allardyce took over.
Subs
Injured

B. Emerton
S. Reid

Suspended

A. Mokoena
Coventry City

Manager: Chris Coleman
Starting line-up

K. Westwood
A. Gunnarsson
J. McPake
B. Turner
D. Fox
J. Henderson
G. Beuzelin
M. Doyle
L. Sawyer
C. Morrison
L. McKenzie

Player to watch
Clinton Morrison

Cov’s main man has failed to find the net in his last seven outings, but has more than enough quality to bother the Rovers back four.
Subs
Injured

S. Dann

Suspended

S. Wright

watch fa cup West Ham vs Middlesbrough Live Streaming

2009-02-14T02:31:00.000-08:00

Kick off: 15:00, Round 5

Countdown: Today - 15:00
Referee: Peter Walton
West Ham

Manager: Gianfranco Zola

Captain: Lucas Neill
Starting line-up
R. Green
L. Neill
J. Collins
M. Upson
H. Ilunga
V. Behrami
M. Noble
S. Parker
J. Collison
C. Cole
D. Di Michele
Player to watch
Carlton Cole

Can Cole continue the form that earned him an international call-up, or will he become a one-cap wonder?
Subs
Injured
K. Dyer
D. Gabbidon
D. Ashton
Suspended

None
Middlesbrough

Manager: Gareth Southgate

Captain: Emanuel Pogatetz
Starting line-up
B. Jones
J. Hoyte
D. Wheater
R. Huth
E. Pogatetz
M. Bates
D. Digard
A. Johnson
S. Downing
A. Alves
S. Tuncay
Player to watch
Didier Digard

The French midfielder has proved himself adept at more than kicking lumps out of opponents - though he does do that quite a bit.
Subs
Injured
C. Riggott
J. Aliadière
Suspended

watch fa cup Sheffield United vs Hull City Live Streaming

2009-02-14T02:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 14, 2009

Kick off: 15:00, Round 5

Countdown: Today - 15:00
Referee: Andre Marriner
Sheffield United

Manager: Kevin Blackwell

Captain: Chris Morgan
Starting line-up
P. Kenny
K. Naughton
C. Morgan
M. Kilgallon
G. Naysmith
G. Halford
B. Howard
N. Montgomery
S. Quinn
D. Webber
D. Cotterill
Player to watch
Danny Webber

Following the recent departure of James Beattie, there’s a lot of responsibility on the striker’s shoulders.
Subs
Injured
G. Speed
D. Geary
Suspended
D. Henderson
Hull City

Manager: Phil Brown

Captain: Ian Ashbee
Starting line-up
M. Duke
S. Ricketts
M. Turner
K. Zayatte
A. Dawson
D. Marney
I. Ashbee
R. Garcia
K. Kilbane
.. Geovanni
C. Fagan
Player to watch
. Geovanni
The mercurial Brazilian is just the type of player to win a Cup tie with a moment of magic.
Subs
Injured
D. Cousin
G. Boateng
J. Bullard
Suspended

watch West Ham v Manchester United live streaming

2009-02-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

Darren Fletcher has warned West Ham the venom of their fans will only make Manchester United more determined to win at Upton Park on Sunday.

Although United are used to opposition supporters baiting them on their travels, the atmosphere when they visit West Ham ranks alongside Anfield and Elland Road for intimidation.

Sir Alex Ferguson is at a loss to explain it, so the answer is far too deep-rooted and historic for Fletcher to know.

But while the Scotland star lacks the longevity to find that solution, he has enough experience of life at Old Trafford to know the bile will only galvanise United as they look to take a stranglehold on another Premier League title.

"We are the Premier League champions, European champions and world champions. West Ham want to turn us over and their fans will be right up for it," said Fletcher.

"The atmosphere down there is hostile. Sometimes you watch a game on TV and it seems fine but for us it is different somehow.

"When you are successful people try to knock you down. Long may it continue is all I can say."

Eye-contact is inadvisable. But when it does happen, Fletcher knows exactly how United intend to respond.

He continued: "You must meet the challenge head on. If you go to take a corner and you are getting stick you just have to laugh it off and respond in the best way possible by winning the match.

watch Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal live streaming

2009-02-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Spurs have scored 99 goals at White Hart Lane in Premier League London derbies.

Emmanuel Adebayor has scored eight goals in his last seven appearances against Spurs and at least one in each game.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 18 league games with Spurs.

There have only been two clean sheets kept between the two sides in the last 16 meetings in all competitions.

The scorer of the first goal in this fixture has only gone on to win three of the last 12 league games.

Jermaine Jenas has scored in four of his last five appearances against Arsenal.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League matches, winning five and drawing five.

The Gunners have only conceded two goals in their last five league games.

Arsenal have only failed to score in one of their last 11 Premier League matches away from the Emirates.

Five of Arsenal's last six goals have been scored from the 80th minute onward.

watch West Ham v Manchester United live streaming

2009-02-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

West Ham have only been able to win four of their previous 27 Premier League meetings against Manchester United.

However, the Hammers have managed to win both of their last two Premier League home games against the Red Devils.

Manchester United have only been able to secure four wins in their 13 Premier League matches at Upton Park.

Edwin Van der Sar now holds the English league record of 1,122 minutes without conceding a goal. He has managed to keep a record 12 successive Premier League clean sheets.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored five goals in his last three appearances against West Ham United, including a brace in their league meeting earlier this season.

West Ham are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches, winning four and drawing two.

Carlton Cole has scored five goals in his last six Premier League appearances.

40 per cent of the goals Man Utd have conceded have been headers, the highest proportion in the top division.

Three of United's last four league defeats away from home have come in London and all by a 2-1 score-line.

watch Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal live streaming

2009-02-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

Andrey Arshavin must settle in quickly and make an impact for Arsenal if they want to qualify for the Champions League.

The club have come out this week and said they can survive if they do not reach the Champions League, and in pure financial terms they might be right.
But the consequences go much deeper than that. It is not just the revenues they will lose. There will be even more pressure on them from clubs like Real Madrid to sell Cesc Fabregas and their other top players - and these players might have their heads turned if they are not in Europe's leading competition.

Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor, even Samir Nasri - these players could all be unsettled. And they will have less chance of attracting new players as well - it would be a big blow to the club's prestige.

Arshavin is a fine player and will certainly provide much-needed flair while Fabregas is out injured. Arsenal lack some quality in midfield - I don't think Denilson really offers them anything, while Nasri is struggling to shoulder the creative burden almost alone.

My concern is that, while he would be a fine addition to a very good Arsenal side, there are more pressing areas that need addressing. They are short of a defensive midfielder and a centre-back, and they also look suspect up front.

watch Portsmouth v Liverpool live streaming

2009-02-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Republic of Ireland striker makes his second debut for Tottenham against Arsenal on Sunday, having returned after just six months on Merseyside.

Keane scored just five times for Liverpool and on several occasions failed to make the substitutes' bench. He was sold back to Spurs on Monday in a deadline-day transfer worth up to £15 million.

He said: "Things happen for a reason. I went there and it didn't work out and now I'm back here.

"I never regret things I have done in football. I am back here now at a fantastic club with a fantastic manager."

It has been claimed that Benitez never wanted to sign Keane, and that the Liverpool board was the driving force behind his £20m capture last summer.

Keane acknowledged that the Spaniard did not appear to rate him highly and said his recent lacklustre performances were down to a lack of first-team football.

"When you are in and out of the team it is never easy," he added. "You need to play regularly to get your sharpness but sometimes a manager just doesn't fancy you.

"I found it difficult to take to be left out of the squad but I worked every day in training and I have moved on now and I am looking forward to the challenge at Spurs.

"Sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side.

watch Nottingham Forest v Queens Park Rangers live streaming

2009-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

City rejected a bid from their Championship counterparts and offered Adebola, out of contract in the summer, fresh terms at Ashton Gate.

Adebola concedes he was flattered by interest from elsewhere but with the club gunning for promotion, is content to commit his future to the Robins.

He told the Western Daily Press: "The chairman and the manager have showed their faith in me and they want me here.

"I am happy to stay because I feel I am doing well, the lads are playing well and we have a chance of being promoted - it would be hard for me to want to go.

"I have heard bits and bobs about the bid, but unfortunately as players we have little control over these things.

"It is flattering that a club has put a bid in for me because it means I must be doing something right.

"You just have to take it as it comes. You are told what you are doing and you have to put these things to the back of your mind."

City boss Gary Johnson has made it clear Adebola remains a key part of his plans for the rest of this season and beyond.

"I'm glad Dele is staying until the end of the season," said Johnson. "There was no way I wanted to lose him to Forest.

watch Reading v Preston North End live streaming

2009-02-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Russia international's switch to the Emirates from Zenit St Petersburg was not officially ratified until almost 24 hours after the 5pm deadline expired on Monday February 2.

Premier League officials granted the Gunners an extension due to the bad weather and were satisfied that an agreement was in place for the talented playmaker in time.

But Coppell has been left distinctly unimpressed by the whole protracted saga and claims the transfer window favours the top teams.

"You are looking for the governing body to show leadership and you want rules to be rules rather than rules to be bent.

"The whole transfer window and its policing are on a par with each other.

"The transfer window benefits the wealthier clubs. Why bother with the pretence?

"Now we go into the even bigger pretence of the emergency loan system, which is ridiculous.

"It always has been and always will be. It's just a way of bending the rules."

watch Coventry City v Wolverhampton Wanderers live streaming

2009-02-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Michael Kightly is hopeful he will be fit for Wolves' trip to face Midlands rivals Coventry at the Ricoh Arena in the Championship on Saturday.

The winger had to leave the field after just half an hour of Tuesday's 3-3 draw against Norwich with a shoulder problem, but is optimistic he will line up against the Sky Blues.

"I had a scan on it on Wednesday and we are just waiting for the results from the specialist, but I should be all right for Coventry - I certainly hope so anyway," Kightly told the club's official website.

Defender Neill Collins returns after completing his two-match ban, while new signing Christophe Berra could make his debut having now had a few days training with his new team-mates.

Nigel Quashie will be hoping to earn a place in midfield while manager Mick McCarthy must decide whether to keep faith with Andy Keogh alongside Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in attack or go with Chris Iwelumo or Sam Vokes.

watch Wigan Athletic v Fulham live streaming

2009-02-06T03:20:00.000-08:00

There have only been nine goals scored in the seven Premier League fixtures between these two teams.

In their seven previous Premier League meetings, Wigan and Fulham have both managed to win twice each.

Clint Dempsey is the only player to score a Premier League goal for Fulham at the JJB Stadium.

Dempsey managed to score in both of the two sides' Premier League meetings last season.

Andy Johnson has scored four goals in his last five appearances against Wigan Athletic, including a brace for Fulham earlier this season.

Fulham last managed to win a competitive match at Wigan Athletic in September 1992.

Wigan have only scored two goals in their last five Premier League matches, both of which have come after the 83rd minute.

Wigan have only conceded one headed goal, fewer than any other team.

There have only been six goals scored in Wigan's last six league matches.

watch West Bromwich v Newcastle United live streaming

2009-02-06T03:18:00.000-08:00

West Brom have not managed to defeat Newcastle United in any of their seven Premier League meetings.

Newcastle have only conceded one goal in their last four matches against the Baggies in the league.

West Brom have conceded eight goals in their last three fixtures against Newcastle.

The Baggies have only been able to win three of their last 17 Premier League matches, all of which have come at home.

Newcastle have gone six league games without a win, conceding a total of 15 goals in this period.

The Magpies have only managed to win two of their last 23 Premier League away matches.

Newcastle have conceded nine penalties this season, more than any other side.

Referee Chris Foy has not awarded a spot-kick this season, one of only two Premier League officials not to do so.

watch Sunderland v Stoke City live streaming

2009-02-06T03:12:00.000-08:00

Sunderland have only been able to win once in their last six league games.

The Black Cats have lost only two of their last eight Premier League matches.

Sunderland have scored one goal in each of their last four league games.

Stoke have only scored four goals in their last eight Premier League games.

The Potters have only managed to score more than one goal in one of their last 13 league matches.

Stoke City are yet to win a Premier League away game and have only accrued three points in their 12 attempts, the worst record in the top flight.

Stoke have only managed to score one first half goal in their last 13 Premier League matches.

Rob Styles awards a card every 5.4 fouls, a lower average than any other official.

watch Everton v Bolton Wanderers live streaming

2009-02-06T03:10:00.000-08:00

Everton have scored 99 home goals in Premier League North-West derbies.

The Toffees have won four and lost none of their last five Premier League matches against Bolton.

Gary Megson's side have only been able to find the net twice in their last five league matches against Everton.

Bolton Wanderers managed to defeat Everton 4-0 at Goodison Park in December 2005 but only on one occasion have the Trotters managed to score more than this in a Premier League away game.

Everton have managed to score a winning goal in the 90th minute in two of their last three meetings with Bolton.

Bolton have lost four of their last six Premier League games.

Everton have only lost once in their last eight league matches; conceding only three goals in those games.

Only Aston Villa (seven times) have been on the wrong end of goals from Kevin Davies more than Everton (6).

Everton have scored more headed goals than any other team in the top division (12).

watch Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa live streaming

2009-02-06T03:07:00.000-08:00

Ashley Young has scored in two of his three Premier League appearances against Blackburn.

Villa have won four and lost none of the last five meetings with Blackburn.

Villa's joint-worst Premier League defeat came against Blackburn (0-5) in season 1997-98.

Blackburn have only managed to win once in their last nine Premier League fixtures with Aston Villa.

Villa are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run in the league, winning eight of these games.

The last time that Villa managed to go 12 Premier League games without a defeat was back in March 2000.

Only on one occasion have they gone longer without a defeat (14 games) in between May and November 1998.

Martin O'Neill's side have conceded just two goals in their last five Premier League matches.

After going 11 games without a win in the Premier League under former manager Paul Ince, Blackburn have managed to go six games without a defeat since Sam Allardyce took the helm.

Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts have managed to score eight of Blackburn's last nine in the Premier League between them.

watch Manchester City v Middlesbrough live streaming

2009-02-06T03:03:00.000-08:00

A Manchester City fan has admitted his embarrassment after having 'Kaka' tattooed on his chest before Milan star snubbed the club last month.

City appeared to be on the verge of a world record £100 million deal, but the Brazilian rejected their approach to stay with the Serie A giants.

Christopher Atkinson, 25, attempted to cover up the tattoo after the transfer fell through, but friends discovered it.

"They haven't stopped taking the Mick. Kaka's one of my favourite players. I got carried away by the emotion of him coming here," Atkinson, of Altrincham in Cheshire, told The Sun.

"I wanted to show off. I just hope we go for him this summer.

"It's taken a few weeks to see the funny side. At least I have a permanent reminder of how close City came to signing him."

Despite, the disappointment, Atkinson has pledged to get another player's name stencilled to his body.

Watch Chelsea v Hull City live streaming

2009-02-06T03:02:00.000-08:00

Hull have only managed to score one goal in their last four competitive fixtures against the Pensioners, conceding 15 in the process.

The Tigers have only won four of their previous 39 competitive fixtures against Chelsea, none of which have come in London.

Chelsea have only managed to win four of their last 11 Premier League fixtures.

The Pensioners have either scored two goals or failed to score in each of their last seven league games.

Hull City have only managed to win once in their last 15 Premier League fixtures.

The Tigers managed to stay unbeaten in their first five Premier League away games of the season but have failed to win away from home since their 3-0 win at West Brom on 25th October.

The league's best attack (Chelsea 44 goals scored) comes head to head with the worst defence (Hull 46 goals conceded).

watch Portsmouth v Liverpool live streaming

2009-02-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

Liverpool have won seven and lost only one of the last 11 meetings in all competitions with Portsmouth.

Portsmouth have only managed to win twice in their 11 Premier League meetings with the Reds, both of which have come at Fratton Park.

Pompey have only managed to score one goal in their last three league matches against Liverpool.

Tony Adams's side have gone eight league games without a win, scoring just five goals in this period.

Liverpool are unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches, but have drawn in seven of these games.

The Reds have conceded only three goals in their last six league matches.

Liverpool have only scored one first half goal in their last four Premier League matches.

No team has scored more goals than Liverpool in the final 15 minutes or matches.

Watch Liverpool vs Chelsea live streaming

2009-01-31T20:14:00.000-08:00

Watch Liverpool vs Chelsea live online:

Sunday the 1st February 2009 at 16:00 GMTDate: February 1, 2009

Time: 16:00 GMT

Competition: England Premier League

Live/Repeat: Live

Upcoming Matches and Info: Liverpool FC - Chelsea FC

It does not get better than this as live premier league action on Sunday sees Chelsea visit Liverpool at Anfield in a game that could decide the latter's credibility as title challengers this season.Chelsea on the other hand continue to churn out results despite the fact that they are not in top form by any means. Salomon Kalou was the man of the hour for the Blues scoring a brace that took them to the second spot on the league table after their 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari will be happy his side have maintained the pace, but will be concerned about their lack of cohesion. With Carlo Cudicini having joined Tottenham, it is rumored that Scolari will sign Marco Storari in the January transfer window.Chelsea were at home to Boro on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge. The side managed by former Brazil World Cup winning boss Luiz Felipe Scolari had 45 points from 22 matches going into that game and their 45 points were the product of 13 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses with 42 goals scored and 13 conceded. The Blues will travel to Anfield without Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Joe Cole or Michael Essien .

live epl: Watch Newcastle United vs Sunderland live streaming

2009-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

Watch Newcastle United vs Sunderland live online:

Sunday the 1st February 2009 at 13:30 GMTDate: February 1, 2009

Time: 13:30 GMT

Competition: England Premier League

Live/Repeat: Live

Upcoming Matches and Info: Newcastle United FC - Sunderland AFC

Beleaguered Newcastle United take on Sunderland in their next Premier League match struggling to avoid slipping into the danger zone with almost half of the season left to play.
Newcastle have slipped up and are currently 16th on the league table with 23 points from 23 games. The Magpies are just two points off the relegation zone and their woes were worsened by a 2-1 loss to Manchester City at the Eastlands on Wednesday.

Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool Live Streaming

2009-01-28T01:56:00.000-08:00

Liverpool forward Keane has been linked with a return to White Hart Lane after only appearing in half of the Reds last 12 games and sensationally being left out of the 18-man squad which faced Everton in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Redknapp earlier said he would like a player of Keane’s quality back at the Lane but when asked after Tuesday’s 3-1 win whether he thought he could lure the Irishman back he replied “I wouldn’t of thought so.”

The former West Ham boss was also pessimistic about the capture of Lyon forward Fred after the Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to Spurs.

The 25-year old is out of contract at the end of the season and has indicated his desire to leave the French champions.

“If I could find a very good centre-forward then I’d get one,” the ex-Bournemouth manager said.

“He (Fred) was meant to come today but didn’t turn up so don’t bet on him coming tomorrow.

“He’s out of contract in the summer and I think they want a small fee for him.”

Club-less Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has been training with the north London side this month and Redknapp says he will make a decision about the 28-year-old’s future on Wednesday.

Redknapp should have few relegation worries while Luka Modric is in such good form. Tottenham’s convincing win against Stoke was inspired by the Croatia midfielder.

Former Dinamo Zagreb star Modric helped set up goals for Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe with winger Aaron Lennon grabbing the other.

Redknapp was full of praise for the slight playmaker. He said: “Modric was absolutely fantastic and ran the game. He’s not only a great footballer but he has a massive heart.

watch Chelsea vs Middlesbrough Live Streaming

2009-01-28T01:53:00.000-08:00

A Chelsea spokesman said the club was aware of Heims's statements but its position was unchanged from when chief executive Peter Kenyon issued a statement earlier this month, saying:

"Chelsea is not for sale. The owner has not and is not looking to sell his interest in the club and he remains as committed as ever."

Speculation had emerged that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who has bankrolled the most successful period in Chelsea's history, may have lost interest in the club after continued failure to deliver Champions League triumph despite his huge investment.

Heims declined to say how much the group was prepared to pay for Chelsea but said the investment had to add up in the medium to long run.

Germany's tabloid Bild paper reported earlier a possible price tag of £721 million.

So far there had not been any talks with Abramovich, Heims said: "We have no intention of launching a hostile takeover. This is only possible as a friendly deal."

Captain John Terry is back for Chelsea after he missed the FA Cup win over Ipswich with back spasms. Jon Obi Mikel is in the squad but unlikely to start after his arrest for an alleged drink-driving incident in West London. Portugal duo Ricardo Carvalho and Deco have hamstring and calf complaints, while Michael Essien and Joe Cole have long-term with knee injuries. Didier Drogba is likely to stay on the bench again, with Nicolas Anelka preferred as the starting striker.

Midfield duo Didier Digard and Gary O’Neil are suspended for Boro, who could hand a start to Marlon King after he signed on loan from Wigan. Jeremie Aliadiere and Justin Hoyte are out injured.

watch Manchester City vs Newcastle United Live Streaming

2009-01-28T01:51:00.000-08:00

Captain and centre-half Richard Dunne begins a four match ban for striking Wigan’s Amr Zaki, while Robinho is set to start despite going AWOL last week. Midfielders Dietmar Hamann, Michael Johnson and Martin Petrov are all injured, as are strikers Valeri Bojinov and Benjani. New boys Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong could be handed starts.

Newcastle are without the suspended Nicky Butt and a host of injured players that includes Danny Guthrie, Claudio Cacapa, Mark Viduka, Shola Ameobi, Habib Beye, Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith. New signing Peter Lovenkrands could feature on the bench after joining on a free following his release by Schalke.

watch West Ham vs Hull City Live online Streaming

2009-01-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

In one sense, United have not missed Ferdinand, increasing their run of consecutive Premier League clean sheets to 10 in his absence. This win made it a record-breaking 11 - they have not conceded in the league since November 8.

However, with Jonny Evans injured along with first-choice left-back Patrice Evra and twins Rafael and Fabio da Silva, Ferdinand’s return saved Sir Alex Ferguson from having to play central midfielder Darren Fletcher at right-back and Gary Neville in the centre.

West Brom started positively - the consequence of a run that saw them threaten to climb out of the relegation zone.

Gianni Zuiverloon saw a goalbound shot stopped by Michael Carrick after he collected a weak Edwin van der Sar punch. Then Jay Simpson robbed Neville on the West Brom left and jinked inside, but his shot was deflected wide by Ferdinand.

Marc-Antoine Fortune proved a thorn in United’s side, but his finishing could not match his pace and he failed to convert any of his three half-chances. United gradually exerted greater control over the game, and made the telling breakthrough midway through the first half.

Neville threw in to Ryan Giggs, who in turn found Berbatov. The Bulgarian played a give-and-go to Michael Carrick, collected the return pass and slotted underneath Carson from an angle on the right side.

The Baggies continued to show signs of life, particularly through Fortune, but the five minutes leading up to half-time effectively extinguished their chances.

Robinson and Ji-Sung Park both attacked a loose ball and the West Brom defender slid in with such force that his momentum carried his trailing leg painfully into Park’s midriff.

watch Everton vs Arsenal Live online Streaming

2009-01-28T01:43:00.000-08:00

The hosts welcome back Marouane Fellaini from his suspension while Mikel Arteta is set to be rushed back from a knock. Yakubu and Louis Saha are still out, although Joseph Yobo could start after recovering from injury.

Arsenal are still without Tomas Rosicky, although the Czech midfielder has returned to training after a long lay-off. Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Mikael Silvestre are out injured but Gael Clichy returns after being suspended in the goalless FA Cup draw with Cardiff.

watch Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers Live online Streaming

2009-01-28T01:37:00.000-08:00

Rovers defender Chris Samba is absent with an eye injury while Steven Reid is out for the season, otherwise Sam Allardyce has no major headaches for the clash against his former club.

Strikers Jason Roberts and Matt Derbyshire missed the FA Cup match at Sunderland but are back in the squad along with midfielder David Dunn and defender Andre Ooijer

New Bolton signing Mark Davies is in the squad but unlikely to start after his £1 million move from Wolves as skipper Kevin Nolan returns to the squad after a two-match ban for picking up 10 yellow cards. Johan Elmander, Gavin McCann and Joey O’Brien are all injured but should return soon, although Ricardo Vaz Te will not play again this season.

watch Sunderland vs Fulham Live online Streaming

2009-01-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

Arsenal have been locked in talks with the UEFA Cup holders over the playmaker’s transfer, with the Gunners thought unwilling to pay the £20 million Zenit have been demanding.

But if Zenit are to be believed an accord has been reached and all that is required is the agreement of personal terms.

“The fundamental understanding over the transfer of the player has been achieved between the clubs,” Zenit said in a statement.

“At the moment the only obstacle is the agreement of Andrei Arshavin’s personal requirements.”

The player is understood to earn in the region of £40,000 a week at Zenit, and would be seeking to double that to move to London.

Arshavin has been the subject of an ongoing tug-of-war between Zenit and Arsenal, after coming close to joining North London rivals Tottenham before the end of the summer transfer window.

Accurate information has been hard to come by, with contradictory statements released by Zenit and the player’s agent Denis Lachter, while the host of top European clubs thought to be interested in the 27-year-old’s services - including Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona - have chosen to remain quiet on a deal.

Arshavin impressed during Zenit’s UEFA Cup-winning campaign and Russia’s run to the semi-finals of the European Championships.

Arsenal lost midfield duo Gilberto and Mathieu Flamini in the summer and are desperate for midfield cover following a knee injury to captain Cesc Fabregas.

watch West Bromwich vs Manchester United Live online Streaming

2009-01-26T21:47:00.000-08:00

United are away to bottom-of-the-table West Browmich Albion and few would bet against the reigning English, European and world champions coming away from the Hawthorns with all three points.

If they did, that would leave them three clear of Liverpool, whom they currently lead on goal difference, and with a game in hand before the Reds’ potentially tricky away match against Wigan on Wednesday.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, renowned for playing ‘mind games’ with his side’s title challengers, appeared to be trying to take some of the pressure off his quadruple-chasing team.

“We will drop points in the run-in, there is no question about that,” Ferguson said. “We just hope we don’t drop as many as the rest.”

That Liverpool, fresh from two derby draws with Everton which have hampered their progress in both the Premier League and FA Cup, remain in the hunt is evidence of their ability, so far at least, to defy conventional football wisdom.

This states that successful sides are ones which enjoy stability both on and off the field.

But manager Rafael Benitez has fallen out with chief executive Rick Parry over the issue of transfers.

And with the Kuwait-based Al-Kharafi family reported to have pulled out of negotiations to buy the club, the spectre of a fresh power struggle between feuding co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett looms large over Anfield.

More worryingly for Benitez, Liverpool look unsettled on the pitch as well after three straight draws.

But Benitez said they could take heart from the way in which they’d come back against Everton in the FA Cup.

“I think the quality and character we have shown is very, very positive,” he said.

Aston Villa, riding high in fourth place, will be firm favourites to record an away win on Tuesday against Portsmouth even though Martin O’Neill’s men were held to a surprise goalless FA Cup draw by Doncaster.

watch Portsmouth vs Aston Villa Live online Streaming

2009-01-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

New loan signing Zesh Rehman goes straight into Bradford City’s squad for the Bantams’ League Two clash at Bury.
FOOTBALL Zesh Rehman - 0

The 25-year-old Pakistan international has not appeared for the Londoners this season, but made four appearances for Blackpool during a loan spell that expired on New Year’s Day.

He has been drafted in on loan until the end of the season to beef up Stuart McCall’s defence.

Bantams boss McCall has no new injury or suspension problems.

Winger Joe Colbeck was given a late run out against Luton following his recovery from a broken bone in his foot and might play a bigger role for the Bantams, as could midfielder Lee Bullock, who also stepped off the bench to make his first appearance since suffering cruciate ligament damage in September.

Bury manager Alan Knill is likely to name an unchanged team .First-choice goalkeeper Wayne Brown continues to be Knill’s only injury problem with the number one potentially out for a further two weeks after picking up a thigh problem against Wycombe at the beginning of January.

Efe Sodje is again likely to be confined to the bench as he struggles to force his way back into Knill’s starting XI with Ryan Cresswell and Ben Futcher forming a formidable central defensive partnership in recent weeks.

“Bradford will bring a big following and it’s a big game for them,” Knill told the club’s official website. “It was a close game at their place, we are a decent side and for us, it’s the next game.

“It doesn’t matter if its Bradford or Luton, it’s the next game, we just go about it in the same way.”

watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Stoke City Live online Streaming

2009-01-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

In Eardley’s absence, Scott Golbourne made his debut after joining on loan from Reading and could push his fellow defender Eardley for a starting place on Tuesday.

Dale Stephens has returned to training and the midfielder could be involved in the squad, though is unlikely to start.

Goalkeeper Mark Crossley remains the only long-term absentee as he continues to suffer with back problems.

Defender Marcus Williams is Scunthorpe’s main absentee. Williams has suffered a broken toe and will be out for around two months, with Andrew Wright and fit-again Michael Lea set to battle it out for his defensive spot.

Boss Nigel Adkins has an otherwise unchanged squad to pick from given midfielders Matt Sparrow and Sam Togwell both emerged unscathed from the 2-1 win over Leyton Orient.

Togwell, who had been suffering from a thigh injury, will push for a start against the Latics after only making the bench last time out.

Adkins is still hoping to make additions to his squad before Tuesday’s game but will still be without long-term absentees Ben May and Kenny Milne.

Oldham manager John Sheridan is likely to start with Doncaster target Lee Hughes for the trip to League One promotion rivals Scunthorpe.

Championship side Donnie have been chasing Hughes since it emerged that the Latics’ top-scorer could go for only £400,000 due to a clause in his contract.

Sheridan will also be boosted by the return of defender Neil Eardley the match. The 20-year-old defender was forced to miss the Lancashire derby against Stockport through suspension after collecting his fifth booking of the season in the 5-0 defeat at Hereford.

Watch FA cup Liverpool v Everton Live Streaming

2009-01-25T01:13:00.000-08:00

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant claims half his former team-mates at Anfield do not understand manager Rafael Benitez.The 26-year-old has switched to Fratton Park for the rest of the season after being frozen out of the Reds side.

Pennant had been limited to just five games for Liverpool this term, a stark contrast to 25 he notched up last season and the former Arsenal and Birmingham man has even trained alone during matchdays this campaign.

After remaining tight-lipped about his torrid time in Merseyside until now, Pennant has claimed many of the Liverpool players struggle to get to grips with the thinking of tactician Benitez.

Pennant, who is line to make his Pompey debut in front of the home fans in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Swansea, he told the Daily Express: "I felt like my career was rotting away at Liverpool.

"I found it strange that I had been linked with a move to both Real Madrid and AC Milan, but couldn't even get on the Liverpool bench.

"Some people were asking me why I was not getting a sniff, even on the bench. But Rafa was the manager, and had his team, so I suppose I could not have a lot of argument.

"I don't know what it is between him and me really, but I have to say half the players at Liverpool can't seem to work him out."

Pennant, whose Liverpool contract runs out this summer, accepts his Reds career may be finished, but the right-winger is looking forward to being valued at Pompey.

"Rafa didn't speak to me very much. I think the last time was in 2006... only joking," Pennant said.

"Seriously, though, he hardly ever spoke to me apart from saying, 'Good morning, how are you?' and I sensed I might not have a future at the club.

watch Cardiff City v Arsenal live streaming

2009-01-25T01:11:00.000-08:00

Cardiff boss Dave Jones wants his players to prove they can compete with the best when they face Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.Arsenal visit Ninian Park in a rich vein of form having won their last four matches and disposed of Championship opposition in the form of Plymouth in the third round.

The Bluebirds' fans will be hoping their side can upset the odds once again and replicate the form that saw them reach last year's final at Wembley where they were beaten by Portsmouth. Jones admits that the cup brings a special atmosphere to the club but insists his side will get beaten if they let the occasion get to them instead of playing their own game.

"We're not playing at Wembley, we're at Ninian Park and we'll play the football match and I hope we do that. I've never known a team to play the occasion and come out better," said Jones.

"These players know what is expected of them, they have a fantastic opportunity to show they can compete against the best and if they can do that and they play to their capabilities then I can't expect anything more from them.

"If we play to our best and Arsenal come out on top then then no one can complain. We will give it our best shot."

watch fa cup Hull City vs Millwall Live Streaming

2009-01-24T03:37:00.000-08:00

Lille secured their place in the last 16 of the Coupe de France with a straightforward 3-0 defeat of amateur side Dunkerque.

Pierre-Alain Frau opened the scoring in eighth minute before Eden Hazard doubled the advantage midway through the first half. Yohan Cabaye then put the result beyond doubt from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute.

In Friday night’s other last-32 tie, AC Ajaccio saw off Vannes OC 2-0 thanks to goals from Ludovic Guerriero (19) and Georges Ba (60).

A Kuwaiti business group said to be in talks with Liverpool over a proposed takeover has rejected the reports.

Widespread speculation on Friday suggested the club were in discussions with Kuwaiti billionaire Nasser Al-Kharafi with regards possible investment.

There have also been widespread reports the club’s American owners could be willing to call time on what has been an eventful tenure on Merseyside.

However, it would appear any potential sale would not involve the Kharafi Group, whose vice president Loay al-Kharafi has now distanced his company from such an idea. He said reports are “not correct.”

watch fa cup Chelsea vs Ipswich Live Streaming

2009-01-24T03:34:00.000-08:00

Despite public information messages explaining Davies was in Glasgow at the bedside of his ill son, Derby fans still baited their ex-manager.

But Earnshaw exacted the kind of revenge that Davies would have been looking for with the second half equaliser that deprived Clough of his first win in charge of Derby.

Davies, who guided Derby to promotion to the Premier League before being sacked 14 months ago, will get the chance for victory in a replay a week on Tuesday.

Davies’s son William underwent a scheduled operation which was then extended to six hours because of complications.

Assistant manager David Kelly took charge of affairs in the biggest derby between the bitter East Midlands rivals since Clough senior took Forest to the Baseball Ground to face his former assistant Peter Taylor, who had defected to take charge of Derby.

The absence of Davies’ shrill whistles of instruction from the technical area seemed to leave Forest woefully short of ideas other than to punt long balls in the direction of Nathan Tyson and Earnshaw.

There was little subdued about Derby with Clough handing Robbie Savage his first start and instructions to stir the passions, a job he took to with relish, charging all over, disrupting Forest possession.

Savage was born for occasions like this, but there was culture too from Derby in the shape of winger Nacer Barazite, on loan from Arsenal.

The Dutchman tormented Joel Lynch and stung the fingers of Paul Smith with a well-directed effort from long range as Forest retreated.

Lynch was outclassed by the skills of Barazite and it was down his left-back channel that Derby registered the first telling blow just after the half hour.

Barazite’s low cross ran through the legs of Paul Green, allowing Rob Hulse to swivel and drive a low shot home from the edge of the six-yard box to give the home side the lead.

Forest could easily have been on level terms almost immediately after the interval.

Kelvin Wilson’s powerful run from inside his own half allowed the defender to spring Tyson forward and his low shot was beaten away by Bywater and Earnshaw was crowded out in the battle for the rebound.

watch fa cup Doncaster Rovers vs Aston Villa Live Streaming

2009-01-24T03:32:00.000-08:00

Fierce East Midlands rivals Derby and Nottingham Forest face an FA Cup fourth-round replay next month after drawing the first of the weekend’s ties 1-1 at Pride Park.

Robert Earnshaw struck against his former club to deny Nigel Clough a first victory as Rams manager, with his goal cancelling out Rob Hulse’s opener for the Rams.

And either side could have gone on to win it, with former Forest midfielder Kris Commons stabbing a half-volley wide with his first touch after coming off the Rams bench while visiting ‘keeper Paul Smith saved well to keep out headers from Hulse and substitute Luke Varney late on.

Forest boss Billy Davies, formerly in charge at Pride Park, was absent as he attended to important family matters.

watch Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur Live online Streaming

2009-01-24T03:29:00.000-08:00

Since quitting the international stage, Boyd has been in sensational goalscoring form, netting 18 times in his last 16 Rangers appearances.

Burley hinted earlier this month he would consider picking the striker if Boyd made himself available again, but the Scotland boss said this week he was only concentrating on the players currently at his disposal.

Smith, himself a former Rangers forward, insists he appreciates Boyd’s frustration at being repeatedly snubbed by Burley since the former Ipswich and Hearts boss took charge a year ago on Saturday.

But the SFA chief was adamant the player’s reaction to being left on the bench in October’s goalless World Cup qualifying draw against Norway was unacceptable.

“I think he left because he was a bit upset about not being put on the field,” Smith said in a wide-ranging interview with BBC ALBA’s Sprs p “I was not too pleased that he walked out and he made it very clear that it was because of the manager and if it was a different manager in charge, he would come back.

“I think that should be sorted out. I’d like to see Kris Boyd change his mind on it, but if he doesn’t, we just have to get on with it.”

Smith also rubbished suggestions Boyd was not the only player who had a problem with Burley and that some had exaggerated injuries to get out of international duty.

He said: “A lot of people say about people not being available, not turning up for matches, injuries.

“Our medical staff check everybody out and they know, when somebody’s allowed to leave the squad, they’re genuine cases of injury.

“No-one is allowed to leave the squad on the basis of made-up injuries.”

Smith remains confident Burley will lead Scotland to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Four points from three Group Nine games so far has been enough to hold second place in the table.

Smith concedes Holland will probably finish top and he knows a better return is needed if Scotland are to secure one of the eight play-off places at the end of the campaign.

“I still think that we’ll achieve second place in the group at worst,” he said.

“If we do achieve second place, hopefully it’s a second place that puts us into a play-off, and then anything can happen.

“I’m positive about second place and I’m positive we can win it (the play-off).”

Smith also reiterated his opposition to a Great Britain football team competing at the 2012 Olympics, explaining he felt it could lead to the demise of the Home Nations.

Carling Cup Manchester United vs Derby County Live online streaming

2009-01-20T02:05:00.000-08:00

Derby vs Manchester United is one tie that has already spurred in so much of media as well as fans’ attention. The reason; if Manchester United continues the winning streak it becomes the killer club to win 4 titles in a season.

The team played some amazing sport in EPL and doing equally well in the FA and UEFA, and my bet would be on this team to win the 2009 Carling cup. But one should not forget that these Carling cup matches are knockouts. This makes it more interesting and the suspense element makes worth all wait for this match too, which is going to be played at Pride Park on 7th Jan 2009 at 1945 hours GMT.

If the team stays off from injuries, it is going to knock off the Derby, believes its team manager. The team weighs itself high on many factors including Carlos Tevez’s continuing good form, Welbeck’s confidence and Gibson’s impressive field attitude. The team has been playing with strong contingent whether it’s against a small team or a big one with right mixture of young and experienced players that makes the club a great proposition for knockout scenarios like these.

Derby is almost at the bottom of the league table but fans are happy to see them play a semifinal tie in Carling cup. It can only hope for miraculous goals on its home turf, and the team doesn’t have even a fulltime manager. For all these reasons it should be an easy win for Manchester United, despite its hectic playing schedule. Still better I would say time would declare the real winner.

watch premier league fantasy football Liverpool v Everton live online streaming

2009-01-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

The Merseyside derby has seen more red cards than any other fixture in Premier League history - 17.

There has been more than one player dismissed in six separate meetings.

Steven Gerrard and Phil Neville have both been sent off twice in this fixture.

Fernando Torres has scored in both of his appearances against Everton - three goals in two games.

Everton haven't won at Anfield since September 1999 - since then the Reds have won three and four of the games have ended even.

Four players have scored braces in the last seven league games at Anfield.

Liverpool have won 199 games at Anfield in the Premier League era.

Everton have scored 10 headed goals - a league high.

Benitez's rant at United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the row over his contract extension have raised questions over whether the Reds can handle the pressure of a title challenge.

However, the Liverpool boss insists their approach has not altered and they are unconcerned by the rise of United.

"The situation does not change, no matter what they do," said the Spaniard.

"We have to get three points in every single game and especially in the derby.

"I think it is important to understand when people talk about the title and your position in the table that I didn't expect in August to win the title in January.

watch premier league fantasy football Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth live online streaming

2009-01-17T21:46:00.000-08:00

It is five hours and 51 minutes since Spurs last scored a league goal at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham have scored fewer home goals than any other side (7) and there have been just 14 Premier League goals at White Hart Lane all season - the fewest at any ground.

Jermain Defoe has scored five goals in this fixture - four of them coming for Spurs and one for Pompey earlier this season.

The last time the two sides met, Harry Redknapp was in charge at the south coast club and Portsmouth ran out 2-0 winners.

Spurs have won all five Premier League home games against Pompey scoring at least two goals on each occasion.

Portsmouth have lost their last four league games in a row.

Pompey have only kept one clean sheet in 11 games with Tony Adams at the helm.

Tottenham have failed to score in five of their last seven league matches.

A win for Spurs would see them leapfrog Portsmouth in the Premier League table, but Pompey have won four and lost none of their five games against the current bottom five.

premier league fantasy football West Ham v Fulham live streaming

2009-01-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

There have been six red cards in 11 Premier League meetings between these two sides.

Fulham won the first Premier League meeting with West Ham, but have not tasted victory in 10 since.

West Ham have won the last three league meetings with the west London side and have averaged more points against Fulham than any other side they have played more than two seasons in the Premier League.

Fulham's last four away games have all ended as 0-0 draws - a Premier League record.

The Whites have scored just three goals on the road - the fewest - and only one in their last eight away trips.

The Whites have lost only one of their last 13 games and are unbeaten in their last nine.

However, Roy Hodgson's men have drawn six of their last seven league games.

Fulham have drawn the joint-most games (8) in the division.

The Whites have kept five clean sheets in their last seven league outings.

Carlton Cole has scored four goals in his last four matches in all competitions.

watch Hull City vs Arsenal Live Streaming

2009-01-16T03:12:00.000-08:00

Zenit have said they are willing to sell the Russia playmaker but have been accused by Arshavin's agent of trying to inflate the transfer fee.

Arsenal have had a bid, believed to be around £10m, rejected, but Wenger is hopeful the clubs can reach an agreement before the transfer window closes on February 2.

"We are not close to signing today. Then again we are in negotiations, yes, but we want to respect our principles," said Wenger.

"I'm very hopeful because the transfer market closes on the 31st (sic) and we are not halfway yet. If it doesn't happen it doesn't happen but we want to improve."

Wenger's public statements about Arshavin represent a break from his usual operating style, with Arsenal having previously announced major signings out of the blue, such as Jose Antonio Reyes and Tomas Rosicky - the latter snatched from under the noses of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid.

watch West Bromwich vs Middlesbrough Live Streaming

2009-01-16T03:11:00.000-08:00

A Rossoneri spokesman said Suma’s comments were not an official statement by the Serie A club.

Sky Sports Italia claimed that a bid of around 120 million euros (£107m) has been tabled by the Eastlands club, who are owned by billionaire Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The player”s agent, meanwhile, claimed that Milan have given Kaka permission to talk to City and that his father, Bosco Leite, would probably be travelling to England to speak to the club.

Diogo Kotscho also was quoted by The Associated Press as saying that is was an “exaggeration” to claim that a decision had been made by the player either to move or to stay, although by allowing Kaka to speak to City he implied that Milan had agreed a transfer fee.

It has been suggested that City are offering the former World Player of the Year a salary in the region of £500,000 per week - more than three times his current wage - but that Kaka wants the club to invest throughout the squad if he is to consider joining.

City were bought-out by Sheikh Mansour in the summer and immediately splashed £32.5m on Real Madrid forward Robinho on transfer-deadline day.

Mark Hughes’s side have had an inconsistent start to the season and currently lie 15th in the Premier League, 13 points behind European qualification and only two above the relegation zone.

watch Sunderland vs Aston Villa Live Streaming

2009-01-16T03:10:00.000-08:00

Milan acknowledged for the first time the bid on their official TV channel.

Mediaset, the TV company founded by Milan supremo Silvio Berlusconi, claimed City had bid 150 million euros (197.5 million dollars) for the former World Player of the Year and offered him a salary of 15 million euros (19.8 million dollars) a season.

“This is a delicate moment. There is an offer from Manchester City for Kaka and Milan are considering it,” said Milan TV presenter Mauro Suma.

“Considering it doesn’t mean there’s been a decision or acceptance. This is not a definitive decision or a ‘fait accompli’, there are hours and days ahead.”

Earlier in the day there had been conflicting reports over the state of play of City’s much reported world record bid for the 26-year-old.

The club’s assistant manager Mark Bowen had told the BBC that a deal was “very close”, but an Arabian business website insisted that talks had broken down.

City manager Mark Hughes, however, was quick to dismiss those reports telling a press conference: “I’ve seen these reports but you have to bear in mind that the people who are being given a platform to speak do not represent the owner (Sheikh Mansour) or (chairman) Khaldoon (Al Mubarak).

“In my opinion they should not be given a platform to say what they have because in this instance it is completely untrue because negotiations are still taking place.”

“It would be naive to think I have not been involved in discussions over this transfer. I have had meetings about it and have had an input.

watch Manchester City vs Wigan Athletic Live Streaming

2009-01-16T03:06:00.000-08:00

Mediaset, the TV company founded by Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, claimed City had bid 150 million euros (197.5 million dollars) for the former World Player of the Year and offered him a salary of 15 million euros (19.8 million dollars) a season.

“This is a delicate moment. There is an offer from Manchester City for Kaka and Milan are considering it,” said Milan TV presenter Mauro Suma.

“Considering it doesn’t mean there’s been a decision or acceptance. This is not a definitive decision or a ‘fait accompli’, there are hours and days ahead.”

Earlier in the day there had been conflicting reports over the state of play of City’s bid for the 26-year-old.

The club’s assistant manager Mark Bowen had told the BBC that a deal was “very close”, but an Arabian business website insisted that talks had broken down.

City manager Mark Hughes, however, was quick to dismiss those reports telling a press conference: “I’ve seen these reports but you have to bear in mind that the people who are being given a platform to speak do not represent the owner (Sheikh Mansour) or (chairman) Khaldoon (Al Mubarak).

“In my opinion they should not be given a platform to say what they have because in this instance it is completely untrue because negotiations are still taking place.”

“It would be naive to think I have not been involved in discussions over this transfer. I have had meetings about it and have had an input.

“It is impossible to say whether it will go through or not but we will let everyone know when there is something to say.”

Reports in the Italian press backed up Hughes’s claim with the Gazzetta dello Sport claiming Milan had given City permission to talk to Kaka on Tuesday with City representative and notorious Iranian-born agent Kia Joorabchian making contact with Kaka’s father and agent Bosco.

watch Chelsea vs Stoke City Live Streaming

2009-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

Chelsea have won only four out of 10 league games this season at Stamford Bridge - dropping 14 points - as many as in the whole of 2007-08.

It is also two more points than Jose Mourinho's Chelsea dropped at home in his first two seasons (combined total of 38 games) in charge.

Stoke have the worst away record in the top flight with just three points.

The Potters have just kept two clean sheets on the road, while the other eight opponents have all scored two or more goals against them.

Stoke have failed to score in six of the last seven meetings with the Blues in all competitions.

Stoke have fired in the fewest shots on target (56), while Chelsea have mustered the most (135).

39% of Stoke's goals have come from headers - the highest proportion in the top division.

78% of goals scored by Stoke have been netted in the second half - the highest percentage in the Premier League.

Stoke have only scored one goal in their last five league matches.

Stoke have taken eight points against the current top five teams from seven games this season.

watch Bolton Wanderers vs Manchester United Live Streaming

2009-01-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

Givet, who can play at left-back or at centre-back and has been capped by France, has not played a single match for l’OM this season.

He joined the Mediterranean side from Monaco in the summer of 2007 and made 29 appearances in Ligue 1 last season.

The Angolan frontman has made one Barclays Premier League appearance for United, who let him spend part of last season on loan at Panathinaikos.

Hull have not yet secured a work permit for the 25-year-old but hope they will be able to achieve that before Saturday's match against Arsenal.

The Tigers also remain hopeful of completing the signing of former Liverpool right-back Steve Finnan from Espanyol, however that is unlikely to be finalised within 24 hours.

Hull boss Phil Brown said the club were still hoping to do a deal with Finnan, but insisted the club would have to be completely satisfied about the full-back's fitness.

"It is a long way from being complete," said Brown.

watch Blackburn Rovers vs Newcastle United Live Streaming

2009-01-16T02:53:00.000-08:00

Osasuna finished the match with 10 men after French midfielder Ludovic Delporte was dismissed for a wild challenge on Markel Susaeta in the 90th minute.

The defeat capped a miserable few days for the struggling club, who surrendered a 2-1 lead to Barcelona in the final 10 minutes of last weekend’s Liga match to lose 3-2 and remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.

Athletic will play Sporting Gijon in the last eight after Jorge Garcia’s header in added time sent them through at the expense of Real Valladolid.

In the other three quarters, Espanyol face city rivals Barcelona, Mallorca take on Real Betis and holders Valencia play 2007 winners Sevilla.

Gabilondo opened the scoring on five minutes, controlling an attempted clearance and curling the ball over Ricardo Lopez.

They went two up when a low shot from striker Ion Velez skewed off Josetxo and over the stranded Osasuna goalkeeper into the net.

The visitors had a chance to get back into the match when Gabilondo fouled Javier Portillo in the area with around half an hour left but the former Real Madrid striker had his penalty well saved by Athletic keeper Gorka Iraizoz.

Premier League Manchester United v Wigan Athletic live streaming and Highlights

2009-01-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

The win against Chelsea was very important. After watching Liverpool . we needed to take advantage and get the win.

"We've done that now so come Saturday, if we do our job right and win our two games, then we'll be top."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to be without influential defender Rio Ferdinand once again due to back trouble.

Ferdinand has been suffering spasms and was forced to miss his side's win over Chelsea before being sent for further scans on the problem.

United are still awaiting the results and Ferguson admits his absence is a big blow, although he has been full of praise for the England international's replacement at the heart of United's defence, Jonny Evans.

Evans, who is just 21, appears to be a star in the making and has deputised without putting a foot wrong.

Ferguson said: "He's been marvellous. For a young boy, 21 only a week ago, he was absolutely superb (against Chelsea).

"His reading of the game, his use of the ball, he was a giant like many of our players. I was very pleased for the boy."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce takes his in-form side to Old Trafford on the back of an incredible run of six wins in the last seven league games, but is more concerned with the future of Emile Heskey.

The England striker has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Aston Villa but Bruce has warned him that leaving the JJB Stadium could ruin his hopes of being involved in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Former United centre-half Bruce said: "Emile knows that we play to his strengths and that has helped him get himself back into the England team.

"It's no secret that his return to the international scene is a result of what he has done for us.

Premier League Aston Villa v Arsenal live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Fabregas travelled to Barcelona on Tuesday to consult specialist doctor Ramon Cugat about the problem he picked up during Sunday's Premier League draw with Liverpool when he was tackled by Xabi Alonso.

The injury is set to keep the Gunners' captain sidelined for around four months, but it will not require the Spain international to go under the knife.

"After consulting with the best doctor possible, we've decided not to operate. If it would have been necessary it would have been the first thing I would have done, but the doctor recommended to me not to do it because I'm young and the meniscus is not damaged," Fabregas was quoted as saying in Marca.

"Although we cannot be certain because the injury only happened a few days ago, but I will be out for more or less four months. My intention is to return as soon as possible to help my team-mates.

"I will endeavour to return as soon as possible to do what I like most, to play football."

Fabregas did not come out for the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium after sustaining the knee problem following a tackle by his Spanish Euro 2008-winning team-mate Alonso.

The 21-year-old Fabregas said of Alonso: "He was very concerned about me. He called me after the game, he has been sending messages and also called me before I saw the doctor. These are things that happen, it's football and Xabi is a great friend of mine.

Premier League Wigan Athletic v Newcastle United live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Steve Bruce thought Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear's foul-mouthed rant at the press in the opening week of his reign was "absolutely fantastic".Kinnear, who was the surprise choice as caretaker manager at St James' Park when Kevin Keegan resigned, opened his first press conference with a volley of abuse at journalists whom he felt had unfairly criticised him.

His outburst dominated the headlines for days afterwards but Wigan manager Bruce believes it was a canny piece of psychology from the man famed for creating the 'Crazy Gang' when he was former Wimbledon manager.

Prior to that the focus on Newcastle had all been about their poor form, Keegan's departure and owner Mike Ashley's plans to sell the club.

"I thought his rant at the press was absolutely fantastic," said Bruce, whose side face Newcastle at the JJB Stadium on Boxing Day.

"I was thinking 'Has he done it on purpose to take it (the pressure) away from the owner and the players and pile it on himself?'

"If he did do that then I have to say well done, pat on the back to him, because it has got them going and since he has gone in there they have lost two in 13 games."

Bruce was full of praise for the work Kinnear, who was out of work for nearly four years before being catapulted back into the spotlight, has done in stopping the rot at Newcastle

"Newcastle have always been associated with playing one way - they've had to be because the supporters are a little gung-ho - but he's made them more difficult to be beat," said Bruce, himself a Geordie.

Premier League Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Diouf has just returned to the club after being given compassionate leave to be at his wife's side as she gave birth.

But while Sbragia does not want to keep an unsettled player in his squad, he will not allow Diouf to depart unless the terms of any proposed deal are right for Sunderland.

"If he is wanted by Big Sam at Blackburn, or if he wants to go, there's not much I can do about it," Sbragia said.

"But if that was the case, we would sit down and look at it and see if it was right for us and see if the fee was acceptable.

"If Dioufy wants to go, he's free to go."

The former Liverpool and Bolton forward moved to the Stadium of Light in the summer but has only shown flashes of his best ability and is still to find the net for his new club.

New Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has been linked with a possible move for the Senegal international, who he knows well from his time at the Reebok Stadium.

Premier League Middlesbrough v Everton live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Terry was shown red by Phil Dowd for a high tackle on Leon Osman in the stalemate and although the Blues managed to come away with a point, Scolari declined to talk to the press at the end of the game.

Scolari broke his silence on ChelseaTV a day later and insisted he was merely taking his time to get some perspective over the incident.

"If I go to say something [straight after the game] maybe I say something wrong and I need more time to look at everything.

"I have to look at the game again if something happened in the game. I need to be sure about this or that. I said no [to the press] at that time because maybe I'd have problems in the future - in that time I am not calm.

"If I go then I answer some questions and I'm angry."

But despite taking time out to make sure he could view the incident dispassionately, the Brazilian still cannot comprehend the sending off.

"Maybe I look at the game and I change my mind, but I don't change my mind about yesterday.

"I looked at the game again and I don't change.

Premier League Manchester City v Hull City live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hull boss Phil Brown hopes his side can take advantage of Manchester City's woes to get back to winning ways on Boxing Day.Mark Hughes' Manchester City side have slipped into the bottom three of the Premier League on the back of a poor run of form.

That has increased the pressure on Hughes with fans chanting he was going to get "sacked in the morning" during last week's loss to West Brom.

Brown has backed Hughes to turn the situation around but does not intend to show any sympathy at Eastlands on Friday as Hull look to bounce back from their disappointing 4-1 defeat by Sunderland.

Brown said: "There is a lot of pressure on Mark Hughes and hopefully we can compound that situation with a good performance.

"If Man City bring their best game to the table they are a very good side but we can hurt teams with the running power and the set-pieces we can bring.

"It is going to be a difficult game, a toughie - Man City were expected to be in the top six at the start of the season."

He added: "I think Mark is a strong character, he can handle the situation for sure.

"But I think he is probably one of the managers desperate to get to the January transfer window. You cannot say that Man City team is a Mark Hughes team."

Brown brought his players in for training this morning but they will be given tomorrow off to spend Christmas Day with their families.

Premier League Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is set for a possible return as the Reds entertain Bolton on Boxing Day.

Torres recently suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury which had earlier kept him out of the side for five weeks and has now not played since November 26, but assistant manager Sammy Lee claims that the Spanish star is improving.

"Fernando's progress has markedly improved," he said. "He is getting better. He improves with every training session and he has worked very hard on his rehabilitation."

Also hoping to be back on Friday is manager Rafa Benitez, who is recovering from a second operation on his kidney stone problem. Since he was afflicted Benitez has been relegated to relaying instructions via mobile phone to Lee, but he hopes to return to the dugout for the Bolton match.

Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Philipp Degen are also close to fitness, though will not be risked.

Bolton, who will be seeking a first league victory at Anfield since 1954, have no new injury problems for manager Gary Megson to deal with. Joey O'Brien and Tamir Cohen are both still out with long-term problems.

Premier League Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Roy Hodgson is not getting carried away by expectation but admits Fulham's lofty league position is at the "top end" of his end-of-year target.The Cottagers are eighth following a seven-match unbeaten run and go into the Boxing Day clash at Tottenham on the back of a 3-0 thrashing of Middlesbrough.

It is a far cry from this time last year, when the west Londoners were in dire straights in the relegation zone, but Hodgson says he tries to remain cautious no matter what the situation.

"Is it where I expected to be? Expectation, I'm not sure," he said. "There's so much expectation in football today that I try to play down personal expectation and manage what's actually happening.

"If what's happening is good I manage that and if what's happening is bad then I manage that.

"If you get too caught up in the disappointment that your expectation is not being met or the euphoria that expectations are being met then you can make a lot of errors along the way.

"So I try to stay as blank as possible on expectation.

He added: "It's at the top end of what I dared hope for after losing those three matches in a row early on.

"After the first three matches when we had six points I suppose then I was hoping we'd be in the mid-20s come the end of the year - but after losing three in a row I suppose I wasn't quite so certain. We did well to recover from that."

Despite being upbeat about team morale and the positive mood in the Fulham camp, the fact his side still have not won away from home still rankles with Hodgson.

Premier League Portsmouth v West Ham live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Pedro, Sulley and now Lassie have gone and that is the heart of your team and your protection for the defence. If you ripped them out of any squad they would struggle.

"But I will pick up the pieces, work with the lads here and try to get some results.

"I feel we have struggled with the balance of the squad all season, irrespective of who we have sold and I have been constantly looking for areas to strengthen.

"I would love to play the same XI week in, week out at the moment but that is not the case. I have not played the same team since I have been here and I would like to.

"I would love to have a settled back four, absolutely, the last clean sheet was against West Ham and we need to keep working.

"A settled midfield as well, that is just as important. At the moment though it is not happening."

Adams believes his players owe it to the Fratton Park faithful to rediscover their winning habit against West Ham following a run of just two victories from their last 10 Premier League games.

The Pompey boss was left shell-shocked by the way his side started their encounter with Bolton last Saturday as they conceded two goals inside a shambolic opening three minutes.

Adams added: "It was very disappointing last week at Bolton and we need to try and put that right but I thought our fans were magnificent with the way they cheered the team.

Premier League Chelsea v West Bromwich live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

The 20-year-old was due back at Stamford Bridge after Monday's game at Blackpool but will now see out the maximum 93 days permitted under the emergency loan system.

Manager Mick McCarthy told the club's official website: "Michael has done everything we expected of him and has been a very good player for us. We've been delighted with him and are delighted to have extended the loan.

"We'll then wait and see what Chelsea decide in the window. If they feel they can leave him out and we can have him for the rest of the season then that's what we'll do because that can happen at any time in January.

"Chelsea might have a problem with any outgoings or injuries and if they want him back they'll have him on recall. At least now we can take him to the end of the emergency loan.

Premier League Stoke City v Manchester United live streaming and Highlights

2008-12-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Phelan gave evidence to the panel earlier this month in a case that saw left-back Patrice Evra handed a four-match ban for his part in a post-match brawl with Chelsea groundstaff at Stamford Bridge last spring.

Part of United's claim was that within the brawl, which the FA panel concluded Evra was responsible for starting, Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell used racist language towards the Red Devils defender, something he strenuously denies and was rejected by panel chairman Nicholas Stewart QC.

In his case notes, Stewart outlined major inconsistencies in the two written accounts submitted by Phelan prior to verbally giving evidence.

"Even before the hearing we did not feel able to place strong reliance on this evidence. Mike Phelan did not impress us," read the panel's findings, which have been made public by the FA.

The report claimed that if Phelan and then goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis had heard the comments Bethell was alleged to have made, it was implausible no-one else, specifically two black members of the Chelsea groundstaff close to the scene, would not have heard them and reported them.

Premier League news and results

2008-11-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 29Time Match

15:00 Aston Villa

Fulham

15:00 Middlesbrough

v
Newcastle United

15:00 Stoke City
v
Hull City

15:00 Sunderland
v
Bolton Wanderers

15:00 Wigan Athletic
v
West Bromwich

Sunday November 30Time Match

13:30 Manchester City
v
Manchester United

15:00 Portsmouth
v
Blackburn Rovers

15:00 Tottenham Hotspur
v
Everton

16:00 Chelsea
v
Arsenal

Football | watch Premier League live :Time :Match results

2008-11-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

Nov 22

Football | Premier LeagueTime Match

15:00 Chelsea
v
Newcastle United

15:00 Liverpool
v
Fulham

15:00 Manchester City
v
Arsenal

15:00 Middlesbrough
v
Bolton Wanderers

15:00 Portsmouth
v
Hull City

15:00 Stoke City
v
West Bromwich

17:30 Aston Villa
v
Manchester United

Football | ChampionshipTime Match

12:45 Plymouth Argyle

v
Cardiff City

15:00 Burnley
v
Doncaster Rovers

15:00 Charlton Athletic
v
Sheffield United

15:00 Crystal Palace
v
Bristol City

15:00 Ipswich
v
Derby County

15:00 Preston North End
v
Barnsley

15:00 Reading
v
Southampton

15:00 Sheffield Wednesday
v
Coventry City

15:00 Watford
v
Queens Park Rangers

15:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers
v
Blackpool

17:20 Nottingham Forest
v
Norwich City

Premier League News and results

2008-11-08T04:08:00.000-08:00

Your one-stop guide to the dangerous world of fantasy football is back, with Liverpool welcoming back fantasy favourite Fernando Torres...More StoriesRead the fantastic Yahoo fantasy blog!Weekend team news

Goalkeepers
Choose 'em: Hull keeper Boaz Myhill (6.52) may have conceded seven goals in his last two games, but that was against last season's two European Cup finalists. Expect him to have an easier time of it against Bolton Wanderers at home.
But the Trotters aren't the lowest scoring side in the league. That honour goes to Fulham, who have netted just eight times so far this season. Shay Given (3.41), in goal for a resurgent Newcastle, isn't the man the Cottager's strikers would pick to face under such circumstances.
Lose 'em: In the future, when the European Super League becomes a reality, Arsenal v Manchester United will be dubbed the 'English Derby'. Given the unpredictable nature of such fixtures, it's probably best to steer clear of Edwin van der Sar (12.79) and Manuel Almunia (9.33).
West Ham may have ended their dismal run of four straight defeats, but they host an Everton side who have Tim Cahill back fit and Louis Saha off the mark, so the tempting price of Robert Green (6.51) may prove a red herring, as is Paul Robinson (2.68), who is in for a tough afternoon as Chelsea look to take out their European disappointment on Blackburn.
Defenders
Choose 'em: Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa (9.22) is underrated when it comes to his attacking contribution, and he should make West Brom's sturdy full-back Paul Robinson (6.36) look sluggish.

Next Fixtures

Sunday November 9

Time Match13:30

Blackburn RoversvChelsea

15:00

Aston VillavMiddlesbrough

15:00

Manchester CityvTottenham Hotspur16:00

FulhamvNewcastle United

Mixed Road Race (CP1/CP2): Solid Stone turns gold again

2008-09-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

Britain added a further gold to its horde at Saturday morning's Road Cycling competition when David Stone became the first double gold medalist of the meeting.

Taking the lead from the start of the Mixed Road Race (CP1/CP2), Stone (CP2) led all the way coming home over three minutes clear of his nearest opponent, South Africa's Riaan Nel (CP2) and Italy's Giorgio Farroni (CP2) with just a second separating the silver and bronze medalists.

Rachel Morris (Great Britain) (HCB) couldn't emulate Stone in the Women's Road Race (HCA/HCB/HCC) event in her aim of doubling up on her gold medal haul. Morris started out as one of the favorites having taken the Women's Time Trial (HCA/HCB/HCC) by three minutes on Friday but had to settle for sixth place after seeing Germany's Andrea Eskau (HCC) grab gold in one of the tightest finishes yet seen at Saturday meeting.

Eskau slip-streamed Monique van der Vorst of the Netherlands (HCC) for much of the 36.3km course, overtaking her on the line and snatching gold by just a wheel's length, 0.13 seconds ahead of the Dutch rider. Eskau's teammate Dorothee Vieth (HCC) came home on her own in third place 26 seconds behind the winner.

The win for Eskau brings Germany level with Spain and the United States at three golds, one behind Britain on four, and brings her the satisfaction of proving her domination in women's hand cycling having taken gold at the event at the 2007 Paracycling World Championships at Bordeaux, France.

Paralympic Shooting Overall Review: Jacobsson displays his class in Beijing

2008-09-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Legendary shooter Jonas Jacobsson yet again showed his class at the 2008 Paralympic Games. Jacobsson leaves Beijing with three gold medals in hand.

The Swedish shooter looked unbeatable in his first two events, the Men's 10m Air Rifle Standing-SH1 and the Mixed 50m Free Rifle 3x40-SH1, setting world and Paralympic records in both the qualification and the final rounds en route to the gold medals.

However, Jacobsson, who is famed for his accuracy and consistency, surprisingly failed to make the final in his third event, the Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone-SH1. He struggled in the first two qualification rounds and lost his chance to defend the gold medal he won at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games by the tiny margin of one point.

He met expectations in his last event, winning the Mixed 50m Free Rifle Prone-SH1 on the last day of the six-day Shooting competition. His Paralympic medal tally now stands at a total of 25 medals - 16 gold medals, one silver medal and eight bronze medals from eight appearances at the Paralympic Games.

Lee Ji-seok of the Republic of Korea was also one of the best shooters at Beijing 2008. Lee was invincible in his two events, the Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone-SH2 and the Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing-SH2.

Lee's achievement was one of contributing factors of the Republic of Korea's success - it was the most successful country, pocketing a total of nine medals (four gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze medals) at the Games.

Beijing Paralympic Olympic Games 2008 Opening Ceremony Live Online

2008-08-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

Watch Opening CeremonyLIVE ON :Beijing Paralympic Olympic Games 2008

Beach Volleyball: US to go on the medal charge

2008-08-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

The United States will expect to do well elsewhere in Beijing on Friday (August 22). There is a morning start in the Beach Volleyball Men's final between the United States's Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers, who play Brazil's Marcio Araujo and Fabio Magalhaes.

US teams won gold medals at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 (Beach Volleyball didn't enter the Olympic roster until 1996) but missed out in Athens. The two teams have played each other seven times, with Araujo and Magalhaes winning five matches.
If Dalhausser and Rogers win, then both Men's and Women's Beach Volleyball gold medals will go to the United States, after Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh's victory in the Women's final.

Incredible Bolt:Michael Johnson praised

2008-08-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

Michael Johnson has praised Usain Bolt for breaking his 200m record and said the Jamaican is a true great.

Bolt, who turned 22 on Wednesday, won in 19.30sec, 0.02sec quicker than Johnson's 12-year-old record.

Johnson also expects Bolt to lower both the 100m and 200m records even further.

Johnson told the Daily Telegraph: "Every now and again along comes an athlete for the times and I believe Usain Bolt is that athlete.

"It happened for me in 1996, it happened with Carl Lewis in 1996 and Jesse Owens in 1936 and now it is happening for Usain.

"He doesn't just want to win races and medals, he wants to test the limits of human ability. I am happy for him and I congratulate him on breaking my record.

"And yet, despite all has achieved in Beijing, I still believe he can run faster and take both records even lower. There is still much more to come from Usain Bolt."

British Olympic:Gold Medal Tuesday Wrap

2008-08-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Sprinter Christine Ohuruogu became the first British woman to win the Olympic 400 metres title on Tuesday.
Ohuruogu produced a storming finish to overhaul favourite Sanya Richards and win in a time of 49.62 seconds to add Olympic gold to the world title she won in Osaka last year.
American Lolo Jones looked to have the 100m hurdles won before hitting the penultimate hurdle and stumbling to seventh.
Team-mate Dawn Harper took advantage to win in 12.54s with Australian Sally McLellan winning silver ahead of Canada's Priscilla Lopes-Schliep after a photo-finish.
Gerd Kanter added the Olympic discus gold medal to his collection with a winning throw of 68.82m.
Bahrain's Rashid Ramzi showed nerves of steel when winning the 1500m title in 3min 32.94sec.
European champion Andrey Silnov won the high jump title with a clearance of 2.36m, two centimetres ahead of Great Britain's Germaine Mason and Yaroslav Rybakov.
Great Britain won a further two gold medals in cycling as they took their total medal total in the discipline to 14 - eight of them gold.
Chris Hoy beat team-mate Jason Kenny to secure his third gold of the games in the men's sprint just moment's after Victoria Pendleton had won the women's sprint.
But Hoy's team-mate Bradley Wiggins could not add a third of his own in the Madison as he and team-mate Mark Cavendish were out of the medals as Argentina duo Juan Esteban Curuchet and Walter Fernando Perez won gold from Spain and Russia.
Germany's Jan Frodeno took gold in a thrilling sprint finish to the triathlon.
Frodeno burst past Sydney champion Simon Whitfield to win his first Olympic title with New Zealander Bevan Docherty taking the bronze medal.

Argentina advance in heated match

2008-08-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Argentina will meet Nigeria in the Olympic Men’s Football final after their 3-0 victory over Brazil.

Sergio Aguero grabbed a brace, while Juan Riquelme added a penalty goal in the 76^th minute.

Things turned ugly in the match as Lucas and Thiago Neves were sent off in the 81^st and 84^th minute respectively for dangerous play.

Meanwhile Nigeria booked their place in the final with a 4-1 thrashing of Begium. Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke collected a double for Nigeria, with Adefemi Olubayo and Chibuzor Okonkwo adding to the scoreline. Laurent Ciman scored the consolation for Belgium.

Phelps wins record eighth gold

2008-08-16T23:51:00.000-07:00

(BEIJING, August 17) -- Michael Phelps won his record eighth gold medal in the Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay final on Sunday but this time needed some help from his friends.
The US team of Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, Jason Lezak and Phelps won at the National Aquatics Center in a time of 3:29.34 and in doing so broke the world record by 1.34 seconds.
Peirsol gave them a great start with a 53.16sec split. Hansen increased the lead on the world record split taking it 0.39 seconds under at the race's halfway mark.
Brenton Rickard swam his breaststroke leg in 58.56, faster than Hansen, to bring the Australians into second place.

Phelps equals Spitz's record

2008-08-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Michael Phelps equalled Mark Spitz's record haul of seven golds with victory over Milorad Cavic in the 100m butterfly.

Phelps trailed the Serbian swimmer for the whole race but somehow managed to touch just 0.01 secs in front to draw level with Spitz's record, set in Munich in 1972.

The American set a new Olympic record in the process, touching in 50.58secs with Australia's Andrew Lauterstein finishing third and world-record holder Ian Crocker in fourth.

Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry finally claimed gold at the Games, winning the 200m backstroke in a world record time of 2:05.24.

Coventry's win was her first gold of the games after three second-placed finishes earlier in the swimming programme.

Great Britain's Rebecca Adlington destroyed the rest of the field in the 800m freestyle to claim her second gold of the Games, breaking one of swimming's most illustrious world records in the process.

Adlington's time of 8:14.10 was 2.12s under Janet Evans' 19-year-old world record as she added gold in the 800m to the one she won in the 400m freestyle earlier in the week.

The 19-year-old was six seconds clear of the rest of the field as Italy's Alessia Filippi took silver and Lotte Friis of Denmark the bronze.

Brazilian Cesar Filho Cielo claimed his second medal of the Games with victory in the 50m freestyle in a new Olympic record time to add to the bronze he claimed in the 100m.

Cielo touched in 21.30, 0.15 ahead of second placed Amaury Leveaux of France while his compatriot and the gold medal winner in the 100m, Alain Bernard, took bronze.

Phelps: I'm not unbeatable

2008-08-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

US swimmer Michael Phelps has insisted he is not unbeatable despite providing yet more evidence to the contrary.

Phelps collected his fourth and fifth golds in Beijing, the 10th and 11th of his career, in the 200 metres butterfly and 4x200m freestyle relay - both in world-record times.

Added to his six golds from Athens four years ago, that meant Phelps surpassed the nine golds won by Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Larysa Latynina to cement his place in Olympic history.

The 23-year-old has three events left and remains on course to beat Spitz's achievement of seven golds in one Games after winning his heat in the 200m individual medley on Wednesday, but claimed: "It's not over yet. Anything can happen in the next three events.

"This is something we have been preparing for for the last four years. All the work is starting to pay off. But I am not unbeatable. Everyone can be beaten."

Phelps had to overcome his goggles filling with water to win the 200m butterfly in one minute 52.03 seconds, lowering his own world record by 0.06s ahead of Hungary's Laszlo Cseh and Japan's Takeshi Matsuda.

"I'm almost at a loss for words. To be the most decorated Olympian of all time, it just sounds weird. I am speechless," Phelps added.

"It started to sink in a little after the butterfly. I was trying to focus on my next race but I kept thinking 'Wow. Greatest Olympian of all time.' It's a pretty neat title and I'm definitely honoured.

"When you have an Olympic gold medal it stays with you forever. It never gets old listening to your national anthem with a gold medal around your neck."

Olympic Gold medal update

2008-08-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Michael Phelps has created history by being the first athlete to win 11 goal medals at the Olympic Games.

The USA team wins gold in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay final in a world record time of 6:58.56 giving Michael Phelps his fifth gold of the Games.

In an earlier race, the American took 0.06 second off the previous record of 1:52.09 he set at Melbourne in March 2007 to claim his fourth gold and fourth world record in the Water Cube.

Laszlo Cseh of Hungary (1:52.70) and Matsuda Takeshi of Japan (1:52.97) claimed silver and bronze, and the European and Asian records, respectively.

Two days after setting the world record in the Women's 200m Freestyle prelims, Italy's Federica Pellegrini swam and even faster 1:54.82 to take the gold medal in Wednesday's final. Second was Sara Isakovic of Slovenia (1:54.97) with China's Pang Jiaying (1:55.05) in third.

Australia's Stephanie Rice has broken the world record in the final of the women's 200 metres individual medley in a time of 2:08.45.

Phelps bags fourth gold

2008-08-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Michael Phelps became the most successful Olympic athlete of all time by claiming his 10th gold medal in the 200m butterfly.

Phelps collected his fourth gold of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing to add to the six gold and two bronze medals secured in Athens four years ago.

The 23-year-old led from the halfway point but was made to battle hard to win in a world record time of 1:52.03 seconds, beating his own previous best by 0.06s ahead of Hungary's Laszlo Cseh and Japan's Takeshi Matsuda.

That keeps the American on target to win an unprecedented eight gold medals in the Chinese capital, with another on the cards later Wednesday morning in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

World records were the order of the day as France's Alain Bernard and Australian Eamon Sullivan earlier traded times in the 100 metres freestyle in the National Aquatics Centre.

Bernard clocked a time of 47.20 seconds in winning the first semi-final, beating the previous mark of 47.24s set by Sullivan in the 4x100m relay earlier this week.

But Sullivan then went even quicker in the second semi-final, recording a time of 47.05 to reclaim the record and set up a mouthwatering final showdown on Thursday.

Another world record was broken in the women's 200m freestyle, Italian Federica Pellegrini taking gold in a time of 1:54.82 to lower her own mark set earlier in the week by 0.63s.

Slovenia's Sara Isakovic claimed the silver ahead of home favourite Jiaying Pang.

Yet another world record went in the women's 200m individual medley, Australian Stephanie Rice lowering her own mark by 0.47s.

Rice took gold in a time of 2:08.45, just finishing ahead of Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry with American Natalie Coughlin third.

Attractive Beijing Olympics 2008 opening ceremony photo gallery

2008-08-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Olympics: First hitch for China as medal eludes golden girl

2008-08-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sport has many qualities but none ranks higher than its refusal to bend to the desires of those in charge, and if the organisers of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games were not aware of that fact then they are now.

After a stunning opening ceremony, what better way to begin the party than for China to win the first gold, which might explain why, when the competition schedule was drawn up, the women's 10m air rifle was nominated to be the first event of the Games.

The sport - a quiet, compelling test of nerve and skill - has been dominated in recent years by Du Li, a 26-year-old student from Shandong who won gold at the 2004 Games in Athens and has collected world championships and world cup victories with startling regularity ever since.

She arrived at the shooting hall this morning as favourite and was garlanded on to the stage by the home crowd, with the event itself seemingly nothing but a staging post on her way to the medal podium.

Two hours later Du had been vanquished by Katrina Emmons of the Czech Republic, who took gold with an Olympic record score of 503.5, with Lioubov Galina of Russia second and Snjezana Pejcic of Croatia third.

Du finished in fifth place with a score of 499.6 - an enormous deficit in a sport where decimal fractions are like tombstones for those who let them slip away. No wonder the Chinese woman was visibly upset as she took the last three of her 10 shots in the final, by which time it was clear her favouritism had turned to dust, and that she would not be taking her designated place as the first winner of the 2008 Games.

"I did well enough in qualifying, but I wasn't fully prepared for the pressure of competing at home," Du admitted afterwards, something that the winner acknowledged afterwards to reporters.

"I feel really bad for Du Li, I do - and I'd like to give these flowers to her because she can shoot way better than she did today," Emmons said, holding the flowers she was given at the medal ceremony led by IOC president Jacque Rogge.

Olympics 2008: Shooting Beijing, shooting, women's 10m air pistol Russian and Georgian medalists embrace on podium

2008-08-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

A Russian and a Georgian shared a podium today, putting aside the conflict that has erupted between the two countries and providing a lift to a Georgian team that had contemplated withdrawing from the Games.

Nino Salukvadze took bronze for Georgia in the women's 10m air pistol, with Russia's Natalia Paderina collecting silver. After the medal ceremony the two posed together for photographers, their arms on each others' shoulders, and Paderina gave Salukvadze a kiss on the cheek.

"This medal is good for Georgia, especially during times like this," Salukvadze said. "I am very nervous today. It's very difficult for my people." The Georgian government has decided to keep its 35-member team at the Olympics, and Salukvadze expressed the hope that the Games' ideals of peace would provide an example to those watching.

"If the world were to draw any lessons from what I did there would never be any wars," she said. "We live in the 21st century, after all. We shouldn't really stoop so low to wage wars against each other."

"It's very difficult for us as Georgians because of everything that's going on at home. It was nice that Natalia Paderina came up to me after and gave me a handshake," Salukvadze added. "Yesterday I thought the Georgian Olympic team might withdraw."

"As far as the hugging and kissing goes, I do that with many friends. I have many friends around the world and will always do that. There should be no hatred among athletes and people," she said. "Politicians should straighten out the situation today and if they don't, we'll have to get involved."

A team spokesman said the Georgian athletes were ready to leave the Olympics if it would help, but the International Olympic Council announced on Sunday morning that both the Georgia and Russia teams had decided to remain in Beijing.

Federer safely into round two in Beijing

2008-08-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Roger Federer cruised into the second round of the Olympics and then vowed not to "freak out" at his impending demotion.

Federer will have sat on top of the world rankings for a record 238 weeks by the time he is supplanted by Rafael Nadal on August 18.

The Swiss has had a poor year by his lofty standards, failing to win a grand slam with just the US Open to come this season.

Success in China would go some way to alleviating the disappointment and the 27-year-old certainly looked impressive in his opening-round 6-4 6-2 victory over Russia's Dmitry Tursunov.

"My goal is to try to get the number one ranking back," he said afterwards.

"You can't keep your ranking forever. I think you have to have a different approach, see what the next step is.

"What I don't like to do because you don't play so well is freak out and have emergency meetings. That's not going to happen."

French Open and Wimbledon champion Nadal was not as impressive on Monday, requiring three sets to see off Italian Potito Starace 6-2 3-6 6-2.

After failing to convert seven consecutive break-point chances in the second and third sets, he broke for a 4-2 lead in the decider. He erased a 15-40 deficit on his serve in the next game, then broke again for the victory.

"I had a lot of opportunities. I didn't convert, so that was tough," Nadal said. "But I was winning the serves without problems. He had more problems than me when he was serving, so that gave me confidence."

Nadal next will face a former world number one in Australia's Lleyton Hewitt, a 7-5 7-6 (7/2) winner over Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden.

Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic posted the first upset of the day, ousting fifth seed David Ferrer 7-6 (10/8) 6-2.

After the first set took 79 minutes, Spaniard Ferrer was not as crisp in the second, double-faulting five times.

Of the other numerous winners on Monday was Chile's Nicolas Massu, the defending Olympic champion.

Given a spot in the draw by the International Tennis Federation due to the fact that he stands 125th in the world, Massu came through with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Belgium's Steve Darcis.

The unseeded Massu will have his hands full in the second round as he will have to go up against seventh seed David Nalbandian.

The Argentinian moved through in convincing fashion with a 6-2 6-1 rout of China's Shaoxuan Zeng.

In other matches involving seeded players, ninth-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, 10th seed Gilles Simon of France and 13th seed Mikhail Youzhny of Russia all advanced.

Spain's Nicolas Almagro, the 11th seed, was upset by Gael Monfils of France 6-4 3-6 6-3.

In the women's draw, fourth seed Serena Williams won all but four games to complete a 6-3 6-1 victory over Olga Govortsova in a match held over due to rain on Sunday.

Sixth seed Dinara Safina and ninth seed Vera Zvonareva also progressed.

Safina beat Mara Santangelo 6-3 7-6 (7/1) while Zvonareva crushed Yan Zi 6-2 6-0.

Some 65 matches were scheduled for Monday after thunderstorms all but wiped out day one, when only nine matches were completed at the Olympic Green Tennis Center.