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Tottenham 2 - 1 Everton

Tottenham moved into the Premier League top four with a hard-fought home victory over a determined Everton.

In-form Roman Pavlyuchenko put Spurs ahead when he tapped home a Jermain Defoe cross from six yards. 
Everton rallied but could not make their pressure count and they fell two goals behind when Luka Modric curled in a superb, dipping shot. 
Everton's Yakubu took advantage of keeper Heurelho Gomes' error to pull a goal back but an equaliser eluded them. 
The win lifts Tottenham into the Champions League places at the expense of Manchester City, on goal difference, and strikes a blow to Everton's hopes of making a late top-four push following a period of good form. 
The visitors - and American striker Landon Donovan in particular - will be left to rue missed opportunities to get something from the game. 
Spurs' unlikely recent hero has been Russian striker Pavlyuchenko, who has come in from the cold and reaped the rewards with four goals in two games prior to this, including two in the FA Cup win over Bolton on Wednesday.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"Overall I thought we played well and we were terrific at times in the first half. 
"When you play Everton you know they are not going to give up. 
"David (Moyes) obviously got into Everton at half time and they raised their game. At 2-1 we got edgy and we were defending for our lives at times." 
Everton manager David Moyes:
"It was a game of two halves. Tottenham were better in the first and we were much better in the second. 
"At half time we were dead and buried but I have to give the players credit for making a game of it. 
"It (Donovan's miss) was a crucial moment for us and probably a crucial moment for Tottenham as well."

.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Blackburn

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres scored as Liverpool won a bad-tempered contest against Blackburn to move to within one point of fourth spot.
Gerrard put Liverpool ahead with a left-foot shot from six yards before Keith Andrews levelled from the spot after a Jamie Carragher handball. 
An unmarked Torres slid home from close range to restore Liverpool's lead. 
Gerrard and El-Hadji Diouf exchanged heated words before the break while Pepe Reina denied Chris Samba late on. 
There is no love lost between Reds boss Rafa Benitez and Rovers counterpart Sam Allardyce - and little that happened on the pitch is likely to lead to any form of reconciliation. 
Steven N'Zonzi should have been sent off after pushing Lucas in the face and there were a series of thunderous challenges during a fully committed contest that saw Benitez repeatedly complain to the fourth official.
It was far from vintage Liverpool and Rovers can consider themselves unfortunate to have left Anfield pointless. 
But the Reds will be pleased to have returned to winning ways having failed to score in their previous two games. 
Torres, who has been dogged by groin and knee injuries, was back in the starting XI for the first time since 13 January, and understandably not at his fluent best. 
But there was an unmistakeable electricity around the ground every time the Spain striker was in possession. 
And the fact that he and Gerrard both found the net ended a sequence of six Premier League games during which Dirk Kuyt had been the only Liverpool player to have scored. 
The wait goes on for Rovers boss Sam Allardyce to earn his first win as a manager at Anfield, but there was plenty to suggest from his team's performance that they will climb the table during the remaining weeks of the season.
www.bbc.co.uk

Liverpool - Blackburn

Liverpool started to raise their shape in correct time as they’ve approached to the final third of the season. The fact is 4th place would save the season as it wasn’t achieved more than that in previous campaigns. Otherwise, club would see a departure of Torres and probably Gerrard. However, they’re four points behind 4th Man.City and have to collect points in games like today’s. Good thing is Gerrard has been returning his shape which means all team plays for about 25% percents better. Rafa faces defensive problems as Skrtel suffered a broken metatarsal in EL, Kyrgiakos remains suspended and Johnson just started with light training. Carragher will return to his natural position in the center of defense, while Rafa will give a chance to Degen or youngster Martin Kelly on right back. The Reds like to play against Blackburn. They have lost only once to Rovers in their last 22 league meetings and only once at Anfield in last 15 games. 

Blackburn hold 12th place on the table, with ten points margin from relegation zone and it seems Big Sam has making an excellent job with, I think it is fair to say, limited squad. They look comfortable, but only thankfully to their record at home where they’ve collected 28 of total 34 points. On the road, they’re defending trying to keep 0-0, but it has only resulted with 8 scored goals (31 conceded) in 13 games! At the same time, their away record against top Premier sides looks more than discouraging. Arsenal (2-6), Chelsea (0-5), Man.Utd. (0-2), Everton (0-3), Man.City (1-4), Aston Villa (1-3, 4-6)! In last two visits two Anfield, they conceded seven goals in total (0-4, 1-3). Also, defense line will miss the skipper Ryan Nelsen. Chris Samba returns after a ban, while Dunn, Basturk, Di Santo and Reid played a midweek reserve game and will appear.

Liverpool desperately need three points and there’s no space for any kind of relaxation. It’s too big stake. They perform much better and consistent than before a month, for example and I expect a confident performance. On the other hand, Rovers feel comfortable in the middle of the table and possible defeat at Anfield wouldn’t be a disaster. I expect little less defensive formation from Allardyce than usual and few goals conceded. Liverpool win with -1.5 handicap.

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Tottenham - Everton

Spurs are currently fifth on the table with three points less than Man.City. They’re struggling on the road, but showing much better performances at White Hart Lane. At home, most problems they have had against defensively oriented teams like Hull (0-0), Wolves (0-1) and Stoke (0-1). At Friday, came news from Spurs’ camp they’re hit by a virus and 18 players and stuff are infected. But, it seems it was only Redknapp’s psychological warming-up for Everton. True is Palacios and Corluka are having some problems with a stomach bug and their appearance is doubtful. Real problem for “Arry” is the condition of Defoe and Crouch. Both will face a late fitness test and I expected one of them (Defoe more likely) to start the game alongside excellent Pavlyuchenko.

David Moyes crew was knocked from the Europe in Lisbon on a kind of humiliating way. Problem for him for today’s game is all players looked jaded after that game. Good thing for them is Everton turned the corner in Premier and overcame results crisis caused by large number of injuries. The Toffees have noticed just a single defeat (Liverpool away, 0-1) in last twelve games and in last two games at Goodison defeated giants (Chelsea 2-1 and Man.Utd. 3-1). They also won at last three league visits to White Hart Lane. So, despite European exit they definitely don’t lack with self confidence for today’s game. Beside fatigue, main problem for Moyes is missing of some very important players. Skipper Cahill, Fellaini and defenders Hibbert and Senderos. Good thing is Distin and Heitinga are available again and Jagielka already made his return. Everton have managed to keep only one clean sheet in their last nine league matches away from home and they have scored in 11 of their last 12 league games.

This is very important game for both sides. Spurs have huge attacking potential, but in last few games were showing some vulnerabilities in back line and just thankfully to Gomes and luck weren’t punished. Everton like to play against Spurs and I think Moyes won’t practice defensively 4-5-1. Despite the fact none of the last eight league games between these sides have been won by the home team I give an advantage to Spurs, but see goals at decent odds as a better option. Over.

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

David Moyes has warned Manchester United to keep their hands off Everton starlet Jack Rodwell. (Sunday Mirror) 
West Ham will not stand in Robert Green's way if any of the Premier League's top four move in on the England goalkeeper. (Sunday Mirror) 
Former Scotland international striker Paul Dickov will sign for League One side Leeds on Monday despite keen interest from MLS side Toronto. (Mail on Sunday) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Depressed Ashley Cole tells pals he may quit football after the collapse of his marriage to wife Cheryl Cole.(Sunday Mirror)
Sunderland's Kieran Richardson should be considered for England's up-for-grabs left-back spot at the World Cup, according to his club manager Steve Bruce. (Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill dismisses talk of him becoming the next Manchester United manager. (Sunday Telegraph) 
O'Neill has ruled himself out of what he calls the impossible job, replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss. (Sunday Mirror) 
Ferguson, meanwhile, has taken another swipe at rivals Manchester City ahead of the Carling Cup Final by telling them they blundered by selling Richard Dunne to Aston Villa. (Sunday Mirror) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is set for showdown talks with Spain coach Vicente del Bosque over his plan to play Fernando Torres in this week's friendly with France. (Sunday Mirror) 
MK Dons are considering replacing manager Paul Ince with ex-Reading boss Brendan Rodgers. (Mail on Sunday) 
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric admits he feared he might never recover from his broken leg in August. (News of the World)
Defender Brede Hangeland insists he had no doubts about staying at Fulham and says he has been proved right by the club's stunning run in Europe. (News of the World)

AND FINALLY

A few loyal Accrington Stanley fans brought along their patio heaters to thaw out the pitch before their clash with Burton Albion at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.(Sunday Express)
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dark saturday

Chelsea 2-4 Man City

Manchester City inflicted Chelsea's first home Premier League defeat this season in a game which began with Wayne Bridge refusing John Terry's handshake.
Frank Lampard's low strike put Chelsea ahead but Carlos Tevez equalised after a long ball was not dealt with, before Craig Bellamy shot beyond Hilario. 
Tevez scored a penalty after Juliano Belletti saw red for a trip on Gareth Barry before a Bellamy tap-in. 
Michael Ballack also saw red and Lampard scored a consolation penalty. 
City had failed to score in their previous seven visits to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea had only conceded eight at home in the Premier League all season. 
But those statistics were rendered meaningless on an afternoon of triumph for City coach and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, who pitted his wits in the Premier League for the first time against ex-AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti. 
City saw their hopes of silverware this season ended by their FA Cup defeat at Stoke in midweek but they boosted their prospects of a top-four finish by completing the double over Chelsea for the first time since 1957.
With Manchester United not in league action this weekend, victory would have taken Chelsea four points clear at the top of the Premier League. 
But it was a disastrous afternoon for Ancelotti, whose side had only dropped points in one previous home game this season, a 3-3 draw with Everton. 
What's more, his team lacked discipline after the break and were vulnerable in defence, with Hilario looking particularly suspect.
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Swansea 1 - 0 Peterborough

David Cotterill extended promotion-chasing Swansea City's unbeaten run to 12 games and pushed bottom club Peterborough closer to relegation.
Cotterill struck from the spot after Charlie Lee brought him down. 
Nathan Dyer had an effort cleared off the line while keeper Joe Lewis denied Ferrie Bodde and Lee Trundle. 
Lee Frecklington put a header wide for the Posh but Swansea's biggest worry was the injuries to midfielder duo Bodde and Darren Pratley. 
Bodde was making his return from five months out with a knee problem and the Dutchman's exit after just 28 minutes raised question marks as to whether he was ready to play. 
It was the third time in 15 months Bodde has suffered an injury to his left knee. In November 2008 he suffered cruiciate ligament damage and then broke down after eight minutes of his starting return against Sheffield United last September. 606: DEBATE 
Give your thoughts on Swansea v Peterborough 
The double-blow will add to manager Paulo Sousa's midfield woes with Joe Allen, Andrea Orlandi and Jordi Lopez already sidelined. 
But the fourth-placed Swans kept their focus on the job in hand and are seven points off an automatic promotion spot and eight ahead of Sheffield United in seventh. 
Peterborough remain 10 points adrift of safety and winless on the road.
www.bbc.co.uk

Swansea - Peterborough

Swansea are 4th, six points above the play-off zone and it seems they’re living their pre-season expectations. They gain specific, fighting style of play, scored the least number of goals in Championship (same number as today’s opponent), but also conceded least (same as Newcastle). At home have just two defeats, but seven draws alongside that number of wins. They haven’t lost in 11 league games since a 1-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest on 12.12.. Shortly, Swans are hard working side that hard score but much harder concede. They’re consistent and one of the safe play-off spots is for them. Midfielders, Joe Allen and Andrea Orlandi are out, while striker Gorka Pintado is suspended. Key midfielder Leon Britton and striker Cedric van der Gun are fit to return. The Swans are undefeated in seven league games against Posh (3 wins, 4 draws).

Peterborough are stuck for the bottom, with 10 point less than first above the line Sheff.Wed. and it seems Posh are first team in the third tier. They have two wins in last two home games (Ipswich and Cardiff) and have been making some improvement under Jim Gannon, but they simply don’t possess enough quality for Championship. They’ve made seven consecutive defeats on the road (3 goals scored and 16 conceded)! They gain the same style of play as Swans, but the difference is they’ve conceded 55 goals in the league and they’re the only Championship side to have scored less than 10 away goals all season.. Defender Ryan Bennett is injured, while skipper George Boyd is doubtful with a virus. Posh and Barnsley are the only clubs to have lost as many as six Championship matches in 2010.

This will be the game between the clubs with similar style of play, but obvious class in quality makes from Swansea a hard favorite here. Posh will defend with all players, but their resist will last only till first conceded goal. This is an opportunity for Swans to notice a win without uncertainty after a while. Home win with asian handicap -1.

.

And a gamble: Leicester - Nottingham Forest, Draw


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Chelsea - Man City

Chelsea played an exhausting match in Italy at Wednesday, but Man.Utd. are on just point behind and they have to continue collecting the points. Good thing is they, despite a defeat, made a good result. At Stamford they have a brilliant record in Premier with 12 wins from 13 games (and draw vs. Everton 3-3), scored 38 goals and conceded just 8! Bad thing is they lost Cech for at least a month and Hilario will take his place. There’s nothing much to say about Chelsea and their shape. They’re most quality team in Premier, playing without turbulence through the season and they’re desperate to win. Beside mentioned Cech, Ancelotti will miss Bosingwa, Deco, Essien and Ashley Cole. In last 8 games against City at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won 7 and drew one game with goal difference 20-1!

It seems the “honeymoon” for Mancini in Manchester has been finished as they won just once in last six competitive games. Considering their players’ quality they should be just behind Chelsea, but problem is motivation, as they could attract only specific kind of players that evaluate material motives (money) before sport’s. Robinho for example has already left the club, while Adebayor looks bored and not interested (got 4 games ban at Stoke and won’t appear, btw.). There’s also unrest in the dressing room between Mancini and the players. Started with Bellamy (who else?), continue with other players who are dissatisfied with training sessions and progress with Tevez’ trip to Argentina. Tevez has returned to England and will play, but was accused from Mancini for lack of fitness (got response “I don’t care”). This issue is getting on importance as Argentinean is the best goal scorer with 19 goals, second is Adebayor with 9 and with Bellamy that’s almost all attacking potential for Citizens. Also, the reason for Tevez’ trip to home was his wife who just had a birth before the date and his concentration today will be questionable. City also played a game at Wednesday and were knocked from the Cup at Stoke after 120 minutes. Their away shape isn’t something to be proud on as they have won just one of their last 11 league matches on the road. 

This game will also have a tension as “old friends”, Terry and Bridge will have to face each other which could include rest of the players. As the result I can see few more yellow cards and maybe one red on the visitors side (can’t to not think on Bellamy). Considering all, this game is a derby only on a paper. The Blues are hard favorites and anything less than a win with 2-3 goals margin would be a first class surprise. Odd isn’t too high, but considering the risk looks adequate. Home win with -1 asian handicap.

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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will be under pressure to sell off up to 15 players at the end of the season to help clear their rising debt, reported to be about £716m. Striker Michael Owen and keeper Ben Foster are likely to be top of the list for the axe.(Daily Star) 
Veteran former Scotland striker Paul Dickov, a free agent after leaving Leicester in January, will join League One title hopefuls Leeds on Monday.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Five Chelsea players have pledged their support to former team-mate Wayne Bridge in the wake of their captain John Terry's alleged affair with the Manchester City defender's former partner.(Daily Mail) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane sympathises with Bridge's decision to quit England, claiming "getting the big contract, the Bentley and the blonde" has replaced playing the international game as "the pinnacle" for players. (Daily Mail) 
Olympic and world sprint champion Usain Bolt is desperate for Manchester United to beat Aston Villa in Sunday's Carling Cup final. He will be watching in his Kingston home and said: "I want to be celebrating at the end."(The Sun) 
Milton Keynes Dons manager Paul Ince is facing the axe, with former Watford and Reading boss Brendan Rodgers being lined up to replace him. (Daily Mail) 
Reading have decided not to appeal against Jobi McAnuff's red card in the FA Cup fifth-round replay victory over West Brom, ruling the winger out of the Royals' quarter-final clash against Aston Villa.(Daily Mail) 
The Premier League could introduce fines if members fail to stick to an agreement made at the start of the season on giving interviews to rights holders. It could lead to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson speaking to the BBC once again. Ferguson fell out with the corporation after a 2004 documentary about his son Jason. (The Independent) 
Rangers manager Walter Smith has told goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who this week claimed he was attacked at a city centre taxi rank, he is on his last chance over his off-the-field antics. (The Sun)
Rangers' Walter Smith says it is understandable that striker Kris Boyd has called off contract talks because of the uncertainty over the club's finances and the manager's future. (Various) 
Scotland's under-fire referees will be wined and dined by the Scottish Football Association before next week's friendly with Czech Republic as a defiant show of support to officials. (The Sun)
Rangers striker Kenny Miller has hit back at Celtic's claims that they get a raw deal from referees, saying he suffered a harsh red card against Dundee United that ruled him out of the last Old Firm derby. (Various) 

AND FINALLY

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dwight Yorke is in reflective mood ahead of the Carling Cup final. When asked about a premature end to a four-year Old Trafford career in 2002, he said: "Would I give up the women and nights out for another year at United? Would that make me happy? Would that make me the person I am today? I'm not so sure."(Daily Express)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has ruled out a move to Chelsea but has admitted to being flattered with their reported interest in him.(The Independent) 
Former Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson had planned on luring LA Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham to Meadow Lane as a part of ex-owners Munto Finance's ambitious plans for the club. This was before the full extent of the financial problems at Notts became clear and Munto sold the club.(Daily Telegraph) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge quit England because of ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry's failure to apologise over his alleged affair with his former partner, Vanessa Perroncel.(Daily Mail) 
England coach Fabio Capello will try to persuade left-back Bridge to change his mind and join the Italian's World Cup squad for South Africa this summer. (Various) 
Everton left-back Leighton Baines is likely to benefit from Bridge's decision to quit the national squad by being given a call-up to face Egypt in a friendly on Wednesday 3 March. First-choice left-back Ashley Cole is out after undergoing surgery on a broken foot.(Daily Star) 
Alternatively, Capello could turn to Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock, who has recovered early from a shin injury that threatened to end his season.(Daily Express) 
"Friends" of Terry claim Bridge has long been considered a "bottler" in the dressing room as the bad feeling between the pair shows no sign of abating.(The Guardian) 
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is set to deputise for Tottenham's Aaron Lennon on the right wing for England's friendly against Egypt in five days time.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is definitely out of his side's Champions League second leg match at Old Trafford against AC Milan on 10 March.(Daily Mail) 
Bournemouth have been served another winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, with a hearing set for 31 March over an outstanding debt of £314,000 the club owes in tax.(Bournemouth Echo) 
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has returned from compassionate leave in Argentina following the premature birth of his second daughter, and is in contention to face Chelsea on Saturday. (Daily Mail) 
Roberto Mancini's tenure at Manchester City is coming under intense boardroom scrutiny for the first time after a run of two wins in eight matches. The Italian was only appointed to the City job in December last year.(Daily Mail) 
The Football Association is considering switching the majority of FA Cup matches to midweek to make it "more relevant".(Daily Mail) 
Neil Warnock has moved a step closer to becoming the new QPR boss after beginning compensation talks with current employers Crystal Palace. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

England boss Fabio Capello's World Cup worries for the summer tournament in South Africa mounted last night as it emerged the England WAGs are planning their own base-camp 15 miles from the squad's Rustenburg headquarters.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Fulham (agg 2 - 3)

Fulham produced a backs-to-the-wall display to seal a famous Europa League win against Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian side dominated before Brede Hangeland headed in Damien Duff's free-kick with Fulham's first chance. 
Jadson swept home an equaliser from 12 yards after great work from Douglas Costa on the right-hand side. 
Danny Murphy was sent off for kicking out at Darijo Srna late on but Fulham held on to set up a mouth-watering last-16 clash against Juventus. 
It was a resilient, if not pretty, performance from Roy Hodgson's men against the side who won the competition last season in its previous guise as the Uefa Cup. 
But the hardy Fulham fans who travelled to near-freezing Donetsk will care little about the manner of a triumph that should be classed among the finest in the club's history.
Shakhtar had not played since the first leg, because of the Ukrainian league's winter break, but showed no signs of rustiness as they began the game in electric fashion. 
With five Brazilians in the hosts' team, the South American influence was plain to see from the slick one-touch passing that left Fulham chasing shadows from the first whistle.
www.bbc.co.uk

Shakhtar - Fulham

Ukrainians are the previous year winners and surely one of the main candidates to win the competition again. In the first game at Craven Cottage, they were dominant, had a safe draw before Zamora struck an amazing hit for 1-2. At home, Shakhtar are always favorites, play attacking, have a pitch with extremely short grass that allow them a short pass play and their home record looks scary. In domain league, they have all 8 home wins with 26 goals scored and just four conceded. In Europe, they exited CL qualification after knocking out from Romanians – Timisoara (on away goals, two draws) and after that smashed Sivasspor (2-0), Partizan (4-1), Toulouse (4-0) and in last group game where progress were assured drew vs. Club Brugge 0-0. Main problem for Shakhtar could be a league break in Ukraine, as they played last competitive game 12.12., but in the same round last year they eliminated another Premier League side Tottenham (2-0 at home, 1-1 away). Boss Mircea Lucescu has two concerns, defender Razvan Rat and striker Luiz Adriano are both doubtful. 

Fulham traveled to Ukraine without a pressure as their status in domain league is safe. Boss Roy Hodgson doesn’t have too big squad to rotate players and I expect their best eleven from the start. Cottagers are typical home side and have a lots of problems on the road, in Premier League and in Europe as well. In Europa League, they managed just one away win Basel (3-2). Hodgson stated he has no intention of playing for a draw, but attacking formation against Shakhtar on the road could be only a death penalty. I expect their cautious start with not too much risk. Their advantage could be set-pieces and individual efforts of Damien Duff or excellent Bobby Zamora. However, Fulham will be without on-loan defender Nicky Shorey who is ineligible for the match, while full-back Paul Konchesky is still injured. 

Hosts are favorites here. They have top quality team, proved ambitions, their pitch and have much more experience of playing European competitions. Fulham have their hidden jokers, but this would be a tough test for any of top clubs in Europe and I simply don’t think they can cope with it. Also, freezing temperature (-4c is expected tonight in Donetsk, in London +6) and a cold wind won’t help. Best bet would be -1 ah, the alternative is -1.5.

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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are monitoring the progress of 18-year-old Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen after receiving a recommendation from former Gunners striker Dennis Bergkamp.(Daily Mirror) 
Guinea international Kamil Zayatte wants to quit Hull during the summer and is targeting a move to Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea. (Daily Mail) 
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has ruled out a move to the Premier League, despite claiming that Manchester City and Arsenal are keen to sign him.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton are eyeing a trio of players from Norweigan club Molde. Defenders Knut Olav Rindaroy, Magne Simonsen and Vegard Forren have all impressed the club's scouts.(imscouting.com) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Wayne Bridge is considering ruling himself out of England's World Cup plans because he cannot stand the prospect of sharing a dressing room with Chelsea defender John Terry, who is alleged to have had an affair with the Manchester City defender's former girlfriend.(The Guardian) 
England manager Fabio Capello will be at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to watch Terry's Chelsea take on Bridge's Manchester City.(The Guardian) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes defender Rio Ferdinand may have to re-evaluate his international career and limit his appearances amid growing concerns over his recurring back problems.(The Guardian) 
Ferdinand could still be fit to play in the Carling Cup final on Sunday and is likely to lead England in next week's friendly against Egypt.(Daily Star) 
Robin van Persie could return from his ankle injury in early April, according to Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk. The Arsenal striker had been expected to miss the rest of the season after rupturing ligaments on international duty in November.(The Independent) 
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo says he would love to play with his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney again one day.(imscouting.com) 
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz says Rooney is still not in the same class as Ronaldo, despite the ex-Everton star's heroics this season.(The Times) 
West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani is set to leave the club in the next 24 hours as new owners David Sullivan and David Gold continue to trim the club's huge debts. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth owner Balram Chainrai is likely to have his £17m loans to the club repaid in full if Pompey go into administration, while other creditors like Sacha Gaydamak bear the cost of the Premier League outfit's meltdown. (Daily Telegraph) 
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie insists he will not be sacked if the club go into administration.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth's Serbian defender Dusko Tosic is ready to leave the club on a free transfer after the Premier League withheld his registration.(Daily Mail) 
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant was sent home from training by Real Zaragoza after showing up late for the third time in two weeks.(Daily Mail) 

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AND FINALLY

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was quizzed about why he has put on weight since the Reds' Champions League triumph in 2005 during a bizarre press conference in Bucharest, prior to the Europa League last-32 return leg with Unirea Urziceni. "It is the stress of having to answer so many questions from the press," said the Spaniard. "Thank you and goodnight."(Daily Mail)
Everton duo Joseph Yobo and Yakubu were kicked off the club's flight to Lisbon on Wednesday because officials were unhappy with their documents. The Nigerian pair eventually took a late-night flight via Amsterdam with Toffees fans ahead of the Europa League clash with Sporting.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Another great night

Tottenham 4 - 0 Bolton

Roman Pavlyuchenko continued his resurgence to fire Tottenham into the FA Cup quarter-finals as Bolton proved the architects of their own undoing.
Pavlyuchenko tucked in the opener for Spurs from Luka Modric's flicked pass. 
Jussi Jaaskelainen was at fault for the first of two Bolton own goals, the ball deflecting in off his leg as he failed to deal with a Wilson Palacios centre. 
Gareth Bale's cross later went in off Andrew O'Brien before Pavlyuchenko drilled in a Danny Rose centre late on. 
For the oft-overlooked Pavlyuchenko, who made a strong case for his inclusion by scoring twice following his late introduction in Tottenham's weekend victory at Wigan, the evening added further lustre to an impressive record in the domestic cups. 
Pavlyuchenko has played second fiddle to Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch this season, but on a night when Tottenham rarely needed to be at their flowing best, the Russian's second brace in three days brought his cup tally to 13 goals in 13 matches. 
With his side locked in a Premier League relegation battle, there is little that the Bolton manager Owen Coyle would not give for that level of return just now.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"It's great to see Pavlyuchenko score four gopals in two games, he's in great form and let's hope he can keep that up to the end of the season. 
"It's difficult for Bolton, because Owen has obviously got the league on his mind, but things are going well for us. 
"It will be a difficult game at Craven Cottage, but we can only focus on the next game, and that's Everton in the league.
.

WBA. 2 - 3 Reading

1-0 R. Koren  6.min.
1-1 J. Kebe  9.min.
2-1 R. Koren  47.min.
2-2 B. Howard  90.min.
2-3 G. Sigurdsson  95.min.
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Tottenham - Bolton

This is a repeating match and winner will face Fulham on the road in the next round. In the first game, Spurs were better rival and unlucky stayed empty handed. In the Premier, they’re in the race for the 4th place, but with the lack of the names in FA Cup Redknapp may see a chance for winning the trophy. At first game as it’s expected for tonight Redknapp rotated the squad, but the fact is those fringe players are actually very good. And in games against physically based teams (as Bolton surely are) they have obvious technical advantage. Tottenham will be without defender Ledley King because of a thigh injury. Arry’s key, Aaron Lennon also misses out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a groin problem, while Younes Kaboul and Kyle Walker are cup-tied. Roman Pavlyuchenko came from the bench and scored twice in last round vs. Wigan and he’s expected to start the game. Gudjohnsen will also get a chance, but more likely in the second half. 

Bolton are facing the tough times trying to avoid relegation. They’re first under the line, with one point less than 17th Hull City. In the previous round, they suffered a hard defeat on the road vs. Blackburn 0-3, while at Saturday (Tottenham will play their game at Sunday) will face Wolves in six points game. Boss Owen Coyle has already stated he’ll rotate the squad and rest some players. However, I don’t expect too much missings and see his talks more like a psychological game. But, real problem for Coyle is Wanderers scored just one goal in last six competitive games (against Spurs in first game)! On-loan midfielder Weiss and Wilshere are cup-tied, while Steinsson (def), Basham (def) and Davies (mid) are injured. Wanderers are without a win in 11 competitive games on the road. 

Tottenham have very good record in FA Cup and they’re very strong at home. Only big name they can face in the next rounds is Chelsea (or Man.City) and they really have a chance to win a trophy. On the other hand Bolton will defend and wait their chance in counter-attack or set-pieces, but true is they’ll be competitive only until first conceded goal. Home win with -1.5 handicap.

.

Stoke - Man.City Considering City's psychology, this game definitelly looks like betting on red/black on roulette. Will avoid it.

.

WBA - Reading Won't underestimate Reading and will follow their high scoring trend. Over 2.5


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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are ready to make a fresh move for Spain striker David Villa if his club Valencia put him up for sale this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona right-back Dani Alves has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea, claiming he wants to stay at the Nou Camp.(IMScouting) 
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock hopes to take Eagles trio Darren Ambrose, Neil Danns and Nathaniel Clyne with him when he becomes Queens Park Rangers' new manager.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is eyeing up giant striker Marc Janko, who has scored 67 goals in 92 games for Red Bull Salzburg.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello will read the riot act to his squad because he is so furious at the recent off-field exploits of some of his players.(Daily Mirror) 
Capello says he will select defenders John Terry and Wayne Bridge and expects them to settle their differences after Terry was alleged to have had an affair with Bridge's ex-girlfriend.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole flew to Spain on Monday for warm-weather recuperation on his broken ankle amid controversy surrounding his split from wife Cheryl. (Daily Telegraph)
Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke admits that South Africa is not yet ready to host the World Cup finals but added that a series of hiccups will be overcome before the tournament starts on 11 June.(The Times) 
Premier League clubs owe more money - £3.5bn - than all the others in Europe's top divisions put together, according to a Uefa report.(The Guardian) 
Former Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson drew up a plan to sign former England captain David Beckham as part of the League Two club's ill-fated dream of reaching the Premier League. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has banned academy players from doing interviews on the club's in-house television station as part of crackdown on attitudes of youngsters at Old Trafford.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has turned down a new contract with the Eastlands club because he felt he was not being offered enough money. (The Guardian) 
Portsmouth will go into administration with a nine-point penalty - but earn an £11m lifeline when the Premier League gives them an advance of the parachute payment for relegated clubs. (Daily Mirror) 
Spain coach Vincente del Bosque insists there is no rift between himself and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez over the use of striker Fernando Torres.(Daily Mirror) 
Benitez will turn down any move by Real Madrid to become coach at the Bernabeu.(IMScouting) 
Crystal Palace's FA Cup fifth-round replay against Aston Villa on Wednesday is almost certain to be Neil Warnock's last game in charge of the Championship club, with Queens Park Rangers thought to be close to appointing the former Sheffield United manager as their new boss. (Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry says the sight of Stoke City is driving him round the bend. His team face the Potters on Wednesday for the third time in 11 days and Barry said: "We know each other inside out now. The guy who does our research has virtually gone through it all before."(The Sun) 
The World Cup plans for the England players' wives and girlfriends are in disarray after Cheryl Cole's split from husband Ashley. On Cheryl's advice, the WAGs were all booked into the exclusive £1,600-a-night Anahita resort on the island of Mauritius, a five-hour flight from South Africa. But Cheryl's decision to part from Ashley has caused the rest of the women to rethink their summer plans. (Daily Express)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton manager David Moyes has issued a hands-off warning to rival clubs interested in signing teenage midfielder Jack Rodwell.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has put the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona on alert over his future because he is unhappy at the way he has been treated at Stamford Bridge over the issue of his personal conduct.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea are set to pip Spanish duo Barcelona and Real Madrid to the 40m euro signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.(imscouting.com) 
West Ham are planning a summer swoop for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. The Hammers hope to leapfrog Birmingham and take Hart on loan next season as a replacement for current number one Robert Green, who may leave Upton Park at the end of the season.(The Sun) 
Tottenham are set to swoop for Zambia's 16-year-old left back Emmanuel Mbola in a £1m deal from Armenian side Yerevan.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth are on the brink of becoming the first side in Premier League history to go into administration after a rescue bid by a mystery South African consortium faltered. Owner Balram Chainrai set a deadline of the close of business yesterday for the group to provide proof they had the funds to take on Pompey's £70m debts.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth's off-field troubles boiled over on to the training ground on Monday when Jamie O'Hara and Michael Brown were involved in a bust-up following an over-zealous challenge by the latter on the former.(Daily Mail) 
Former Football League chairman Keith Harris, the man behind a proposed £1billion buy-out of Manchester United has encouraged United fans not to turn up to matches or purchase club merchandise in a bid to force current owners the Glazer family into selling the club.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon will discover if his World Cup dream lies in tatters on Tuesday when he undergoes a scan on his injured groin. The 22-year-old has not played since 28 December because of the problem and broke down in training on Saturday. (Daily Star) 
Joe Hart will start in goal for England in their friendly against Egypt at Wembley on 3 March. The 23-year-old has been in excellent form during his season-long loan period at Birmingham from Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
Winger Luis Boa Morte could make a shock return for West Ham before the end of the season. The 32-year-old was expected to miss the whole campaign after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage in a pre-season game with Tottenham.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is so serious about his side's Carling Cup bid he plans to check his squad into their hotel three nights before Sunday's final against Manchester United.(The Sun) 
Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson has admitted that he has considered whether he has a future at Old Trafford since falling out of Sir Alex Ferguson's team in the last month.(Daily Mail) 
Former Burnley boss Steve Cotterill will be named new boss of Notts County on Tuesday.(Daily Mirror) 
Reports in Holland claim that former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink will be allowed to leave his role as Russia coach early to be allowed to coach Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup in South Africa. Hiddink will then take over as Turkey boss in August.(imscouting.com) 

AND FINALLY

Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard says he cracked up when he missed a penalty against Portugal at the last World Cup - but insists it won't happen again. "You know all the fans back home are watching and when you're tired, when you're under so much pressure, that's when mistakes happen," he said.(Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane says that the emotional rollercoaster of football is better than anything offered at a Disney theme park. The Tractor Boys plunged into the Championship relegation zone with defeat at Peterborough last Tuesday but climbed out with Saturday's win at Sheffield Wednesday.(The Sun)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Premier League trio Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are battling it out along with Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. (imscouting.com) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is targeting £3.5m Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United are leading the race to sign QPR's highly rated 15-year-old midfielder Raheem Sterling. Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham are also interested in the player. (Daily Mirror) 
West Bromwich Albion are tracking Hamilton midfielder James McArthur, with a view to making a £2m summer bid.(Daily Mirror) 
Plymouth have joined the race for highly-rated Barnet winger Albert Adomah.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is facing a £400,000 fine from the Blues after recent headlines concerning the 29-year-old's private life heaped further embarrassment on the club.(The Times) 
Alternatively, Cole could be transfer listed by Chelsea following an investigation by the club. Owner Roman Abramovich is understood to be furious at the way Cole's alleged behaviour has damaged the reputation of the club.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has ordered Carlos Tevez to return to England after the striker went AWOL in Argentina. Tevez has missed City's last three matches after he was granted compassionate leave by City for family reasons.(Daily Mirror) 
AC Milan manager Leonardo offered to quit following the club's 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United in the Champions League last week.(Daily Mail) 
QPR expect to name Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock as their new manager this week. Former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been lined up to replace Warnock at Selhurst Park.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's younger brother John has landed a week-long trial at Derby.(Daily Mail) 
The Football Association has played down concerns over England's unfinished World Cup base in Rustenburg. England manager Fabio Capello and FA officials have flown over to inspect the £20m hotel and training complex before approving the site for use by the national squad this summer.(The Times) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says that the next four home games will decide if they are to face a relegation scrap at the end of the season. The struggling Black Cats host Fulham, Bolton, Birmingham and Manchester City with a trip to Aston Villa in between.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is distraught about the catastrophic floods that have killed 32 people in his native Madeira and has pledged to help the devastated island.(Daily Mail) 
Hull manager Phil Brown says he was so angry with his side's 3-0 defeat at West Ham he cancelled a scheduled appearance on Sky's Goals on Sunday programme so he could read the riot act to his players.(The Sun)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are planning a £140m bid in the summer for Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres. (News of the World) 
Spanish striker David Villa is ready to quit Valencia for Chelsea this summer with Real Madrid indicating that they will stick with French star Karim Benzema. (News of the World) 
Manchester United are lining up a swoop for £10m-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso. The versatile 23-year-old, who can also operate in defence, was watched by United scouts in Sporting's 2-1 Europa League loss at Everton on Tuesday.(Sunday Mirror) 
French striker Thierry Henry is set for Barcelona's exit door having just netted just twice in 13 appearances this season for Pep Guardiola's team.(Sunday Mirror) 
Chelsea are closing in on a £36m move for Benfica's 22-year-old highly-rated forward Angel di Maria. (News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Brazilian forward Robinho has revealed he rejected a move to Barcelona when he left Manchester City during the January transfer window. The former Real Madrid winger is on a six-month loan at his original club Santos.(imscouting.com) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is facing a players' revolt. The Italian admitted last week he had a spat with striker Craig Bellamy and it seems a growing number of players are unhappy with the sporadic nature of the training sessions.(Mail on Sunday) 
Real Madrid are keen on securing the managerial services of Jose Mourinho, but would have to pay up to €7.5m (£6.5m) to break his contract at Inter Milan. The pressure on Real's current coach Manuel Pellegrini increased following Tuesday's defeat by Lyons in the Champions League.(Sunday Times) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be in Real's sights should Pellegrini be shown the door and Mourinho decides not to go to Spain.(Daily Mail) 
Edwin van der Sar is close to signing a new contract with Manchester United after deciding to play on beyond his 40th birthday. The Dutch goalkeeper recently returned to action following a serious illness suffered by his wife Annemarie.(Sunday Mirror) 
Man City defender Wayne Bridge will happily line up with Chelsea's John Terry when England play Egypt in a friendly next month. A confidant of Bridge, whose ex-girlfriend was at the centre of an alleged affair with Terry, said: "He is still anxious to play for his country and won't allow the Terry furore to blind his judgement."(Sunday Express) 
Arsenal are considering breaking their contract structure by offering defender William Gallas a new two-year deal. The Gunners normally offer players aged over 32 one-year deals.(imscouting.com) 
Former England striker Gary Lineker believes Martin O'Neill is the ideal man to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot decides to retire at Manchester United.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists his side can pip Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool to the fourth and final Champions League slot this season.(Daily Telegraph) 
Redknapp also looks set to reward defender Ledley King, who suffers from a chronic knee problem, with a new one-year contract extension in the summer.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United winger Nani is set to hold talks over a new four-year deal on the back of a recent surge in form for the Portuguese star.(News of the World) 
Manchester City winger and £7m signing Adam Johnson says he wants to be the club's equivalent to Ryan Giggs.(Sunday Times) 

.

AND FINALLY

Man United striker Wayne Rooney says Fabio Capello has been "fantastic" as England boss and revealed some of his training tactics. Rooney said: "He records everything and he once had Glen Johnson going over a tape of a throw-in for 30 minutes because he wasn't happy with it. I was almost falling asleep!" (Daily Star)
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Great day

Newcastle 3 - 0 Preston

Newcastle moved five points clear at the top of the Championship as they kept up their unbeaten home record.
The Magpies took only three minutes to score, Peter Lovenkrands' attempted cross clearing Preston keeper Andy Lonergan and dropping inside the post. 
Top scorer Kevin Nolan doubled the lead after half-time when he burst into the penalty area and slotted in his 12th goal of the season. 
Substitute Ryan Taylor fired in the third in injury time. 
West Brom could narrow Newcastle's lead when they face Bristol City on Sunday. 
But the Magpies' promotion chase shows no sign of letting up after a comfortable win over Preston, who had their chances but lost to a far more clinical side.
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton:
"I think it is the most important thing. 
"We know West Brom and Nottingham Forest are one or two wins away from being a lot closer to us or being above us so we can't afford to lose focus. 
"Our preparation has to be the same and our mental attitude going into every game has to be the same." 
Preston boss Darren Ferguson:
"It was never a 3-0 game, that flatters Newcastle massively. 
"They'll have a good chance of winning promotion if they get referees like today. You have to have strong referees, especially against Newcastle, and he wasn't strong enough. 
"Overall I was pleased with the performance, if we play like that we'll be OK."

.

West Ham 3 - 0 Hull City

.

West Ham turned on the style to make it two wins in a row for the first time this season as fellow relegation strugglers Hull were reduced to 10 men.
Valon Behrami capped a surging run with a third-minute opener after exchanging passes with Guillermo Franco. 
And Hull's problems increased shortly after the break when Craig Fagan was sent off for a second bookable offence. 
Julien Faubert fed Carlton Cole for a slotted second before completing the win with a thumping late effort. 
It was West Ham's fourth consecutive clean sheet at home, and the emphatic scoreline - not to mention the buoyant nature of the display against a relegation rival - will surely please manager Gianfranco Zola.
The Hammers came out of the blocks at lightning speed and although they did not build on their overall superiority until after Fagan's dismissal, their performance was brimming with a brio and belief that have too often been missing this season. 
They were aided and abetted by a Hull side who, rarely in it apart from a brief spell of pressure before the break, were left with a mountain to climb after Fagan's departure. 
The result leaves Phil Brown's side just a point above the drop zone.
Hull manager Phil Brown:
"It was self-inflicted, we had a game plan but it was unhinged by poor decision-making. 
"The sending-off was also self-inflicted, it was a poor decision by Craig Fagan to make the tug because he was already in the book. 
"The first diagnosis of Anthony Gardner's injury isn't good, he has a problem with both his tibia and fibula. 
"It was a bad day at the office to say the least." 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"It was a good performance; we can do better, but the difference was the way we started. 
"We were solid throughout the game and the second goal was important for us. 
"Robert Green's save was worth a goal to us, because it allowed us to reorganise at half-time. 
"The whole team is getting better; the more confidence you get, the more the players can give."
www.bbc.co.uk

West Ham - Hull City

West Ham have been noticing a slight improvement in past few games. Main reason is return of a key striker Carlton Cole who already reached his old shape and start scoring goals. The Hammers made very important victory against Birmingham (2-0 at home) in last round. The pressure has been decreased, but they’ll simply have to continue with collecting the points. Especially in six points games as this one is. Many other things have also been settled down. Zola’s position is safe again, club paid Curbishly and they won’t have to sell best players. The squad is even strengthened with few names. Benni McCarthy will miss the game because the knee problem, while his fellow striker Guillermo Franco is in contention to return. Gabbidon,Davenport, Boa Morte and Hine remain sidelined. Zola's side are unbeaten in their last four home games, keeping a clean sheet in the last three.

Hull City have collected the same number of points as today’s opponent and hold the 17th position with just one point far from relegation zone. They’re typical home side, from total of 24 points, 20 collected at home. On the road they’re the second worst team (after Burnley) with just four draws in 13 games. Tigers scored just 7 goals and conceded 31 and didn’t score in last three games on the road! The Tigers also have failed to score in seven of their last nine away games in the league. As for West Ham, this game is also decisive for Hull and I expected their intention to win all three points. That would, at the same time, make the defense line even more vulnerable. The biggest dilemma for boss Brown is should he include his “key of the keys”, Jimmy Bullard in this game. Midfielder has been absent for 11 weeks and still doesn’t train with full capacity. Geovanni remains sidelined, but midfielder Boateng is available after his red card at Blackburn was rescinded. Hull City have gone 18 games without an away win.

West Ham definitely have more potential than have been showing so far. Win vs. Birmingham decreased the pressure and give a wind in the back. They’ll be focused and fully motivated as this is a six point game. Hull simply lack in quality and while they at home compensate it with fanatical fighting, on the road don’t have a clue. Hosts are clear favorites here. Home win and again handicap as a gamble.

.

And another gamble. Michael Chopra (Cardiff) to score first.


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Newcastle United - Preston North End

Toons are on the top, but big margin between them and second placed WBA has been melted, thankfully to problematic results on the road. On the other hand, Newcastle are best home side in Championship with 12 wins and just four draws (34 goals scored and just 8 conceded – 0.5 per a match). They also hold the best defensive record in the division. Club faced a crisis of performance in two games vs. WBA, but after that three home wins in a row and all with margin higher than two goals. Boss Chris Hughton can not count on striker Shola Ameobi and midfielders Steven Taylor and Joey Barton. Midfielder Nicky Butt and midfielder Jose Enrique will face a late fitness test. Newcastle have won the last four matches between these clubs.

Preston are struggling under Ferguson junior, as they have only one win in last five games (Sheff.Utd. at home, 2-1). Good thing is they’re (still) far from relegation zone. Bad thing is they’re poor travelers, they’ve noticed seven defeats in last nine games on the road (one draw and one win) and next one will be at the toughest place in the second tier. Situation looks even worse after Tuesday’s defeat vs. Derby and conceded five(!) goals. The biggest problem is defense line that conceded 11 goals at last four games on the road (total of 30 goals and the worst record alongside Scunthorpe). That defense will miss the skipper Callum Davidson, while midfielders Richard Chaplow and Paul Parry are also out. Preston have played three of the current top five teams away from home, and lost all three games.

There’s no doubt Newcastle are far better squad in Championship. Their current performances and just three points more than WBA will guarantee their serious approach in this game. Preston just look like a victim of bad circumstances. Home win, -1.5 handicap as a gamble.

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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Robinho has cleared his house, sold his car, shipped his possessions back to Brazil and told his representatives to arrange a permanent move away from Manchester City in the summer. The striker is currently on loan at Santos in his home country.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano said he will never be tempted by Manchester City's millions saying: "You cannot buy history." (The Times) 
Man City's plans to sign Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure could hit a snag with the Spanish giants keen to use Toure as bait to secure the services of Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas.(Daily Mail) 
Everton want in-demand Stephen Pienaar to sign a new contract to prevent Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester City from snapping up the South African midfielder.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Everton boss David Moyes has revealed how his former striker Wayne Rooney - now at Manchester United - apologised a year ago for libellous claims made in his autobiography. Relations between the pair became strained but Moyes said: "Wayne phoned me up a year ago to apologise for his book and to say that the things he'd put in his book were wrong, and he'd made a mistake."(The Guardian) 
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge has told England boss Fabio Capello he will have no problem lining up alongside John Terry. Bridge will be hoping he makes the squad for next month's friendly with Egypt following Terry's alleged affair with Bridge's ex-girlfriend.(The Sun) 
Man City boss Roberto Mancini has denied he has fallen out with striker Craig Bellamy, following a reported bust-up in training. Mancini says their differences had been "resolved".(WalesOnline.com) 
QPR are hoping to bring in Neil Warnock, currently at Crystal Palace, as the new manager now Flavio Briatore has stepped down as chairman. Mick Harford has yet to win in six games as manager at Loftus Road.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish wants to have the final say on all transfers before committing to a new contract. The Scot was unhappy with the owners after being pressured into signing Argentine Mauro Boselli in January. "Contracts can be compromised if players are brought in without a manager's permission," he said.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth could have a fifth owner this season after a Hong Kong-based investment company showed its interest in buying out the current owner, Balram Chainrai.(The Guardian) 
England boss Fabio Capello will be at Craven Cottage on Sunday with Fulham striker Bobby Zamora hoping to add to his 14-goal tally this season against Birmingham. The 29-year-old has yet to feature in an England senior squad and could be called up for the friendly with Egypt on 3 March. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY

Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has said sorry to Shakhtar Donetsk after players were refused entry to his shop Harrods. The Ukraine club lost to Fulham in the Europa League on Thursday. A club spokesman said: "The billionaire is very upset over this incident and has made his apologies."(Daily Mirror)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Ajax striker Luis Suarez has snubbed interest from Chelsea and Manchester City and given Manchester United and Arsenal the green light to launch a £30m summer move for him. (Daily Star)
Arsenal have also been put on alert after the agent of Lazio striker Mauro Zarate claimed he could walk out of the Italian club.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is keen on Fiorentina full-back Juan Manuel Vargas. (Daily Star)
West Ham defender Matthew Upson is refusing to commit his long-term future to the club.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Hammers midfielder Valon Behrami is an £8m summer target for Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart. (The Sun)  
Stoke are chasing Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner, who looks set to leave the DW Stadium on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj said he would be "very interested" in joining Barcelona after the reigning European champions renewed their interest in the Algerian.(The Sun) 
Highly-rated Crystal Palace right-back Nathaniel Clyne has revealed he turned down a deadline-day move to Wolves because he did not want to sit on the bench at the Premier League club. (Daily Express) 
Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici is a £2m target for Tottenham.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth could have a fifth owner this season after Hong Kong-based investment company Endeavor Plan viewed documents relating to the club's financial position and informed Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie of its interest in buying out current owner Balram Chainrai.(The Guardian) 
The south coast club's plea to allow them to sell players outside the transfer window has fallen on deaf ears at Fifa.(Daily Telegraph) 
Pompey are clear to sell their players under a little-known 'club in crisis' rule but, in the process, they will be hit with a nine-point penalty by the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
But the cash-strapped Fratton Park outfit have been offered a loan of £10m from West Ham co-owner David Gold offered to prevent them from going bust.(The Sun) 
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was involved in a heated exchange with Craig Bellamy after the Welsh striker refused to train on Thursday with one of the Italian's staff.(The Sun) 
Mancini is facing dressing-room unrest among City players over his training ground methods.(Daily Telegraph) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is set to commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new deal.(The Guardian) 
Sir Alex Ferguson says AC Milan made a tactical error by playing David Beckham in the centre of midfield against Manchester United in his team's Champions League victory.(The Guardian) 
United supporters angry at the ownership regime of the Glazer family have brought their 'green and gold' protest to the driveway of Old Trafford chief executive David Gill, attaching a banner to the gates of his home.(Daily Mail) 
England boss Fabio Capello will name defenders Wayne Bridge and John Terry in the squad for the friendly against Egypt on 3 March. Terry is alleged to have had an affair with Bridge's former partner but Capello has warned both defenders not to bring any personal tensions with them.(The Times) 
Nigeria are preparing to snatch Wigan's new striker Victor Moses from under the nose of Capello with the lure of a place in their World Cup squad this summer.(Daily Mail) 
Fifa president Sepp Blatter is backing under-fire referee Martin Hansson, criticised for giving the free-kick that led to Porto's winner against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans should watch where he sits in the changing room after manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted giving him the hairdryer treatment in the match against AC Milan because "he was the nearest defender to me". Sir Alex said: "Our whole back four were going to get it, but he's unfortunate."(Daily Mail) 
Stoke midfielder Diego Arismendi has been accused of driving a neighbour crazy by playing football in his flat at all hours of the night. Plastic surgeon Dr Muhammad Khan, who lives above the Uruguayan, said the player's rowdy antics were forcing him out of his home.(The Sun) 
Armed raiders have stolen 50,000 new-design England away shirts worth £2m from a lorry.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

One fast pick

UEFA Europa League

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Villarreal - Wolfsburg 1, 1.80 at 888sport

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