Southampton - Wigan Athletic, 25th August

Southampton put a decent fight against champions and Wigan are probably the best possible rival for the first home match. Wigan did score in 13 out of their last 14 travels, but they also conceded total of 62 goals last season and Moses is in Chelsea already. And after all, they favourite period is last third of season when they start to play and somehow avoid relegation. S’ton were the best scorers in Championship last season and Lambert (will start, this time) scored 12 goals out of last 14 matches. Home win.

Bet 2: Southampton -0.5

Odd: 2.16 (Pinnacle)

Stake: 7/10

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Premier League betting - two picks

It's good reasoning as always, but quite frankly I'm lazy to type. 
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Liverpool - Tottenham
Bet: Liverpool -0.75
Odd: 1.95 Stan James
Stake: 8/10

Wigan - West Ham 
Bet: Wigan -0.5
Odd: 2.08 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10 
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Liverpool - Wigan

There’re finally some smiles at Anfield. They’re in the run of four consecutive wins without conceding and I’m sure they haven’t given up from the idea about Champions League next year (currently six points far from 4th spot). Liverpool have been playing much better at home and have scored two or more goals in seven of last nine games at home. Gerrard and Skrtel are rated as in doubt, while Martin Kelly should be fit.

Wigan will definitely be struggling till the last round. Their win in the previous round over Blackburn was their first of last 16 games and they’re currently first under the relegation line. They have never won at Anfield, losing five of last six competitive games. Defender Gary Caldwell should play with the mask.

Confidence at Eland is sky high after a great win over Chelsea. I expect a more attacking approach and victory with at least two goals margin (with one, half stake is back). Suarez should score. First bet on Liverpool after a while, a year or so.

Bet: Liverpool -1.25
Odd: 1.91 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10
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One more...
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WBA - Wigan

Six pointer. Still 15 rounds left, but who lose tonight will pave the road to Championship. The Baggies have a single win and six defeats in last seven league games (one and seven including Cup). They brought Carlos Vela from Arsenal (I’m not really sure how they can pay his wages) and improve the front line. But, real problem is defence. WBA have the worst defensive record in Premier (43 goals conceded), they haven’t kept a clean sheet in last 21 occasions and have conceded two or more in last seven!

The Latics won only once of their last eleven league games (with five draws and five defeats). Martinez will be without defender Alcaraz and Man Utd’s midfielder Cleverley. But, key players were rested in Cup and Al Habsi, Rodallega and N'Zogbia will start the game. Wigan usually play defensive football and they’re worst scorers in league (20 goals in 19 games), but I don’t think they’ll just sit back tonight. WBA’s defence is terrible and I think Martinez fancies their chances to score. Also, not sure they would accept only a point.

WBA and Wigan have never produced a goalless draw (15 games) and I don’t think they’ll be playing “not to lose game”. Both sides would hardly find a better opportunity for three points and I will go for goals here.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.88 bet365
Stake: 7/10

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Stoke - Blackpool

There’s nothing that could prove me Stoke should be that short favourite today, at least because Blackpool are too hard to predict. With Stoke’s recent form with three wins and two draws of last five (one draw was impressing vs. Man City at home, other at Wigan), the conclusion is they should win. But at 1.60, I won’t touch it. On the other hand, Stoke score and concede (42 goals in total) more than in previous two seasons. They have more scoring potential than usual and their play is more attacking. Pennant, Wilkinson and Wilson are all available again.

Blackpool are the team with (my honest opinion) the worst defence line in Premiership. They simply cannot keep it tight. Their chance is to score more than opponent.  No fresh injury concerns for Holloway.

I expect an open game and goals. Unfortunately, bookies think the same and offered miserable 1.60 for over. I’ll try with over 2.75.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 1.80 Bet365
Stake: 8/10

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Results and statistic update

Wigan - Stoke 2-2 DRAW
Leeds - Crystal Palace 2-1 WON
Sunderland - West Ham 1-0 LOST
Liverpool - Aston Villa 3-0 WON

Updated statistic and list of bets.

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Wigan - Stoke

Not too much time for analyze here, as the odds are in a serious drop.

Btw. previous bet was a draw.

Wigan –Stoke City

Two opposite trends here and serious difference in quality. Wigan (although undefeated in last four at home) have been producing poor performances that resulted with three consecutive defeats. They’re also clashed with injuries. Beside they’re lowest scorers in Premier (total of 11 goals), they’ll be without Rodallega and Moses with Di Franco rated 50-50.

Stoke are undefeated in last four games (three wins), where their draw against Man City was especially impressing. They invested lot during the summer, ambitions are high and I expect more from them.

I give a significant advantage to Stoke, but no way I can exclude a possibility of a draw. So, dnb option for me.

Bet: Stoke 0.0
Odd: 1.81 Tipico
Stake: 9/10

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Arsenal - Wigan

There’re plenty of questions which team Wenger will field for this game. Against Spurs and Newcastle, he named stronger squad than usual for a Cup game. Personally, I don’t have a problem with that. Any Arsenal’s eleven are pretty strong entity. Fabregas is injured. Chamakh will be rested, but there’s Bendtner (although I don’t like to base a bet on him). Arshavin, Wilshere and Rosicky, all should appear from the start. Arsenals haven’t won anything for five years (my honest opinion they’ll blow up in Premier, once again) and this could be a golden opportunity to lift the trophy.

Oppositely from Wenger, Martinez has plenty of reasons for a decent headache. Injury list consists some of his key players and space for rotation is not so big. He announces a possibility to give a chance to some youngsters. Believe him or don’t.  After great run of results they entered a crisis and defeat at West Ham was their fourth consecutive on the road and Wigan dropped into dangerous zone. Despite they knocked Arsenal at semi-final 2006, they have seven consecutive defeats on their soil. Adding on that Wigan has a label of really poor travellers and this is less important Cup, I have no reason to believe Martinez carries a serious hope for this encounter. Stoke at home should be more important concern.

I think we won’t see any surprise here. Gunners’ talent and desire for proving themselves should be too much for Wigan. Home win and handicap for me.

Bet: Arsenal -2ah
Odd: 2.26 188bet
Stake: 7/10

I'm curious about Huddersfield. Maybe a bet, but little later.

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Saturday's results and statistic update

Trend of weird results in England continues. I'm glad I didn't touch Charlton or Arsenal at very good odds. It's a pity Brum didn't convert some of the chances, but considering all shocks yesterday I accept minimal loss as a good day.

Leeds - Sheffield United  1-0  WON

Birmingham - Wigan  0-0  LOSS

Statistic:

September
Profit: -4.98 units Yield: -5.72%

Season
Profit: +20.38 units Yield: +10.11%

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Birmingham – Wigan

Birmingham made a decent start of the season with home win against Blackburn and staying undefeated vs. Liverpool as well as in two away games (Sunderland and Bolton). Then came a tragedy for them expressed in derby defeat against WBA 1-3. Team reacted positively and defeated MK Dons in a Cup game. Brum are very good at their St Andrew’s and if they don’t lose today it will be one year without a home defeat! They brought on loan Alexander Hleb from Barca and he should make a great impact on the right flank. Birmingham are in second, usually very dangerous, season in the top crew and avoiding relegation is main objective. To reach that, they must win the games like Wigan at home. James McFadden is injured.

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After just five rounds passed, Wigan already announced their candidacy for moving down to Championship. One very lucky victory (over Spurs on the road, 1-0), one draw (Sunderland at home, 1-1) and three defeats with shocking goal difference 2-13! Wigan have only won one of their last eight Premier games and before Spurs, they had noticed six consecutive defeats on the road. In the previous round, Man City took all 3 points from DW Stadium with Wigan had not a single attempt on a target. They look very bad and I think manager Roberto Martínez is close to face the exit door. Only light in the dark is N’Zogbia’s recent shape, but it cannot be enough to push the whole team. Captain defender, Gary Caldwell, is still sidelined as well as midfielder Cleverley. 

 

It’s a big difference in quality, here. Birmingham will play for the fans as it is first game after WBA and this should be their “best shot” (or very near to that). I’m aware the most of their wins are with a goal margin, but here expect something more.

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Bet: Birmingham -0.75
Odd: 2.12  188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Thursday's World Cup round-up

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk called a team meeting after reports in the Dutch media claimed Arsenal striker Robin van Persie said midfielder Wesley Sneijder should have been substituted instead of him in their last 16 win over Slovakia.
"I will never accept anything that could upset the next match," Van Marwijk told Dutch national broadcaster NOS.
"I spoke to Robin and he is supposed to have said something about Wesley.
"I've spoken to Wesley and after that I called the team together... told them what I think and then drew a line under it."

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson is desperate for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
Kingson was released by Wigan in May after two years at the DW Stadium, where he made four first-team appearances. 
"I have to prove myself in the Premier League. It is an unfulfilled mission for me," said the 32-year-old. 
"I was waiting for my chance and it did not come. Now I am at the World Cup. I am playing, I am comfortable and I am happy. Everyone can see what I can do. 
"I would still like to stay in England because I know I could play every week in the Premier League." 

The newly-renovated Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was lit up by green and yellow lights to show support for the nation's football team ahead of their quarter-final clash with the Netherlands on Friday.
Legendary Brazil striker Pele has continued his war of words with Argentina coach Diego Maradona. 
Having previously said Maradona only took the Argentina job because he needed the money, Pele has criticised Maradona's lifestyle. 
"Maradona is not a good coach, because he had a bizarre lifestyle which cannot go down well with his team," three-time World Cup winner Pele told German magazine 11Freunde.

www.bbc.co.uk

Premier League analyze

Chelsea – Wigan

Nothing much to say about Chelsea. They have a title in the hands and need a win which would be a first Premier-FA Cup double in the club’s history. They play at home where have 16 wins of 18 games, just one draw (Everton 3-3) and one defeat (Man City 2-4). Chelsea surprisingly lost the first game vs.Wigan on the road 1-3, but in nine games before that have eight wins and a draw. Carlo Ancelotti will name the same squad that won at Liverpool.

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Wigan are probably the most unpredictable side in Premier, usually give their best against strongest sides but slip against bottom clubs. They would surely like to make themselves famous by burying Chelsea at Stamford. But, there’re few problems. Three players are the spine of the team. Chris Kirkland has a finger injury which means Vladimir Stojkovic deputize him again. Stojkovic is a joke and I’m especially annoyed he’s the first option for Serbian national team. Second of those three is Titus Bramble, key defender, who is out with a foot problem. And third is winger Charles N'Zogbia who could return (but won’t be 100% fit) after recovering from an ankle injury.

This won’t be a game for Chelsea that they have to win to stay in the race for a title, progress in the Cup or CL. This is the game for a title and history. 100% of Chelsea is the game where I like to place my bet. And I think it would be insane to keep a minimal lead. Even 2 goal difference could be a kind of risk. On the other hand, there’s nothing that can make me think any kind of surprise is possible. Don’t like to bet on teams that must win, but this is something else. Bet is Chelsea -2.5 ah, best price is 1.90 at 188bet.

Arsenal will play with the strongest squad, including Robin Van Persie. They still have sports motive as they can lose the 3rd spot (need a draw to keep it). But, anyway would like to make a show and a goal fest for the end.
Hodgson asked FA to re-schedule the game for Saturday to make one more day preparation for Europa League final. Was refused, but now has a perfect excuse to name reserve team. Interesting thing is in same occasions when everybody was talking how Fulham are tired, they made excellent results (draws vs. Sunderland and Liverpool and lost 1-2 in last minute vs. Everton). In combination with Fabianski and Cambell, I simply don’t have a stomach for this. No bet.

Drogba and Rooney are equal on the top of the goal scorers list. My gamble for today is Drogba to score a hat-trick @ 11.00 bet365.

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Initial thoughts for Saturday

At the first glance,two games in England shouldn’t be overlooked.
Can’t see how Newcastle can lose at Walkers.Haven’t checked team news,but even 20 injuries wouldn’t change my opinion.Odds look generous.Will decide between dnb and away win.

Everton on the road against Wigan.Good thing about Toffees is their results follow the trend.When they have injuries and start sinking,run away from them.When start improving then should be backed.They have very good dressing room atmosphere that wasn’t shook with Cup exit.Although Sunderland’s performance is really awful in these days,I think Everton definitely have enough strength to defeat Wigan.The fact first goalie for Latics will be again Stojkovic suggests a big possibility of goals.Away win and over in this one.

Again it’s my initial thoughts,take it with caution.But it worth a small bets for me. 

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Initial thoughts - Premier League

Birmingham - Chelsea 2
West Ham - Portsmouth 1
Fulham - Tottenham X
Burnley - Bolton X
Sunderland - Everton X
Manchester City - Stoke 1
Wigan - Blackburn 1
Liverpool - Wolverhampton 1

Total goals: 15

Some analyzes will follow.

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Bloody Saturday

Wigan 1 - 0 West Ham

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Hugo Rodallega earned Wigan their first League win since the opening day of the season in a scrappy game with West Ham.
Apart from Chris Kirkland struggling to deal with back passes and Robert Green saving two long-range shots, neither keeper was busy in a tepid first half. 
Rodallega poked home from close range on 55 minutes after Green had blocked Jason Koumas's shot. 
West Ham substitute Alessandro Diamanti livened things up and hit the post but Wigan deserved the win.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez:
"The way the players adapted to what was needed was exceptional, we had to stop West Ham playing their football which was a big test, so a clean sheet and three points is what we deserved."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"In the first half I thought we controlled the game well and we looked better than them. 
"The goal was sloppy, we didn't start the second half in the same frame of mind that we did the first - that's something we need to work on."

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QPR 1 - 1 Peterborough

Peterborough are still waiting for their first win of the new season after Wayne Routledge's equaliser cancelled out Aaron Mclean's opener.
Mclean headed in Tommy Williams's cross and only Ben Watson's challenge stopped Lee Frecklington making it 2-0. 
Adel Taarabt and Jay Simpson set up Routledge to tap in before the break. 
Simpson wasted a great chance to win it on 85 minutes and in injury time only an offside flag denied Peterborough's Craig Mackail-Smith a winner.
QPR boss Jim Magilton:
"Any successful campaign is built around your home form. 
"Our play at times is good but that's not enough, especially at home where expectation levels rise. 
"You've got to be able to handle that and maybe some can't." 
Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson:
"I thought we deserved three points. 
"You always need a bit of luck and we are just not getting it at the moment. 
"But there is no time to feel sorry for ourselves. As long as we keep putting in performances like that then we will get the wins."
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are lining up a move for Barcelona's Samuel Eto’o to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s impending departure. (The Times) 
Man United will also try to tie up a deal for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia once they have completed the £80m transaction with Real Madrid for Ronaldo. (The Guardian) 
Bayern Munich have slapped an incredible £90m price-tag on France winger Franck Ribery, who Sir Alex Ferguson sees as a potential replacement for Ronaldo at Old Trafford.(The Sun) 
United could also face the prospect of losing Carlos Tevez following the exit of Ronaldo after Robinho urged the Argentine to quit Old Trafford and join him at rivals Manchester City. (The Sun) 
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will step up his efforts to buy Glen Johnson this weekend.(Daily Mail) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce are planning a shock £15m raid on Tottenham for striker Robbie Keane.(Daily Mirror) 
European Champions Barcelona have offered striker Samuel Eto'o to Liverpool in exchange for midfielder Javier Mascherano.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring legendary AC Milan and Italy fullback Paolo Maldini to join his coaching staff at Chelsea.(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Fifa president Sebb Blater believes Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo is football's "Picasso" and is worth his £80m price tag. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Inter Milan and AC Milan are set to battle it out over signing Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City are stepping up their bid to take on former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan for £20m from Villarreal.(Daily Mirror) 
Wigan have lined up a deal with Real Madrid to receive £21.5m for Latics winger Antonio Valencia. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could be on his way to Real Madrid for £21m if Florentino Perez returns as club president. (Daily Star) 
Tottenham are targeting Lazio striker Goran Pandev. (Daily Mirror)
Spurs are lining up a bid for Wolfsburg's Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham are weighing up an £8m offer for Celtic midfielder Scott Brown. (Daily Express)
Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson is poised for a £1m summer move to West Brom. (The Sun) 
Celtic are hoping to sign Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic on loan. (The Sun)
Bruno Aguiar's agent says the midfielder will leave Hearts, with Ajax, Celtic and Rangers showing interest. (Various) 
Swindon Town have told Celtic to double their bid for striker Simon Cox after offering £1.2m for the striker and defender Sean Morrison. (Daily Mail) 
Crystal Palace are ready to move for Derby's Jamaica defender Claude Davis, who has been on loan at Selhurst Park. (Daily Express)
Bolton are keen on signing West Brom full-back Paul Robinson. (The Sun) 
Portsmouth's Sean Davis has turned down a new contract, with Wigan and Wolves set to move in on the midfielder. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are set to swoop for Standard Liege centre-half Oguchi Onyewu. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsene Wenger's future as Arsenal manager has come under more scrutiny. The Frenchman has been stung by criticism in the recent shareholders' meeting. He is also annoyed by the news that striker Adebayor is set to quit. (Various)(The Sun) 
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti's proposed move to the Chelsea managerial helm has taken a twist, with the London club reluctant to employ the Italian's assistants Mauro Tassotti and Filippo Galli.(The Times) 
Carlos Tevez's exit from Old Trafford looks sealed after the Argentine forward failed to attend Manchester United's player of the year dinner. (The Sun) 
England's World Cup-winning legend Geoff Hurst, attending his country's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup, is a big fan of striker Wayne Rooney. He said: "Winning the World Cup in your own country is huge and I think Rooney can do it." (Various) 
Midfielder Stewart Downing, forward Tuncay, striker Afonso Alves and defender Robert Huth will leave if Middlesbrough are relegated at the weekend. (Daily Mail)
Willie Miller has called for urgent action by the Scottish Football Association. Aberdeen's director of football is unhappy after Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty feigned injury on Saturday which led to the sending off of Aberdeen defender Charlie Mulgrew.(Daily Record) 
Manchester City's Stephen Ireland is set to leave Eastlands with the midfielder upset with contract negotiations stalling. (Various)(The Sun) 
Investors from the United States and the Middle East are lining up a £140m offer for Newcastle United - but it all hangs on the club remaining in the Premier League. (The Guardian) 
Wigan striker Amr Zaki, who is on loan from Zamalek, insists he was the one to pull the plug on a permanent move. (Daily Mirror)
Everton defender Phil Jagielka is to be rewarded for his efforts this season by being given a new contract, despite a bad knee injury. (The Sun) 
England's 2018 World Cup bid may rest on the Premier League accepting Fifa and Uefa regulations stipulating that a side must contain a minimum of six home-grown players and a maximum of five foreigners. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY 

England midfielder David Beckham, on loan at AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy, has warned Chelsea about their potential new boss Carlo Ancelotti. Beckham said of the Milan coach: "While I have never had the hairdryer treatment from him I have seen it from him."(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Stoke 2-0 Wigan

Goals from Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie gave Stoke a comfortable win which saw them move above Wigan and into 11th in the Premier League table.
The match only sprang into life in the 69th minute when Fuller's persistence saw him evade three defenders and fire past Latics goalkeeper Richard Kingson. 
Beattie sealed victory soon after when he headed in Matt Etherington's cross. 
Wigan, without a win in seven games, struggled to respond and Fuller almost headed home a third goal late on. 
The home side's solid performance underlined the progress they have made in their first year in the Premier League.
With the Potters' safety already guaranteed, their 10th league win of the season at the Britannia Stadium means they approach their final game of the campaign Arsenal next week with a chance of securing a top-half finish. 
Wigan will end the season with much less optimism, and the inability to score that is the root of their problems was again apparent here.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:

"We are absolutely delighted to have won here for the supporters, who have been fantastic.

Stoke: Sorensen, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort (Pugh 46), Wilkinson, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Etherington (Diao 76), Beattie (Cresswell 86), Fuller.

Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Olofinjana, Kelly, Tonge.

Goals: Fuller 69, Beattie 76. 

Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa (Edman 81), Scharner, Cho (Watson 58), Brown (Mido 73), Cattermole, N'Zogbia, Rodallega. 
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Koumas, De Ridder, McManaman. 

Att: 25,641 
Ref: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham could join Tottenham when the 2009 Major League Soccer season ends in October to maintain his match fitness for the 2010 World Cup finals. The England star, currently on loan at AC Milan, grew up down the road from White Hart Lane in Chingford. (The Sun) 
Manchester City defender Richard Dunne will join Sunderland this summer for £4m and the Black Cats also want West Brom midfield duo Jonathan Greening and James Morrison. (The Sun) 
Tottenham striker Darren Bent is also on Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia's list of targets. (Daily Star) 
But Sunderland are set to miss out on £6m-rated Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, who says he is not interested in a move to the Stadium of Light. (The Sun) 
Chamakh, 25, says a move to Premier League is his "priority", adding: "I target a club that is just under the big four. Tottenham could interest me but not Sunderland. (Daily Express) 
are set to sign highly rated Rapid Vienna striker Philipp Prosenik, 16, during the summer. (The Guardian) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will make a new defender his top priority if Martin Laursen is forced into retirement. The Danish centre-back needs another knee operation and could be out for nine months. (The Sun) 
Everton defender Joleon Lescott has emerged as a shock target for O'Neill, who has £10m to spend and is also considering a move for Manchester City defender Micah Richards. (Daily Mirror)
Villa are being linked with a swoop for Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Maor Buzaglo. (The Sun) 
Arsenal have been watching 17-year-old Paris St Germain full-back Chris Mavinga. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is giving a trial to Racing Santander teenager Lotam Zino. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic are battling it out to sign Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott for £2m. (Daily Star) 
Wigan are close to agreeing a deal for Rosenborg's Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan. (Daily Mail) 
Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws wants to sign Wolves midfielder Darren Potter, who has been on loan with the Owls since January, on a permanent deal. (Daily Star) 
Swansea City are set to offer a contract to Queen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie. (Daily Mirror) 
League One champions Leicester City will spend £400,000 on Liverpool's Jack Hobbs and £200,000 to land Hull City's Wayne Brown. The defenders are both currently on loan with the Foxes. (Daily Star) 
West Brom have taken Livingston striker Leigh Griffiths, 18, on trial. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Alan Shearer is set to stay on as Newcastle manager beyond the end of the season rather than stepping down to allow Joe Kinnear, who is recovering from heart surgery, to return as boss. (The Guardian) 
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell says the club would give "serious consideration" to joining a revamped English Premier League. (Daily Record) 
Injury-prone Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton is set to return from a broken foot to help the Magpies in their fight against relegation. (The Sun) 
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he has never received one enquiry for midfielder Paul Scholes, who is set to make his 600th appearance for the club on Wednesday against Portsmouth. "They all know he would never leave," said Ferguson. (Various) 
Injured Hull City star Jimmy Bullard says he will not walk out on the club if they are relegated from the Premier League. The midfielder has played for only 37 minutes in a Tigers shirt since joining them for £5m from Fulham in January. (Daily Star) 
Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson made his first appearance after seven months out with a groin problem when he played for an hour for the reserves against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City will tour South Africa this summer as they look to start establishing themselves as a global brand by challenging neighbours Manchester United's popularity in the country. (Daily Telegraph) 
Plymouth Argyle are set to be taken over by Japanese real estate tycoon Yasuaki Kagami. (Daily Star) 
Bundesliga side Schalke 04 want Chelsea's director of youth development Frank Arnesen as their new boss. (The Guardian) 
Bradford City boss Stuart McCall is set to do a U-turn and stay in his post after his admission he may quit the Bantams prompted a deluge of letters from fans asking him not to go. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Hibernian and Dunfermline winger Freddie Daquin has returned to his native France after being released by Dundee. (Daily Record) 

AND FINALLY 

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has not watched an episode of Coronation Street since he joined the club in 2003 but says he will watch the Manchester-based soap "next time it is on and I am home". (The Sun) 
Murdo MacLeod's wife confronted Craig Brown after the 1990 World Cup because the then Scotland boss had put the Celtic midfielder on the "ugly team" in training while in Italy. (Daily Record)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Wigan are closing in on Ecuador forward Cristian Benitez, with the Santos Laguna striker valued at £7m. (Daily Mirror) 
Benitez's arrival may signal the £17m departure of midfielder Luis Antonio Valencia from the Latics to Manchester United. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are keen to sign Real Madrid's unsettled defender Fabio Cannavaro. (Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich are hopeful of signing Stockport keeper Owain Fon Williams. (Daily Mirror)  

OTHER GOSSIP 

Michael Owen's England future looks to be over, with national boss Fabio Capello preferring Tottenham's Darren Bent ahead of the Newcastle striker. Owen was told he represented Three Lions "history" by boss Capello. (Various) 
England captain John Terry has warned his team-mates to beware of striker Andriy Shevchenko ahead of Wednesday's clash with Ukraine. Terry believes the former Chelsea striker still has something to prove after he failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. (The Guardian) 
Scotland manager George Burley admits his country's World Cup hopes will be over if they do not beat Iceland at Hampden on Wednesday. (Various) 
Meanwhile, the Scottish FA will move to kill off the notion of a British football team at the 2012 Olympics within the next two months. (Daily Record) 
The SFA's stance also looks set to end their hopes of securing a money-spinning friendly against England. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY 

South Korean electronic giants Samsung claim they are the latest company to be approached by Manchester United, with a view to becoming their next shirt sponsors. Saudi Telecom and Indian companies Sahara and Tata have also made similar claims. (Daily Star)

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