Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid are keen on Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, who is thought to be interested in such a move, with Manchester United's Patrice Evra a back-up target if the Spanish club fail to land the England international.(Daily Mirror) 
Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo, who is a target for Arsenal, could be on his way out of the Italian club after arguing with fans during the draw with Siena last weekend.(Daily Mail) 
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has told midfielder David Beckham, who had been on loan at the Italian club from Los Angeles Galaxy, he can return next year if he wants to after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will be out for a month after undergoing groin surgery.(The Sun) 
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas could be back from his hamstring injury for the game against West Ham this weekend after missing the last two matches.(Daily Mirror) 
Burnley have already started their search for a new manager as current boss Brian Laws is on the brink of getting the boot at Turf Moor.(The Sun) 
Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi says he is unimpressed by the success of English clubs in the Champions League as there is nothing English about them. He also says Italy's top teams are similarly unrepresentative of the country.(Daily Mail) 
Uefa president Michel Platini is still keen on adding extra officials. "Either we add referees or we use replays. I'm for the human option," he told an Italian television show.(The Independent) 
Defender Calum Davenport has played his last game for West Ham after agreeing a £250,000 pay-off.(The Sun) 
Goalkeeper Paul Robinson's injury could result in Blackburn recalling goalkeeper Mark Bunn from loan at Sheffield United - and he may make his Premier League debut against Chelsea on Sunday.(Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United could be forced to make major cutbacks if they fail to win promotion back to the Premier League this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane locked his players in the dressing for 90 minutes after the 2-1 defeat at Watford on Tuesday night. (The Times)

AND FINALLY

He may not be playing at the World Cup but England midfielder David Beckham could still be in South Africa after receiving plenty of television offers for the tournament.(The Sun) 
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be at the World Cup as manager of the Ivory Coast but faces competition from ex-France coach Philippe Troussier.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville, 35, is hoping for a shock England recall in time for the World Cup, three years after winning the last of his 85 caps.(Daily Mirror)

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Preston 2-2 Sheff Wed

Sheffield Wednesday scored twice in three minutes as they came from behind to earn a draw on manager Alan Irvine's return to Preston North End.
Billy Jones saw a shot blocked by Darren Purse but Neil Mellor reacted quickly to put North End ahead with a low right-foot strike. 
Lee Grant denied Mellor before Paul Coutts scored with a low strike. 
But Andy Lonergan failed to stop Tommy Miller's 30-yard strike and Marcus Tudgay equalised with a lofted finish. 
It was Irvine's first visit to Deepdale since he was sacked as Preston manager in December.
And his struggling team might have collected all three points but Lonergan made two excellent late saves to deny Leon Clarke.

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Chelsea 0 - 1 Inter Milan (agg 1 - 3)

Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge in triumph as Inter Milan sent Chelsea crashing out of the Champions League.
Samuel Eto's clinical strike 11 minutes from time settled a scrappy encounter and sealed a place in the quarter-finals for Mourinho at the expense of the club he left in 2007 after a hugely successful three-and-a-half years. 
And the misery for Chelsea and coach Carlo Ancelotti was complete when Didier Drogba was sent off in the closing minutes after a penalty area clash with Thiago Motta. 
Mourinho's Inter were able to keep a subdued Chelsea at arm's length for the majority of a tense evening littered with fouls and spells of ill-feeling, with even the self-appointed "Special One" being targeted for abuse by the supporters who once idolised him as frustration spread around Stamford Bridge in the closing moments. 
He celebrated in relatively muted fashion when Eto'o capped a spell of Inter pressure with the crucial goal, after Diego Milito had missed the chance to seal Chelsea's fate even earlier.  
Chelsea had their moments in a frantic first half, with Michael Ballack shooting just wide and Nicolas Anelka seeing a close-range effort cleared off the line by Motta, while keeper Julio Cesar saved well from Florent Malouda after the break. 
And Chelsea were also left claiming they were victims of a clear injustice in the first half when Drogba was dragged to the ground by Walter Samuel as they wrestled to reach a corner. 
This apart, Inter were able to restrict Chelsea, who failed to show the wit and guile required to break them down, demonstrating the defensive discipline and resilience that is the trademark of any Mourinho team. 
He did not milk Inter's win at the final whistle, but Mourinho may just appreciate the irony of the fact that he has ended Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's dream of bringing the Champions League to Stamford Bridge. 
For Ancelotti and Chelsea, the task is now to regroup and refocus their sights on the Premier League and the FA Cup.
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Chelsea-Inter

Well,I've been thinking a lot about this one.Main question for me is who has a bigger problem.

a)Turnbull-Chelsea
In my opinion,he's actually better option than Hilario,but this is not FA Cup and I'm not sure how he'll cope with the pressure.I have no doubt,Mourinho mentioned him in at least one interview just to make him additionally nervous.And his debut in CL (Apoel, 2-2 at home) wasn't so bright. Public say they're cursed.First Terry slipped in Moscow,then were robbed by that bold punk,this time maybe one Turnbull's mistake and 0-1 at the start.And I'm really scary when try to imagine Turnbull with Sneijder,Eto'o or Milito in one picture.

b)Defence line-Inter
It's not the same game.Pulling the shirt is a yellow card,everywhere except in Italy.Kicking in the someone's legs in 16 metres is penalty.Karate kick in the stomach is a red card.Referee is German and I'm not sure how much Maicon,Lucio,Samuel and Zanetti can follow this rules when face Drogba or Anelka for example.With Ballack even more harder.

I have no doubt for which side I'll cheer up,for Chelsea.Their advantage is team quality.They play as a squad,not like a bunch of spoiled stars.On the other side...You can love him or hate him,but he's simply genius.Jose Mourinho will be biggest strength for Inter.1.60 for a home win?Why then you don't bet on -1 ah at 2.05-2.15?What's the possibility for end with one goal margin for Chelsea?

Eventually,I've concluded there's no reason to be nervous about a game like this.Pint of a beer and enjoying in tv coverage.Also,I'm sure this game can not end peacefully.No chance.My bet will be on a red card.

Cheers,

Dule

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Preston – Sheff.Wed.

Preston are in the middle at 12^th place, but just five points far from play-off zone. They’re in the good run of results that recovered their pre-season ambitions. They have one home defeat of last nine encounters, winning top sides like Sheff.Utd. (2-1), Cardiff (3-0) and in last round Nott.Forest (3-2). I think team possess enough quality and with recent results (especially after first half display vs. Forest and 3-0 for 45 min.) they’re focused to keep the momentum and attack play-off. Defender Youl Mawene, left-back Tommy Wiliams and striker Jon Parkin are in doubt and will be assessed. Preston are unbeaten in 15 home league matches against the Wednesday.

 

Owls made a good start under new manager Alan Irvine (ex Preston), but very fast backed to their downtrend. They have four defeats in last five away games (one draw), with just one goals scored in those and ten conceded. That one draw came in the previous rounds vs. Swansea on the road. Wednesday were focused on defending, organized and eventually defended a point. Except fighting spirit, they don’t have to offer too much and I expect their same approach tonight. Additional strength will be Irvine who knows in details most of tonight’s opponent players. The Owls have failed to score in 15 Championship matches this season - more than any other team and scored 13 goals in total (just Peterborough scored less). midfielder Sean McAllister and defender Lewis Buxton are in doubt.

 

Those two clubs will have the opposite motives, but with the same intensity. Difference is Preston is actually in a good shape, while Wednesday usually struggling to keep 0-0. Quality difference is obvious, atmosphere in Preston is very good and I see them as winners. Pinnacle offer 2.07. Home win.

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Will post one gamble before the kick-off.

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham hope to complete the £6.5m capture of 21-year-old midfielder Sandro from Brazilian side Internacional by the end of the week. (Various)
Ex-Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes that his former club are obsessed with trying to prise England striker Wayne Rooney away from Manchester United and thinks the Spanish club will make a bid soon.(Independent) 
The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has dismissed rumours linking the 32-year-old with a move to Manchester City. Silvano Martina told calciomercato.il that Buffon "is very annoyed" about the rumours "because they are baseless."(imscouting.com) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England boss Fabio Capello has told David Beckham he can still travel with the World Cup squad this summer, despite being ruled out of the tournament through injury. The midfielder had an operation on Monday on the Achilles tendon he ruptured playing for AC Milan on Sunday, which will keep him out for at least three months.(The Sun) 
As well as backing midfielder James Milner for a place in Capello's World Cup squad, Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes two of his other midfielders, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, are capable of 'playing very well indeed' in the right-sided midfield role that is up for grabs in the England squad after David Beckham's injury blow. (Daily Mail) 
Mark Hughes has already turned down the Hull City job but chairman Adam Pearson hopes a face-to-face meeting with the former Manchester City boss will persuade the Welshman to change his mind.(Daily Mail) 
Alternatively, the man Hull want to lead their fight against relegation is former England boss Terry Venables, who answered a similar crisis call from Middlesbrough nine years ago and saved them from the drop.(The Sun) 
The Tigers could turn to former Crystal Palace and QPR manager Iain Dowie on a short-term deal.(The Times) 
Veteran Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen, 34, has opened talks over a new two-and-a-half-year deal at Turf Moor.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant will leave Fratton Park in the summer after being 'worn down' by false promises at the crisis-hit south-coast club.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has warned established duo Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips they are under threat from rising star Adam Johnson. The young midfielder came off the bench on Sunday to score a stunning 90th-minute equaliser against Sunderland.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes the poor performance of defender Gary Caldwell in the 4-0 loss at Bolton on Saturday is down to him becoming a new dad. "He is a father and has a newborn baby, sometimes that can affect you," said Martinez.(Daily Mirror) 
Boxer and Bolton fan Amir Khan has revealed his part in the Trotters' recent revival by giving the club's players a pep talk and showing them his WBA light-welterweight belt. Wanderers have won three of their last four matches.(Daily Mirror)

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Aston Villa are considering a move for Manchester United's reserve Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. (Daily Mail) 
Reports in Italy claim Juventus would be prepared to let goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon sign for Manchester City for a fee in the region of £32m. (The Times) 
France winger Franck Ribery remains coy over his future at Bayern Munich amid continued interest from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ribery's current contract expires at the end of the season, but German side Bayern have given him until the end of March to decide his plans.(IM Scouting) 
French striker Frederic Piquionne wants to remain in England after his loan spell at Portsmouth finishes at the end of the season. The 31-year-old looks set to leave cash-strapped Pompey but does not want to return to his parent club Lyon. (IM Scouting) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Rafael Benitez would earn an instant £16m payment if Liverpool sacked the under-pressure manager in the summer because of a clause in the Spaniard's five-year contract.(Daily Mail) 
But should the Anfield club accept an investment offer of £100m from private equity firm Rhone Group, the Reds could afford to hang on to their coveted stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. (Daily Mail)
However, Benitez fears that striker Torres will seek to leave Anfield if Liverpool fail to finish fourth in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League.(The Guardian) 
Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho is claiming 'home advantage' ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg tie at former club Chelsea. Mourinho, who led the Blues to six trophies in three years, said: "Everybody knows Mourinho doesn't lose at Stamford Bridge. My record is unbeatable." (The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Mourinho has refused to let his Inter players train at Stamford Bridge, fearing Chelsea spies may attempt to learn his tactical plans. The Italian side hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg.(Daily Star) 
Kasper Schmeichel, the son of Manchester United legend Peter, is good enough to play in the Premier League again, according to the keeper's Notts County manager Steve Cotterill. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Hull manager Phil Brown has been ordered not to talk to his teenage midfielder Tom Cairney. Brown has received a letter from the 19-year-old's legal representatives after the club tried to open contract negotiations.(The Sun)

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Man Utd 3-0 Fulham

Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United beat Fulham to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Rooney, who saw a long-range strike saved in the opening 45 minutes, slotted home from 12 yards after just 30 seconds of the second half. 
Mark Schwarzer denied Darren Fletcher but Rooney sealed the points with a low strike across goal after superb approach work from Dimitar Berbatov. 
A teasing cross from Ji-Sung Park was then headed home by Berbatov. 
Fulham might have defeated United 3-0 at home in December but Roy Hodgson's team had precious few sights of goal at Old Trafford - and the result ensured their miserable run away from Craven Cottage in the Premier League continued. 
Fulham's last league away win was at struggling Portsmouth on the opening day of the season - but with a Europa League match against Juventus and an FA Cup quarter-final looming, their priorities currently lie elsewhere. 
United's defeat at Craven Cottage remains their heaviest of the season but in the return contest Sir Alex Ferguson's team dominated territory and possession - and created the vast majority of the game's decent chances.
Berbatov was selected to start alongside the in-form Rooney and linked play effectively as United repeatedly carved open their opponents backline as they increased the pressure on Arsenal and Chelsea, although Carlo Ancelotti's team have a game in hand.

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Man.Utd. - Fulham

United are in a great shape, as they have a single defeat (away to Everton, 1-3) in last eleven games and have a point less than Londoners. With a win today would occupy a top again. This game comes after smashing AC and squad looks full of confidence. Rio and Vidic again play together and number of conceding goals should be significantly reduced, while Rooney plays in a life shape. Ferguson is a motivation expert and I don’t expect any relaxation today, especially because the visitors are a decent side. Michael Carrick returns to the squad after serving the suspension and probably will replace Scholes who has played twice in five days. Manchester United have won each of their last five home games against Fulham.

 

Fulham have been noticing a big improvement under Hodgson. Not so long ago they were fighting to avoid relegation, while these days play in Europe and are a decent Premier League side. But their home record is much better than on the road. They have just one away win (at the opening day vs. Pompey, 1-0) and have noticed a total of just nine points in 14 games. They also come in today’s game after Europe. The difference is they actually don’t have too much (any) experience playing in Europe and I think they’ll have more problems to focus on Premier again. And all in the club think they made a good result against Juve and have a chance for progress. Re-match is at next Thursday and will be hard not to think on that. Also, Hodgson have a limited number players in the squad, key players have played almost all games in 2010 and start to feel fatigue. I won’t be surprised if he even decide (following Mick McCarthy’ invention) to rest his best players for Juve and give up from today’s game before it even started. Clint Dempsey returns to the squad after the recovering from the knee injury, while Danny Murphy has a slight groin problem. Fulham have not scored in 365 minutes of away league football

 

At this stage of season, it’s very hard to expect any of the leading sides will lose the points. United have a special motive as they were defeated in the first game vs. Fulham (Carrick played a centre-back, 1-3). They’re in a great shape, won’t lack in motivation, home record is impressive and I expect a win with few goals margin. Bet is -2 asian handicap.

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