Inter to get Eboue for free?

Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue may walk in the steps of former team-mate Mathieu Flamini and move to Italy on a free transfer.

AC Milan managed to secure the services of Flamini from Arsenal a year ago, as the Frechman's deal with the Gunners expired last summer. It was considered a steal for the Rossoneri, and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was left fuming.
It could be a case of déjà vu as another Gunner could be heading to Inter soon, the player being rightback Emmanuel Eboue, whose current deal ends in the summer, and is said to be on the lookout for a change in scenery.
The Nerazzurri have no backup for current rightback Maicon and this is precisely the reason Eboue is being looked at.
Estudiantes defender Marcos Angeleri has also been linked to a winter move to the reigning Italian champions, but the Arsenal man may be seen as a more appealing signing due to his versatility, and to top it all off, he has a EU passport thanks to his part-Belgian nationality.

Man City locked on hitman Trez?

Manchester City could be in line for a surprise swoop for Juventus striker David Trezeguet, according to recent reports.

The highest-scoring foreign striker for the Old Lady has spent the majority of the current campaign in the stands due to multiple injuries.
The Frenchman went under the knife in September after sustaining a knee tendon injury in Juve's first game in the Champions League this season, a 1-0 win over Zenit St. Petersburg.
Trezeguet also have both knees operated on earlier in the season, when he struggled in pre-season and the early rounds of the Serie A competition. The French striker is slated for a return this month.
The hitman has just resumed training recently, and is reported to be making strides as he closes in on a comeback.
However, rumours have it that his return could be in a sky blue jersey as it is alleged that Manchester City has the intention of making a US$30 million bid for the player to ply his trade in the Barclays Premier League.
The Eastlands club are monitoring the situation at the Stadio Olimpico as Trezeguet may have a hard time finding his place in the Juve attacking rotation, as he has to battle Alessandro Del Piero, Amauri, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Sebastian Giovinco for a starting berth.
The English side are optimistic about landing the French striker, even though they are currently in the wrong half of the BPL table.
Reports of the deal remain rumours at this stage, and unless there are any formal discussions or statements made, it is highly unlikely that a player, who has scored an incredible 130 times in just over 200 appearances, would walk away from the Old Lady.

Eagles emerges from the haze

Burnley midfielder Chris Eagles can see Wembley on the horizon after being left in a haze when he made his debut.

As he prepared to face Tottenham in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final tonight, the 23-year-old cast his mind back to the opening day of the season.
Eagles was looking forward to making a good impression in the first game of the league campaign against Sheffield Wednesday after arriving from Manchester United in the summer.
Instead Burnley were thrashed 4-1 and he was left stunned by the experience.
He said: "I just could not believe the pace of the game. I was tired within an hour, I never thought I was going to last.
"But it is weird because your fitness breaks and you get into a stride. You train to play.
"So when you are playing Saturday then midweek it is the best feeling ever.
"You get niggles and knocks but after about 10 minutes you are so concentrated you forget about them. I love it when the games are coming thick and fast."
That is why he shipped out of Old Trafford, although there was no pressure on him to do so.
Eagles - a former season ticket holder at Spurs - has made 20 starts this season compared to only three at United in the last campaign and scored five goals in the process.
He is making good progress and so are Burnley. They are now pushing for the play-offs after a poor start, not to mention cup glory.
Eagles said: "At United it is all about training to win. Being a big part of this Burnley team there is nothing I want more than to be successful.
"I am just learning to enjoy the moment and being on the big stage. Before it was different. I used to get nervous and was never able to take it in my stride."
The match is being billed in Burnley as 'Capital Punishment IV' with hopes high that Tottenham will be banished just as Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal were before them in the competition.
Striker Robbie Blake has promised to unveil his famous red underpants with the message 'Bad Beat Bob' on them if they score.
The words are associated with poker and Blake said: "The pants are going to have to come down if we get a goal.
"We are here on merit and have the players to cause them problems. Perhaps we should take encouragement from Cardiff who reached the FA Cup final last season.
"Hopefully we can keep it tight and hang in there, then bring them back to Turf Moor. Our fans deserve a bit of success."

Defoe in line for Wembley redemption

Jermain Defoe could put last season's Wembley misery behind him if he moves back to Tottenham from Portsmouth.

But Spurs have to do their part against Burnley first.
Harry Redknapp's men face their Coca-Cola Championship opponents tonight in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg, the trophy Spurs won less than a month after Defoe left them for Fratton Park.
The 26-year-old striker, who also missed out on another medal when he was cup-tied for the FA Cup final in May, did not feature in Pompey's Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool earlier in the season and would be able to play in the competition if he rejoins Spurs and they get through their last-four clash.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie are negotiating a deal, with Redknapp insisting he has not unsettled Defoe or any other player.
"It's their choice to say he is not for sale," Redknapp said. "I wouldn't have sold him if I was manager at Portsmouth and Tottenham came back in, I'd be keeping him."
Another Redknapp target who wants to leave his current club is winger Stewart Downing, who has had a transfer request rejected by Middlesbrough.
"It's the same (with Downing), I wouldn't sell him if I didn't want to," Redknapp said.
"If they want to leave, they have their reasons. If Defoe has got reasons why he wants to come back to Tottenham, fine."
Redknapp is closer to signing Stephen Appiah, who is training with Spurs this week.
Appiah, who has been a free agent since the summer following a dispute with Turkish side Fenerbahce, looks set to be offered a deal until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old has suffered knee injuries in the past, but Redknapp is confident that will not be a problem and is hoping to arrange a deal.
"I watched him an awful lot for Ghana - about six times - but I ended up taking Sulley Muntari because Juventus were asking £14million for Appiah," said Redknapp.
Against Burnley, Spurs want to avoid being the Championship side's third top-flight scalp. The other teams have also been from London.
"They've done well," Redknapp said. "I watched them on Saturday against QPR and they are well organised and have experienced players.
"They've had a fantastic run - Chelsea, Fulham and Arsenal - so we won't be underestimating them."
Midfielder Hossam Ghaly is in contention for a place in the squad, despite the reaction from Spurs fans when he stripped off to come on as a substitute in the FA Cup win over Wigan. Redknapp was forced to bring on a different player instead.
Supporters remembered when he threw his shirt angrily to the ground in his last appearance two seasons ago, after being brought off the bench and getting replaced again.
"If you've got a smile on your face then you're in the wrong game," Redknapp said. "People should forgive and forget - let's move on."

Destiny Carling for Fergie

It is safe to say the League Cup has not been Sir Alex Ferguson's top priority in his 22 years at Old Trafford.
He has won it just twice. That's one less than Leicester City and the same as Norwich.
Yet he will take his Manchester United side to Pride Park tomorrow for a semi-final first leg against Derby County with a tingle of anticipation for another Wembley appearance in March.
No, he will not risk his top stars. There is not likely to be a Cristiano Ronaldo or a Wayne Rooney in the starting line-up.
Why would he? There is a Premier League match against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday which could be a defining psychological moment in the title race.
And a Derby side, still without a manager and who struggled to dispatch Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday, pose no serious threat to United's reserves.
Not that Ferguson will allow even a hint of complacency.
The great thing about Ferguson is that at 67 he is still infected with the bug for winning football matches.
It spills over at times, as it did last weekend when he questioned the fairness of the Premier League's fixture list, which he claimed had militated against United in a first half of the season in which they had played more tough away matches than their rivals.
Or when he began his famous mind games earlier than usual with a dig at league leaders Liverpool, saying they will get nervous in the title run-in.
That is all part of Ferguson's non-negotiable approach to gaining an edge in every competition his team enter.
Make no mistake, Britain's greatest-ever football manager believes he can win the lot this season and eclipse the heady treble of 1999.
The Club World Cup trophy is already in the bag. They must be favourites for the League Cup. The FA Cup is down to the lottery of luck and a favourable draw but they have as good a chance as any. And the big two, the Premier League and the Champions League, are also within United's reach.
Now that would be an extraordinary quintuplet.
Could it happen? Almost certainly not, but it is possible because while Ferguson might not have the biggest squad in England, he does have the most effective.
A squad which is richly balanced with youth and the experience of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. A squad bursting with game-breakers such as Ronaldo, Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez. One, too, which is benefiting from the blossoming of Michael Carrick in midfield and the dynamic running of Nani and Anderson.
Those are the reasons United have the edge, even if the title race comes down to the wire with Liverpool in what would be a compelling clash of English football's heavyweights.
That is for the future. But back to the Carling Cup and a confusing competition which does itself no favours.
What is the point of a competition playing single knockout games up until the semi-finals and suddenly changing to a two-legged format before returning to a one-match final?
Is the football programme not congested enough without the English game's least-attractive major competition serving up matches which are surplus to requirements?
The reason, of course, is money and with Derby and Burnley reaching the latter stages this year at least the organisers can argue that the financial windfall from television rights and ticket income from two matches will benefit clubs from outside the top tier.
The main prize, meanwhile, remains Ferguson's for the taking.

Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham

Irish winger Damien Duff came off the bench to fire fast-improving Newcastle to a last-minute 2-1 victory over Tottenham.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder had only been on the pitch for two minutes when he combined superbly with fellow substitute Mark Viduka before beating goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
Spurs midfielder Luka Modric cancelled out Charles N'Zogbia's 11th-minute opener 17 minutes later, but it was Duff who had the final say.
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins was denied the opportunity to score in a fifth successive league game against Tottenham when a groin injury ruled him out of this afternoon's clash.
The Nigerian, who sustained the problem just before putting his side 2-0 ahead at Portsmouth last weekend, was replaced by Shola Ameobi in the only change to Joe Kinnear's starting line-up.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp welcomed back Roman Pavlyuchenko, Vedran Corluka, Ledley King, Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who sat out the 2-2 UEFA Cup draw with Spartak Moscow in midweek.
Fraizer Campbell, Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter, Gilberto and Jamie O'Hara were the men to make way as the visitors looked for a repeat of their 2-1 Carling Cup win at St James' Park back in September.
The visitors lined up with Pavlyuchenko playing as a lone striker, with support from former Magpies target Luka Modric and wingers Lennon and David Bentley.
Lennon was in action within two minutes of the kick-off when he received Michael Dawson's long ball and cut inside left-back Jose Enrique.
Danny Guthrie got in an important block, but the ball broke back to the winger and he drilled a cross across the face of Shay Given's goal with no-one able to get a decisive touch.
Newcastle created their first chance five minutes later when Jonas Gutierrez forced Assou-Ekotto to concede a right-wing corner.
Fabricio Coloccini headed down Guthrie's set-piece to Sebastien Bassong, who scuffed his volley.
Given had to punch away a looping header from Dawson after he met Bentley's eighth-minute corner in a lively start.
Dawson then had to block a shot from Charles N'Zogbia after 11 minutes, but the Frenchman was not to be denied as the home side took the direct route seconds later.
N'Zogbia managed to reach Given's clearance before Assou-Ekotto, and although the defender recovered to hold him up, the midfielder turned smartly to fire right-footed past goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
Enrique, who had earlier been booked for a foul on Lennon, was having a torrid time with the England international running at him at every opportunity.
For all the pressure they were exerting, Redknapp's men were failing to make the most of it as a series of set-pieces ended up in Given's waiting arms.
N'Zogbia, who has been linked with the north London club this season, was enjoying his afternoon and forced his way into another promising position with 27 minutes gone.
He worked his way into the box from the left and blasted a shot towards Gomes' near post, forcing the keeper to punch it away.
However, the visitors were back on terms a minute later when Dawson's strong challenge on Ameobi saw him lift the ball over the top to Modric, and as the home defence hesitated with Pavlyuchenko working his way back from an offside position, the Croatian ran in unopposed to beat Given.
Ameobi limped off before the restart to be replaced by Mark Viduka as Kinnear's side set about the task of restoring their lead.
The momentum was very much with Spurs and Enrique had to intervene to prevent Modric reaching Pavlyuchenko's return pass.
And the Spaniard did even better to deny the Russian seconds later, just getting ahead of him to clear as he prepared to shoot at the near post.
Michael Owen flicked a 39th-minute header well wide from an N'Zogbia cross as Newcastle responded, and King had to make an important challenge to dispossess Viduka on the edge of the box four minutes later.
Spurs were on the attack once again within seconds of the restart when the home defence failed to deal adequately with a Modric cross and central defender Dawson shot acrobatically over the bar from close range.
Newcastle were seeing plenty of the ball, but with the visitors pressing them in possession, were unable to create any meaningful openings in the early stages of the half.
However, N'Zogbia caused problems down the left once again with 50 minutes gone when he smashed the ball across the face of goal and Dawson managed to stab it away.
Modric continued to put the Magpies under extreme pressure, and Habib Beye conceded a free-kick for bringing him down as he threatened to break free down the left two minutes later.
But Viduka was beginning to have an impact at the other end, holding the ball up well for the support to reach him, although too often the final pass was inaccurate.
Nicky Butt was enjoying another solid performance, and sensed a chance for glory with 56 minutes gone when he beat Modric to the ball and went for goal from distance, although he sliced his effort horribly wide.
Tottenham started to impose themselves once again with Bentley in the thick of it down the left and the game opening up.
They thought they were in with 62 minutes gone when Lennon cut inside to slip the ball through for Tom Huddlestone, but Sebastien Bassong got a touch before Given cleared with the midfielder earning a booking for going to ground under his challenge.
Pavlyuchenko made way from Campbell three minutes later as Redknapp introduced fresh legs, but it was Bentley who forced Given into a decent 69th-minute save when his shot reared up off Fabricio Coloccini.
Owen had a glorious opportunity to make it 2-1 when Viduka laid off an N'Zogbia cross to him six yards out, although his disappointment at lifting the ball over the top was eased by an offside flag.
Campbell flicked a header well wide from Bentley's 83rd-minute cross, but it was his side which looked the more likely to snatch victory as the clock ran down.
The on-loan Manchester United striker just failed to connect with Lennon's cross two minutes later, but the twist in the tail was to come at the other end.
Damien Duff, who had replaced Enrique two minutes earlier, played a superb one-two with Viduka and slid a left-foot shot past Gomes to snatch an invaluable win in the final minute of normal time.

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

Liverpool fought back to take a 1-1 draw from a high-octane clash with an Arsenal side who had Emmanuel Adebayor sent off.
Robin van Persie had fired the Gunners ahead with a fine strike on 24 minutes, only for former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to equalise.
Adebayor was shown a second yellow card by referee Howard Webb on the hour mark, and the Gunners had to settle for a draw which further dents their fading title aspirations.
Liverpool looked to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League without manager Rafael Benitez, who did not travel to Emirates Stadium following surgery to remove kidney stones.
Assistant boss Sammy Lee had taken charge of training during the week and named a side showing four changes from the one which started against Hull, with Robbie Keane, Lucas, Emiliano Insua and Daniel Agger all coming in. Javier Mascherano was absent with a virus.
Arsenal welcomed back winger Samir Nasri from an ankle injury, but defender Kolo Toure missed out with a calf strain.
The Gunners were looking to get back into the top four at the expense of Manchester United and close the gap to Aston Villa to a point.
Arsenal may have beaten both United and Chelsea this season, but the failure to see off so-called lesser sides has proved costly to their title challenge.
The leaders were, of course, set to present a stern test of those credentials and it was a cagey opening to the game.
The first decent chance came in the ninth minute.
A long ball up field was knocked back by Keane from the edge of the Arsenal penalty area into the path of Reds captain Steven Gerrard, whose 20-yard effort was straight at Manuel Almunia.
Both teams were flying into the challenges, with Keane complaining to referee Howard Webb that defender William Gallas had used an elbow to shake him off in the Arsenal half.
A clipped ball in from Bacary Sagna on the right floated through to Emmanuel Adebayor, but his glanced, diving header just lacked the power to beat Jose Reina.
Keane was in the book on 20 minutes for clattering in from behind on Gael Clichy out on the left touchline.
Arsenal then snatched the lead through Robin van Persie out of nothing after 24 minutes.
Nasri chipped a high ball through from just inside his own half, which the Dutchman, on the edge of the Liverpool penalty area, collected on his chest before turning two defenders and firing a right-foot shot into the net.
Liverpool, whose form has dipped in recent weeks, were clearly rattled after previously looking quite comfortable.
In contrast Arsenal were now playing with a renewed confidence and held possession well.
On 33 minutes, Gerrard tried his luck with a long-range free-kick, but it was too central to trouble Almunia.
Adebayor was cautioned for leaving his foot in as he went for a 50/50 ball with Insua before Liverpool levelled minutes before the break.
The ball was thumped upfield from deep inside the Liverpool half by Alvaro Arbeloa and bounced right over Johan Djourou into the path of Keane.
The Republic of Ireland striker let the ball bounce again into the Arsenal penalty area before lashing it past Almunia.
The Reds almost snatched another ahead of half-time, but Gerrard was unable to get on the end of Dirk Kuyt's low ball across goal.
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas had suffered what looked like a knee problem in a tackle with Spanish compatriot Xabi Alonso at the end of the first half, and was unable to continue.
Abou Diaby came on to play on the left of midfield, with Denilson and Alex Song in the centre.
Liverpool started strongly, with Almunia having to beat away a snap-shot from Lucas.
The tempo of the match increased as the hour approached, but it was the visitors who remained in the ascendancy as Agger headed wide following a corner.
Referee Howard Webb then caused a storm when he reduced Arsenal to 10 men after Adebayor was shown a second yellow card for a hefty challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa, who fell to the ground clutching his face.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was incensed, but replays suggested the Togo striker had indeed gone in with a raised boot, rather than a flaying arm, which would have merited a caution.
The atmosphere in the Emirates was becoming highly charged, and Van Persie was another in the book when he fouled Agger.
To their credit the Gunners responded by pressing Diaby further forwards as they looked to get back in front.
Tempers, though, were never far from boiling point as Sagna became the third Arsenal man into the book when he tripped Albert Riera.
Nasri sent a 25-yard effort wide, then Almunia saved bravely at the feet of Kuyt as the visitors pressed for a winner.
Agger fired a superb 25-yard strike just over as both teams had to settle for a point.

Rooney wants to sing a song

Wayne Rooney wants to change the words of a song Manchester United's fans sing in their club's honour.

Instead of 'champions of England, champions of Europe' being bellowed out around grounds across the globe, the striker wants to hear 'champions of the world' instead.
They would be able to do just that if the Red Devils were to overcome Ecuador's LDU Quito in Sunday's Club World Cup final.
And while some in England still doubt the validity of the competition, Rooney is convinced it is an honour worth winning.
He said: "You don't get many chances to win this tournament so we want to take it.
"I could hear our fans singing 'champions of England, champions of Europe'. It would sound even better for them to add 'champions of the world' to the song, so we want to win it for them as much as ourselves."
Rooney freely admits this competition has never been on his list of priorities before.
However, once he arrived in Japan, the England international has been whipped up by the enthusiasm of supporters attending games.
Almost 70,000 were present last night to see the Old Trafford outfit defeat Gamba Osaka, with a similar number due to watch Sunday's decider.
"Winning the world championship has never really been in my mind," said Ferguson.
"When I joined a club like United the targets were the obvious ones like the Premier League and the Champions League.
"But the chance to play in this competition has really excited me. I am really happy to be playing in it."
One man who does not require an explanation about the prestige which goes with being world champions is Edwin van der Sar.
Thirteen years ago, the veteran Dutchman was part of the Ajax side which defeated Gremio in a penalty shoot-out in Tokyo to collect the old Intercontinental Cup.
And Van der Sar still remembers the reception Ajax received on their return to Amsterdam.
"It was a big thing," said the 38-year-old, who has just agreed a new one-year deal with the Old Trafford outfit.
"We didn't lose a game with Ajax for 18 months, so we were really in the flow. There was a big celebration in Amsterdam, with about 100,000 people welcoming us back.
"It is not the same as winning the Champions League but I never became a world champion with the national team and are we are playing different teams in a different country so I am up for it."
Just like the Champions League, which Van der Sar won last May - 13 years after his previous triumph with Ajax - the Club World Cup offers him a chance to revisit past glories.
"You could say it has taken too long to achieve all this again but it is never too late to enjoy them," he said.
"Let's hope I am repeating everything again on Sunday."
Van der Sar's team-mates want that too, putting worries over how the 12-hour return trip and readjustment to GMT will still be affecting them by the time they tackle Stoke on Boxing Day.
Instead of dwelling on a potential negative, Rooney prefers to look at the positive side and what a boost it would give United over their domestic rivals to return as number one in the world.
"It would send out a powerful message if we were to win it," he claimed.
"We are in quite a strong position in the league and if we can go back as champions of the world it would be a big boost for us and a platform for the second half of the season."
Ferguson has confirmed his intention to make changes to his starting line-up, with Rooney among those set to come in.
United must await a fitness update on Dimitar Berbatov before learning whether the Bulgarian will be involved with Ferguson admitting, defensively at least, his team must do better.
"We were a bit slow covering our defensive positions, which is possibly because we are still adjusting to the time difference," he said.
"Hopefully by Sunday we will be in better physical shape and our performance will be better. It will have to be because in my experience it is always difficult playing South American teams."

Football Premier League,Scolari waiting on Blues trio

Luiz Felipe Scolari faces an anxious wait to learn if three of his players will be ready to face Newcastle on Saturday.
The Chelsea boss was in Brasilia on Wednesday night to watch a Portugal team containing Deco, Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira get thrashed 6-2 by Brazil.
The trio then faced an arduous journey back to London and must be doubtful for the clash with Joe Kinnear's team.
Yet Scolari, unlike some of Barclays Premier League colleagues, refused to criticise the latest round of international friendlies.
The Brazilian understands the requirements of national teams having been in charge of both Portugal and his home nation during his managerial career.
He believes that players must enjoy their time with the national side even if it means that he is left with little to work with in training.
"It is not a problem for us because we follow the schedule and know the time the players go to the national team," says Scolari.
"It is difficult sometimes because we stay here with five, six or seven players only and it is difficult to do our job, but we worked before the players went to the national team for the next game.
"When they arrive back it is only to check they are not injured and do a little training before putting them on the pitch.
"I understand my friends (international coaches) and when it is possible, I say to my players every time, they need to go to the national team because it is fantastic for them and the coach needs to receive these players in good condition."
Scolari hopes to have England midfielder Joe Cole back for their clash against the Geordies on Saturday although it is unlikely that he will start.
Cole has been struggling with a hamstring injury but the Chelsea coach believes the midfielder could be fit in time.
The Blues still have other problems, with both Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard doubtful. Cole is struggling with a foot problem and Lampard was forced out of the England squad for the friendly with Germany because of a rib injury.
Alex and Juliano Belletti are doubtful while Michael Essien and Franco Di Santo are definitely out.
Meanwhile, Neil Warnock has admitted making an approach to Chelsea about striker Ben Sahar.
The Crystal Palace manager is looking to boost his side's goalscoring power after scoring just 20 goals in 17 Championship games this term.
The 19-year-old is currently on a six-month loan deal at Portsmouth, but is due to return to Chelsea in January.
Now Warnock has admitted Palace have asked about his availability.
"We know Sahar is not playing at Portsmouth, he is someone we've asked about," confirmed Warnock.
Sahar has previously spent time on loan in Championship with both Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.

Serie A, Serie A Weekend Review

A review of the weekend's action in the Serie A in which Alessandro Del Piero scored his 250th goal for Juventus.
Julio Cruz's stoppage-time winner snatched all three points for Inter Milan in a disappointing encounter against Udinese at the San Siro on Sunday.
The result was a harsh blow for the Friulians who deserved at least a point, but return to Udine empty-handed and drop three places to fifth in the Serie A standings.
A stoppage-time equaliser from Andrea Esposito prevented AC Milan from returning to the top of the league as Lecce earned a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Via del Mare.
A Ronaldinho goal 11 minutes from time had put the Rossoneri ahead, but Esposito's last-gasp header earned Lecce a draw which ruined Milan's plans of moving back above arch rivals Internazionale into top spot.
Alessandro Del Piero celebrated his 34th birthday in style by scoring his 250th goal for Juventus as they beat Chievo 2-0.
Del Piero broke the deadlock after 40 minutes in signature style with a swerving free-kick from just outside the area that whistled past Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.
It was reward for an opening half Juve dominated and a second was not long coming after the break with Vicenzo Iaquinta tapping in the rebound after Sorrentino had saved his 54th-minute penalty.
Napoli returned to winning ways to climb to second in the Serie A standings by beating struggling Sampdoria 2-0.
Daniele Mannini opened the scoring for the Partenopei midway through the first half and substitute Marcelo Zalayeta bagged the second to make the game safe 15 minutes from time.
Diego Milito scored a hat-trick as Genoa crushed 10-man Reggina 4-0 to move to within three points of the Serie A summit.
The Argentinian international took centre stage as Reggina's resistance crumbled following the dismissal of defender Andrea Costa on the stroke of half-time.
Giuseppe Sculli also scored for the hosts, for whom it was a sixth successive home victory, to leave Reggina rooted to the foot of the table.
Fiorentina notched up their fourth home win of the season as they defeated Atalanta 2-1.
The Viola took a two-goal lead into the break thanks to strikes from Felipe Melo and Alberto Gilardino before Sergio Floccari reduced the gap from the penalty spot late on.
Three goals in the second half helped Lazio to their third consecutive win in Serie A as they overcame Siena 3-0.
The in-form Mauro Zarate opened the scoring 12 minutes after the break, before second-half substitute Tommasi Rocchi added two goals in the final minutes to cement the win.
Rocco Sabato's late free-kick saw Catania come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Cagliari.
Jedaias Jeda took advantage of poor defending to head Cagliari in front in the sixth minute but Giuseppe Mascara equalised in the 37th minute.
And a good second-half performance paid off as Sabato pounced three minutes from time to ensure Catania got back to winning ways after three consecutive defeats.
On Saturday, an own goal by Cicinho in stoppage time gifted Bologna and new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic their first draw of the season - 1-1 against Roma.
Francesco Totti celebrated his 400th Serie A appearance with a 69th-minute goal, which seemed to be enough to grant Roma their second win in a week, before Cicinho headed into his own net in the second minute of stoppage time.
Jurgen Samuel's late goal against the 10 men of Palermo helped Torino to a 1-0 victory.
Toro looked to be heading for a frustrating draw until a red card for Antonio Nocerino seven minutes from time changed the face of the game, and Samuel was able to produce the winner with 89 minutes played.

Serie A, Del Piero creates history for Juve

Alessandro Del Piero celebrated his 34th birthday by scoring his 250th goal for Juventus in the 2-0 win over Chievo.
Del Piero broke the deadlock after 40 minutes in signature style with a swerving free-kick from just outside the area that whistled past Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.
It was reward for an opening half Juve dominated and a second was not long coming after the break with Vicenzo Iaquinta tapping in the rebound after Sorrentino had saved his 54th-minute penalty.
The win maintains Juve's excellent recent form that has seen them rise to sixth place in the Serie A table, while new Chievo boss Domenico Di Carlo, who replaced Giuseppe Iachini earlier this week, saw his side slip to second from bottom.
Di Carlo made five changes for his first game in charge with Marco Malago, Andres Mantorani, Giampiero Pinzi, Antonio Langella and Mauro Esposito called into the starting XI.
For Juve, Iaquinta was one of three changes from the team that beat Roma 2-0 last time out.
The Italy striker replaced Amauri while Olof Mellberg and Paolo De Ceglie came in for Zdenek Grygera and Pavel Nedved respectively.
Juve took just six minutes to get into their stride when Cristian Molinaro broke free down the right flank before crossing a ball to Mohamed Sissoko at the top of the area where the former Liverpool midfielder took a touch to compose himself before arrowing a shot narrowly wide.
Chievo summoned a response, although it would prove one of few, four minutes later when Esposito used his speed to surge into space and cross to the near post where Sergio Pellissier arrived first, in front of Nicola Legrottaglie, but his effort flew wide.
From then on the first half belonged to Juve who controlled possession of the ball and they deservedly went ahead five minutes before the interval.
It came from Del Piero and proved to be a goal to befit his milestone as the veteran sweetly struck his free-kick, from a central position outside the area, just under the crossbar.
The goal added to a memorable day for Del Piero who, in a addition to turning 34, was making his 337th Serie A appearance for Juve to move him second on the club's all-time list alongside Gaetano Scirea.
Juve's second goal of the game was not long coming after the break with Chievo defender Andrea Mantovani penalised for handball in the 54th minute.
Iaquinta stepped up to take the spot-kick and while he saw his effort saved by Sorrentino, the rebound well kindly in the centre of the area to allow him to redeem himself.
The game slowed after that with Chievo showing little signs of finding a goal to make the game interesting again.
They did, however, have an appeal for a penalty waved away after 71 minutes when Legrottaglie awkwardly controlled the ball with Chievo protesting he had used an arm.
At the other end Del Piero forced Sorrentino into a good save to deny his long-range shot before substitute Grygera hit the crossbar with a spectacular 30-yard shot in injury time.

Premier League, Tottenham clinch win at City

The Harry Redknapp factor is in full swing as Tottenham continue their fine run with a 2-1 win at Manchester City.

Redknapp has lifted Tottenham and Bent in particular - and they made it five matches unbeaten under his stewardship in a dramatic match at Manchester City on Sunday.
Spurs moved off the bottom of the Premier League in the process, thanks to two goals from a revitalised Bent in a fixture which City finished with nine men - by which time Tottenham themselves were one down too.
Bent built on his midweek hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Cup to help his side record their first away win in the league this season.
City were left cursing their luck, having taken the lead through Robinho. They lost the advantage, after having Gelson Fernandes sent off 10 minutes later for two yellow cards.
Then captain Richard Dunne was also dismissed by referee Mike Dean, as was Tottenham's Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
City made the breakthrough in the 16th minute, thanks to Robinho's eighth goal of the campaign.
The Brazilian scored with a spectacular effort against FC Twente in the UEFA Cup, but this one was fairly routine.
He found the target from close range, after Darius Vassell's effort had been parried - with Shaun Wright-Phillips also playing a part in a swift counter-attack.
Robinho then picked out Stephen Ireland, but his effort was beaten away by Heurelho Gomes in the 24th minute.
The match took a significant twist in the 26th minute when Fernandes was sent off for two bookable offences - the first on Luka Modric, the second on David Bentley.
Modric almost pulled Spurs level two minutes later, only to be denied by a splendid block from Joe Hart.
They did not have long to wait for the equaliser, however, Bent providing an assured finish in the 29th minute.
He gave Hart no chance, after defender Dunne had failed to cut out a long ball from Modric.
The home side still looked vulnerable, and Dunne failed to clear a cross from Assou-Ekotto in the 41st minute - but the ball was eventually scrambled away.
Bentley was having a lot of possession but was wasteful a minute before half-time when he found space on the right only to loft his effort over the bar.
City were exposed in the 52nd minute when Modric was allowed to find space in the six-yard box but drilled a shot straight at Hart.
Modric was at the heart of every Spurs move and tried his luck on goal five minutes later but saw his shot blocked by Javier Garrido.
City responded, and Wright-Phillips used his pace to get beyond Ledley King. But his effort carried little weight, and Gomes was able to make a comfortable save.
Dunne almost put the hosts ahead again in the 61st minute when he got on the end of an inswinging free-kick from Garrido - but Gomes reacted superbly to block the captain's header.
Spurs went ahead in the 65th minute when Tom Huddlestone picked out Jermaine Jenas in the area.
He laid the ball off into the path of Bent, who rattled a shot in off the post.
City suddenly picked up the pace, despite being down on numbers, and Benjani headed wide in the 72nd minute following a cross from Garrido.
Three minutes later Robinho saw his effort turned around the post by Gomes, and the goalkeeper continued his good work in the 77th minute when he blocked Ireland's effort from an acute angle.
City were reduced to nine in the 83rd minute when Dunne was given a straight red card, after referee Dean adjudged he had hauled back Bent as he homed in on goal.
Tottenham then found themselves down to 10 on the stroke off full-time, Assou-Ekotto red-carded for a challenge on Pablo Zabaleta.

Premier League, Ronaldo eager to silence boo-boys

Saturday 1st November 2008 :


Cristiano Ronaldo is out to silence the Manchester United fans who still insist on booing the Red Devils superstar.


The dynamic Portugal international angered a section of the Old Trafford faithful by making no secret of his desire to move to Real Madrid over the summer, a transfer that eventually fell by the wayside.
The jeers are reminiscent of the hostile reaction Ronaldo faced when he returned from the 2006 World Cup after being involved in Wayne Rooney's controversial red card, not to mention his now infamous wink to the Portugal bench.Despite the reactions from some supporters, Ronaldo is determined to win over his critics."A part of the supporters show themselves to be unhappier than others. But I hope to change their minds," the 24-yearold said."When I put on the United shirt I give my maximum. Nobody can condemn me on this."I hope it will be similar to when I came back to England after the 2006 World Cup and I can win the fans back."Many thought it was United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who had wrecked the potential Real deal, yet Ronaldo insists it was his decision alone to stay at The Theatre of Dreams.
"Nobody can convince me about anything. Since I was young I've had to make decisions, I make them alone.
"I want to win more at this club. If the boss thinks I have to stay on the bench I respect that, even if it's difficult."

Premier League, Saturday's BPL team news

Saturday 1st November 2008 :

Here is a look at the Saturday's Barclays Premier League team news with the highlight on the White Hart Lane fixture.

Chelsea vs Sunderland

Didier Drogba will be among Chelsea's substitutes after recovering sufficiently from a knee injury, but Ricardo Carvalho will be out for a month with a thigh injury sustained against Hull. Joe Cole is included despite collecting an ankle injury at Hull but Michael Ballack (foot) and Michael Essien (knee) remain out.

Kenwyne Jones is likely to make his first start of the season for Sunderland after recovering from knee ligament damage. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon (ankle) is still struggling so Marton Fulop is expected to start. Phil Bardsley (dead leg) is expected to feature and Teemu Tainio, Nyron Nosworthy and Pascal Chimbonda could be recalled.

Teams:

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Bridge, A Cole, Obi, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Lampard, Sinclair, Drogba, Belletti, Anelka, Malouda, Stoch, Kalou, Deco, Bosingwa, J Cole.

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Fulop, Colgan, Bardsley, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque, Whitehead, Tainio, Leadbitter, Miller, Yorke, Richardson, Reid, Diouf, Jones, Cisse, Chopra, Murphy, Healy, Waghorn.

Last season: Sunderland 0 Chelsea 1, Chelsea 2 Sunderland 0

Everton vs Fulham

Everton will give late fitness tests to midfielders Tim Cahill and Leon Osman. Osman has a bruised leg while Cahill is struggling with a foot injury. Everton are definitely without full-back Nuno Valente, who has a knee injury.

Korean Seol Ki-Hyeon has returned home for personal reasons, meaning Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson - against his former club - will continue in attack. Defender Toni Kallio is still suffering from a virus and is doubtful.

Teams:

Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Cahill, Osman, Fellaini, Pienaar, Yakubu, Saha, Nash, Rodwell, Vaughan, Anichebe, Castillo.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Gera, Zamora, Johnson, Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gray, Dempsey, Andreasen, Kallio, Baird.

Last season: Fulham 1 Everton 0, Everton 3 Fulham 0

Manchester United vs Hull

Wes Brown will miss the clash with Hull after picking up an ankle injury. Brown should be fit to face Celtic on Wednesday but his absence means Gary Neville is set for the right-back slot. Edwin van der Sar and Michael Carrick should also be handed starting berths.

Hull will make their first change in six matches with captain Ian Ashbee suspended after picking up five bookings. Bryan Hughes could come in but Bernard Mendy is also an option. Record signing Anthony Gardner faces a further three weeks out after pulling a thigh muscle in a friendly against Leeds on Monday.

Teams:

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, O'Shea, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Park, Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez.

Hull (from): Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Hughes, Boateng, Geovanni, King, Cousin, Barmby, Garcia, Windass, Mendy, Halmosi, Folan, Ricketts, Giannakopoulos, Duke.

Middlesbrough vs West Ham

Gareth Southgate is expected to stick with an unchanged starting XI for the third successive match. Mohamed Shawky (thigh) has been sidelined for three weeks, while tomorrow's game has come too soon for Robert Huth (ankle). Mido (groin) and Justin Hoyte (hip) are back training and have an outside chance of making Southgate's squad.

West Ham will be without Valon Behrami who needs a scan on a calf problem. Scott Parker (calf) is a doubt but defenders Lucas Neill (virus) and James Tomkins (knee) should return. Striker Diego Tristan could feature for the first time as Carlton Cole is suspended. Left-back Herita Ilunga is short of fitness and Mark Noble (calf), Dean Ashton (ankle), Kieron Dyer (leg), Jonathan Spector (hip) and Danny Gabbidon (stomach) are definite absentees.

Teams:

Middlesbrough (from): Turnbull, Wheater, Taylor, Riggott, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Digard, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Alves, Jones, Hoyte, Grounds, Arca, Walker, Emnes, A Johnson, Mido.

West Ham (from): Green, Lastuvka, Walker, Davenport, Upson, Collins, Lopez, Faubert, Bowyer, Mullins, Collison, Etherington, Boa Morte, Sears, Di Michele, Bellamy, Tristan, Neill, Tomkins, Ilunga, Parker.

Last season: Middlesbrough 1 West Ham 2, West Ham 3 Middlesbrough 0

Portsmouth vs Wigan

Portsmouth could recall right-back Glen Johnson after three games out with a groin injury. Johnson will replace Noe Pamarot providing he passes a late fitness test, but Sol Campbell (hamstring) may miss out and Younes Kaboul stands by to deputise alongside Sylvain Distin. Lassana Diarra (knee) is ready to play on and Jermain Defoe is set to be restored to the starting line-up by manager Tony Adams.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has no fresh injury concerns but after Wednesday's dismal 2-0 defeat by Fulham he could be tempted to make changes. Titus Bramble could come in for Paul Scharner or Emmerson Boyce while Jason Koumas could also be promoted from the bench.

Teams:

Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Kaboul, Distin, Belhadj, Utaka, Davis, Diarra, Diop, A Traore, Crouch, Defoe, Hughes, Pamarot, Kranjcar, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Kanu, Campbell, Ashdown.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa, De Ridder, Cattermole, Palacios, Kapo, Heskey, Zaki, Boyce, Brown, Camara, Valencia, Kilbane, Koumas, Kupisz, Taylor, Pollitt, Kingson.

Last season: Portsmouth 2 Wigan 0, Wigan 0 Portsmouth 2

Stoke vs Arsenal

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is expected to name an unchanged side after the midweek win over Sunderland. Winger Liam Lawrence, who has missed the last four games, is expected to be out for another month after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ankle ligament.

Arsenal are likely to be without defenders William Gallas (hamstring) and Emmanuel Eboue (knee). Midfielder Denilson (back), defender Bacary Sagna and striker Emmanuel Adebayor all returned to the starting XI against Spurs and should be fit once more.

Teams:

Stoke (from): Sorensen, Griffin, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Soares, Diao, Olofinjana, Delap, Sidibe, Fuller, Simonsen, Kitson, Pericard, Amdy Faye, Tonge, Wilkinson, Sonko, Whelan, Cresswell, Cort.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Silvestre, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Eboue, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Toure, Vela, Bendtner, Diaby.

Tottenham vs Liverpool

Ledley King could return to bolster Tottenham's defence after missing the 4-4 draw against Arsenal to rest his long-term knee injury. Jermaine Jenas should also recover from a toe injury sustained against the Gunners, but central defender Michael Dawson is still out suspended.

Robbie Keane has been declared fit to face his old club following a groin problem. Liverpool seem unlikely to risk fellow striker Fernando Torres, who is still only in light training after a hamstring problem.

Teams:

Tottenham (from): Gomes, Hutton, Corluka, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto, Bentley, Jenas, Huddlestone, Bale, Modric, Pavlyuchenko, King, Bent, Gunter, Lennon, Cesar, Zokora, O'Hara, Campbell.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Aurelio, Dossena, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Pennant, Kuyt, Keane, Riera, Lucas, Cavalieri.

Last season: Tottenham 0 Liverpool 2, Liverpool 2 Tottenham 2

West Brom vs Blackburn

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray must decide whether to recall midfielder Kim Do-Heon who has returned to full training after missing four games with knee ligament damage. Striker Ishmael Miller will hope for a start after coming off the bench to score his first goal of the campaign at Newcastle on Tuesday.

Roque Santa Cruz has been ruled out with a calf injury which could keep him on the sidelines for two weeks. Australia midfielder Vince Grella is also unlikely to feature due to a hamstring injury. Stephen Warnock (concussion) is also doubtful but defender Chris Samba should start following an ankle injury.

Teams:

West Brom (from): Carson, Kiely, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Brunt, Greening, Valero, Koren, Morrison, Bednar, Miller, Moore, Hoefkens, Cech, MacDonald, Pele, Do-Heon.

Blackburn (from): Robinson, Simpson, Samba, Nelsen, Ooijer, Emerton, Tugay, Warnock, Villanueva, Roberts, Fowler, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Pedersen, Olsson, Andrews, Brown, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

World Soccer- Maradona

A Christmas tree is seen at the Maradonian Church The hand of God, a religion dedicated to the Argentina's greatest ever soccer player Diego Maradona, during their Christmas celebration the night before Maradona's 48th birthday in Buenos Aires on October 29, 2008. A congregation of hundreds gathered at the Hand of God chapel to pay due respect at midnight on the occasion of the new Argentina's national soccer team coach birthday. AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA (Photo credit should read DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

Maradona as coach could be big risk for Argentina

By ROBERT MILLWARD, AP Soccer Writer

LONDON (AP)—He’s battled drug addictions and obesity. He’s been kicked out of the World Cup for doping and sentenced to jail for shooting an air gun at reporters. He scored a famous goal by punching the ball into the net.
Not exactly the traditional profile of a national team coach.
But this is Diego Maradona, one of soccer’s all-time greats who is still idolized by Argentina’s fans.
Maradona, who turns 48 on Thursday, and Carlos Bilardo have been asked to lead the national team by Julio Grondona, head of the Argentine Football Association.
Negotiations are continuing but the plan is for the superstar to be the coach and Bilardo, who was coach when Maradona led the team to a World Cup triumph in 1986, the general manager.
It’s a combination that, on paper, should thrill Argentina’s long suffering fans, who have seen their team of hugely talented stars fail to win the World Cup since that famous triumph 22 years ago.
But it could be another disaster waiting to happen for the star whose career has scaled the greatest heights and sunk to the deepest lows.
Even in Argentina, Maradona is revered one minute but considered an embarrassment the next because of his eccentric behavior and longtime problems with drugs and alcohol.
Blessed with mesmerizing dribbling skills, the left-footed Maradona scored two of the World Cup’s greatest goals against England and Belgium on the way to Argentina’s title triumph in Mexico in 1986.
Before scoring that goal against England, however, he blatantly cheated by jumping to attempt a header against much taller goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punching the ball into the net with his left hand, the one he later called “the Hand of God.”
Maradona won domestic titles with Argentina’s Boca Juniors, Spain’s Barcelona and Italy’s Napoli, each time becoming a huge favorite with the fans with his inspirational play and ability to leave defenders chasing shadows.
It was during his spell with Napoli, however, that he ran into problems off the field, banned from the game for 15 months after testing positive for cocaine.
Although he returned to lead Argentina to the 1990 World Cup final, Maradona’s drug problems continued and he received another 15-month suspension and was kicked out of the 1994 championship in the United States.
Maradona went from one crisis to another, shooting an air gun at reporters waiting outside his house, attempting to fight off a paternity claim in Italy and then running into serious health problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse.
In April 2004, a hugely overweight Maradona had a heart attack. After his recovery, he had gastric bypass surgery and slimmed down, but still fell ill with hepatitis and had treatment in a psychiatric clinic for his alcohol and drug problems.
While federation boss Grondona says he has visualized Maradona as the national team coach since 1979 and that fans and players welcome the return of their greatest player, the Argentine media argues that the star’s troubled history makes his appointment a big mistake.
Wednesday’s La Nacion cited Maradona’s volatile nature, unstable health, temperament and confrontational attitudes, and a columnist said the star would risk the “Maradona Myth” by taking the job.
Argentina has a wealth of talent with the likes of attacking stars Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, yet a series of coaches have failed to get the best out of them.
Now Argentina looks set to turn to Maradona, historically its biggest name but with little success or experience at coaching.
Theoretically, purely from a soccer point of view, Maradona the coach could turn out to be almost as good as Maradona the player.
But it would be like putting a fan in charge of the team rather than a trained, experienced coach.
All his enthusiasm might be compromised by selecting only his favorites instead of the players who are in form. He will inevitably run into problems with the critics he made in the media. Being national team coach would put him even more in the spotlight.
Argentina’s soccer federation hopes it will cure its problems by appointing the nation’s greatest ever player. It may well create even more.

Tottenham announce plans for new 60,000-capacity stadium

By Mitch Phillips
LONDON, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur’s plan for a new stadium has moved a step closery when the club announced plans on Thursday to build 60,000-capacity ground next door to their current White Hart Lane home.
In a statement released with the club’s financial results, chairman Daniel Levy said: “With a waiting list for season tickets of over 22,000 and club membership levels of over 70,000, our need for an increased capacity stadium has been clear for all to see for some time.
“We diligently spent considerable time reviewing our options and the news that our supporters had been waiting for came this month when we announced our intention to remain in Tottenham, confirming the Northumberland Development Project — a world class scheme incorporating a new stadium with a capacity of 60,000, a club museum, new shops, restaurants, homes and important public space.
“I am personally delighted that we have been able to put forward a viable option which we know to be the fans’ favourite — remaining at the club’s spiritual home.”
Spurs have been at White Hart Lane since 1899 but with a capacity of just over 36,000 it is dwarfed by local rivals Arsenal’s 60,000 Emirates Stadium.
Spurs have spent five years buying up options on industrial land close to their ground after discussions with local governing bodies led to the conclusion that redeveloping the current site and its environs was the most viable route.
“To date this includes almost 60 separate property transactions, including 40 residential and potentially 160 commercial properties at a commitment of 44 million pounds ($18.25 million),” Levy said.
Spurs, bottom of the Premier League but on the rise after a win and a draw in the first two games under new manager Harry Redknapp, announced that turnover was up 11 percent in the year to June 30 2008.
($1 = 0.60 pounds) (Editing by John O’Brien)