West Ham v Stoke Live Match

The Hammers secured a shock 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend to climb up from the bottom of the table. Goals from Scott Parker and Demba Ba had given West Ham a two goal lead by the halftime whistle and though Liverpool threatened a late comeback after reducing the deficit through Glen Johnson, Carlton Cole wrapped up the points with a third in the final minute of the game.


Manager Avram Grant was delighted with his side’s display and claimed that the quality of the team proves that they are at the wrong end of the league table. With both Wolves and West Brom facing difficult games, Grant will be keen to take advantage of any slipups by climbing out of the drop zone with another victory over Stoke this weekend.


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Joe Cole Denies Rumours Of Move To Newcastle

Joe Cole has laughed off the speculation that Newcastle are interested in him by saying: "I want to be a success at Liverpool." Joe Cole: "It's not gone how I would have liked, but that's life. "Things like that happen and you've just got to push on through the difficult times. "I've had plenty of good times in my career and I've had my share of difficult times, I'll always come through. "I've enjoyed moving up here and living where I am. I haven't enjoyed the football because I haven't felt as though I have done myself justice or got myself right. "I have been frustrated with the injuries, but that's all going to change. "I'm fired up, still positive and still got enough energy – I want to be a success at Liverpool." Kenny Dalglish: "He knows himself it will take time to adjust after being out for a while injured. "It's not fair for us to judge him right now. He is enthusiastic and talented and we will try our best to get that out of him."  

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Ashley Cole leaves Carlo Ancelotti in the lurch as FA Cup love affair fizzles out

Ashley Cole went into the fourth-round replay with Everton as the FA Cup's most successful player but came out of it as the man who placed Carlo Ancelotti's job in jeopardy. The defender's woeful, missed penalty in the shoot-out after extra-time was decisive and brought his amazing run and the holders' interest in the competition to an end. Cole had gone 30 games without defeat in the Cup, winning it a record six times along the way with Arsenal and Chelsea. His last reverse was a decade ago in the final for Arsenal against Liverpool and he had admitted to a love affair with the famous old trophy. So much so that he had even claimed that lifting it again would mean more to him than a debut victory in the Champions League final. Dejection: Ashley Cole is consoled by Didier Drogba after his penalty missBut as he reflected on the wider implications of his wayward effort from 12 yards, Wojciech Szczesny was already taunting him about it. The young Arsenal goalkeeper said on Twitter: 'Is it a bird? Is it an aeroplane? No, its just Ashley throwing Chelsea out of the FA Cup. What do you think Ashley was aiming for when he took his penalty?' Cole was seen shaking his head and mouthing 'no' as Carlo Ancelotti picked his penalty-takers. He looked apprehensive as he made the walk from the halfway line to take his spot-kick and was then barged by Everton's Johnny Heitinga on the way. Cole blasted it high and wide and Phil Neville converted the winning penalty to continue Chelsea's misery in shoot-outs. They have now failed in their last six attempts in competitive games, including the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United. John Terry, who infamously missed in that game in Moscow, was not given the chance to make some amends, but Ancelotti insisted he had made the right choice. Sheer, shirtless delight! Phil Neville, who landed the decisive blow in the shootoutThe Chelsea manager said: 'I decided, Cole wanted to take a penalty, and the five chosen were the best penalty-takers in training. Penalties are a lottery and sometimes you can win, sometimes you lose.' Everton's 4-3 shoot-out triumph came thanks to a last-gasp extra-time equaliser from Leighton Baines, which cancelled out Frank Lampard's opener. It leaves Chelsea desperate to salvage something from a season in which they started so well. Fourth place in the Premier League is Ancelotti's only remaining target in English competition and they already trail Tottenham, the team in that position, by two points. After spending ?75million in the transfer window, the pressure on the manager had already been cranked up. But after the Cup exit, the focus on his team to deliver in the Champions League will reach a whole new level. They go to FC Copenhagen on Tuesday and the Italian admitted he has his work cut out trying to raise the spirit of his players. Even Christine can't watch! Bleakley (left), Frank Lampard's girlfriend, shares the pain'Together we must use the coming days to prepare well for the Champions League,' Ancelotti said. 'It will not be easy but we have time to recover. I would sign now to finish fourth and win the Champions League.' No kidding. Fernando Torres will be one of those sharing a large part of Ancelotti's burden in trying to fulfil that target. He will come back into the team on Tuesday after Didier Drogba fluffed his chance to stake a claim for a starting berth. 'Next time we will have Torres and far more opportunities to score,' said Ancelotti. 'A lot of chances were created today.' Lampard missed most of those and Drogba, filling in for the Cup-tied Torres, was seldom a threat. But Everton captain Neville was clinical and maybe Cole and Nicolas Anelka, who also missed, could learn a thing or two from him. 'The manager told us just to hit it as hard as we could,' said Neville. 'My biggest worry was the big divot on the penalty spot. Petr Cech looks really big in the goal and, thankfully, he went the wrong way. 'But I had practised all week and knew where it was going to go. This could be a springboard for us.'  Chelsea 1 Everton 1 AET (Everton win on penalties): Cole and Anelka bottle it in shoot-out as Blues crash outFA Cup live: Chelsea v Everton - all the action from Stamford Bridge as it happenedThe Matt Lawton interview - Carlo Ancelotti: Torres is not 100 per cent...All the latest Chelsea FC news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: John Terry, Phil Neville, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka, Carlo Ancelotti Places: Moscow, Liverpool

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Chelsea v Everton Live

The Blues emerged victorious two years ago, claiming a 2-1 win, and defended their crown last term as they saw off Portsmouth.

Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping to make it a hat-trick of cup triumphs for the club and a fourth successful run through the competition in five years.

They must, however, negotiate their way past Premier League rivals Everton first, with the Toffees looking to end a 16-year wait for a major trophy.

Everton will again be without striker Louis Saha (hamstring) and midfielder Jack Rodwell who has only recently recovered from a groin injury.

Toffees manager David Moyes has no fresh injury concerns though.

The last time these 2 met it was a draw John Terry hit the crossbar before Didier Drogba scored a penalty after Tim Howard fouled Nicolas Anelka.

Everton struck the post through a Jack Rodwell header in the second half while home team defender Ashley Cole failed to convert a low cross from six yards.

Jermaine Beckford then headed a late equaliser as Chelsea missed the chance to return to the top of the table.



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Manchester United v Crawley Town live

Crawley midfielder Scott Neilson will miss the game having failed to recover from a foot injury.

Pablo Mills was rested for Tuesday's draw against Wrexham but is expected to return, while John Dempster and Josh Simpson.

United team news to follow.

Crawley boss Steve Evans: "I think that we are genuinely one of the teams that could possibly get a positive result there.

The Red Devils are on top of the league table and fans expect them to challenge for honors on three fronts including the FA Cup. With Wayne Rooney back to his best, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to get his side into the business end of the FA Cup as a matter of course. Rooney might start this game, but Dimitar Berbatov will be rested as will several big names including Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.



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Arsenal v Wolves Live Football

In all competitions, Arsenal have won their last 11 games against Wolves. In that spell, Arsenal have scored 29 goals and conceded just seven.

They are also unbeaten in their last 16 meetings while Wolves have won just eight times in 47 visits.

The Gunners' Premier League title bid took a blow last weekend when they threw away an early 4-0 lead at St James' Park to be held to a 4-4 draw, relinquishing two crucial points and missing out on a chance to further cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the table

Wolves have only won one of their six Premier League games away from home against teams currently in the top half of the table.

Wolves have drawn the joint-fewest matches in the Premier League this season (3).

52% of the goals Arsenal have conceded have come from set pieces, the highest proportion in the top division.

There have been five red cards in the last seven Premier League games involving Arsenal.

Andrey Arshavin has set up 11 goals in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.



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Liverpool v Wigan Live

Liverpool will be hoping to build on their great win against Chelsea and mount a serious challenge for a top four finish when they welcome Wigan this weekend

Liverpool are hopeful Steven Gerrard will recover from the groin problem that ruled him out of England duty.

Martin Kelly should feature despite an ankle injury but Martin Skrtel is doubtful with a thigh problem, and Jonjo Shelvey is out for three months.

Jamie Carragher should keep his place, regardless of whether Dalglish plays with two or three centre-backs, but it remains to be seen if winter signing Luis Suarez features in attack after a role as an unused substitute in the win at Chelsea.


Wigan defender Gary Caldwell could play with a mask to protect the cheekbone he fractured earlier this month.

Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy, who missed international duty to rest his ankle, should be available.

Meanwhile Wigan scored a dramatic 4-3 win over Blackburn last week. Jason Roberts put Blackburn ahead early on, but James McCarthy equalized soon after. Hugo Rodallega and McCarthy then made it 3-1 for the Latics before Christophe Samba pulled one back for Blackburn. The Latics then took charge of the game as Ben Watson scored from the spot to make it 4-2 and even though David Dunn scored another goal from a penalty, it was too late for the Rovers. Manager Roberto Martinez was delighted with the spirit shown by his side. Conor Sammon, who was signed late on the transfer deadline day, could make his debut in this game.

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Manchester United v Manchester City Live

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli looks set to miss Saturday’s derby showdown with United at Old Trafford.
Balotelli has been sidelined by a knee injury since the end of December but first-team coach David Platt revealed earlier this week that the Italian could feature following an intensive rehabilitation programme that saw him visit the United States
Ferdinand has not recovered from the calf injury he sustained in the warm-up ahead of United's defeat at Wolves last week.

Evans played in that game but missed Northern Ireland's loss to Scotland on Wednesday with an ankle injury and is still sidelined.

"Rio Ferdinand got a calf injury last week. He will be out for a couple of weeks," said Sir Alex Ferguson.
It's 43 years since Manchester City were last crowned champions of England; how Sir Alex Ferguson's United would revel in trying City's patience for another year with victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur Live

Sunderland are hoping to close the gap in fifth place with a final victory over Tottenham Hotspur when the two teams meet in their next Premiership match on Saturday. The Black Cats slipped to seventh in the league table after a disappointing defeat to Stoke City in their last match. By Liverpool get back in form, manager Steve Bruce will realize that it is necessary to attach the consistent appearance if they are to secure qualification to the European League next season. Sunderland went into the match after the last gasp defeat at Stoke last weekend. The purpose of Kieran Richardson and Asamoah Gyan seems to have handed Sunderland three points in the Black Cats 2-1 in 10 minutes late game. But Robert Huth Stoke pulled level with seven minutes left before reaching the injury time winner to give his side three points. Tottenham on the other hand is the beneficiary of injury time goal by Niko Kranjcar comes off the bench to grab the winner against Bolton wanderers after Daniel Sturridge was canceled out in the middle of Rafael Van der Vaart penalty by second half. There are injury concerns for the Spurs with Van der Vaart and Luka Modric both doubtful for the game while Sunderland are without Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck

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Manchester United v Manchester City Live

Manchester United will hope to put a big dent in Manchester City's hopes of lifting the title by collecting three points when the two teams meet on Saturday. United suffered their first defeat this season after suffering a shock loss to Wolves last weekend. Nani gave States the lead early in the third minute but George Elokobi side pulled back to level terms before Kevin Doyle headed home the winner five minutes before half-time whistle. Manager Alex Ferguson was disappointed with the results and is hoping his side will bounce back from defeat when he looks remain four points above the table. The defeat does not prove to be costly for league leaders Chelsea losing to Arsenal could only manage a draw against Newcastle. Meanwhile Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is hoping to secure an important victory on Saturday that not only help his side secure three points against their arch rivals, but also breathe fresh air into their title hopes. The city has lost five of last six games against United before this season before holding out in the absence of reconciliation in the City of Manchester Stadium. In Mancini put the emphasis on avoiding defeat against title challenger, City, again expected to line up defensively this weekend. watch Manchester United vs Manchester City live

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Manchester City vs West Brom live stream

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Hands up all those who remember Iffy Udeze? No? Didn't think so.The Nigerian's arrival was WBA's first foray into the transferwindow since their arrival in the Barclays Premier League. Sadly forIffy, he lived up to his name.The only point of note about him was his touchline ruck with thenboss Gary Megson at Southampton. His only appearance these days is in'All-time worst XI' on supporters' message-board forums. It was aninauspicious start for the Hawthorns' hierarchy.Now, before I embark on the main point of this week's Midlander, canI just say that I would be marked down as a raging hypocrite if Idismantled that which I praised earlier this season. Pick of the mix: Youssouf Mulumbu has made a good contribution since joining West Brom for ?275,000 in 2009There is a lot to admire at the club. The academy appears to be more healthily-stocked than it has been for years.The director of football role, managed by Dan Ashworth, seems to beworking more effectively in B71 than anywhere else - mainly because theowner is committed to the idea.Yet I can't help but feel that when the window opens, a gust of windblows in and the players' reports are blown to all four corners,Baggies' officials running hither and thither in a desperate chase.Let's look at the evidence.In the first window, against a backdrop of political in-fightingbetween the chairman and manager, Udeze was the only arrival. Well,Spanish defender Roberto Rios would have turned up, had he not decidedthat retirement was a preferable alternative.After West Brom's first adventure ended in tears, Bryan Robson wasin charge during the year of the 'Great Escape.' On this occasion,their efforts bore reward.Without the arrival of Kieron Richardson - which was probably downto Robson's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson more than anything else- there would have been no escape, 'great' or otherwise.To supplement Richardson, Kevin Campbell's presence was a welcomeand respected voice in the dressing-room. Richard Chaplow also came for?1.5m. The midfielder's career never really got started at the Hawthornsbut the majority of that money was re-couped. A failure of sorts, butno-one shouted up that it was a bad purchase at the time, if memoryserves.   More from Neil Moxley... The Midlander: Blues must stand by McLeish... the glue holding it together28/01/11 The Midlander: Villa fans don't doubt 64-carat owner Lerner... he DOES care19/01/11 The Midlander: Any more of this and Villa will slide out of the trapdoor06/01/11 The Midlander: Winter of discontent beckons for Birmingham City16/12/10 The Midlander: Gerard Houllier is left fighting a losing battle after his own goal at Anfield10/12/10 The Midlander: Carling Cup win would be FAN-tastic but try telling McLeish02/12/10 The Midlander: Nigel Clough may be the son of Brian but he's his own man25/11/10 THE MIDLANDER: Forget United... England's real academy is at Villa18/11/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE So, West Brom were successful in the window, adding at least twoplayers who made a difference, and they stayed up, albeit by the skinof their teeth. The season following 'Survival Sunday' was a classic,though.Slovakian international Jan Kozak (Artmedia Bratislava) is slightlyless memorable than Williams Martinez. (Defensor Sporting - Uruguay,since you ask) Nigel Quashie completed his entrance into the quiz books by managingto add West Brom to the list of clubs he has been relegated with aftera ?1.2m move. But most interesting on that occasion are the ones thatgot away.Rob Earnshaw was sold for Norwich for ?3.5m. Geoff Horsfield shippedout on loan to Sheffield United. Moreover, there were deals to be donefor Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Ugo Ehiogu that foundered at the finalhurdle.Why? Well the picture is murky but if you speak to the formermanager in a quiet moment, he will point to that moment as thebeginning of the end for him. So, after an up and down couple of yearswe come to Tony Mowbray's shot at trying to improve matters.Jay Simpson arrived with a bang from Arsenal and left with awhimper. Juan Carlos Mensenguez (Argentina, since you ask) did likewisebefore disappearing from view altogether.The jury remains out on Marc-Antoine Fortune - his second goal thisseason against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night isn't overwhelmingevidence of his success, I'm afraid.But you have to concede that out of all the work the club has donethe ?275,000 spent on Youssouf Mulumbu is the pick of them. Fair enough. New arrival: But only time will tell if Carlos Vela can make an impact at the Hawthorns after his January switchAnd so we come to the closure of this window. Carlos Vela fromArsenal is the one who has arrived. First-class pedigree. Only timewill tell which list he will be added to. Moreover, is it sufficient? Again there are tales of those who got away. Chelsea's Jeffrey Brumaand Daniel Sturridge. And a link to an unproven Cameroon internationalat Hamburg, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting.I'm not, you will note, criticising last year's summer work. Therehas also been transfer activity in the past that has reaped huge reward- such as Curtis Davies, Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara. (Themuch-maligned Robson managed to turn a huge profit on those three.) Other successes - like Peter Odemwingie - who pound-for-pound couldturn out to be the most valuable forward in the Barclays Premier Leaguecome May, was little short of a masterstroke.It is a difficult balancing act. In mid-December, when transferwindow plans were probably being formulated, who was to know thatdefeat at Villa Park would precipitate a slump in form of such severitythat West Brom are now, very nervously, looking over their shoulders? One that got away: Will West Brom end up regretting not signing players such as Daniel Sturridge in January?Having said that, they also looked a far more healthy prospect forany would-be arrivals. West Brom's hierarchy cannot have it both ways.They can't say it is difficult to attract players to a struggling club- they weren't at the time.However, January is a moveable feast. Stories emerge every day aboutlinks being made, moves falling through and all the rest of it. I wouldestimate that around one-tenth of the calls between clubs are reported.But the facts of the matter are these. After nine matches, West Bromwere sitting in sixth position with 15 points to their credit.After another 15 matches, they have collected just 11 points. Idon't need to point out to anyone, but I'm going to have to - that'srelegation form.I really hope I'm wrong. But it's increasingly looking like the twoBlack Country derbies are now of such magnitude that they will eithersave West Brom's season and demote Wolves, or else give Mick McCarthy alate shot at redemption.And I wonder, if the latter turns out to be the case, whether theBaggies will look back on this - somewhat forlornly - as another windowof missed opportunity. West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie in race to be fit to face Manchester City West Brom outcast Roman Bednar joins Ankaragucu on loan until the end of the season West Bromwich 2 Wigan 2: Fortune's late equaliser earns Baggies share of the spoils  Explore more:People: Kieron Richardson, Alex Ferguson, Tony Mowbray, Mick McCarthy, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Jay Simpson, Ugo Ehiogu, Gary Megson, Carlos Vela, Bryan Robson Places: Norwich, Argentina, Cameroon

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Tottenham v Bolton Watch It Live

Victories over Chelsea and Arsenal had given Tottenham the hope that they could finally break their poor away record against the big four teams but defensive errors meant that it was Manchester United who secured a comfortable victory in the end.

Mean while Robbie Keane has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season with the transfer becoming permanent for an undisclosed fee should Avram Grant's side retain its Premier League status.

The Republic of Ireland captain has made 62 appearances and scored 15 goals since rejoining the Club from Liverpool in February 2009 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic.



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Stoke vSunderland Watch it Live

Stoke City will welcome Steve Bruce Sunderland at the Britannia Stadium in what had to fight hard and entertaining game because both teams have eyes in the place of Europe at the end of the season. Sunderland and Stoke both make some good players in the January transfer window and capable of taking points on Saturday Meanwhile, Sunderland also started well under new boss Steve Bruce. The Black Cats lose at Chelsea, but good to attack with Kenwyne Jones played a major role. Last week they beat Blackburn 2-1, thanks to goals from Jones. The Black Cats won even after the initial attack Gael Givet's given Rovers the lead 1-0.


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Everton v Chelsea

With Steven Pienaar suspended following his red card in Saturday’s Merseyside derby and Marouane Fellaini injured, David Moyes will have to rearrange his midfield and that could see a first start of the season for Mikel Arteta.

Tony Hibbert, Dan Gosling and Phil Jagielka are still missing. Everton are the only side not to lose at Chelsea so far this season, forcing a 3-3 draw there in December.

Chelsea could be unchanged from the side that beat Arsenal 2-0, particularly as John Terry has been given the all-clear after suffering a dead-leg, but Carlo Ancelotti could consider starting with Salomon Kalou and Joe Cole. Juliano Belletti, Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa are all sidelined.

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Kenny Dalglish pointed thefinger at referee Phil Dowd

Kenny Dalglish pointed thefinger at referee Phil Dowdafter his Anfieldhomecoming ended indisappointment yesterday. Dalglish's first home game ofhis return as Liverpoolmanager brought a drawwith Everton to leave himstill looking for his first winafter three games back incharge. The home side were a goalup at half-time butultimately needed a DirkKuyt penalty to salvage adraw after two Everton goalsin the first six minutes of thesecond period. Unimpressed: Kenny Dalglish wasn't happy with Phil Dowd's displayDalglish claimed the visitorsshould not have beenawarded the corner that ledto Sylvain Distin's equaliserand that Liverpool defenderMartin Kelly was fouled inthe build-up to the JermaineBeckford goal that put DavidMoyes' team ahead. Dalglish said: 'The first goalshould have been a goal kickand not a corner. Even if Ihad not got lenses in I couldhave seen that.'For the second one, MartinKelly got battered and thenwe got turned on the edgeof the box when he wasabout to clear it. Maybe onanother day you would getthose decisions given in yourfavour.'But at this moment in timethere is not a great deal ofgood fortune going our way. 'But it's a great credit to theplayers that they continue totap away at the door and totry and get better luck. Theharder they try the sooner itwill come.' Animated: Kenny Dalglish (right) and assistant coach Sammy Lee (left)Everton manager Moyessaid: 'I am disappointed wedidn't take all three pointsafter the second halfperformance but I amdelighted we went in athalf-time only 1-0 down.'Liverpool had been thebetter team in the first halfand won all the duels so itneeded a word to correct itat half-time. 'So we have taken a drawfrom a game where mostpeople favoured Liverpool.'At 2-1 up I thought we maygo on and get a third.'I know Liverpool weremissing two (Steven Gerrardand Jamie Carragher) but itis different for a club likeEverton, who have a muchsmaller squad.' Liverpool 2 Everton 2: Kuyt spot-kick salvages point on King Kenny's Anfield returnLiverpool are better than results suggest, insists Dalglish after drawKenny Dalglish: We can't live on past glories for ever at Liverpool


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Tottenham v Manchester United

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has ruled out David Beckham playing against his old club Manchester United this weekend - because the midfielder isn't

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/852465-david-beckham-not-fit-enough-to-play-against-man-united-redknapp#ixzz1AvZXRPxW


Beckham has been training with the north London side this week ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with United at White Hart Lane this Sunday.

There are still doubts surrounding the deal with Beckham's parent club Los Angeles Galaxy, and whether the former England captain is eligible to play in competitive matches during his two-month stint on these shores.

But, either way, Redknapp has ruled out playing him against his former club because the 35-year-old is not up to speed yet.



Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/852465-david-beckham-not-fit-enough-to-play-against-man-united-redknapp#ixzz1AvZcXRNP

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Birmingham v Aston Villa

Points will be at a premium on Sunday when Birmingham host Aston Villa at St Andrews in the Second City derby.

Gerard Houllier's Aston Villa are languishing in the English Premier League relegation zone with just 21 points from as many games, although in their most recent match they enjoyed a 3-1 away win over Sheffield United on Saturday to book a spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Their league form, however, has been woeful in recent weeks and they have to go back to December 11 to find their last win.

The on-loan Tottenham right-back believes Villa will climb out of the drop zone to safety.

He said: "I don't think Villa will be in a relegation battle at the end of the season.

"The Premier League is tight and with the dressing room we have got I think there are the players to get out of it.

"I went to the Sunderland game before the one I played in against Sheffield United and some of the play that they showed was great.


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Liverpool v Everton

Kenny Dalglish will return to the dugout for his first home game since being restored to the helm against Everton on Sunday - the team his last Anfield clash was against 20 years ago.

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Supporters are always vocal and passionate about every Merseyside Derby, but fans are expected to raise the roof as the King walks out of the tunnel and takes his place on the touchline.

Speaking about the upcoming derby, former Red Alan Hansen said: "I expect the atmosphere against Everton to be absolutely phenomenal, it'll be some game!"

Liverpool were unable to secure city bragging rights the last time the two sides met back in October. Everton comfortably won 2-0 in what was then manager Roy Hodgson's derby debut.

Many ex-Liverpool legends and footballing stars have spoken out about the recent appointment of Dalglish and the Scot will be looking for a clear win at Anfield to back up the praise he has been receiving.

But no doubt Dalglish will instruct his team to watch out for the talent of in-form Everton youngster Seamus Coleman. The right-sided Irish player is an emerging talent and David Moyes has rewarded his form of late with a regular starting position. Two goals and one assist in his last four matches have impressed both the Everton boss and the Goodison fans.

Liverpool and Everton have taken part in 97 Derby games at Anfield, with the Reds winning 40, losing 24 and drawing 33.

144 goals have been scored against Everton on home turf and Dalglish will be hoping star striker Fernando Torres will add to that tally.

Author: Ollie Cowan

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West Ham v Arsenal.

WEST Ham loan recruit Wayne Bridge says the team is good enough to start rising away from the Premier League relegation zone.

The former England international joined the Hammers until the end of the season and said he was not worried by their current status as the league’s bottom club.

“There is a lot of quality here and I know we can move up the table,” he said. “The first half on Tuesday was great. There should have been more goals and then the team came back with ten men. If we play like that every week then we’ll be fine.”

Bridge, 30, has had a frustrating season with Manchester City, making just a handful of league appearances and being overtaken by a host of new signings.


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Kenny Dalglish to Help Torres Kick Start His Season

Kenny Dalglish will offer Fernando Torres full access to his wealth of knowledge in an attempt to revive the ailing striker's form.When Liverpool supporters spend idle hours choosing the club's definitive dream team, many select Dalglish as a partner for Torres in the belief that an avalanche of opportunities would be created and scored.Having struggled so badly during Liverpool's bleak midwinter, Torres could do with some inspiration and the return of Dalglish might just be a catalyst for an upturn in his fortunes. As Ian Rush would testify, Liverpool No 9s flourish in the presence of King Kenny. Out of form: Fernando Torres is experiencing a similar lull to one his new manager did during his playing daysFew understand forward play better than Liverpool's greatest player and he will leave no stone unturned to ensure his striker can start producing the thrilling performances which were once the norm.Significantly, though, Dalglish - who takes his side to Blackpool for a re-arranged Barclays Premier League clash on Wednesday night - can also empathise with the problems Torres is having.The Spaniard is obviously vexed by his return of one goal against Bolton since November 10 but it is nothing compared with the 22 games without scoring that Dalglish suffered during his playing days as part of a side that had only just won the European Cup. There was also a 17-game drought at the start of the 1982-83 campaign, so it is little wonder Dalglish sports a telling smile when he is asked for his thoughts on where Torres has been going wrong. Advise: Dalglish has vowed to use his past experience to help Torres shake off his poor form'Someone asked me if I had a magic wand for Fernando,' said Dalglish. 'I said I don't need one, he has got one himself. He might lack a little bit of confidence but he is still a top goalscorer and someone everybody fears when he goes on to the pitch. I went through a worse spell than that. King Kenny speaks from experience For Fernando Torres there is perhaps no-one better to turn to for advice about being a Kop idol out of form than Kenny Dalglish. The Scot's longest run without a goal came 26 years ago when he went a marathon 22 matches without scoring. After notching in a 3-3 draw with Luton on September 4, 1984, King Kenny had to wait until January 19, 1985 before finding the back of the net again, in the 4-0 trouncing of Norwich. 'I can pass on advice and I will try and help him in any way, shape or form, but, as I say, it's the same for all the players. We've got to try and help each other. 'We've got to have respect and believe in what we're doing and carry that on to the pitch. We have got to continue working as hard as we possibly can to turn it around.' The irony is that Dalglish predicted something like this might happen. In a chapter from his recently published memoirs, the 59-year-old raised concerns about Torres. 'His summers have been filled with Euro 2008, the Confederations Cup in 2009 and the World Cup in 2010,' he wrote. 'Those demands have taken a toll. Fernando is a thoroughbred footballer and nobody would exhaust a race horse like that.' If Dalglish is to achieve only one thing during his six-month stint in charge at Anfield, many fans would happily accept it to be coaxing Torres back to the form that, until recently, made him the most feared striker in the Premier League. Buck the trend: Torres' only noteworthy performance can in the win over ChelseaApart from one sublime display against Chelsea in November, Torres has been struggling and his poor body language ensured press conferences rarely went by without Roy Hodgson being asked what he felt was wrong with the Spaniard.After a run of one goal in eight games many are now wondering whether Dalglish called it right in My Liverpool Home is the 26-year-old burnt out? Fear: Ian Holloway is wary of the wounded Liverpool animalBut heading into the fixture at Bloomfield Road, Dalglish has allayed such fears and was encouraged by the hard work Torres put in at Old Trafford on Sunday.'If he bangs a couple in I'll be looking up to him,' said Dalglish. 'It's all about relationships between players and staff, and what they can get out of each other. I've got fantastic respect for Fernando, not only as a footballer but also as a person.'Meanwhile, Blackpool boss Ian Holloway fears Dalglish's return could end in failure and rejection. Citing the example of Newcastle favourite Alan Shearer, who was not offered the manager's job on a permanent basis after failing to save his hometown club from relegation, Holloway said he hopes Dalglish does not come to regret his decision.'To come back into it after 10 years is a big step,' said Holloway. 'I hope they get it right because Kenny deserves to not ruin what he's got with the fans and football fans can be fickle. He can't carry the can for all this. It will take time. 'I don't see him as being the great golden saviour. I just see him as someone Liverpool fans trust at a time when they've lost faith.'  


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