Arsenal will face holders AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The first leg will be held at the Emirates stadium.
Celtic have a tough task against 2005 winners Barcelona, Man United face Lyon and Liverpool take on Italian champions Inter Milan.
Celtic and Liverpool will have their first leg at home, whilst United travel to Lyon.
Chelseas appear to have the easiest task against Greek side Olmpiakos, with the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile in the UEFA Cup Bolton face Spanish side Atletico Madrid, Spurs were drawn against Slavia Praque and Aberdeen have to take on favourites Bayern Munich.
Friday, 21 December 2007
SANCHEZ SACKED AS FULHAM BOSS
Lawrie Sanchez has been sacked as manager of Fulham.
The club made the decision with Fulham languishing in the relegation zone, with only two wins all season.
Former Fulham player John Collins, who yesterday resigned as Hibernian manager, is the strong favourite to take over from the former Northern Ireland boss.
Sanchez was installed as permanent Fulham boss after keeping Fulham in the Premier League after he took over from Chris Coleman last season.
The club made the decision with Fulham languishing in the relegation zone, with only two wins all season.
Former Fulham player John Collins, who yesterday resigned as Hibernian manager, is the strong favourite to take over from the former Northern Ireland boss.
Sanchez was installed as permanent Fulham boss after keeping Fulham in the Premier League after he took over from Chris Coleman last season.
Thursday, 20 December 2007
CALL FOR COMMON SENSE ON CROWD ABUSE
The debate about crowd abuse directed at players and managers has rumbled on this week - with Robbie Keane insisting most verbal abuse is nothing more than harmless banter.
Sol Campbell has called for action to be taken, saying that verbal abuse has spiralled out of control.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Avram Grant and Harry Redknapp have all had their say on what appears to be a growing concern to many involved in the game.
Fair play to Keane for resisting the urge to jump on the bandwagon and speaking with a bit of common sense.
Tickets prices are higher than ever, and fans are entitled to their bit of 'banter' with opposition players and managers.
If the likes of Campbell and Redknapp can't accept that, they could always cancel their contracts and have a go at living in the real world.
And Grant and Ferguson don't seem half as concerned about the verbal abuse their players direct at referees week in week out.
There is a mindless minority who take it too far - and these should be dealt with - but please, spare us the sob stories and media hype.
It is a part of the game - and it always will be.
Sol Campbell has called for action to be taken, saying that verbal abuse has spiralled out of control.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Avram Grant and Harry Redknapp have all had their say on what appears to be a growing concern to many involved in the game.
Fair play to Keane for resisting the urge to jump on the bandwagon and speaking with a bit of common sense.
Tickets prices are higher than ever, and fans are entitled to their bit of 'banter' with opposition players and managers.
If the likes of Campbell and Redknapp can't accept that, they could always cancel their contracts and have a go at living in the real world.
And Grant and Ferguson don't seem half as concerned about the verbal abuse their players direct at referees week in week out.
There is a mindless minority who take it too far - and these should be dealt with - but please, spare us the sob stories and media hype.
It is a part of the game - and it always will be.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
A TEAM FOR 2010?
With New England boss Fabio Capello promising to pick players on form rather than reputation - it could mean a shake up in the England team.
Who knows - could this be the team for the 2010 World Cup?
ROBERT GREEN
The West Ham shot stopper has been in excellent form this season. Robinson, James and Carson have all had their chances and failed to impress. Also watch out for promising Man United keeper Ben Foster when he eventually returns from injury.
MICAH RICHARDS
One of the few bright sparks of McClaren's 2008 qualifying campaign. The Man City defender has pace and strength in abundance. Could be the natural replacement for Gary Neville or even force his way into the centre back spots.
JOHN TERRY
Despite recent speculation that his captaincy will be under threat under Capello, expect the Italian to stick with the man who England so badly missed in their crunch European Championship qualifiers.
RIO FERDINAND
Keeping his place on sheer ability and impressive performances in major tournaments in the past. Big game player, needs to keep his concentration up and cut out mistakes if he wants to stay in the team under the new manager.
LEIGHTON BAINES
The Everton man has shown potential playing for England Under 21s and may be one of those given his chance if Capello looks to integrate new blood. Once fit he needs to concentrate on his club form if he is to challenge the likes of Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Nicky Shorey and club colleague Joleon Lescott for a place.
DAVID BENTLEY
Surely if he played for a more fashionable club Bentley would already be an England regular. Has been consistantly brilliant for Blackburn and deserves his chance on the right hand side.
STEVEN GERRARD
The inspirational Liverpool captain is one of those that most start to reproduce his club form on the international scene. Has struggled in recent England games and needs to find a new confidence to express himself under Capello.
OWEN HARGREAVES
The sort of holding midfielder Capello has frequently favoured in his teams. Beats the likes of Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard to his place based on his defensive capabilities.
ASHLEY YOUNG
The former Watford winger has been building a reputation for himself with his displays on the Aston Villa left. With Joe Cole in and out the Chelsea team and displaying a tendency to drift inside and leave the England side without width. Raw pace and a huge talent for the future.
WAYNE ROONEY
By a mile the best striking talent England have to chose from - the trouble is finding him a partner from the crocked Michael Owen, and players who are in and out the team at club level - the likes of Peter Crouch, Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe, Alan Smith and the talented but untested Theo Walcott.
GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR
The Aston Villa man gets the nod based on his performances in the Premier League this season. Has pace, the ability to hit the back of the net and most importantly the confidence that comes from playing week in, week out.
Who would be in your 2010 England XI?
Who knows - could this be the team for the 2010 World Cup?
ROBERT GREEN
The West Ham shot stopper has been in excellent form this season. Robinson, James and Carson have all had their chances and failed to impress. Also watch out for promising Man United keeper Ben Foster when he eventually returns from injury.
MICAH RICHARDS
One of the few bright sparks of McClaren's 2008 qualifying campaign. The Man City defender has pace and strength in abundance. Could be the natural replacement for Gary Neville or even force his way into the centre back spots.
JOHN TERRY
Despite recent speculation that his captaincy will be under threat under Capello, expect the Italian to stick with the man who England so badly missed in their crunch European Championship qualifiers.
RIO FERDINAND
Keeping his place on sheer ability and impressive performances in major tournaments in the past. Big game player, needs to keep his concentration up and cut out mistakes if he wants to stay in the team under the new manager.
LEIGHTON BAINES
The Everton man has shown potential playing for England Under 21s and may be one of those given his chance if Capello looks to integrate new blood. Once fit he needs to concentrate on his club form if he is to challenge the likes of Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Nicky Shorey and club colleague Joleon Lescott for a place.
DAVID BENTLEY
Surely if he played for a more fashionable club Bentley would already be an England regular. Has been consistantly brilliant for Blackburn and deserves his chance on the right hand side.
STEVEN GERRARD
The inspirational Liverpool captain is one of those that most start to reproduce his club form on the international scene. Has struggled in recent England games and needs to find a new confidence to express himself under Capello.
OWEN HARGREAVES
The sort of holding midfielder Capello has frequently favoured in his teams. Beats the likes of Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard to his place based on his defensive capabilities.
ASHLEY YOUNG
The former Watford winger has been building a reputation for himself with his displays on the Aston Villa left. With Joe Cole in and out the Chelsea team and displaying a tendency to drift inside and leave the England side without width. Raw pace and a huge talent for the future.
WAYNE ROONEY
By a mile the best striking talent England have to chose from - the trouble is finding him a partner from the crocked Michael Owen, and players who are in and out the team at club level - the likes of Peter Crouch, Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe, Alan Smith and the talented but untested Theo Walcott.
GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR
The Aston Villa man gets the nod based on his performances in the Premier League this season. Has pace, the ability to hit the back of the net and most importantly the confidence that comes from playing week in, week out.
Who would be in your 2010 England XI?
Monday, 17 December 2007
CAPELLO UNVEILLED TO THE MEDIA - ENGLAND JOB IS 'DREAM COME TRUE'
New England manager Fabio Capello declared it a 'dream come true' as he was officially unveilled as the new England manager.
The Italian also claimed that he will be able to speak English within one month - in time for his first game as England boss - the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on the 6th February.
FA Chief Executive Brain Barwick introduced the former AC Milan, Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid coach as 'a Winner with a capital W' and the man to restore pride in the England team.
Capello said that he wanted an English coach to be integrated into his team of backroom staff, as it was vital to have someone who understood the national game in his setup.
The 61 year old labelled David Beckham a 'great mand and a great player' but refused to be drawn on whether he would win his 100th cap against the Swiss next year.
His first real test is likely to be the away friendly against World Cup finalists France at the end of March, and if Capello can achieve a positive result in this as well as his opening game, he is likely to enjoy an extended honeymoon period until his first competitve match in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers next September.
And with his CV few would argue that he doesn't deserve the support of the fans and the media - If England fail with Capello, the blame will most likely lie squarely at the feet of the players.
The Italian also claimed that he will be able to speak English within one month - in time for his first game as England boss - the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on the 6th February.
FA Chief Executive Brain Barwick introduced the former AC Milan, Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid coach as 'a Winner with a capital W' and the man to restore pride in the England team.
Capello said that he wanted an English coach to be integrated into his team of backroom staff, as it was vital to have someone who understood the national game in his setup.
The 61 year old labelled David Beckham a 'great mand and a great player' but refused to be drawn on whether he would win his 100th cap against the Swiss next year.
His first real test is likely to be the away friendly against World Cup finalists France at the end of March, and if Capello can achieve a positive result in this as well as his opening game, he is likely to enjoy an extended honeymoon period until his first competitve match in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers next September.
And with his CV few would argue that he doesn't deserve the support of the fans and the media - If England fail with Capello, the blame will most likely lie squarely at the feet of the players.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
ARSENAL COME OUT ON TOP IN SUPER SUNDAY SHOWDOWN
Arsenal sit at the top of Premier League after a William Gallas header secured a 1-0 win over his former club Chelsea.
Andriy Shevchenko tested new Arsenal number one Maneul Almunia with a curling free kick, while the returing Robin Van Persie had a goal ruled out for offside in an action-packed final few minutes.
Chelsea captain John Terry was forced to come off with a foot injury in the first half, but it was rare mistake by Petr Cech, failing to collect an Arsenal corner, than allowed Gallas to claim the winner at the end of the first half.
In the early kick off there was a sense of deja vu as Man United again beat Liverpool by a single goal at Anfield, despite being second best for long periods.
Ryans Giggs found Wayne Rooney from a corner, and his shot was turned in by Carlos Tevez from close range on the stroke of half time.
Evra and Anderson both cleared Liverpool efforts off the line in a scrappy first half, saving the flapping Van Der Sar.
The result leaves Liverpool 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal, and they look out of the title race already.
Defending champions United in contrast are just one point behing the Gunners, with Chelsea and the resurgent Man City completing the Premier League top four.
Andriy Shevchenko tested new Arsenal number one Maneul Almunia with a curling free kick, while the returing Robin Van Persie had a goal ruled out for offside in an action-packed final few minutes.
Chelsea captain John Terry was forced to come off with a foot injury in the first half, but it was rare mistake by Petr Cech, failing to collect an Arsenal corner, than allowed Gallas to claim the winner at the end of the first half.
In the early kick off there was a sense of deja vu as Man United again beat Liverpool by a single goal at Anfield, despite being second best for long periods.
Ryans Giggs found Wayne Rooney from a corner, and his shot was turned in by Carlos Tevez from close range on the stroke of half time.
Evra and Anderson both cleared Liverpool efforts off the line in a scrappy first half, saving the flapping Van Der Sar.
The result leaves Liverpool 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal, and they look out of the title race already.
Defending champions United in contrast are just one point behing the Gunners, with Chelsea and the resurgent Man City completing the Premier League top four.
Super Sunday - Dream Team
Today's Premier League big four showdown could be the a pivotal moment in the title race - Here's my big four dream team:
Who would be in your XI?
CECH
EBOUE TERRY VIDIC EVRA
RONALDO FABREGAS GERRARD
TORRES DROGBA ROONEY
Who would be in your XI?
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