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?
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