Funny Goalkeeper

Lampard attacks the defence

Frank Lampard warned his team-mates they cannot afford any more basic defensive errors against Manchester United.

The Blues' indifferent form in recent weeks has seen them slip three points behind leaders Liverpool at the Barclays Premier League's summit.

Defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday could leave them six points adrift of the Reds who face struggling Stoke.

Chelsea have been working on defending from set-pieces in training this week as coach Luiz Felipe Scolari attempts to stamp out errors that are beginning to cost his team dearly.

"The errors have been very frustrating for everyone involved because we do work on them in training anyway," Lampard said.

"Sometimes it has been an individual error or a collective one, but it has been very important because we have dominated the last two games and we lost out on a set-piece in the final minute each time.

"We can't afford to let that happen against a team of Manchester United's calibre."

Chelsea have conceded costly goals against Liverpool, Roma, Arsenal, Bordeaux and West Ham during the past three months.

Late goals in their last two games against Fulham and Southend have increased Scolari's concerns.

Chelsea squandered 15 chances to kill of plucky Southend in their FA Cup third-round tie last weekend and Scolari initially focused on their poor finishing.

However, the Brazilian coach has now turned his attentions to the opposite end of the pitch with more emphasis on defending free-kicks, throw-ins and corners.

Clint Dempsey was unmarked when he headed an unlikely last-gasp equaliser for Fulham and Ricardo Carvalho's poor header allowed Peter Clarke to earn Southend a third-round replay at Roots Hall next week.

Scolari has now added England Under-21 defender Michael Mancienne to his squad after a two-month loan spell with Wolves.

The Brazilian wants the youngster, who turned 21 yesterday, to remain part of his first-team squad.

But Mancienne has not ruled out a further loan period in the build-up to the Under-21 European Championships this summer.

Mancienne is certain to be part of England's squad for the competition and he said: "I need match fitness coming up to the Championships.

"But I am now where I wanted to be at 21 - around the Chelsea first team but also playing first-team football as well by going on loan and getting experience.

"I have the experience now of playing pressure football, football with lots of fans and the expectation to win games, so that has matured my game."

Chelsea will welcome back captain John Terry for the trip to Old Trafford. The defender has missed the last three games through suspension after being sent off against Everton.

Midfielder Michael Ballack is also available again after serving a one-match ban against Southend in the FA Cup.

(espnstar.com)

Martin wants fans to lift Villa

Martin O'Neill believes the Aston Villa supporters can help carry them towards Champions League qualification.

Villa are currently fourth in the Barclays Premier League and in a dogfight with Arsenal for a top four spot.

And ahead of the local derby with West Brom this weekend, O'Neill told AVTV: "I am sure it will be a great atmosphere on Saturday.

"From here on in, if we can keep the momentum going, I can imagine Villa Park being really vibrant.

"The fans have been tremendous. And it's great to know they are firmly behind us."

Everton striker Victor Anichebe is keen for an injury-free run until the end of the season after making his comeback from a back problem in the FA Cup victory against Macclesfield.

Ahead of Hull's visit, he told evertonTV: "I just need to get all these injuries behind me and hopefully 2009 will be a good year for myself and the club.

"I'm just looking to get my head down and work hard and see what the year brings for me."

Midfielder Dean Marney believes eighth-placed Hull are capable of getting back to winning ways at Goodison Park after losing their last three Premier League games.

He said: "It has been a difficult period for everyone and from a personal point of view I've been disappointed - but after a 5-1 defeat (at Manchester City) the manager is always going to make changes.

"But we have come back to where we were at the beginning of the season, working hard and being hard to beat. Maybe we got a bit open and teams were exploiting that."

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has been given a timely boost ahead of tomorrow's visit of Manchester City with the assurance he will not have to sell any more of his star players.

Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe have already left the club with others linked with moves but executive chairman Peter Storrie said: "Let's make it abundantly clear, there will be no more players sold.

"We do not to sell any more players. Jermain wanted to go so he went and I can assure you he is the only one."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is confident his back-up goalkeepers can cope in the absence of injured number one Chris Kirkland.

Kirkland suffered a groin injury in the warm-up before the Bolton clash on December 28 and Bruce has played both Mike Pollitt and Richard Kingson in the two subsequent games.

Bruce, whose side play Tottenham on Sunday, said: "The injury shows why you need to carry three goalkeepers in the Premier League - you need sufficient cover. We've got two good back-up keepers in Pollitt and Kingson."

Gareth Southgate does not believe Tottenham would have been the right move for Stewart Downing even if Middlesbrough had been prepared to let him go.

The Teessiders this week rejected a transfer request from the 24-year-old after rebuffing two bids from the Londoners, insisting they will not sell any of their better players.

Southgate said: "We don't feel it is in the interests of our football club to accept that (bid) - or actually, in the interests of Stewart, if I am to be honest, because I think it wouldn't look good for him to leave this club at this time.

"There is a certain level where, if he was going to leave this football club, he should go to."

Boro host Sunderland this weekend with Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia admits the transfer window has come too early in his reign.

The 52-year-old Scot, who was appointed permanent manager between Christmas and New Year, is having to balance the process of trying to drag his side away from the Barclays Premier League relegation zone with the search for reinforcements this month.

However, he will not be panicked into buying before he has been able to make a personal assessment of his targets.

He said: "I could have done without it [the window]. It has come probably too early for me.

"The one thing I want to do, if I want to bring players in, I want to have seen them play. That's important."

Matthew Etherington is eager to savour the Britannia Stadium experience tomorrow when Stoke face Liverpool.

The 27-year-old midfielder looks certain to make his debut after signing a three and half year deal following his move from West Ham.

Etherington watched on TV when Stoke entertained Manchester United on Boxing Day and was amazed at the passion of the supporters.

He said: "I cannot wait to face Liverpool as I am looking forward to playing in front of those fans.

"I saw the game against Manchester United and the atmosphere was unbelievable."

Steve Harper is tipping Newcastle team-mate Obafemi Martins to be back in action within weeks of his visit to renowned specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, who also operated on the Newcastle goalkeeper's hernia.

The 33-year-old travelled to Germany himself in November 2006 for a similar operation and was available again within a matter of weeks.

Harper said: "Our medical staff at Newcastle United are second to none, and if they are sending Oba out to Germany to see Dr Muschaweck, it's because she is the best at what she does in the world."

He added: "Hopefully, now Oba is going over there, it's a good thing. It won't be long before he is back on the pitch and scoring goals for Newcastle."

The Magpies host West Ham tomorrow.

Bolton travel to Arsenal tomorrow aiming to put another dent in the Gunners' fading Barclays Premier League title aspirations.

Trotters boss Gary Megson admits the Londoners will be red-hot favourites to collect all three points but he sees no reason why his side cannot record a shock victory.

Megson said: "We expect a good performance and that the level we play at competes with Arsenal.

"We always try to do our very best against whoever we play against.

"I know that the bookies won't expect us to go down there and get anything, but that's not what we expect ourselves."

Tomorrow's other game sees Fulham host Blackburn.

(espnstar.com)

Lucas hungry for bigger lead

Liverpool midfielder Lucas has urged his team-mates to give themselves a six points lead at the top of the table.

Third-placed Manchester United host Chelsea, currently second, 24 hours after the leaders go to Stoke.

Given the Reds' impressive away record this season - they have won seven of their 10 league matches on the road - Lucas believes they cannot afford to drop points this weekend.

"We want to win because we want to stay on top of the league," said the Brazil midfielder. "Each point will be really important for us in the race for the title.

"We have confidence and we have quality. We are producing some good performances and we are playing well as a team. We feel we can beat anyone.

"Liverpool have waited a long time to win the Premier League title and now we have a chance to win it.

"Christmas was a crucial time for us with a lot of games in a row but we got a lot of points which was good.

"If we can win on Saturday we can relax and then see what happens in the other game."

Lucas watched from the bench as Stoke frustrated Liverpool at home in a goalless draw back in September and knows it will not be easy at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow.

"We had a difficult game against them at Anfield when we could only draw which was very frustrating," said Lucas.

"Hopefully we will have more space on Saturday to pass the ball well and create more chances and put them away.

"In the game at Anfield we had about 70% of the possession but it was really difficult to break them down because they were really narrow.

"They are near the bottom of the table so they will be trying to get the points but we will be ready for the game and we know what we have to do."

With Xabi Alonso doubtful with a foot injury Lucas could return to the starting line-up after dropping to the bench for last week's FA Cup victory at Preston despite impressing in the 5-1 win at Newcastle.

"I think that was my best performance for Liverpool," said Lucas of his Newcastle display.

"I think I am improving a lot and I have got confidence. I always try to improve in every game and try to take my chance.

"When you get your chance you have to take it, because with the quality of players we have here you know if you drop your level it will be more difficult to get another chance."

(espnstar.com)

Lazio set to sell Zarate?

Manchester City have made a stunning 30m pound bid for Lazio's prolific Argentine striker Mauro Zarate.

The Manchester side have been in the news since the January transfer window opened due to their cash rich Dubai owners, with players such as Gianluigi Buffon, David Trezeguet and even Kaka being rumoured to be in their sights.

Mark Hughes' attacking options have given him little joy with his summer signing, Jo, still yet to adapt to the English style of play.

Zarate, who has already played in England for Birmingham City, will prove to be a great addition with his strong physique and direct style of play.

"The only way Lazio would part with Mauro at the moment is through a loan, but even that is highly unlikely," Lazio official Alberti told Novantesimo.it.

"It is true that Manchester City have contacted the club, and are interested in signing our striker this month.

"The Arab who owns the property is very interested actually, as he knows of Zarate from his time at Al-Sadd," he added.

"A month ago they spoke to the club, and they told me that their interests from the Serie A were [Gianluigi] Buffon, [David] Trezeguet and Mauro Zarate.

"They are prepared to offer us 30 million pounds and, in my opinion, they are hoping to reach the levels of Real Madrid in the golden age," he concluded.

City have yet to confirm the rumour, but considering their spending power and interest in almost any player on the planet, it might just be true.

(espnstar.com)

Deco denies Scolari bias

Chelsea playmaker Deco has slammed reports insinuating he is only playing because he is Luiz Felipe Scolari's pet.
According to the Sun, the Brazilian-born Portgual international has also refuted suggestions that he doesn't deserve a first-team place.

“It is absolute nonsense to claim that he is biased towards me," he said.

“I do not need to defend myself but it is a fact that I have won many titles in my career without Scolari.

“It is just that I am rarely on the subs’ bench at Chelsea. But that has been the case throughout my career. I have always been a first-team player.

“Scolari and I simply just work together on a daily basis, which is a good experience because he is a fantastic person.”

Deco, 31, who played under Scolari for Portugal, is Big Phil’s only signing for Chelsea, having joined from Barcelona for US$12 million in August.

But he has failed to impress all his team-mates as the Blues have struggled for consistency.

Deco has 18 months of his Stamford Bridge agreement to run with the option of a further 12 months.

But he admits he is likely to finish his career in the land of his birth when his US$135,000-a-week Chelsea contract expires.

He said: “I am very eager to return to living in Brazil. I have been away from home for 12 years and I miss my friends and family.

“I loved living in Portugal, where I was well treated and had many friends. And Barcelona was also a fantastic city. But Brazil is where I truly feel at home.”
(source espnstar.com)

Arshavin compromise sought

Zenit St Petersburg will have to lower their demands for Andrei Arshavin if they are to strike a deal with Arsenal.
The Russians suggested on Tuesday that a US$30million move for the 27-year-old playmaker, who shot to prominence during Euro 2008, was set to be concluded - with the Emirates Stadium his likely destination.

However, while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has long been a fan of Arshavin, the Barclays Premier League club are not prepared to meet such a exaggerated price tag, in a package which would be further increased by the player's wage demands.

Arshavin is reported to have visited Arsenal's Hertfordshire training ground during a trip to England earlier this year, while it has also been claimed the player is in fact already in London to put the final touches to the move - which came as news to his representative, Dennis Lachter, who remains overseas and is in constant contact with his client.

While Zenit boss Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers manager, is resigned to losing Arshavin - who helped his side reach the Champions League group stages for the first time this season - Lachter maintains any talk of a done deal is premature.

"For now, there are not any negotiations going on, but I believe in the near future he will be on the move and that next week will bring some news," Lachter said.

"I am sure that any club would be interested in the services of a quality player like Andrei, but it all depends on the money Zenit are asking for.

"However, I do not believe that they can get the money they want - the pound is going down and there is all this difficult financial situation which does not help."

While Zenit may well remain determined to hold out for a hefty fee, they could be forced to offload the unsettled player at a cut price - with Arshavin having threatened to invoke new FIFA regulations and buy out the remaining 18 months of his contract to become a free agent.

For their part, Arsenal are on the look out for a midfielder to bolster Wenger's options following the loss of captain Cesc Fabregas to injury, but will not be held to ransom.

The record signing of the traditionally prudent Gunners remains the £13million paid for Frenchman Sylvain Wiltord after Euro 2000 and a similar overall package for Spain winger Jose Antonio Reyes, with neither move proving successful in the long term.

Yet while Wenger maintained last week people were in "dreamland" if they thought the club would break the bank under the current gloomy economic outlook to land a star name just for the sake of it, he indicated they would be prepared to buy an "exceptional talent" - even if, like Arshavin, the player was cup-tied for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Arsenal have also been linked with Everton's Spain international Mikel Arteta - which Wenger rejected out of hand at last week's media conference.

However, when pressed on any interest in Arshavin, the Gunners manager was less abrasive, perhaps indicating he was hopeful of eventually landing his man.

"At the moment, there is no progress," he said ahead of last Saturday's FA Cup tie against Plymouth.

"If there is any progress made, you will be informed I promise you."

One Arsenal player hoping for a chance to impress in 2009 is Wales international Aaron Ramsey.

The midfielder, who only turned 18 on Boxing Day, started his eighth match for the Gunners in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Coca-Cola Championship side following a £5million summer move from Cardiff - whom his new club will face in round four.

Wenger, though, has urged for patience to be shown towards Ramsey and fellow promising teenager Jack Wilshere, now signed on professional forms.

"He can play in some games, but if you are asking me if he can play every week, every three days, I don't think he is ready yet," said Wenger.

"But he shows that he has the quality, that he can do it soon. I really think he will be a great player."

(source espnstar.com)

Cassano reveals Becks friendship

Sampdoria's L'enfant terrible Antonio Cassano has laid out his carpet to welcome his good friend David Beckham to Serie A.
Cassano and Beckham were both formely teammates at Real Madrid. They did not learnt Spanish at the start and Cassano revealed that Beckham only learnt some choice words.

“We just swore in Spanish!” he said.

“We had a good rapport at the time we played together at Real,” Sampdoria star Cassano told Sky Sport Italia.

“I can say that, aside from just a marketing phenomenon, we are talking about a great player here.

“I played alongside him and can say that for certain. Beckham will surely do very well at Milan, because he can interpret all of the midfield roles perfectly.”

Cassano is well known as the locker room joker and reveals some intriguing anecdotes about their time together in Madrid.

“In three years there David never spoke Spanish. Like me at the start, before I got to learn the language, all he knew how to say were swearwords!

“When he arrived in the morning for training I – who always have to bother someone – would often play a few jokes on him and he played along. He’s got a good sense of humour.”

The feeling is mutual, as Beckham spoke of Cassano when he first arrived in Italy to sign the contract with Milan.

“I’ve spoken to [Fabio] Cannavaro and with Fabio Capello. I haven’t talked to Cassano yet, but he is great fun, makes me laugh, has a wonderful heart and is very generous.

“He did very well at Real Madrid, then took a step back to return to the country he loves and adores.”
(source espnstar.com)

"It was a fantastic result for us"

Alex Ferguson has tried to downplay Man United's shock defeat to Derby County in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

"The positive to take from the game is the fact we only lost 1-0," Ferguson reflected after the game. "It was a fantastic result for us tonight considering the performance."

Despite the narrow setback, the United gaffer will continue to give his younger players a chance in the second leg.

"No, no, I think we'll persevere. The younger players deserve it - they were our better players."

United will face Derby in the second leg at Old Trafford on January 20.

(source espnstar.com)

Lampard: We're on track for title

Frank Lampard says Chelsea are still well placed to catch BPL leaders Liverpool despite dropping points over Christmas.

Chelsea face Manchester United this weekend and defeat could leave them lagging further behind in the title race. The Blues dropped two crucial points in an away draw at Fulham which allowed the Reds to open up a gap at the summit.

"We've dropped some easy points over the last few weeks but no one has pulled away, we're all starting pretty much level." said Lampard.

"A game against Manchester United will always be a table-topping clash and it's in our minds that we dropped some relatively easy points over the last few weeks, so we're in a position now where we really want to get a result.

"We go to win the game or not to get beaten, there is still a long way to go regardless but it is a very important game."

Chelsea sit three points behind leaders Liverpool at present, with six draws in their last 10 games hindering their pursuit of top-flight glory.

"The publicity around Chelsea now is that if you drop a few points people jump on it straight away, but Liverpool and United have dropped points, no-one has pulled away from us, and Arsenal are behind us," added Lampard.

"It's the same for everyone, now we're starting all pretty much level. We need to start this part of the season very strong."

(source espnstar.com)

Zenit seeking high price for Arshavin

Zenit St Petersburg will inflate the price tag Arsenal must meet for star midfielder Andrei Arshavin, according to his agent.

The Russians on Tuesday suggested a £20million deal for the 27-year-old playmaker, who shot to prominence during Euro 2008, was set to be concluded for their prized asset - with both the Gunners and Italian club Juventus understood to be leading the chase.

Arshavin's representative Dennis Lachter told the London Evening Standard: "There are no negotiations yet, It is the people of Zenit trying to initiate some kind of interest. They are trying to use the media to make the price of Arshavin £20million."

Arshavin, a long-time target for Arsene Wenger, is reported to have visited the Barclays Premier League club's Hertfordshire training ground during a trip to England earlier this year, while it has also been claimed the player is in fact already in London to put the final touches to the move.

Zenit boss Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers manager, is resigned to losing the Russia star - who helped his side reach the Champions League group stages for the first time this season.

The Russians may well be forced to offload the unsettled player at a cut price, with Arshavin having threatened to invoke new FIFA regulations and buy out the remaining 18 months of his contract to become a free agent.

While Arsenal could shortly be ready to formally table an offer as Wenger looks to bolster his options following injury to captain Cesc Fabregas, it is unlikely to be anywhere near the figure Zenit - whose domestic season ended in November - have touted.

Arshavin's hefty wage package would also have to be taken into account by the traditionally prudent Gunners, whose record signings under Wenger remain the £13million paid for Sylvain Wiltord and a similar package for Spain winger Jose Antonio Reyes, with neither move proving successful in the long term.

(source espnstar.com)

Boro: No new bid for Downing

Middlesbrough have denied thsat they had rejected a third bid from Tottenham Hotspur for winger Stewart Downing.

Reports had earlier claimed Spurs had upped their offer to a package which would eventually amount to US$21.75million, a little short of Boro's US$22.5million valuation of their home-grown talent.

But a Boro spokesman said: "That's not true, we have not had another bid."

The latest developments have left the 24-year-old caught in a crossfire of claim and counter-claim with sources close to the player adamant Spurs have refused to take Boro's unwavering stance as a definitive 'no'.

However, chairman Steve Gibson, chief executive Keith Lamb and manager Gareth Southgate show little sign of softening in their approach to an issue which is refusing to go away.

The reports suggest Tottenham would pay US$18.75million for Downing's services and a further US$750,000 for every 30 appearances up to a total of US$3million.

But Boro have refused to allow the departure of their most successful Academy graduate despite his stated desire to leave his home-town club.

The midfielder handed in a written transfer request on Monday after Spurs had already had one offer rejected as they launched their latest attempt to prise him away from the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough's response, as it has always been in the past, was unequivocal.

Lamb said: "We received a written transfer request from Stewart this morning. It was considered before being rejected. Prior to receiving the transfer request, we received an improved offer for Stewart from Tottenham.

"We immediately rejected this offer and informed Tottenham that Stewart Downing is not for sale and any further interest they have in the player will not be entertained."

Giggs: I will consider retiring.

After 18 years at Manchester United, winger Ryan Giggs might be ready to call it a day at the end of the season.

The United veteran's contract will expire in May and as yet has not been offered a new deal by the club.

The Welshman who has a cabinet full of medals from his time at the club and has never played for any other club although he was rumoured to be moving to Internazionale a few years back.

He said: "I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me.

"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring.

"It could be at the end of this season. Or it could be the next one.

"I am at the end of my contract in May, so we will see.

"At the minute, there hasn't been any contact with United.

"I am as fit as I have ever been. The only difference is recovering from games.

"Two days after a game, I am still tired. Before, I could play Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Wednesday no problem.

"Today, I would be a lot less efficient at doing things. Nowadays, I only play once a week, it's very good that way."

548 appearances and 101 goals later, the wing wizard is still keen on more titles.

"Today, victories and titles make me happier than when I was younger, because I know that they could be the last ones.

"The Champions League win last season made me a lot happier than in 1999, for instance.

"I am lot more confident than I was before. My relation to stress has changed over the years.

"When I was first in the first team, at 17 or 18, I felt no pressure at all. Nothing. It lasted for three to four years.

"Then things changed, injuries happened, I had poor games, and suddenly I started feeling the pressure. It weighed on my game.

"But since I turned 30, I don't think about anything anymore, there's no pressure."

Giggs could very well be leading out a young United side against Derby County in the Carling Cup semifinal tomorrow

(source espnstar.com)

Milan enter Pennant race.

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is reportedly attracting interest from Italy with AC Milan the supposed suitor.

The Sun reported that Milan are keen to bring the winger to the San Siro next summer as a long term solution to the right wing position.

Pennant has seen limited playing time this season with Rafa Benitez preferring Nabil El Zhar and even Dirk Kuyt in his position.

The 25-year-old's contract will come to an end this season and the Rossoneri want to sign him to a pre-contract agreement this month to ward off possible rivals.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the player and it has been reported that Pennant sees the Bernabau as his dream move so Milan might have a fair bit of convincing to do.

Still, Pennant's arrival will depend on whether David Beckham extends his current loan deal to a permanent one.

(source espnstar.com)

Redknapp: I wouldn't sell Defoe

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he would keep Jermain Defoe at Portsmouth if he was still in charge at Fratton Park.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie have been in talks over the 26-year-old, who wants a move back to White Hart Lane after leaving just over a year ago.

"The chairman and Peter Storrie are trying to do a deal," said Redknapp, ahead of Spurs' Carling Cup semi-final against Burnley. "Unless they do a deal, we'll move on. If they want to do a deal they will.

"It's their choice to say he is not for sale. I wouldn't have sold him if I was manager at Portsmouth and Tottenham came back in, I'd be keeping him."

Redknapp's reaction formed part of his defence when asked if he has unsettled players at other teams.

Another Redknapp target who wants to leave his current club is winger Stewart Downing, who has submitted a transfer request to Middlesbrough.

"It's the same (with Stewart 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."

Boro labelled Levy's initial offer as "derisory" but Redknapp added: "The chairman has made a big offer but Middlesbrough are a good club with a great chairman and if he doesn't want to sell him, it's his right to do that."

Redknapp is desperate to bolster his squad for the second part of the season, with the first-leg clash against Burnley highlighting his problems.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Jermaine Jenas are suspended, while Tom Huddlestone's ankle injury and Darren Bent's groin problem mean they join Alan Hutton on the sidelines.

Skipper Ledley King could also rest his knee ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash against Wigan at the weekend, with Spurs desperately needing points to climb away from the relegation zone.

It means Fraizer Campbell and Roman Pavlyuchenko, Redknapp's only fit senior strikers, are set to start in attack.

"They performed well in their last match together and I was pleased with the partnership they struck up," Redknapp said. "They did well against Liverpool earlier in the competition as well."

Midfielder Hossam Ghaly is in contention for a place in the squad, despite the angry 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 to the ground in his last appearance two seasons ago, after being brought off the bench and getting replaced again.

"I don't think he was being disrespectful to Tottenham. I've seen other players take their shirts off when they get taken off," Redknapp said.

"He was just was very annoyed at being brought on and then subbed. Who wouldn't be annoyed? That is as low as you can go.

"If you're supposed to have a smile on your face then you're in the wrong game. That was a rarity. People should forgive and forget - let's move on."

Against Burnley, Spurs want to avoid being the Coca-Cola Championship side's fourth 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."

(source espnstar.com)

Chelsea cannot afford to lose

Salomon Kalou admits Chelsea cannot afford to lose to Manchester United in Sunday's showdown at Old Trafford.

Kalou, who opened the scoring for the Blues in Saturday's disappointing 1-1 FA Cup third-round draw with Coca-Cola League One Southend, insists they must keep Sir Alex Ferguson's champions behind them in the title race.

"This game is crucial because if they win on Sunday they have the chance to build a lead over us as they have two games in hand as well," said Kalou.

"It is important to keep the gap because if you allow United to get in front it's always difficult to catch them.

"Last year we were always running after them and so far this season they have been the ones behind us - we want to keep it that way.

"We are still hoping to win the title and we are going to Manchester to show them that we are still Chelsea and we want to win the League.

"People on the outside seem to think it's all doom and gloom here at the moment but we are still second in the League, we are still in the FA Cup and Champions League.

"I don't think we are underperforming. We have had some bad results but that happens at a big club, you can have moments when you don't do well."

Following their trip to Old Trafford, Chelsea travel to Roots Hall to face Southend in their third-round replay.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari blamed his side's lack of cutting edge for not finishing off Steve Tilson's side before Peter Clarke stooped to head a shock equaliser in the 90th minute, and Kalou agrees they should have put the game beyond the Shrimpers.

"If you score the first goal and you don't then kill the opponent, they can always come back and that is what happened against Burnley (in the Carling Cup) and that is what happened in this game as well," said Kalou

"They pressed well and they tried to put us in trouble and that is what they did. Of course when you have the opportunity to kill the game and go to the next round and you draw at home, it is never a good result so everyone is a bit frustrated.

"Now we have the match there and we have to go there and do better. It will be a difficult game away because they will be pushed by their fans, but I am confident that we can go there and beat them so we have to be really focused - but the most important, first, is Manchester next Sunday.

"I have not been playing for a while so for me to start was nice and to score has given me more confidence. I hope that I will get more opportunities to play."

(source espnstar.com)

"His class is more important for me"

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will consider signing only players of "a special class" during the transfer window.

Wenger is attempting to strengthen his squad and give Arsenal an injection of vitality as they bid to break into the Barclays Premier League top four. They are currently fifth, three points behind Aston Villa and Manchester United.

Wenger already believes his squad is strong, and has been impressed by the youngsters who have made their mark this season.

He told www.arsenal.com: "At the moment I feel that if we do add somebody we need to add somebody who has a special class, because we have good players.

"[For example] take a player like (Aaron) Ramsey. They show that they grow. Of course they still show lapses, a lack of experience, but they have quality and they can grow quickly."

The French boss has been linked with the likes of Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Everton's Mikel Arteta.

Wenger will not worry if his targets are cup-tied for this season's Champions League.

He said: "I would like to think longer term. If the right player comes in, even if he is not available for the Champions League, his class is more important for me."

(source espnstar.com)

Spartans ready to stun Rovers

Blyth Spartans chairman Tony Platten believes Blackburn's players will not know what to expect against his side.

The Blue Square North strugglers performed heroics to see off Shrewsbury and Bournemouth to secure a tie with Sam Allardyce's side.

On paper the Premier League side should win at a canter, but Platten is hoping a cauldron of noise inside Blyth's Croft Park ground could inspire one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all time.

"The Blackburn players won't know what to expect with a tight little ground, packed to the rafters, a pitch that is not to Premier League standard and a changing room that isn't anywhere near the standard of the Premier League's palatial changing rooms," said Platten.

"All things being equal, we've got a great chance. Looking at the teams on paper, Blackburn should win hands down but this is the FA Cup after all and it's 11 players against 11 players and we've always got a chance."

When Platten arrived at Blyth in 2001 the club were riddled with debt and close to going out of business.

Nearly eight years later and Spartans are about to host a multi-million pound Blackburn side in the biggest game in the club's history.

Blyth got to the fifth round of the FA Cup in 1978 before losing to Wrexham in a replay at Newcastle's St James' Park.

However, Platten insists the board never considered staging the game elsewhere this time around and believes it is testament to how far the club have come that they will be playing the game at their compact Croft Park ground.

"It's been a phenomenal effort to get the ground ready and we never considered staging the game at St James' Park," Platten added.

"We have done a lot of work on the ground in the last six years and we passed all the tests with flying colours."

Just over 4,000 fans are expected to pack in to see if manager Harry Dunn's side can do the unthinkable and knock Blackburn out.

The Blyth players of 31 years ago wrote their names into FA Cup folklore with their exploits and Platten believes the current crop have the perfect opportunity to become heroes.

"It's probably the greatest day in the club's history with the fact that it's the first time we will be playing against Premier League opposition," said Platten.

"A lot has been made of what we did 31 years ago but then it was not a first division team so this is absolutely massive for us.

"Football is so different now to what it was then. The gulf between the lower leagues and the Premier League is 10 times what it was back then.

"Without a doubt this has cast a millstone around the neck of the players. Now they can put that behind them and say that we've matched what happened then."

(source espnstar.com)

Hughes receives Cook backing

Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook has backed manager Mark Hughes to turn things around at Eastlands.

The vote confidence comes in the wake of their shock FA Cup capitulation against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

City's 3-0 humbling at home to their Coca-Cola Championship opponents further increased the pressure on Hughes, who has presided over an indifferent campaign in the Barclays Premier League that sees the club sitting just two points above the relegation zone after 20 games.

The Welsh boss has been repeatedly backed by the club's wealthy Abu Dhabi-based owners over the past few weeks despite the club's poor form, and Cook has again insisted Hughes remains integral to the rebuilding programme in the blue half of Manchester.

"Mark is part of building the club, from the playing side right through to making this a great place for employees," Cook said in The Sun.

"What we don't do is sit around worrying about what happens if it goes wrong."

Cook indicated the manager would be given time to add to the squad this month, with Hughes this weekend saying he wants to bring in five new faces in addition to new £10 million signing Wayne Bridge.

"Once we get through the first window, when Mark's impact will be able to advance the future of the football club, things will start to settle down," Cook continued.

"Mark's plans and the way he is running the team are going to build and change and the confidence will start to build.

"We will bring people here who want to see the club move forward and the fans will ideally take to them because they're committed to the club."

He added: "Mark has played and managed at the highest level and knows what success looks like.

"He and I talk about that success all the time and we are not standing there thinking about 'what if'.

"We are thinking about when we become successful and how that'll look."

(source espnstar.com)

Jova: Everton not a big club

Serbia international striker Milan Jovanovic claims he has rejected a January transfer move to English side Everton.

The Standard Liege ace played and scored against The Toffees earlier this season when the sides met in the Uefa Cup.

However, Jovanovic was not interested in a move to Goodison Park claiming David Moyes' side are not a 'big club'.

"Everton aren't a big club," he told Serbian site Blic Online. "That club I have turned down already."

Jovanovic could still end up in England's top-flight with Aston Villa reportedly coveting his services; a theory he has not ruled out.

"The other club interested in me is in and around the top four in the Premier League," he continued.

The former Lokomotiv Moscow man is not getting carried away with the speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, after seeing his PSV Eindhoven switch fail to materialise last summer.

"I'm getting offers all the time, but they are a little vague and I don't want to be frustrated again. Last year I wanted to go to PSV, but Standard did not let me leave."

Southampton 0-3 Manchester United

Man United marched into the fourth round of the FA Cup to take on Tottenham, after dominating ten-man Southampton 3-0.

But Sir Alex Ferguson's side were more than aided by the benevolence of referee Mike Riley who sent off Southampton's Matt Paterson for violent conduct in the first half and then incorrectly awarded United a second-half penalty.

Goals from Danny Welbeck, Nani and substitute Darron Gibson earned United a simple passage into the next round.

United, who could afford to be without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, were on top from the kick-off.

Their first opening arrived in the fifth minute courtesy of a fine through ball from Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian striker cleverly sent Ryan Giggs racing into the penalty area but the United winger's effort was far too high to trouble Kelvin Davis in the Southampton goal.

The gulf in class was beginning to show as the game settled with Anderson and Berbatov providing some moments of real quality.

In the 16th minute, Nani forced Davis into a fine save when the Southampton goalkeeper had to dive low to his right to deny the United striker.

Davis again kept Southampton on level terms two minutes later when he tipped a shot from Anderson over the crossbar.

But the goal United had been threatening finally arrived in the 19th minute through Welbeck.

Nani's corner was headed against the crossbar by John O'Shea and Welbeck had the simple task of nodding home the rebound from point blank range.

Moments later a brilliant ball from O'Shea almost put Berbatov through for a second goal but his shot was deflected wide.

United should have been two goals to the good in the 26th minute when Berbatov and Michael Carrick carved open the Saints back four.

Carrick ran on to lift the ball over the advancing Davis but with the goal at his mercy, Southampton defender Chris Perry produced a fine tackle to deny him.

However, Southampton's plight worsened in the 35th minute when Paterson was sent off.

The Southampton player, who had already been warned about a number of heavy challenges, was dismissed for violent conduct after a lunge on United defender Nemanja Vidic.

Moments later Rudi Skacel was booked for a foul on Nani and Riley felt the full fury of the disenchanted home fans.

The yellow card count increased in the 40th minute when O'Shea was booked after a foul on Davis.

Welbeck almost snatched a second at the near post in first-half stoppage time but Davis once again reacted well to tip the ball around the post.

Southampton's cause was well and truly lost a minute after the restart though when Riley awarded United a penalty for handball against David McGoldrick.

Oliver Lancashire brought down Welbeck on the edge of the penalty area and when Nani tried to get the ball over the defensive wall, Riley adjudged that McGoldrick had blocked its path with his arm.

The decision clearly a poor one as TV replays showed the ball hitting McGoldrick's head as he turned away.

Nani took full advantage though when he converted the spot-kick - sending Davis the wrong way.

Davis then denied Welbeck a second goal when he tipped his shot over the crossbar in the 49th minute.

United's dominance was such that they replaced Giggs and Carrick with Gibson and Rodrigo Possebon in the 55th minute.

Moments later Southampton's Andrew Surman let fly from 30 yards but his shot was straight at United keeper Edwin Van der Sar.

In the 62nd minute Welbeck made way for Wayne Rooney as United looked to set the seal a comfortable afternoon with a third goal.

Six minutes later Rooney was almost put through by a clever reverse pass from Berbatov but Davis spotted the danger and collected the ball off the United striker's feet.

United played the ball around with consummate ease as the clock ran down.

They were rewarded with a third goal in the 81st minute when Gibson smashed home a cross from Rooney.

Rooney almost had the last word but his 25-yard volley was well saved by Davis.

(source espnstar.com)

Gillingham 1-2 Aston Villa

James Milner scored twice as Aston Villa reached the fourth round of the FA Cup for only the second time in eight seasons.

Milner netted the winner from the penalty spot 13 minutes from time after Adam Miller was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Young in the box.

Until then, it had looked like the Gills would earn a deserved - and lucrative - replay after Simeon Jackson blasted in his 12th of the season to cancel out Milner's well-taken opener.

Martin O'Neill sent out a message of intent that his Champions League chasing side are taking the FA Cup seriously by making just three changes from the side that beat Hull.

Luke Young, Gareth Barry and Gabriel Agbonlahor sat out but the Villa side was still full of quality.

The Gills were forced to play midfielders Stuart Lewis and Mark Bentley in unfamiliar defensive roles due to bans to Barry Fuller and Garry Richards, but were able to welcome back Andy Barcham after he completed a permanent move to Priestfield from Spurs on Friday.

The home side started well but were stunned in the 13th minute when Milner netted.

The winger - who had not scored for Villa since a brace in the 8-3 Carling Cup win over Wycombe three years ago - took advantage of some hesitation from Miller to dispossess the Gills captain 25 yards from goal.

He played a neat one-two with Stiliyan Petrov and curled a fine strike past Simon Royce from the edge of the area.

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson had admitted he feared a thrashing before the game, but any fears that the Gills would cave in were soon forgotten as they dominated the rest of the first half.

The closest they came to a leveller though was an effort from Dennis Oli when his shot from Mulligan's pull back went into the side netting.

The Gills appealed for a penalty when Nigel Reo-Coker brought down Oli right on the edge of the box, but referee Keith Stroud gave just a free-kick - and a yellow card for the stand-in Villa skipper.

Jackson headed just wide after Mulligan had flicked on a John Nutter free-kick.

But Villa, who had been on the back foot since their goal, should have doubled their lead five minutes before half-time when Milner crossed for the unmarked Nathan Delfouneso but he volleyed high and wide from eight yards.

The Gills stunned their Premier League opponents by drawing level 12 minutes into the second half.

The goal came when Royce's long kick was flicked on by Mulligan and Jackson blasted home his 12th goal of the season.

However, rather than galvanising the home side and sparking a famous comeback, the goal brought Villa back to life and they pushed forward.

Delfouneso had the chance to restore the lead when he let fly from 20 yards, but his shot went just wide.

Simon King - impressive at the back for the Gills throughout - blocked a Craig Gardner shot before Zat Knight headed just over.

But Villa were to take the lead again 13 minutes from time.

Young, who endured a frustrating afternoon, broke into the box and went to ground under a challenge from Miller and Stroud pointed to the spot despite the home side's protests.

After a short delay while a new ball was brought on to the pitch, Milner stepped up and drilled his kick into the bottom left corner.

Gillingham pressed forward in search of another equaliser, but failed to create another meaningful chance, with Young and substitute Marlon Harewood almost extending the lead on the break.

(source espnstar.com)

FA Cup Fourth Round Draw

We bring you the FA Cup Fourth Round draw hot off the presses, with the biggest game in the round being a Merseyside Derby!

Draw Results:

Liverpool vs Everton

Man United vs Tottenham

Hull or Newcastle vs Millwall or Crewe

Sunderland vs Blyth Spartans or Blackburn

Hartlepool vs West Ham

Leyton Orient or Sheffield United vs Charlton or Norwich

Cardiff vs Arsenal

Portsmouth or Bristol City vs Histon or Swansea

Chelsea or Southend vs Ipswich

Cheltenham or Doncaster vs Aston Villa

West Brom or Peterborough vs QPR or Burnley

Torquay vs Coventry

Kettering vs Fulham

Watford vs Leicester or Crystal Palace

Derby County vs Nottingham Forest

Birmingham or Wolves vs Middlesbrough

Scolari rues goal-shy Blues display

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has hinted that his players were suffering from a crisis of confidence.

Chelsea's front three of Joe Cole, Didier Drogba and goalscorer Salomon Kalou cost almost £40million to assemble and yet they squandered another hatful of chances to kill off their lowly opponents.

The Blues were guilty of the same offences when Championship side Burnley bundled them out of the Carling Cup on penalties and the Brazilian's post-match lament is becoming all-too familiar.

"I need to teach to my players more concentration when they arrive in front of goal," said a disappointed Scolari.

"This is my job every day.

"Maybe it is confidence when they arrive in front of goal, maybe pressure. They need to score more goals and get more confidence. Only this.

"If they are not together, they would not create 15 chances. We played very well and created 15 chances but only one goal.

"Southend played hard and very spirited for a draw. They got a draw but only had one shot on goal.

"Carlo Cudicini didn't make one save. Not scoring is our mistake. All the players feel the same as me."

It looked to be an easy afternoon for Chelsea when Kalou headed home Frank Lampard's corner in the 31st minute but a long throw from Johnny Herd in stoppage time was only partially cleared by Ricardo Carvalho and Peter Clarke, celebrating his 27th birthday, stooped for the goal that gave United a deserved third-round replay.

But Scolari reiterated that he will not buy a new striker and pledged to work harder on the training ground instead.

"We need to follow the same ideas - train, train, train," said Scolari. "I don't need another striker. I have a good squad, good players.

"We are still in the cup. Other teams that lost today are out, we are not out. We were better than Southend but didn't score a second goal."

Lee hails Gerrard masterclass

Sammy Lee praised Steven Gerrard after he masterminded Liverpool's FA Cup third-round victory at Preston.

The match came at the end of the traumatic week for Gerrard that saw him charged with assault and affray following an alleged nightclub incident.

He was initially booed by the home fans in the 24,046 Deepdale crowd, but he produced a tremendous personal performance that ended with him unselfishly creating the clinching second goal in injury time for substitute Fernando Torres, on his return from a hamstring injury.

Preston battled hard, saw a 'goal' disallowed and were denied a possible penalty for a foul on Jon Parkin by Jamie Carragher in an increasingly difficult second half for the Premier League leaders.

But Gerrard was coolness itself, and carried his team to victory. Sammy Lee, Liverpool's assistant manager and still standing in at media conferences for boss Rafael Benitez, was delighted with the club's captain.

He said: "Steven is a top professional, he has had the full support of this club, and you see what he is after that performance.

"He is a great footballer, he produced a terrific performance. Things have been written about him, but we know that he is a terrific professional, a model professional and this club will put all our support behind Stevie Gerrard.

"But he is a great servant for this club, a great ambassador and we will continue to support him throughout, he's a terrific guy."

Preston boss Alan Irvine may well have expected Gerrard to be rested in normal circumstances, but had no doubts about the 28-year-old's quality.

He said: "People said they were disappointed that Steven Gerrard was playing, and I suppose I was pleased initially to see Fernando Torres on the bench.

"But then again our lads have been excited ever since the draw, and that was because they wanted to play against Liverpool's big stars.

"It has been an education for them. For Sean St Ledger to be facing Torres was a great education for him.

"I knew Steven Gerrard would play well, he is fantastic, top class, and I knew he would do that. I have very rarely seen him do anything less than that."

Of the disallowed St Ledger header, and the possible penalty for a foul on Parkin, Irvine said: "I knew the linesman was flagging when St Ledger scored. Originally I thought it was offside, which would have been annoying.

"But I soon realised it was for a foul by Jon Parkin on Jamie Carragher, and I have no problems with that decision. Maybe he was wrestling to get to his feet first, but he did pull Carragher down.

"There was an incident between Carragher and Parkin, and there was a lot of movement of Jon's shirt at the time, but that happens a lot and you don't always get penalties. I was not jumping up and down about it."

(source espnstar.com)

Forest fire embraces Cup's values

Quite what the sheikhs of Abu Dhabi made of Man City's 3-0 FA Cup embarrassment against Forest is anyone's guess.

But it was the result the FA Cup had yearned for.

A result which proved there is an alternative to the money which fuels the Premier League.

A result which pushed the transfer window out of the headlines for a weekend at least and let us take a peep at what the game really should be all about.

True, £10million Wayne Bridge, the first of what could be many City signings, was paraded at Eastlands before the match but, if anything, his presence only highlighted the desperate state of affairs at City as manager Mark Hughes attempts to appease Arab billionaires who profess patience but sooner rather than later will want trophies for their money.

Not this season. City are in a relegation battle. They are out of the Carling Cup, out of the FA Cup and now have been given a lesson in pride and passion by a club struggling in the Championship.

Yet City are not the first club to be humbled in the finest traditions of the FA Cup. Nor were they the only one on a third round day when football's little men did the game proud.

In League One Hartlepool's slaying of Premier League Stoke.

In Peter Clarke's injury-time equaliser for Southend, a club 55 league places below Chelsea, but who gave World Cup-winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari another perplexing day at Stamford Bridge.

In Bristol City, who take cup holders Portsmouth back to the west country for a replay and non-league Torquay who beat Championship side Blackpool and Peterborough who held Premier League West Brom at The Hawthorns.

In non-league Forest Green, too, in the third round for the first time in their 118-year history but who laced their Gloucestershire outpost in FA Cup fantasy when they went 2-0 up against Derby, then led 3-2, only to lose valiantly 4-3.

All wonderful performances which proved industry and commitment can on any given day be a match for talent, however richly remunerated.

There was more. The FA Cup needed to rise above the lack of respect it had been shown in recent years by football's big boys.

And it did, in the main, with Premier League teams fielding strong teams.

Not least league leaders Liverpool, for whom Steven Gerrard shrugged off one of the most traumatic weeks of his career to do what he does best. That is, inspire Liverpool to another victory. This time 2-0 at Preston, although only after a frantic second-half battle.

Clearly, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez wanted to profess his trust and faith in his captain, who was charged this week with assault.

He also showed a desire to keep the momentum rolling in a season which is beginning to promise great things. So no wholesale rotation. Rather a reliance on star men such as Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres, the latter who came on to score off the substitutes' bench. A reliance on genuine class and respect.

That perhaps was the most refreshing aspect of an invigorating third round.

(source espnstar.com)

FA Cup Saturday Review

Nottingham Forest caused one of the upsets of the FA Cup third round with a 3-0 win over BPL side Manchester City.

The Coca-Cola Championship side spoiled what was supposed to be a day of celebration for City, who had unveiled new signing Wayne Bridge on the pitch before kick off, when they stunned their hosts with two goals in four minutes as half-time approached.

Nathan Tyson struck first after 38 minutes with a thunderous volley from 25 yards and Robert Earnshaw made no mistake from close range for the second. City failed to improve in the second half.

It was the worst possible outcome for Hughes, who is under huge pressure to perform having been bankrolled by the club's owners the Abu Dhabi United Group, and their miserable afternoon reached a new low with 15 minutes remaining when Dietmar Hamann threw the ball straight to Joe Garner, who made no mistake with his finish from the edge of the box.

Chelsea were unable to book their place in the next round after being held to a 1-1 draw by League One side Southend with a goal in stoppage time. Salomon Kalou's header on the half-hour put the Blues in front but Peter Clarke was the hero for the Shrimpers.

Earlier in the day League One side Hartlepool caused the first upset of the round when they knocked out Premier League Stoke 2-0 at Victoria Park.

Michael Nelson headed in Matty Robson's left-wing free-kick four minutes after half-time before David Foley sealed the win with a 25-yard volley which flew into the top right corner of the net 15 minutes from time.

There were shock results among teams from outside the Premier League too, with Blue Square Premier side Torquay knocking Championship outfit Blackpool out of the cup with a 1-0 win.

Torquay took the lead just after the half-hour when Matt Green latched onto a Kevin Nicholson long ball before driving past Paul Rachubka from 20 yards. Kettering added to the Blue Square Premier's representation in round four after they beat Eastwood Town 2-1 at Rockingham Road.

Arsenal saw off the challenge of Championship Plymouth with a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium as.stand-in captain Robin van Persie grabbed a brace.

There will be no fairytale run for Barnsley this year after they lost 3-0 at West Ham. The Tykes, who knocked out Liverpool and Chelsea en route to the semi-finals last season, were behind in the 10th minute when Herita Ilunga ghosted in at the far post to tap in a Mark Noble cross from five yards. Noble added the second and Carlton Cole sealed the result in the 68th minute when he turned in Ilunga's cross.

Sunderland beat Bolton 2-1 with Djibril Cisse scoring the decisive goal, while their north-east rivals Newcastle were held goalless at Hull in another all-Premier League affair. Shay Given, who earlier this week revealed he might be prepared to leave the club, was the star of the show in the Magpies goal.

Fulham beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 with a late goal from Andrew Johnson while Middlesbrough held off a late rally to beat Blue Square Premier side Barrow 2-1 at the Riverside thanks to an Afonso Alves double.

Leon Osman broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time as Everton beat Macclesfield 1-0 at Moss Rose, while West Brom were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Peterborough, Craig Mackail-Smith forcing the replay with a close-range finish three minutes from time.

Elsewhere holders Portsmouth were held to a 0-0 draw by Bristol City.

Steven Davies' last-gasp penalty denied Forest Green Rovers a place in the fourth round draw as they lost 4-3 to Derby in a thriller at the New Lawn.

Rovers, currently 75 places below Derby in the football pyramid, raced into a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes thanks to goals from Jonathan Smith and Alex Lawless.

Rob Hulse and Martin Albrechtsen restored parity for Derby before Paul Stonehouse put Forest Green 3-2 ahead with 18 minutes left.

Paul Green pulled Derby level after 76 minutes when he wriggled free in the box to fire past Roy Carroll.

The home fans thought they were heading for a replay at Pride Park but Davies scored from the spot with three minutes left after Kris Commons was fouled by Lawless, who was sent off for the challenge.

League One sides Millwall and Crewe will have to try again after the duo played out a 2-2 draw at the New Den.

Bottom side Crewe shocked their hosts 12 minutes in when Dennis Lawrence headed home his first goal for the club.

Marc Laird levelled the scores five minutes from the break before Andy Frampton put Millwall ahead on the stroke of half-time with a close-range header. Danny Shelley's first senior goal then earned Crewe a replay.

Second-half goals from Joe Ledley and Ross McCormack gave Cardiff a 2-0 win over Reading at Ninian Park.

Arturo Lupoli's second-half strike earned Norwich a replay against Charlton, who had taken the lead through Jonjo Shelvey at The Valley.

Coventry brushed aside Blue Square Premier side Kidderminster 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena with goals from Leon McKenzie and Leon Best.

Jonathan Walters, Pablo Counago and Jonathan Stead were all on target to give Ipswich a 3-0 win over Chesterfield at Portman Road.

Gregorz Rasiak came off the bench to give Watford a 1-0 win over Scunthorpe at Vicarage Road.

Leicester and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw at the Walkers Stadium while the scoreline was the same at Loftus Road between Championship duo QPR and Burnley.

A number of matches fell victim to the weather. Sheffield United's game with Leyton Orient, Cheltenham's match against Doncaster, the midlands derby between Birmingham and Wolves and Swansea's trip to Histon were all called off.

(source espnstar.com)

Mourinho: Vidic deserves ban

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic should sit out both legs of the Champions League last-16.

Vidic saw red in the December 21 match against Liga Deportiva Universitaria, which United won 1-0, after appearing to swing an elbow at opposition striker Claudio Bieler.

The Serbian centre-back does not yet know how many matches he will miss as a result of his actions, with UEFA still to decide on the length of any punishment.

Vidic will almost certainly miss the world champions' trip to the San Siro for the first leg of the Champions League tie on February 24, but Mourinho believes that would not be punishment enough.

The former Chelsea boss told Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'd be surprised if Vidic didn't get at least two matches - which wouldn't even be much for a gesture like that, during a match seen by the whole world."

Mourinho, who will lock horns with Sir Alex Ferguson five years on from knocking United out of the Champions League at the same stage when coach of Porto, added that he felt Wayne Rooney had been fortunate to avoid a ban for an incident in the group stages.

Rooney appeared to stand on the chest of Aalborg's Kasper Risgard during the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on December 10 but avoided punishment after the incident was reviewed by UEFA.

"I don't like the fact that in football there are different standards. I was amazed that Rooney was not suspended," Mourinho said.

(source espnstar.com)

Transfer News! Podolski to Spurs?

espnstar.com runs through the papers to see who is going where in the much anticipated January transfer window.

German striker Lukas Podolski claims that Tottenham have approached him about a move to London. - Corriere dello Sport

Mexican club Chivas have declared their interest in signing Spurs' forward Giovani Dos Santos - Setanta Sports

Jose Mourinho ruled out a move for Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen. - La Gazzetta dello Sport

Jermain Defoe might have played his last game for Portsmouth with strong rumours that he will make a return to former club Tottenham Hotspur. - The Telegraph

Chelsea are set to table a bid for CSKA Moscow's Yuri Zhirkov as a replacement for Wayne Bridge if the England left-back joins Manchester City. - Daily Mail

Mark Hughes wants to take West Ham midfielder Scott Parker to the Eastlands. - The Times

Valencia are prepared to offload their star striker David Villa for the right price with Manchester City seemingly keen. - The Independent

The Hammers will let Australian defender Lucas Neill leave the club on a free transfer to lower their wage bill. - The Sun

Serie A giants AC Milan are reportedly eager to take
Chelsea's Brazilian defender Alex to the San Siro. - The Sun

Shay Given might be leaving the Magpies with Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal the supposedly interested parties. - Daily Mirror

Internazionale's French midfielder Olivier Dacourt is keen on a move to join Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers. - The Sun

Hull City are pondering whether to make a move for Wigan's hard-tackling midfielder, Michael Brown. - Daily Telegraph

Cristian Rodriguez of Porto and Juan Arango of Mallorca will become Spurs' next best options if they fail to land England winger Stewart Downing. - The Times

Sir Alex Ferguson kicked off his January spending by securing the services of Serbian duo Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade. - The Times

(source espnstar.com)

FA Cup Weekend Preview

The FA Cup action begins in earnest. Get your lowdown of the previews for the fixtures being played this weekend.

Arsenal v Plymouth

Arsenal will be without defender Kolo Toure (groin) and midfielder Denilson (back) while Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is set to make a rare start as manager Arsene Wenger looks set to include some of his fringe players, such as Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

However, striker Eduardo remains in recovery following a broken leg, while captain Cesc Fabregas (knee), Theo Walcott (shoulder), and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are also sidelined.

Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock could hand a debut to new signing David Gray after he arrived on loan from Manchester United and will vie with Mat Doumbe for the right-back berth.

Winger Craig Noone has shrugged off the virus while skipper Karl Duguid is set to be recalled but transfer-listed midfielder Simon Walton misses out through suspension.

Birmingham v Wolverhampton

Keith Fahey could make his Birmingham debut if he is given international clearance after his move from St Patrick's Athletic but David Murphy will miss out as he serves a one-match suspension following his dismissal against Swansea.

Blues singer Gary McSheffrey (knee) and striker Garry O'Connor (groin) remain on the sidelines while Sebastian Larsson (groin) is doubtful.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is boosted by the return of winger Michael Kightly from suspension so Kevin Foley will drop back into defence.

David Edwards (hamstring) is doubtful while Matt Murray and defender George Elokobi (both knee) are both out with long-term injuries.

Cardiff v Reading

Cardiff striker Ross McCormack could make a timely return from a hamstring injury as manager Dave Jones ponders his attacking options after Michael Chopra returned to parent club Sunderland earlier this week.

Midfielder Peter Whittingham will hope to start the encounter having come off the bench in the last two games after his return from an ankle problem but Wayne Routledge is unavailable due to the terms of his loan from Aston Villa.

Reading captain Graeme Murty is set to make his first appearance of the season following his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season as Royals boss Steve Coppell plans several changes after a gruelling festive period.

Defender Alex Pearce has been recalled from his loan spell at Southampton and could feature while striker Leroy Lita is back from a spell at Norwich.

Charlton v Norwich

Charlton manager Phil Parkinson is boosted by the inclusion of on-loan Fulham winger Hameur Bouazza after he was given permission to play while Darren Ambrose is also in the squad after returning from his loan spell with Ipswich.

However, Parkinson will be without Derby defender Jay McEveley and Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn after they were refused clearance to play by their respective parent clubs.

Norwich manager Glenn Roeder has been boosted by the availability of striker Antoine Sibierksi after Wigan sanctioned his availability and will start after Reading forward Leroy Lita returned to the Royals following the conclusion of his loan spell.

Centre-half John Kennedy is back at Celtic after a knee injury cut short his loan spell and Dejan Stefanovic is out for the season after a knee operation.

Chelsea v Southend

Chelsea are likely to be without defender Alex and winger Florent Malouda after both players collected hamstring injuries in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at

Craven Cottage and are very doubtful.

Michael Essien is still out with a knee ligament problem but Ricardo Carvalho is fit again following an eight-week spell out of action with knee and hamstring injuries while Michael Ballack and captain John Terry are suspended.

Southend manager Steve Tilson hopes to have striker Francis Laurent available as he bids to recover from illness although Lee Barnard could take his place in the starting XI after starting on the bench against the Dons with Alex Revell also pressing for a place.

Jean Francois-Christophe is available after securing a permanent transfer from Portsmouth following a successful loan spell. The midfielder has not figured in the Shrimpers first team since late November after suffering a hamstring injury but is fit enough to return to the side.

Cheltenham v Doncaster

Cheltenham captain John Finnigan is doubtful due to a leg injury sustained in the Boxing Day draw against Yeovil while centre-back Drissa Diallo and striker Damian Spencer are out having sustained medial knee ligament damage.

Lloyd Owusu should start after Barry Hayles has returned to parent club Leicester while Josh Low is cup-tied having featured earlier in the competition for Forest Green.

Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll is likely to name an unchanged team which means Adam Lockwood will sit on the bench despite recovering from a facial injury while Paul Heffernan will continue to lead the line for Rovers after scoring three goals in his last four games.

Midfielder James Coppinger will keep his place in the side after returning from an ankle injury to play all 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Burnley.

Coventry v Kidderminster

Dan Fox and Jay Tabb have been ill this week while Elliott Ward is still struggling with a knee injury so Coventry manager Chris Coleman will promote several youth team players to the squad.

Michael Mifsud has a bruised foot following Sunday's defeat of Sheffield Wednesday and Guillaume Beuzelin must serve a one-match suspension after he received his fifth yellow card of the season against Swansea on Boxing Day.

Kidderminster manager Mark Yates' side are at full strength and he could recall forward Stefan Moore to the starting line-up in order to give his side some experience.

However, he will have to battle with Matthew Barnes-Homer, Justin Richards, David McDermott and Chris Beardsley for a place in the Harriers attack.

Forest Green v Derby

Forest Green's Alex Lawless should retain his place after marking his return to full fitness from a back injury while fellow midfielder Les Afful is pressing for a recall.

Nine-goal top-scorer Andrew Mangan will start alongside Adriano Rigoglioso after both found the net against Barrow with defender John Hardiker the only long-term absentee with a knee injury.

Jordan Stewart is suspended for Derby as he begins a three-match ban following his red card in the 1-0 home defeat to Ipswich while Nathan Ellington could also miss out after he limped out of the match with a hamstring injury.

Caretaker manager Chris Hutchings is without suspended striker Liam Dickinson who has returned from his loan spell at Blackpool but Nacer Barazite has extended his loan spell from Arsenal and is now eligible to play in County's cup games.

Hartlepool v Stoke

Michael Mackay is expected to start for Hartlepool after fellow forward Kevin Kyle`s loan deal expired leaving Pools short on attacking options.

Caretaker manager Chris Turner could ring the changes for the tie after the dire second-half display against Crewe, which was the second defeat of a dismal festive period for the Pools.

Tony Pulis will make wholesale changes to Stoke's side with Ricardo Fuller and Richard Cresswell both banned while Andy Griffin (knee), Mamady Sidibe (knee), Amdy Faye (back), Salif Diao (calf), Leon Cort (groin) and Dave Kitson (knee) on the injury list.

Liam Lawrence is expected to play for the first time for three months after an ankle injury while Michael Tonge, Tom Soares, Andrew Davies, Vincent Pericard, Steve Simonsen and Carl Dickinson are set for rare starts.

Histon v Swansea

Histon boss Steve Fallon has bolstered his defensive ranks with new signings Adam Bygrave and Marlon Patterson after Gareth Gwillim was ruled out for up to two months with a knee injury and Craig Pope recovers from a bout of illness.

Striker Jack Midson must serve a one-match suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season against Cambridge but defender Matt Mitchel-King comes back into the reckoning after completing a three-match ban.

Swansea boss Roberto Martinez will give full-back Federico Bessone (hamstring) a late fitness test while midfielder Andrea Orlandi will continue his comeback from a thigh injury and is likely to start on the bench.

Striker Jason Scotland may return to the starting line-up in place of midfielder Mark Gower after coming off the bench for the final half-hour of the 0-0 draw at Birmingham.

Hull v Newcastle

Hull forward Craig Fagan is set to make his first start in almost four months after recovering from a broken leg sustained in September but Andy Dawson (Achilles), Anthony Gardner (thigh) and Caleb Folan (knee) are still out.

Tigers manager Phil Brown is set to make a number of changes with Nathan Doyle, Stelios Giannakopoulos and Nicky Featherstone in contention.

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given will be in the starting line-up after manager Joe Kinnear insisted he will not be sold while defender Sebastien Bassong is back after he completed his one-match suspension.

The Magpies have doubts over Nicky Butt and Jose Enrique while Claudio Cacapa and Joey Barton (both knee), Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka (groin), Shola Ameobi (hamstring), Alan Smith (foot) and Ignacio Gonzalez (Achilles) are all out.

Ipswich v Chesterfield

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton will have defender Alex Bruce back in his squad after he completed a four-match suspension with Ivan Campo set to make way at the heart of defence.

Winger Danny Haynes twisted an ankle against Birmingham on Boxing Day and is a doubt while Darren Ambrose has gone back to Charlton after the end of his loan spell but David Wright is expected to feature after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Alan Goodall is available again after suspension for Chesterfield having completed a four-match ban for the red card he received against Macclesfield on December 12.

However, striker Jack Lester remains unavailable as he serves the final game of his three-match suspension while captain Robert Page continues to struggle with a calf problem and fellow defender Dan Gray also remains a doubt with an ankle injury.

Kettering v Eastwood Town

Kettering manager Mark Cooper will have winger Richard Graham available after he signed him on loan from Dagenham.

Striker Mark Rawle has been released after failing to earn a permanent deal and fellow forward Nathan Smith (foot) remains a long-term absentee.

Captain Anton Foster is Eastwood's only absentee after the combative midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season against Nantwich and serves a one-match ban so Russell Cooke, Craig Swinscoe and Richard Cooper will hope to take his place.

Boss Paul Cox must also decide whether to opt for on-loan Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Shane Redmond or reward Ian Deakin for his recent impressive displays in the Eastwood goal.

Leicester v Crystal Palace

Leicester could be without top scorer Matty Fryatt who has spent the week nursing the ankle injury that forced him off at half-time in the 2-1 home win over Hereford so Paul Dickov could face his former club.

Aleksandar Tunchev missed the Hereford game with a groin strain and the Bulgaria international remains a doubt so Michael Morrison could keep his place at the heart of the Foxes defence.

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is boosted by the return of left-back Clint Hill after he completed a one-match suspension while centre-back Paddy McCarthy could return from a shoulder problem.

If McCarthy is fit enough to return one of Matt Lawrence and Danny Butterfield are likely to drop to the bench but influential midfielder Ben Watson is still out as he continues to recover from a hamstring problem.

Leyton Orient v Sheff Utd

Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling will be without Sean Thornton as he serves a one-match suspension while Adam Boyd is struggling with a virus.

Orient will still be without striker Wayne Gray who is a long-term absentee with a knee injury so the goalscoring responsibilities will fall to on-loan Tottenham striker Simon Dawkins.

Darius Henderson is expected to return to Sheffield United's squad after he missed the last three matches through suspension after being sent off in the recent draw at Swansea.

Manager Kevin Blackwell must decide whether to include the striker in his starting line-up or stick with James Beattie and Danny Webber, who started in the 3-1 win over Charlton last weekend, while Ian Bennett will continue in goal following injury to the transfer-listed Paddy Kenny.

Macclesfield v Everton

Macclesfield welcome back striker Francis Green from a three-match suspension although manager Keith Alexander is contemplating which formation to use after successfully using a five-man defence in their 3-1 victory over Chester.

James Jennings will be hoping to retain his place after helping to shore up the defence while fellow defender Richard Walker also impressed after being handed a starting berth against Chester.

Everton manager David Moyes could ask Tim Cahill to continue his stint up front due to an injury crisis which has worsened with the news that Louis Saha will be out for another month with a hamstring complaint.

One specialist striker, Victor Anichebe, may be available after playing 13 minutes as a substitute against Sunderland but Moyes is likely to allow him more time to rest.

Man City v Nottm Forest

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is doubtful because of a hamstring problem.

Nedum Onuoha has already been ruled out of the third round tie because of a similar injury. Robinho, however, is expected to shrug off a thigh strain in time for the game.

Nottingham Forest defender Julian Bennett misses out with a cruciate knee ligament injury he picked up in the Boxing Day defeat to Doncaster.

Fellow defender Joel Lynch is a doubt with a hamstring injury although he will be available for selection until the end of the season after Brighton agreed to extend his loan at the City Ground while Kelvin Wilson has a virus and will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Middlesbrough v Barrow

Brad Jones is poised to replace Middlesbrough first-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull while Dutch winger Marvin Emnes is on the verge of making only his second start since signing from Sparta Rotterdam in the summer.

Matthew Bates' fine comeback display at right-back against Manchester United on Monday could earn him a second start of the season while both Mido (groin) and Adam Johnson (hamstring) are doubtful.

Barrow are set to hand a debut to on-loan striker Wayne Curtis after he re-joined his hometown club on a one-month loan from Morecambe and was passed fit after a rib injury.

Joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan are also boosted by the news goalkeeper Alan Martin has extended his loan from Leeds and is available while Matt Henney returns from a back problem.

Millwall v Crewe

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett is boosted by the return of Lewis Grabban from suspension and he will go straight back into the side at the expense of Chris Hackett but Tony Craig who serves the second game of a three-match ban.

Andy Frampton will hope to be involved after he missed the last two matches with concussion but midfielder Danny Spiller remains on the sidelines with a hip problem and defensive pair Marcus Bignot and Danny Senda are definite absentees as they continue their rehabilitation from knee injuries.

New Crewe boss Gudjon Thordarson hopes to have defenders Billy Jones (groin) and Julien Baudet (knee) available while midfielder James Bailey is recovering from a bout of food poisoning which ruled him out of the festive period.

Danny Woodards, is closing in on a return after an ankle injury and strikers Calvin Zola (head) and Tom Pope (hamstring) could also come back into the reckoning but midfielders Kenny Lunt (hernia) and Steven Schumacher (ankle) are out.

Portsmouth v Bristol City

Holders Portsmouth are without striker Jermain Defoe who missed training today with a virus so manager Tony Adams will start with Peter Crouch up front on his own and David Nugent on the right-hand side of a five-man midfield.

Defender Martin Cranie has returned from his four-month loan spell at Charlton and will make his first start for Pompey since August 2007 while club doctors are still to determine the severity of Papa Bouba Diop's knee problem.

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has a full compliment of strikers to choose from now that Dele Adebola has recovered from a dead leg.

Nicky Maynard and on-loan Southampton striker Stern John have been Johnson's preferred partnership for the last six matches but Adebola will be hoping to have staked his claim for a recall.

Preston v Liverpool

Preston manager Alan Irvine has been boosted by the availability of Ross Wallace after the on-loan Sunderland winger was given permission to feature in the competition by his parent club while Eddie Nolan is also in the squad after his loan move from Blackburn was made permanent.

Irvine has a selection dilemma in attack with former Reds striker Neil Mellor vying for a place with Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Stephen Elliott, who were all involved over the festive period.

Liverpool midfielder Steve Gerrard has been confirmed as a definite starter despite recent controversy surrounding the Anfield skipper while Fernando Torres, back from a hamstring injury, will also be involved at some stage.

Boss Rafael Benitez also has Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Alvaro Arbeloa back in the squad following their recovery from long-term injuries.

QPR v Burnley

QPR manager Paulo Sousa is set to miss striker Rowan Vine and midfielder Akos Buzsaky who are both long-term injury absentees although he will tinker with his starting line-up having used 18 players in the drawn games against Watford and Charlton over the festive period.

Buzsaky's cruciate ligament injury means he is unlikely to feature again for the rest of the season but there was been some encouraging news with Vine who is set resume training following a successful second operation on a broken leg.

Burnley manager Owen Coyle is set to shuffle his defensive pack as prepares without duo Stephen Jordan and Steven Caldwell who miss out through suspension.

The Clarets suffered no new injury worries in their loss at lowly Doncaster and but Coyle may opt to make further changes after the defeat with midfielder Joey Gudjonsson and striker Steven Thompson pushing for starts.

Sheff Wed v Fulham

Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws has on-loan Stoke defender Lewis Buxton available after he was given permission to play by his parent club but Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith, on loan since August, will not be included so as not to be cup-tied ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge next week.

Wade Small (eye), Francis Jeffers (groin) and Steve Watson (hip) all came through unscathed against Coventry last weekend after returning from injury while youngsters Rocky Lekaj, Nathan Modest and Luke Boden are all expected to retain their places in the squad.

Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard has been ruled out through illness.

Cottagers manager Roy Hodgson is likely to rotate his squad following a busy Christmas period but Zoltan Gera (calf), Andranik Teymourian (knee) and Diomansy Kamara (knee) remain sidelined.

Sunderland v Bolton

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is facing a race against time to be fit as he bids to recover from an ankle problem following his return from a loan spell with Cardiff but Craig Gordon (ankle) and George McCartney (foot) are still short of fitness despite returning to training.

Anton Ferdinand and Andy Reid, who missed the 3-0 defeat at Everton through illness, should be available, while defender Danny Collins has recovered from a facial injury suffered at Goodison Park.

Bolton will be without suspended midfielder Gavin McCann while full-back Nicky Hunt could come into contention for a place in the side after

being recalled from a loan spell at Birmingham.

Gary Cahill remains doubtful for this third round match after a rib and hip injury forced him to miss the defeat by Wigan.

Torquay v Blackpool

Torquay are waiting on the fitness of winger Mustapha Carayol as he battles to overcome a groin injury although forward Roscoe Dsane has recovered from flu to take his place in the squad.

United are also boosted by signing talismanic keeper Scott Bevan on a full-time basis after his successful loan spell from promotion chasing League Two side Shrewsbury and he will keep his place, having been on the losing side just twice in 19 appearances for the Gulls.

Blackpool are short of numbers after six on-loan players left the club and Gary Taylor-Fletcher is absent through suspension.

Striker Liam Dickinson has been recalled by Derby, while midfielders Lee Hendrie (Sheffield United) and Adam Hammill (Liverpool), striker Steve Kabba (Watford), defender Zesh Rehman (QPR) and goalkeeper Graham Stack (Plymouth) have all also returned to their parent clubs.

Watford v Scunthorpe

Watford manager Brendan Rodgers will hand a debut to Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte after he joined on loan until the end of the season while midfielder Liam Bridcutt is also available after extending his loan from Chelsea until the end of January.

Tamas Priskin returned from a back injury to start up front at QPR last weekend and should continue, meaning Grzegorz Rasiak will again be on the bench while captain Jay DeMerit has returned from a groin injury.

Striker Ben May is a doubt for Scunthorpe with a groin strain and will undergo a late fitness test while defender Krystian Pearce will also be assessed after picking up a knock in the defeat to Huddersfield on Sunday.

Midfielder Sam Togwell is also a doubt after missing training during the week through illness and could be replaced in the side by Garry Thompson who is fit after overcoming a foot injury but Kevan Hurst and Kenny Milne remain sidelined with hernia and knee injuries respectively.

West Brom v Peterborough

West Brom could hand a debut to on-loan Arsenal striker Jay Simpson after he joined the Baggies for the remainder of the season and has been given permission to feature.

Defender Paul Robinson will return after serving a one-match suspension against Tottenham for incurring five bookings, but Gianni Zuiverloon (knee), James Morrison (groin) and Robert Koren (flu) are doubts.

Peterborough defender Gabriel Zakuani will return to the starting line-up having completed a permanent transfer from Fulham and will partner Craig Morgan at the back.

On-loan Gillingham midfielder Andrew Crofts is cup-tied and with seven substitutes to be named, youth team players Sam Gaughran and Lewis Webb could be involved. Posh boss Darren Ferguson's only long-term absentees are Jamie Day (back) and Shane Blackett (shoulder).

West Ham v Barnsley

Kieron Dyer is set to feature in the West Ham squad for the first time since breaking his leg 17 months ago.

Manager Gianfranco Zola is set to rotate his squad and James Tomkins is also likely to be involved after returning from a loan spell at Derby.

Dennis Souza is expected to return to Barnsley's starting line-up alongside Darren Moore, with Stephen Foster switching to full-back after fellow defender Rob Kozluk was ruled out for a month with a fractured cheekbone.

Tykes manager Simon Davey must also decide whether to recall midfielder Hugo Colace to the side but winger Martin Devaney is still out with an ankle injury.

Gillingham v Aston Villa

Gillingham have a defensive crisis with Barry Fuller and Garry Richards both suspended while on-loan Tottenham defender Leigh Mills has returned to his parent club to leave manager Mark Stimson with just two senior defenders available.

Midfielder Mark Bentley - who sat out the 1-1 draw with Wycombe on Sunday due to a one-match ban - is likely to deputise at the heart of defence while Stuart Lewis is set to continue at right-back with Nicky Southall is cup-tied.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is set to field his strongest available side although skipper Martin Laursen (knee) will again be absent along with Carlos Cuellar (hamstring) and John Carew (back).

Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and Stiliyan Petrov are all one yellow card away from suspension and a booking at the Priestfield Stadium would rule them out of the derby with West Brom.

Southampton v Man Utd

Southampton manager Jan Poortvliet has been boosted by the news that French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin should be fit to play after showing no reaction to a recent hamstring problem in training.

Former Everton left-back Lee Molyneux goes straight into the squad after he signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club but Michael Svensson (Achilles) and Wayne Thomas (knee) are still out.

Rio Ferdinand will be missing for Manchester United after suffering from back spasms and the Red Devils' medical staff are now working towards the 30-year-old being fit for the title clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford on January 11.

Carlos Tevez is also absent having been given time off to visit his family in Argentina while Patrice Evra is suspended.

Blyth Spartans v Blackburn

Blyth Spartans boss Harry Dunn is hoping to hand defender Alex White his debut following his move from Scottish side Stranraer if the paperwork is completed before the tie while Chris McCabe and Alex Gildea (both hamstring) and winger Andrew Wright (rib) are doubtful.

Striker Robert Dale is back from a one-match suspension and hero of the last round, Ged Dalton, is battling to recover from a shin injury.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is without defenders Andre Ooijer and Ryan Nelsen who are both missing through suspension which will pave the way for the return from injury of Vince Grella.

Midfielder David Dunn and in-demand striker Roque Santa Cruz are still sidelined with hamstring and calf injuries respectively while Johann Vogel is among those likely to be given a chance to prove themselves under the new manager.

(source espnstar.com)