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28
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester City Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) Sunday 28th Sept 2008
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Wigan manager Steve Bruce has no new injury worries for Sunday's match at the JJB Stadium.
Ryan Taylor is back in contention following a shin problem, while full-back Erik Edman is nearing a return from a long-term knee injury.
Manchester City are set to welcome back Robinho, who was rested for the Carling Cup match against Brighton.
Micah Richards, Shaun-Wright Phillips, Elano and goalkeeper Joe Hart are also likely to reclaim their places.
Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Palacios, Kilbane, Heskey, Zaki, Brown, Camara, De Ridder, Kapo, Koumas, Kupisz, Scharner, Taylor, Pollitt, Kingson.
Man City (from): Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Ben Haim, Garrido, Ball, Elano, Kompany, Johnson, Ireland, Hamann, Fernandes, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Jo, Schmeichel, Evans, Sturridge.
Wigan manager Steve Bruce:
"We looked at our start and thought we've got some difficult games.
"We had to go to West Ham, had Chelsea at home and Tottenham away, but in terms of points we've done okay.
"I hope we can go and get a big scalp like Man City now to kickstart us and it'll be good to continue our record against them."
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes:
"It is a good game to come back into after our loss in Carling Cup defeat.
"Wigan are a big, strong powerful side, who will upset a lot of teams. We do not want that to happen to us.
"We set a standard against Portsmouth and need to produce that level again when we face Wigan."
Sep
28
Portsmouth vs Tottenham Hotspur Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) Sunday 28th Sept 2008
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Portsmouth captain Sol Campbell and striker Jermain Defoe have both been passed fit to face their former club.
Lassana Diarra (knee) is doubtful and Papa Bouba Diop (hamstring), Sean Davis (groin), Nico Krancjar (ankle) and Jerome Thomas (back) are sidelined.
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric has recovered from a knee problem and is fit to play, but Gareth Bale has been nursing a foot injury.
Bale will have a fitness test before boss Juande Ramos names his side.
Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Utaka, Diarra, Hughes, A Traore, Crouch, Defoe, Kaboul, Pamarot, Mvuemba, Little, Kanu, Sahar, Hreidarsson, Nugent, Ashdown.
Tottenham (from): Gomes, Bale, Zokora, Bentley, Huddlestone, Lennon, Jenas, Pavlyuchenko, Bent, Gilberto, Modric, Gunter, Giovani, Dawson, Corluka, O'Hara, King, Assou-Ekotto, Woodgate, Cesar, Campbell.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp:
"Tottenham had a bad start as well last year and finished only mid-table but I thought they were good enough to finish fifth and that's where they can still finish this time.
"Anybody is going to miss strikers like Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane but now they've got Darren Bent, who will always score goals, and the centre forward (Roman Pavlyuchenko) who had a great Euro 2008 with Russia.
"I'm not going to knock Spurs because we've got six of their former players here. They've all been good buys."
Tottenham boss Juande Ramos:
"We are playing every three or four days against new teams. It is impossible to think about other teams. I have a lot of work and I only think about Spurs. The situation for us is very difficult.
"Reality is that we are bottom. Maybe in one month we will have moved up a little, in three months maybe more. It is little by little and I am looking in the short term.
"It's very clear. We have had big changes, new players, new positions - all the players need adaptation. We need passion and we need to work very hard, this is what we need."
Sep
26
Everton FC vs Liverpool FC Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) 27th Sept 2008
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Everton 'welcome' Liverpool to Goodison Park on Saturday for the 208th Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD 1.
As Liverpool prepare to make the 1.2 mile journey across Stanley Park to Everton, it is difficult to avoid passionate cliches when constructing a preview for a contest which epitomises a local footballing rivalry.
Families are divided in what is traditionally labelled the 'friendly derby'. Blue meets red as two well-established top-flight sides clash and, with neither club truly dominating head-to-head battles over the years, all the neccesary elements are in place.
But, on the pitch, the meeting is often far from friendly - with 16 red cards in 32 Premier League matches - and it is expected to be as fierce as ever come kick-off in the first match of this weekend's games.
Both sides are eager for the win for different reasons; Everton have yet to record a point at home this season and will consider Liverpool, who could - possibly briefly - return to the top of the table with a victory, as the perfect opponents.
Liverpool shade the bragging rights with 67 league victories over Everton, who have sampled success 55 times, but the Toffees will be keen to bridge the gap with three points and will be in determined mood after slipping out of the Carling Cup to Blackburn in midweek.
Everton boss David Moyes could hand striker Louis Saha his home debut following the Frenchman's summer move from Manchester United and impressive recent displays away from Goodison Park.
However, Steven Pienaar is still three weeks away from recovering from a broken toe, and Andy van der Meyde (hamstring) and Lars Jacobsen (shoulder) are also out.
Sep
26
Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) 27th Sept 2008
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Should Bolton come away from Old Trafford on Saturday with a three-point haul then Manchester United could end the day second from bottom in the Premier League table.
Sir Alex Ferguson's domestic and European champions have started this season not unlike they did last term; a series of off-key and lethargic displays having seen them drop points at home to Newcastle and lose away at Liverpool, while in the UEFA Champions League they were out-of-sorts in drawing with Villarreal.
The United faithful will hardly be panicked though as United rarely ease out of first gear until October but nonetheless, nothing but victory will be expected from the visit of Gary Megson's struggling Trotters.
A midweek Carling Cup defeat of Middlesbrough saw Nemanja Vidic return from suspension and the Serbian will retain his place alongside Rio Ferdinand, as the unfortunate Jonny Evans misses out despite shining in his absence against Villarreal and Chelsea.
Gary Neville could get the nod ahead of Wes Brown at right-back as he bids for match fitness, while Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored his first goal of the season on Tuesday - will likely make his first league start of the campaign.
Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves will fight it out for a central midfield berth, but it is up front that Ferguson has the biggest conundrum.
Sep
26
Stoke City vs Chelsea Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) 27th Sept 2008
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Stoke City forward Richard Cresswell wants the chance to play regular first team football with the Potters, but he is happy to bide his time.
The 31-year-old featured in all but three of Stoke's league games last season, but he has so far only made one start in the Premier League.
He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I think I am good enough to play at this level.
"As a professional I want to play every week, but I have to bide my time and take my chance when it comes."
A key factor in the Potters' successful season in the Championship was the team spirit developed within Tony Pulis's squad.
Since being promoted, 10 new faces have arrived at the Britannia Stadium, but Cresswell says a similar team ethic can still exist.
"Obviously everyone knows about the team spirit we had last year and with so many new faces coming in getting that back again will take time," said Cresswell. "But we can do that by getting results.
"If we perform on the pitch then that will breed confidence throughout the whole squad."
Sep
26
Aston Villa vs Sunderland Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) 27th Sept 2008
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Aston Villa have made their best start to a Premier League season in nine years, and could go top of the table with a victory, depending on other results.
Sunderland are hoping to take their points total into double figures for the first time after the first six matches of a Premier League campaign. They need a victory to achieve that; a clear three-goal margin would see them leapfrogging Villa.
The Midlanders are defending an unbeaten home league record; the Black Cats are undefeated away.
Villa are the only club to have started with the same eleven in each of their five Premier League fixtures to date.
Villa were dismissed from the Carling Cup midweek by Championship opposition, while Sunderland needed penalties to get past League One Northampton.
These clubs were crowned champions of England on six occasions each before World War Two, but only Villa have achieved it once since (1980-81).
Distance between the clubs: 201 miles (323 kilometres)
Sep
26
Newcastle United vs Blackburn Rovers Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) 27th Sept 2008
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Former England coach Terry Venables has turned down the chance to take over as caretaker Newcastle manager.
Newcastle wanted to appoint Venables on a game-by-game deal but the 65-year-old preferred a fixed period contract and said there was "too much uncertainty".
Venables had been holding talks with director of football Dennis Wise and vice-president Tony Jimenez.
They are thought to have an alternative in mind, with Glenn Hoddle and David O'Leary both being linked with the job.
Newcastle had hoped to make an announcement over the vacant manager's position before the weekend as the Magpies try to find some stability in a season that is threatening to spiral out of control.
The club's Carling Cup exit to Tottenham on Wednesday was their third straight defeat since Kevin Keegan's resignation, while owner Mike Ashley is also intent on selling the club.
Venables, who is a close friend of Wise, has been out of work for nearly a year after he was sacked as assistant to former England coach Steve McClaren in November 2007.
"There is one reason and one reason alone why I've turned down the chance to take temporary charge at Newcastle - time," he told The Sun newspaper.
"Newcastle United means too much to too many people to take the job on a short-term basis. It demands total commitment and dedication from a manager who is prepared to throw himself heart and soul into the club.
I didn't want the fans to think I'd gone up there just to pocket a few quid from Mike Ashley
Terry Venables:
"I didn't want to move up to Tyneside and find myself surplus to requirements before I'd even had the chance to get my teeth into the challenge.
"The way the job was offered to me meant that I might be working at St James' Park for two months, two years - or two weeks. There was far too much uncertainty involved."
He added: "The Newcastle supporters have suffered more than enough in recent years.
"I didn't want them to think I'd gone up there just to pocket a few quid from Mike Ashley and then wave 'cheerio' a couple of weeks later."
Since Keegan left the club over a dispute regarding control of player transfers, Newcastle have lurched from one crisis to the next.
In an interview with BBC Sport on 18 September, Venables said the so-called foreign model of a head coach and director of football could work but only if the roles are clearly defined.
He said: "It works if everyone's in agreement, if you're in agreement with the situation as a manager then fine. But if you say no and then it's implementing change that is when the problems come in.
"I think the parameters of a manager's job have got to be clearly defined."
Billionaire Ashley, who has pumped £250m into the club, has said he is unable to watch the Newcastle team due to fears over his family's safety.
"I'm now a dad who can't take his kids to a football game because I am advised that we would be assaulted," he said earlier this month.
He made his name in management with spells at Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers before his exploits saw him appointed Barcelona coach.
Venables was dubbed El Tel and guided the club to a Spanish League title, a League Cup win and a European Cup final - which they lost on penalties to Steaua Bucharest - before being sacked in September 1987.
He took over at Tottenham later that year and won the FA Cup with the club in 1991 before taking a role upstairs as chief executive at White Hart Lane as Sir Alan Sugar took over the club.
But a deteriorating relationship between the two led to his acrimonious exit in November 1993, which saw matters end up in the High Court.
After a two-year spell as England coach which culminated in reaching the semi-finals of Euro 96, he had an unhappy spell as consultant and chairman of Portsmouth and failed in his attempts to lead Australia to qualification for the 1998 World Cup.
A foray back at Palace did not go well as the club found itself struggling for money and form.
Venables restored some of his ailing reputation when he was brought in as Bryan Robson's assistant at Middlesbrough and helped the club avoid relegation in 2000.
He did not stay at the Riverside long and went on to manage Leeds in July 2002 but left less than a year later as the club spiralled into financial crisis.
Sep
26
Fulham FC vs West Ham United Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) 27th Sept 2008
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West Ham's hopes of avoiding a huge payout in the Carlos Tevez affair have suffered a serious setback.
The Hammers are drafting a "statement of appeal" to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, yet the Lausanne court will not be able to hear the case.
Its secretary general, Mathieu Reeb, told BBC Sport: "As things stand, CAS would not be able to hear this case.
"We would need agreement from Sheffield United and for Football Association rules to allow an appeal to CAS."
Sheffield United are unlikely, to say the least, to give agreement to an appeal that could overturn the decision of the independent tribunal.
And the FA actually has a rule that stipulates there cannot be an appeal from the verdict of an independent tribunal. We do not accept that one player's contribution can be placed over that of the team as a whole
West Ham statement:
Rule K5c states that by signing up to arbitration, "the parties shall be deemed to have waived irrevocably any right to appeal, review or any recourse to a court of law".
A West Ham spokesman said the club was currently "drafting a statement of appeal" to CAS.
The independent tribunal, whose verdict has not yet been officially published, ruled that Tevez was not eligible to play at the end of the 2006/07 season and played a key role in West Ham's Premiership survival.
Sheffield United, who were relegated, are claiming more than £30m in compensation from the Hammers.
The tribunal will decide on the amount of compensation to be paid at a further hearing, due to be held early next year.
Earlier this week the Hammers issued a statement saying: "While we respect the judgement of the arbitration panel, we do not accept that one player's contribution can be placed over that of the team as a whole nor used as the basis for judging the results of a 38-game season.
"This ruling undermines the significant efforts of our entire playing squad and coaching staff over the duration of the 2006/07 Premier League season and does not take sufficient account of the performances of the other 19 clubs in the competition.
"We acknowledge again that the club broke Premier League rules in the original signing of Carlos Tevez but we were dealt with accordingly by an independent Premier League commission and accepted the significant punishment handed down at that time.
"In light of this and the wider implications of this latest ruling for English football we have decided to ask that the case be considered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport."
West Ham were found guilty last April of acting improperly and withholding vital documentation over the ownership of Argentine duo Tevez and Javier Mascherano, whom they signed in 2006.
A three-man Premier League arbitration panel fined the Hammers £5.5m, but did not dock them points, and they went on to survive the drop on the final day, while Sheffield United were relegated.
Having failed in their attempt to have the original punishment overturned, the Yorkshire club invoked an FA rule that allows clubs with a legal dispute to go before an independent tribunal.
Sep
26
Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich Albion Watch Live Online Barclays Premiership Football Streaming (EPL) 27th Sept 2008
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Middlesbrough's Emanuel Pogatetz has apologised to Rodrigo Possebon for the tackle that left the Manchester United player needing hospital treatment.
Pogatetz was sent off during Manchester United's 3-1 Carling Cup win for a challenge that infuriated United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Possebon was stretchered off but has not broken his leg as was first feared.
Pogatetz, the Boro skipper, said he "misjudged his challenge" and wishes Possebon "a speedy recovery".
"Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball - I now accept, however that I misjudged the challenge," Pogatetz told the club's official website.
"Immediately after the incident I did not think it was a red card offence because I did win the ball.
"But now I that I have had the chance to see the tackle on television, I know the ref was right to send me off.
"I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him. I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long."
The challenge came in the 66th minute of the third-round match at Old Trafford and left the 19-year-old requiring six minutes of treatment before he was carried off.
He was taken to hospital and Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday that the Brazilian, who was making his first start for United, had not broken his leg.
A statement on United's website read: "We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break to his right leg.
"He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee."
The incident was condemned by an angry Ferguson, who was unhappy with the reaction of Pogatetz to the red card.
"It was an absolutely terrible tackle," he said. "What gets me about challenges like that is that the opponent always claims he has done nothing wrong.
Ferguson also expressed his disappointment at the reaction of some Middlesbrough officials, who visibly complained as Pogatetz received a straight red card for the foul.
"You get their bench screaming that it wasn't a sending off and there is nothing wrong with our player," added Ferguson.
"At least Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was very good about it. He apologised and understood the gravity."
Southgate conceded Pogatetz deserved to be sent off.
"We can have no complaints about the decision," he confirmed.
"It is difficult to know why it happened. It was an unusual aberration for him because his discipline has improved in the last two years.
"A couple of lads on our bench did not have the same view as I did but that is dealt with now. We can only hope the lad recovers."
Pogatetz will miss Middlesbrough's next three matches, while Southgate could take additional disciplinary action.
Sep
26
Celtic vs Aberdeen Watch Live Online Scottish Premier League Football Streaming (SPL) 27th Sept 2008
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Venue: Celtic Park Date: Saturday, 27 September Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sport website. Highlights on Monday's Sportscene, BBC One Scotland @ 2235 BST
Celtic have confirmed they are close to signing 22-year-old American goalkeeper Dominic Cervi.
Cervi, a University of Tulsa graduate, rejected the chance to sign a contract with Major League Soccer after being selected by Chicago Fire.
He had a trial with Portsmouth without being offered a deal and has most recently been training with Celtic.
The Scottish champions had targeted Cervi, capped at under-23 level, after their pre-season tour to the USA.
Cervi, who spent time with Tulsa Golden Hurricane and Michigan Bucks, played for his country at the Toulon Under-21 Tournament and was part of the US squad for the Olympics in Beijing.
His parents are Italian and he is applying for a passport that would allow him to play in Europe without having to receive a work permit.
Celtic are looking for more competition for Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc.
Mark Brown, formerly of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, is currenlty Boruc's understudy.
Meanwhile, Celtic have refused to say whether Aarau's Switzerland midfielder Sandro Burki is also a target.
Sep
26
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Gunners boss Wenger sent out the club's youngest ever side - with an average age of just 19 - in the 6-0 Carling Cup win over Sheffield United on Tuesday.
A whole host of changes are expected for the clash against Phil Brown's Hull, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, 21, and Emmanuel Adebayor, 24, expected to return to the starting XI.
Arsenal are currently top of the table and are seeking their fourth consecutive league three points, but will be wary of facing a Hull outfit that has impressed early on this term.
The newly-promoted Tigers have begun the 2008/09 campaign in encouraging fashion, amounting eight points from their opening five matches.
Their last league outing ended in a 2-2 draw with Everton, and Brown will be aware his side must shore up their defence if they are to secure what would be a surprise result at Emirates Stadium.
Wenger has been boosted by the news that French left-back Gael Clichy should be fit for the clash after recovering from Bolton striker Kevin Davies' challenge that left him with a bruised shin.
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre could make his Arsenal debut after returning to fitness from a thigh injury.
Sep
23
Portsmouth FC (Pompey) vs Chelsea FC Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 24th September 2008
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Portsmouth will be forced into making changes for the Carling Cup third round visit of Chelsea, with a growing injury list limiting Harry Redknapp's options.
Jermaine Defoe, Papa Boupa Diop, Sean Davis, Lassana Diarra, David Nugent and Sol Campbell are all out injured, so Kanu and Richard Hughes will start.
Chelsea will be without Deco (thigh) and Ricardo Carvalho (knee), who join Michael Essien (knee) on the sidelines.
Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack are still short of match fitness.
Sep
23
Newcastle United FC vs Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 24th September 2008
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Obafemi Martins (groin) returns to the Newcastle squad for Wednesday's Carling Cup third-round clash with Tottenham.
However, Danny Guthrie, Joey Barton (both bans), Jose Enrique, Habib Beye, Mark Viduka (Achilles) and Jonas Gutierrez (shoulder) are still missing.
Tottenham manager Juande Ramos may rest Roman Pavlyuchenko, so loanee Frazier Campbell could make his full debut.
Luka Modric is still struggling with a knee problem but has not been ruled out, but Alan Hutton (foot) is injured.
Sep
23
Ipswich Town FC vs Wigan Athletic Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 24th September 2008
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Ipswich will be without Pablo Counago (ankle) and fellow striker Jon Stead who is cup-tied for the Carling Cup third round match at home to Wigan.
But Alex Bruce, son of Wigan boss Steve, may make a first start since his red card against Wolves last month.
Latics boss Steve Bruce has promised to select a strong squad for the match.
That could mean recalls for Michael Brown and Lee Cattermole, who could return to the line-up after missing Sunday's draw at Tottenham.
Ipswich boss Jim Magilton told BBC Radio Suffolk:
"For us our realistic ambitions lie with the league but there is an outside chance we could go all the way in this competition.
"We are at home we are going to try and win the game, if we progress through this one it'll be a major fillip for everyone.
"We have to play very well and they have to have an off day but over the years there have been major upsets."
Sep
23
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 24th September 2008
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Brighton striker Nicky Forster is rated as tough-and-go for Wednesday's Carling Cup second-round match against Manchester City because of a dead leg.
Colin Hawkins and Kevin McLeod remain sidelined, but on-loan winger Joe Anyinsah returns from suspension.
Manchester City welcome back Michael Johnson following a groin injury.
However, Martin Petrov is sidelined with a similar problem and Nedum Onuoha (knee) and Brazil international Robinho (family obligations) are also out.
Brighton manager Micky Adams told BBC Southern Counties Radio:
"The disappointment of Saturday has to take care of itself. There's no time to sulk. It's going to be a strong Man City side - even if you look at their bench. It's a big ask for us but we've got a chance."
Manchester City's new owners have completed their takeover negotiations and vowed to create a lasting dynasty.
The Abu Dhabi United Group is backed by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In an open letter to fans, Sheikh Mansour said: "Negotiations are complete and the transfer of ownership will take place on Tuesday."
New chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak promised stability, saying: "We are not going to do crazy stuff, but it makes sense for us to build a dynasty."
He added: "(Executive chairman) Garry Cook and manager Mark Hughes call the shots and we're here to help build a sustainable club. I think we are going to have a blast doing it!"
Far from looking to bring in their own man on the back of the takeover, Al Mubarak promised City's fans that the group see Hughes as integral to the club's future success.
"Mark is as good as they get and we are backing him all the way," he said.
"He is an honest man, he's a leader, he's tough and he is everything you would want in a head coach. We trust him, he's one of the gems we saw in this club once we came here.
"We are here as long-term investors, and with our backing, with the commitment we are going to make to the academy in the next 10 years, there is going to be a tremendous period for Manchester City and for us."
Al Mubarak also stressed to fans that he and the new owners will not interfere in team affairs.
He said: "Mark makes the football decisions and we are here to learn.
"One thing I have made very clear to Mark is that any player he wants comes from him. It comes from his requirements, his plan for the club. I'm a fan, but I am not an expert.
"It is Mark who runs the club, and he will put a plan together to win trophies but we will be patient.
"As long as it is being managed properly and the players are doing what they need to do, then it will take whatever it takes."
Sep
23
Blackburn Rovers vs Everton FC Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 24th September 2008
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Steven Reid (knee) is the latest player to join Blackburn's injury list ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup third-round tie with Everton at Ewood Park.
Reid joins David Dunn (Achilles), Vince Grella (calf), Benni McCarthy (groin) on the sidelines, while Aaron Mokoena is ill and Keith Andrews cup-tied.
Mikel Arteta is Everton's only fresh doubt for the trip because of illness.
Tony Hibbert (cruciate knee ligament) remains absent, with Andy van der Meyde (hamstring) and Steven Pienaar (ankle).
Everton midfielder Leon Osman told BBC Radio Merseyside:
"We'll be going into this match really positively and wanting to win the game.
"Last year we got to the semi-finals and we really enjoyed it and we want to go a step closer this year.
"To lose the way we did to Blackburn on the opening day of the season with a last-minute goal was disappointing, even though it was offside.
"It's all in the past now. It was a disappointing start for us and this gives us the opportunity to go back and put a few things right."
Toffees assistant manager Steve Round told BBC Radio Merseyside:
"Whenever you get a Premier League team in a cup, it's going to be a tough draw.
"We're preparing to do the best we can to win this game and we will go out with that attitude and I know Blackburn will as well.
"I'm hoping it is going to be a great game."
Sep
23
Aston Villa vs Queens Park Rangers (QPR) Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 24th September 2008
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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill may make changes for Wednesday's Carling Cup third round match against QPR.
Curtis Davies, Ashley Young and John Carew were recalled for the win at West Brom, but may be among those rested.
QPR will welcome back defender Matthew Connolly (ban) for the third-round trip to Aston Villa in the Carling Cup.
Fitz Hall, who has recovered from a groin strain, is also fit and could well feature, but Damiano Tommasi and Rowan Vine remain on the sidelines.
Sep
22
Watford vs West Ham United Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 23rd September 2008
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Watford will be without goalkeeper Mart Poom after a dislocated shoulder and winger Jobi McAnuff, who suffered a back strain at the weekend.
Scott Loach will start in goal and Lionel Ainsworth could come in for McAnuff, but Grzegorz Rasiak is out.
West Ham will rest striker Carlton Cole for the Carling Cup tie at Vicarage Road as he has a slight foot injury.
Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy are both still out so Freddie Sears could play, but Kieron Dyer is not yet ready.
Sep
22
Sunderland vs Northampton Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 23rd September 2008
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Teemu Tainio is not expected to play for Sunderland as he injured his shoulder at the weekend.
Saturday's goal hero Michael Chopra is struggling with a dead leg and left-back George McCartney is cup-tied.
Northampton will be without on-loan striker Karl Hawley as he is cup-tied, so Leon Constantine could feature.
Captain Chris Doig is definitely out as he struggles to return from a groin injury, while keeper Chris Dunn is sweating on keeping his place.
Sep
22
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The Football League has said there is no chance that Saturday's game between Watford and Reading will be replayed.
Assistant referee Nigel Bannister mistakenly awarded Reading's first goal in the 2-2 draw after the ball had gone wide of the post.
Royals boss Steve Coppell said he would not object to a replay but Watford said they were not seeking another game.
The League's chief operating officer Andy Williamson confirmed the decision to award the goal was final.
"The laws of the game give no discretion in these matters," said Williamson. "The referee's decision regarding whether a goal is scored or not is final and binding.
"Given this explicit position, the League cannot intervene."
The 'goal' was registered as an own goal by Watford's John Eustace.
He thought his side had been given a goal-kick after a corner had hit him and gone out of play before being hooked back in by Reading's Noel Hunt.
Assistant referee Bannister advised referee Stuart Atwell to give the goal, to the horror of the Watford players.
The linesman has decided it's a goal. I've asked him about it and he said it was an optical illusion
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd
Before the League made their statement, Coppell had said: "We don't want to be seen to be taking advantage of anything. I have sympathy with Watford and I really don't know what to say to make it right."
However, Royals keeper Marcus Hahnemann had told BBC Radio 5 Live that he believed replaying the game would set a dangerous precedent.
For their part Watford said they wanted to know if the yellow cards given to their players in the row following the decision to give the goal would stand.
The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) released a statement after reviewing the incident.
"It is clear that the ball did not cross the goal-line between the goalposts," it said.
"According to the Laws of the Game, the decision of the referee, regarding facts connected with play are final and that includes whether a goal is scored or not.
606: DEBATE
Had to send a letter to the FA after the worst decision in football history. Reading players all knew this was a farce even the manager knew it and did nothing!
Tom_Fullery
"The referee cannot change that decision once the game has been restarted.
"Football is a human game played at a fast pace where mistakes are made by players and match officials alike.
"We regret this error of judgement and will now work with the officials concerned to determine how this occurred in an attempt to minimise such mistakes in the future."
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll said the decision was inexplicable and had sympathy for the Watford players and manager, Aidy Boothroyd, who was sent to the stands after remonstrating with the officials.
Poll told BBC Radio 5 Live: "This is the most bizarre situation I've ever seen in 40 years watching football and 27 years refereeing.
"I heard about it then watched the highlights thinking 'it can't be how it's described', but it is. He (Bannister) has got a clear view of it. It's completely inexplicable.
"The referee must be respected, obviously, but in such circumstances, as a player, how do you not lose your temper?"
After the match, Boothroyd told BBC London 94.9: "I went to see the referee and in fairness to him, although he wasn't brilliant today, you can't blame him if there's a guy in his ear telling him it's a goal.
"The linesman has decided it's a goal. I've asked him about it and he said it was an optical illusion.
"I saw the ball go out for a goal-kick and my centre-half has put his hand up and asked for the goal-kick and for some strange reason a goal has been given."
Boothroyd rejected the idea that the Reading players should have allowed Watford to score following the error.
"I don't expect players to take things into their own hands. It's not up to them," he added.
"If someone stops you in a car park and gives you a present you don't say no do you?"
Watford's players confront the officials after the controversial goal
Coppell also played down the emphasis on the players to take action.
"The responsibility is not with the opposition to right a wrong. It is up to the officials to get it as right as they can," said Coppell.
Reading winger Stephen Hunt was bemused by the decision but tried to alleviate the blame from referee Atwell.
Hunt said: "It was a screamer! No, it was probably the worst decision I have ever witnessed.
"We can't do anything about it. It's not our mistake, but what can you do? You can't say 'no ref, it wasn't in'.
"He seemed all right. He's a young referee. But after this he'll probably be sitting at home next week.
"I've had him before and he's been all right. It was just a bad day at the office. He talks, he respects you and you respect him.
"I can understand Watford's frustration, but everyone makes mistakes."
CREDIT: BBC/MyP2P.eu
Sep
22
Rotherham vs Southampton Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 23rd September 2008
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Rotherham will be missing defender Mark Lynch who has dislocated his shoulder, so Jamie Green should deputise.
Marc Joseph is still nursing a knock, but boss Mark Robins must decide whether to recall striker Mark Burchill and Ryan Taylor after dropping them.
Southampton could welcome back defenders Michael Svensson and Lloyd James, with Oliver Lancashire (ban) and Wayne Thomas (knee injury) missing.
Morgan Schneiderlin (hamstring) and Simon Gillett are both out.
Rotherham United manager Mark Robins told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"There is not one of them that couldn't come in and do a job for us.
"We are fortunate in that way, and we need to be because it's seven subs in the cup competitions. So it will give one or two the chance to stake a claim for the place in the side."
Sep
22
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Liverpool will hand a debut to Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri for the Carling Cup visit of Crewe.
Fabio Aurelio is still ruled out as he recovers from a calf problem and Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are both likely to be rested.
Crewe boss Steve Holland must check on the fitness of striker Calvin Zola (calf) and midfielder Michael O'Connor (blisters) ahead of the Anfield trip.
Crewe have no other new injury or suspension problems.
Sep
22
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Hartlepool United manager Danny Wilson has backed his side to continue their cup run with victory against Leeds United in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
Pools also travel to League One title-challengers Leicester City on Saturday and Wilson admitted he and his players are geared up for the week ahead.
"They're big games for us and I don't think the lads will need any getting up for them," he told BBC Tees.
"They're very tough games and they're games we love to play."
Meanwhile Wilson was delighted with the response from his side in Saturday's 3-3 draw with League One leaders Oldham Athletic at Victoria Park.
Pools were two goals down at half-time but roared back in the second period to gain a deserved point and Wilson believes fitness was a key factor in their revival.
"We got ourselves back in the game and then scored another two goals to boot - it was a fantastic game of football," he said.
"It was a very hot day and credit goes to both teams for putting in a high-tempo exhibition.
"That just shows the value of the fitness levels players have these days and that's expected of them every week."
CREDIT: BBC/MyP2P.com
Sep
22
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Burnley must decide whether to recall winger Chris Eagles after suspension, while Steve Thompson is cup-tied.
Ade Akinbiyi has a back injury, while left-back Christian Kalvenes is pushing for a recall ahead of Stephen Jordan.
Fulham could make a raft of changes for the trip to Turf Moor and midfielder Leon Andreasen could start after he recovered from a groin strain.
Dickson Etuhu could make his Cottagers debut, while Andrew Johnson may start as he bids for a first Fulham goal.
Sep
22
Arsenal vs Sheffield United Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 23rd September 2008
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Arsenal will again field a young side in the Carling Cup, with Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Gavin Hoyte, Kieran Gibbs and Emmanuel Frimpong to feature.
Alex Song, Johan Djourou and Lukasz Fabianski will provide the experience.
Sheffield United are set to name a strong side to face Arsenal and striker James Beattie is set to start.
Darius Henderson (knee) and Matthew Spring (ankle) remain sidelined, but the Blades suffered no fresh problems in Saturday's defeat by Norwich.
Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"It's a bit of a dilemma, because I've used the cup to get some of the lads fit.
"But with the injuries, numbers are down so my options are limited."
Sep
22
Swansea City FC vs Cardiff City Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 23rd September 2008
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Boss Dave Jones is struggling to keep a lid on Cardiff expectation ahead of Tuesday's eagerly awaited Welsh derby.
"People keep saying we're going into the lion's den," said Jones before the third-round Carling Cup clash with Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.
"But both teams are used to big and noisy stadiums, if that was to affect you then you're in the wrong game."
But local Cardiff boy Joe Ledley said: "This is massive for players and fans, it's the one everyone looks for."
The cup game is the first fully-fledged Welsh derby for nine years at this level and is the first of three meetings this season between Championship rivals Cardiff and Swansea.
Whoever wins will have the bragging rights until the two sides meet again in the league at the end of November.
"As the only Cardiff man in the team I'm expecting a lot of stick," midfielder Ledley, a lifelong Bluebirds fan, told BBC Sport Wales.
"I'll be so proud to be out there - if I wasn't playing I'd be in the stands cheering Cardiff on.
"If we were to lose - put it this way, I wouldn't be answering the phone! My brother and father would certainly have something to say to me!
"But we're looking to the next round so hopefully we can get that win." 606: DEBATE
Give your thoughts on the Welsh derby
While Ledley is the only local man in the Cardiff team, Jones says that the Bluebirds will have no problem grasping the magnitude of the occasion.
"They know what it's all about from the derby matches near their homes," Jones told BBC Sport Wales.
"It's a night match, there'll be a lot of noise and we'll only have 1,000 fans there, but the players will rise to it.
"There's a lot of hype, but it's a long season that is not all about our clashes with Swansea - those games will not determine our future as a football club.
"Having said that, I totally understand the importance of the fixture, and I urge the fans to remember that it's all about football."
Sep
22
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough Watch Live Carling Cup Football Streaming Online Round 3 23rd September 2008
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Angola striker Manucho is set to make his Manchester United debut in the third round of the Carling Cup.
Anderson and Nani will be in the squad, Gary Neville may continue at right-back and Cristiano Ronaldo should feature.
Middlesbrough top scorer Mido is set to miss out with his groin strain and fellow striker Tuncay Sanli (knee) is missing for at least another month.
Jeremie Aliadiere must recover from a kick to his Achilles and midfielder Adam Johnson has an ankle problem.
CREDIT: BBC/MyP2P.com
Sep
22
Kettering vs Burton Albion FC Watch Live Blue Square Premier League 3rd Third Division Football Streaming Online 22nd September 2008
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Kettering winger David Galbraith has recovered from a punctured lung but is unlikely to play against Burton.
Striker Nathan Smith is also sidelined with a broken foot, but boss Mark Cooper has no other injury worries.
Burton manager Nigel Clough will be without midfielder Michael Simpson, who is suspended after being sent off against Rushden & Diamonds.
On-loan Wolves midfielder Matt Bailey could make his debut for the club following a bout of tendonitis.
CREDITS: BBC/MyP2P.eu
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Chelsea vs Girondins Bordeaux Watch Live UEFA Champions League Online Football Streaming Week 1 Group A Watch on Your PC 16th September 2008
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