Gunners and United hit by seeding blow April 22, 2015 ARSENAL and Manchester United face tougher Champions League draws than in previous years after governing body Uefa amended rules for Europe’s top club competition. From next season the eight teams seeded for the group stage draw – and therefore shielded from other leading sides – will be comprised of the reigning champions and the winners [...]
Broad fires England revival as Cook and Trott find their touch April 22, 2015 AN INSPIRED bowling spell by rejuvenated seamer Stuart Broad ensured England enjoyed a productive second day in Grenada to leave the second Test against the West Indies finely poised. Broad claimed three of the five West Indian wickets to fall, to finish with figures of 4-61, while unflustered batsman Marlon Samuels completed his century for [...]
Cricket Comment: England in need of a spin doctor April 22, 2015 KENT’S James Tredwell did a good job in the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua and gave England a chance of victory with five wickets in the match but I understand the decision to recall off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali. He has looked a bit rusty so far in the second Test in Grenada [...]
Zidane keeping tabs on Chelsea title inspiration April 22, 2015 REAL Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has cited Eden Hazard as one of his favourite players, fuelling speculation that the Spanish club could target the Chelsea and Belgium star. Hazard has been the driving force behind the Blues’ march towards a first Premier League title since 2010, earning nominations for both Player of the Year and [...]
Still time for rising star Itoje to grab World Cup spot, says Farrell April 22, 2015 ENGLAND backs coach Andy Farrell insists there is still time for the likes of Saracens lock Maro Itoje to gatecrash the squad for this year’s home Rugby World Cup. Itoje, 20, conjured the latest eye-catching performance of a breakthrough season in Sarries’ narrow European Champions Cup defeat to Clermont Auvergne on Saturday. He and Exeter’s [...]
Brutal Bayern crush Porto to reach last four April 21, 2015 REIGNING German champions Bayern Munich demolished FC Porto 6-1 at the Allianz Arena last night to obliterate their first-leg arrears and secure a Champions League semi-final place for the fourth successive year. Trailing 3-1 from their inauspicious opening clash at Estadio do Dragao last week, Bayern cast aside the doubts hanging over their European participation [...]
England toil as Samuels digs in on opening day April 21, 2015 ENGLAND have work to do in the field today after snaring just five West Indies wickets on the opening day of the second Test in Grenada having invited their hosts to bat on a pitch initially receptive to swing bowling. Only 70 overs were possible on day one after the start was delayed by rain [...]
Klopp snub talk is nonsense and Big Sam still boss, say West Ham April 21, 2015 WEST Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has rubbished suggestions that in-demand Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has turned down the chance to manage the Hammers next season. Brady also insisted there was nothing sinister in the delay to holding contract talks with current boss Sam Allardyce, who has just two months left on his current deal. [...]
O’Sullivan risks a fine after playing first round in socks April 21, 2015 FIVE-TIME champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has often pushed the boundaries of conformity and that proved the case once more in his World Championship opener against qualifier Craig Steadman yesterday by removing his shoes and playing in socks. O’Sullivan was on course to establish a 4-2 lead over tournament debutant Steadman when he appeared in pain, dispensed [...]
Football Comment: Relegation battle alive but I fear for Burnley, QPR and Sunderland April 21, 2015 THE BEAUTY of this season’s battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League is that no team is adrift. With one win any of the sides scrapping for survival could take a big step towards safety. I think Newcastle and Aston Villa are safe, and that it’s between the bottom five. The Magpies have lost [...]