Oscar Whisky primed to land another Aintree Hurdle April 12, 2012 IT isn’t easy to pinpoint value on this afternoon’s Aintree card, but I don’t think the bookmakers have got it right in the John Smith’s Melling Chase (3.05pm). I’m a big fan of Finian’s Rainbow, but he has always struck me as a genuine two-miler and he has been beaten both times he has been [...]
The boys in blue to have their way at Wembley April 12, 2012 TOTTENHAM vs CHELSEA Sunday 6.00pm, ITV1 THE intensifying battle for the top four takes a back seat this weekend as two of the principle rivals for the final Champions League spot go head-to-head at Wembley. Given Tottenham’s current league form – one win, three draws and four defeats in their last eight outings – Harry [...]
Tevez takes stage as City breathe life into title race April 11, 2012 PREMIER LEAGUE MANCHESTER CITY 4 vs WEST BROM 0 MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini insists last night’s dramatic comeback in the Premier League title race has come too late to stop neighbours and arch-rivals Manchester United. City roared back into form in emphatic fashion with their first win in four games, which slashed United’s lead [...]
Barton return boosts QPR’s survival bid April 11, 2012 PREMIER LEAGUE QPR 3 vs SWANSEA 0 QPR boss Mark Hughes hailed Joey Barton after the captain’s return inspired Rangers to a third successive home win and lifted them out of the relegation zone. Barton, rested at the weekend to avoid suspension, justified his recall with a goal that set Hughes’s men on the way [...]
Al Fayed in stinging attack on refs, FA and top flight chiefs April 11, 2012 FULHAM chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has launched a stinging attack on the game’s lawmakers, accusing referees of being influenced by big clubs and questioning the integrity of both the Football Association and the Premier League. Al Fayed has written to both bodies demanding “an immediate review of refereeing practices and the process of decision making” [...]
England must retain lessons for India trip April 11, 2012 AS ANDY Flower surveys his team’s winter campaign and ponders the summer ahead, the England coach has every reason to be happy. The tours to the Middle East, to face Pakistan, and Sri Lanka proved once again how well-equipped the team is in the bowling department. Whoever plays, England possess a terrific attack, and that [...]
Van Persie rediscovers touch as Gunners tighten grip on Champions League place April 11, 2012 PREMIER LEAGUE WOLVES 0 vs ARSENAL 3 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger is refusing to take third place in the Premier League for granted, after a comfortable win at 10-man basement club Wolves increased their cushion to five points. Early goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott followed by Yossi Benayoun’s late strike swept the [...]
DUAL HONOUR FOR SANGAKKARA April 11, 2012 SRI LANKA batsman Kumar Sangakkara has become the first man to be named both Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World and one of Five Cricketers of the Year. The cricket bible also includes England opener Alastair Cook and all-rounder Tim Bresnan in its top five, alongside Worcestershire’s Alan Richardson and Lancashire’s Glen Chapple.
Cash-strapped Wasps sign Jones April 11, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Wasps have defied their precarious financial situation by making four new signings, including Wales fly-half Stephen Jones. South Africa No8 Ashley Johnson plus young props Phil Swainston and Will Taylor will also join the club, who are urgently seeking cash to ward off administration.
Reds recall loan keeper Gulacsi April 11, 2012 FOOTBALL: Liverpool have moved quickly to ease their goalkeeping crisis ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton by recalling rookie Peter Gulacsi from his loan spell at Hull. Suspensions to first choice Pepe Reina and No2 Alexander Doni left the Reds with Brad Jones as their only senior stopper for the all-Merseyside clash.