LOOK WHO’S BACK March 7, 2011 Van Persie’s shock inclusion in Arsenal squad to face Spanish giants Barcelona gives Gunners a major boost BARCELONA vs ARSENAL ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insists Robin van Persie will only face Barcelona if he is fully fit after springing a huge shock by naming the striker in his squad for tonight’s eagerly-awaited Champions League contest. [...]
Old guard Lampard and Terry renew Chelsea hope March 7, 2011 BLACKPOOL 1 vs CHELSEA 3 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists securing a top four finish in the Premier League remains his side’s priority despite appearing to re-enter the title race last night. John Terry’s 20th minute header allied to Frank Lampard’s second-half brace secured an ultimately comfortable win against plucky Blackpool, who were unlucky not [...]
Spurs get double fillip March 7, 2011 TOTTENHAM have received a major boost ahead of tomorrow’s huge Champions League contest with AC Milan after manager Harry Redknapp revealed both Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart are likely to be fit to play. Winger Bale returned from a six-week absence with a back injury in Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Wolves, while forward [...]
England well equipped to cope minus KP March 7, 2011 WHILE it might be stretching the truth to suggest Kevin Pietersen’s tournament ending hernia injury is a blessing in disguise, it is a measure of England’s development as a one-day unit that they are unlikely to be overly handicapped by his absence. In his pomp KP was the most destructive batsman in the game, whatever [...]
Haye may fight Vitali instead March 7, 2011 BRITAIN’S WBA heavyweight champion David Haye could still face either of the Klitschkos this summer, according to the brothers’ manager Bernd Boente. After lengthy negotiations, Haye and IBF and WBO champion Wladimir have agreed to a fight on 25 June or 2 July. But if injury were to rule Wladimir out his brother, WBC champion [...]
Gamble Wenger’s only hope March 7, 2011 ARSENE WENGER’S last-minute selection of Robin van Persie has suddenly given Arsenal a sliver of hope for their trip to Barcelona, although I’m afraid to say it will still be the result to end all results if they get through. It’s hard to find grounds to believe the Gunners will progress to the Champions League [...]
No lottery funding for Clitheroe March 7, 2011 ATHLETICS: Helen Clitheroe’s 3,000m victory at the European Indoor Championships will not be enough to restore her Lottery funding. The 37-year-old was dropped from the programme after failing to make the top eight at the 2009 World Championships. “The Lottery’s performance plan is based on global performance,” said UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee.
England base to be inspected March 7, 2011 RUGBY?UNION: England’s World Cup base will be inspected this week as the New Zealand authorities assess the scale of earthquake damage that has placed Christchurch’s participation in the tournament in doubt.
Kuytstanding March 6, 2011 LIVERPOOL (3) vs MANCHESTER UTD (1) ● Dutchman’s hat-trick deals United big blow ● Ferguson bans media access after defeat MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson battened down the hatches after seeing his side succumb to a second successive Premier League defeat and lose winger Nani to injury in controversial fashion at Anfield. A hat-trick [...]
Broad cashes in on South Africa’s Chennai chokers March 6, 2011 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss hailed yesterday’s miraculous six-run victory over South Africa in Chennai as the turning point in his side’s World Cup campaign. After the humbling defeat against Ireland last week, Strauss’s troops were staring down the barrel of an early elimination when the Proteas ripped through the top order and eventually bowled England [...]