Rafa’s op fear over Torres and Gerrard November 5, 2009 LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that key duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres may both need surgery to overcome lingering injuries. Long lay-offs for captain Gerrard and top scorer Torres would be a severe blow to the Reds’ hopes of silverware, which already look gossamer-thin. A stoppage-time equaliser meant Liverpool had to settle for [...]
Chelsea to sell naming rights November 5, 2009 CHELSEA last night took the shock step of putting the naming rights for their current stadium, Stamford Bridge, up for sale. The move comes just days after Newcastle’s home of 117 years was re-branded sportsdirect.com@St James’ Park, to widespread derision. Chelsea are owned by Roman Abramovich, one of the world’s richest men with an estimated [...]
Nine-man Fulham succumb to late heartbreak in Rome November 5, 2009 ROMA (2) vs FULHAM (1) PLUCKY Fulham were left to rue the controversial red card of substitute Erik Nevland as they were denied a famous European victory in Rome. Nevland was harshly dismissed for a 49th minute tackle on Daniele de Rossi – just four minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute. Fulham were [...]
Sticky route for Toffees as classy Benfica cruise November 5, 2009 EVERTON (0) vs BENFICA (2) EVERTON’S hopes of progressing to the next phase of the Europa League suffered a setback as they were blitzed by Benfica for a second time in as many weeks. David Moyes’ men were looking to avenge a 5-0 thrashing by the Portuguese side a fortnight ago, but were undone again [...]
Takeover looms as Kroenke ups stake to 29.9% November 5, 2009 ARSENAL’S largest shareholder Stan Kroenke yesterday crept to the brink of a takeover bid when he increased his stake to 29.9 per cent. Billionaire Kroenke, who has been steadily building his shareholding since first investing in April 2007, will be obliged to make a formal offer for the Premier League club if he reaches 29.99 [...]
Dallaglio: Thompson is key for England November 5, 2009 LEGEND Lawrence Dallaglio believes veteran hooker Steve Thompson could prove crucial in giving England the edge against the Wallabies tomorrow. The 31-year-old lines up for his first international start in three years at Twickenham having ‘retired’ from the game in 2007 with a serious neck injury. Reborn at French club Brive, Thompson got the nod [...]
IT’S SACHIN TON-DULKAR November 5, 2009 INDIA legend Sachin Tendulkar smashed a sublime century to become the first batsman ever to pass 17,000 one-day runs, but it still wasn’t enough to stop Australia winning a thrilling fifth one-day game by three runs in Hyderabad and opening up a 3-2 series lead. Tendulkar fired a superb 140-ball 175 but Shaun Marsh’s maiden [...]
Lavelle’s Jack is looking for a Crack at the big time November 5, 2009 CRACK AWAY JACK goes under the microscope at Sandown tomorrow as he looks to justify his favouritism for the Arkle on his eagerly-awaited chasing debut. The Emma Lavelle-trained five-year-old is many bookies’ fancy for the Cheltenham showdown in March after a fine fourth-place finish in last season’s Champion Hurdle. But with Lavelle opting to duck [...]
Watney leads in Shanghai November 5, 2009 GOLF: American Nick Watney fired a course record-equalling 64 to set the early pace in the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai. Watney missed out on the record by dropping a shot at the last, but still leads German duo Martin Kaymer and Ryan Moore, and Ireland’s Shane Lowry by two shots. World No1 Tiger Woods [...]
the INSIDER November 4, 2009 I’m really looking forward to the Breeders’ Cup and the Europeans have outstanding chances in a number of championship races. Pounced looks to have a great opportunity in the Juvenile Turf tomorrow night, but I'm not sure if he really is in the same league as Donativum who won this for the same stable last [...]