European raiders all set for more Breeders’ Cup success in America November 5, 2009 THE BREEDERS’ Cup returns to the same racecourse for the first time in consecutive years and you won’t find many of the European raiding party complaining. American horses have traditionally dominated the dirt events as it is not only the main type of racing surface in the US, but there are also no dirt tracks [...]
Blues can start kicking away from title rivals November 5, 2009 CHELSEA vs MANCHESTER UNITEDSUNDAY – 4.00PM SKY SPORTS 1 CARLO Ancelotti squares up to Sir Alex Ferguson for the second time as Chelsea boss and although his team won the Charity Shield you can be certain a win on Sunday will mean more to the Italian. The Blues have looked different class at Stamford Bridge [...]
IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS November 5, 2009 WE have already looked at Man United’s poor record away at the Big Four, but it’s always worth remembering that it is still Man United we’re talking about and that Sir Alex Ferguson is calling the shots. He is one of the greatest managers of all time and will want to get one over on [...]
Eubank’s fear for Haye day of reckoning November 5, 2009 FORMER world champion Chris Eubank fears British heavyweight hopeful David Haye has not had adequate sparring practice for his career-defining showdown with Nikolai Valuev. The south Londoner meets Valuev in Nuremberg tomorrow night for the 7ft 2in Russian’s WBA title in one of the most eagerly anticipated heavyweight clashes in years. Ex-cruiserweight champion Haye, who [...]
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 [...]