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Manchester City


How long will Carlos Tévez truce hold?

Carlos Tévez's surprise decision to withdraw his transfer request at Manchester City marks an uneasy truce.

Leadership qualities: Carlos Tevez retained the captaincy after his dispute with Manchester City Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Jason Burt 7:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010



The fractures were there, although manager Roberto Mancini has gone some way to repairing his relationship with the volatile striker. Mancini’s judgment has been skilled.

But there is no guarantee that Tévez will stay beyond the end of this season. A solution has been found, but for how long? The big, unanswered question is what will happen next summer.

There are clues in the statement released by City on Monday that the situation has not been resolved. The use of the phrase “clear-the-air” shows that Tévez did not believe he had been listened to. He is understood to have outlined these grievances in a letter to chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak.

Crucially, City also point out that during this meeting Tévez “expressed his absolute commitment”, with the player insisting all along that he had no intention of not giving “100 per cent” or of going on strike, as some had claimed he might.

But the most important phrase of all for Tévez — believed to be at his insistence – is that his “contract remains unchanged”. He will feel this vindicates his claim that it was not about money or a desire to gain a better contract — which City had claimed and continue to suggest.



The club claimed his representative, Kia Joorabchian, wanted to engineer a new deal but Tévez had, in fact, turned down a seven-figure bonus and broken off negotiations over an improved contract after he threatened to leave last summer. City don’t deny this.
But perhaps the most crucial piece of evidence was left out of the statement — on Sunday Tévez met Khaldoon and Mancini but not chief executive Garry Cook – who was only involved later – in a discussion over whether the Argentine should retain the captaincy. Tévez did keep it — apparently against the wishes of Cook, whose relationship with the player remains frosty.
Almeida’s pricey agent
With nine goals in 13 Bundesliga matches, Hugo Almeida has been in fine form. Aged 26, the Portuguese international is also in dispute with his club, Werder Bremen, in the final year of his contract. The two sides are said, by Bremen’s general manager Klaus Allofs, to be “miles apart” in what the player wants in wages and what the club can afford. So he will leave — either in January or next summer.
Chelsea have been offered the striker, but are unsure, while when another Premier League club inquired about Almeida there was shock, if not surprise, as to what he was after: £2.1 million net of tax a year – or £40,00 a week – plus , the club were told, a one-off payment of £2.1 million to his agent, Jorge Mendes, to negotiate the deal.
Little wonder Mendes, who also represents Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of Europe’s most successful — and best paid — dealmakers especially as the Turkish club, Besiktas, have now agreed to those eye-popping terms.
Rafa’s top comeback
Merseyside while his severance terms from Inter Milan were finalised, there have been suggestions in some quarters that he might return as Liverpool manager. Which seems astonishing, given the way in which his regime crumbled. But then he was the architect of the 'Miracle of Istanbul’, in 2005, winning the Champions League against AC Milan.
It was all the more miraculous because Benítez ignored all coaching logical with the half-time substitution of Dietmar Hamann for Steve Finnan. It certainly threw Carlo Ancelotti, then Milan’s coach, who understandably expected Benítez to bring on striker Djibril Cissé with his side 3-0 down.
Given Benitez’s cautious nature, it appeared to be an exercise in damage limitation rather than an attempt to win the game. Maybe it was. No one will know. But it certainly confused the Italians.

Premier League


Arsenal v Chelsea: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 13.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

ARSENAL

V

CHELSEA

Monday, December 27 20:00
Premier League
Emirates Stadium

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger Photo: GETTY IMAGES



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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Monday, December 27

Arsenal v Chelsea
Emirates Stadium
Kick-off: 20.00 GMT
TV: Live Sky Sports 1

Tale of the game

By Monday, Chelsea could be six points behind leaders Manchester United.

Chelsea have drawn their last three league games for the first time since the end of the 2006-07 season when they drew their final five.



And Carlo Ancelotti's team have taken just three points from a possible 12.
Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Manchester United leaves them two points off the lead, so they could go top – if United lose to Sunderland.
However, Arsenal have lost three home games and have not lost four at home since the 1996-97 season.
But if they lose, it will be the earliest they have lost four at home in the Premier League, and the earliest since 1983-84, when they lost four by November.
Arsenal have 19 home goals, the second best in he Premier League, but they have also conceded 10 at the Emirates, the most of the top six teams in the table.
Earlier this season, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 when Didier Drogba maintained his impressive record against the London rivals.
The Ivory Coast striker has now scored 13 goals in his last 11 games, in all competitions, against Arsenal.
Lukasz Fabianski should return in goal for Arsenal while Abou Diaby could also be available while Cesc Fabregas will start after coming on at Old Trafford.
But Manuel Almunia, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen and Emmanuel Frimpong are still missing.
Chelsea will start with Frank Lampard but Yuri Zhirkov, Alex and Yossi Benayoun all remain on the sidelines.
This season: Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0. Last season: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 3, Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0.
Stat of the game: Chelsea have won their last four Premier League games against Arsenal.
Betting tip: A draw? A 1-1 stalemate is 6-1.
Arsenal (probable, 4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Wilshere; Arshavin, Fabregas, Nasri; Chamakh.
Chelsea (probable, 4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Essien, Malouda; Kalou, Drogba, Anelka.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg. Matches: 13. R3 Y40.

Premier League


Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

ASTON VILLA

V

TOTTENHAM

Sunday, December 26 17:30
Premier League
Villa Park

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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier Photo: GETTY IMAGES



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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp Photo: GETTY IMAGES







6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010

Sunday, December 26

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Villa Park
Kick-off: 17.30 GMT
TV: Live Sky Sports 1 & highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

Spurs beat Villa 2-1 in October when Rafael van der Vaart scored both goals.

The Dutchman should be back after having another week to rest following his hamstring problem.



Villa should have Luke Young back at right-back while Ciaran Clark is available after suspension.
Gabriel Agbonlahor is available after illness but Steven Sidwell, Stiliyan Petrov, Fabian Delph and Andreas Weimann are all missing.
Spurs, who have drawn their last two Boxing Day games, could have Jermaine Jenas and Niko Kranjcar available, whjile Younes Kaboul and William Gallas may also be fit. But they are still without Jamie O'Hara, Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.
This season: Spurs 2 Villa 1. Last season: Villa 1 Spurs 1, Spurs 0 Villa 0.
Stat of the game: Villa last won on Boxing Day in 2005.
Betting tip: Hard to call, but Spurs have drawn three and won one of their last five visits. So go for a 1-0 away victory at 15-2.
Aston Villa (probable, 4-4-1-1): Friedel; L Young, Clark, Collins, Warnock; Albrighton, Bannan, Hogg, Downing; A Young; Heskey.
Tottenham Hotspur (probable, 4-4-1-1): Gomes; Hutton, Bassong, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Modric, Palacios, Bale; Van der Vaart; Defoe.
Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches: 14. R7 Y51.

Premier League


Blackburn Rovers v Stoke City: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City at Ewood Park on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

BLACKBURN

V

STOKE CITY

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
Ewood Park

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Photo: ACTION IMAGES



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Stoke manager Tony Pulis Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Sunday, December 26

Blackburn Rovers v Stoke City
Ewood Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

Blackburn, one win short of 250 in the Premier League, were dealt a blow when Phil Jones underwent knee surgery this week and was ruled out for up to four months.

Jones was hurt in Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Ham but he was not the only victim.

Chris Samba injured his ankle while Jason Roberts limped out with a hamstring strain and both are doubts.



That could mean Grant Hanley making a first Premier League start in defence, while Nikola Kalinic or Benjani Mwaruwari should replace Roberts.
Stoke are without Mamady Sidibe and manager Tony Pulis could recall Jon Walters, who scored the winner when the teams met in October.
This season: Stoke 1 Blackburn 0. Last season: Blackburn 0 Stoke 0, Stoke 3 Blackburn 0.
Stat of the game: Stoke have not won on Boxing Day since 2000 while Blackburn are unbeaten on this day since 2001.
Betting tip: Try a 2-1 home win at 8-1.
Blackburn Rovers (probable, 4-3-3): Robinson; Salgado, Hanley, Nelsen, Givet; Emerton, Dunn, Pedersen; E Diouf, Kalinic, M Diouf.
Stoke (probable, 4-4-2): Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Collins; Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington; Jones, Fuller.
Referee: Mike Jones. Matches: 12. R Y.

Premier League


Blackpool v Liverpool: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Blackpool and Liverpool at Bloomfield Road on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

BLACKPOOL

V

LIVERPOOL

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
Bloomfield Road

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Blackpool manager Ian Holloway Photo: ACTION IMAGES



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Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Sunday, December 26

Blackpool v Liverpool
Bloomfield Road
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

The postponements last weekend mean that Blackpool's Charlie Adam must still serve a one game ban while Liverpool's Steven Gerrard has had longer to recover from injury.

Blackpool caused the shock of the season when they won 2-1 at Anfield in October, where Adam gave them the lead from the penalty spot.



Luke Varney added a second and while Sotiros Kyrgiakos replied, Blackpool claimed a famous victory, their first over Liverpool since May 1957.
Blackpool, at home on Boxing Day for the first time since 2006, also miss Marlon Harewood and Matt Gilks.
Jamie Carragher and Jay Spearing are absent for Liverpool, who have won six of their last seven Boxing Day games.
This season: Liverpool 1 Blackpool 2. Last season: N/A.
Stat of the game: Blackpool last beat Liverpool at home in 1954.
Betting tip: Has to be a Liverpool win after the debacle of Anfield. A 3-1 away victory is 12-1.
Blackpool (probable, 4-3-3): Kingson, Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Crainey; Grandin, Sylvestre, Vaughan; Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell Varney.
Liverpool (probable, 4-4-2): Reina; Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky; Maxi, Lucas, Gerrard, Kuyt; Ngog, Torres. Referee: Michael Oliver. Matches: 7. R2 Y26.

Premier League


Manchester United v Sunderland: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

MAN UTD

V

SUNDERLAND

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
Old Trafford

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson Photo: AFP



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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Sunday, December 26

Manchester United v Sunderland
Old Trafford
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

United go into Christmas at the top of the Premier League in the knowledge that they have led at this stage only five times – and gone on to win the title on four of those occasions.

United will also be aware that their record on Boxing Day is hugely impressive.



They have won their last seven, and 15 of their last 16. The only blip was in 2001, when they lost at Middlesbrough.
United are also the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, with a club record 16 games without loss.
Overall, they have gone 21 games without loss including 11 at home.
And they have gone 17 Premier League games without defeat by Sunderland, who last beat United in 1997. United test John O'Shea but are still without Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Antonio Valencia.
Sunderland miss Lee Cattermole, who is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season.
This will be the Sunderland captain's third suspension of the season; he has missed three games following two red cards.
Sunderland are also unable to use Danny Welbeck, currently on loan from Old Trafford.
They test Anton Ferdinand but miss Michael Turner, Titus Bramble, Trevor Carson, Matt Kilgallon, Andy Reid and Fraizer Campbell.
This season: Sunderland 0 United 0. Last season: United 2 Sunderland 2, Sunderland 0 United 1.
Stat of the game: United are at home on Boxing Day for the first time in four years.
Betting tip: Has to be United; for a seasonal 5-0 at a wonderful 25-1.
Manchester United (probable, 4-4-2): Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Park; Berbatov, Rooney.
Sunderland (probable, 4-4-2): Gordon; Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bardsley; Henderson, Meyler, Malbranque, Richardson; Bent, Gyan.
Referee: Phil Dowd. Matches: 15. R4 Y55.

Premier League


Manchester United v Sunderland: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

MAN UTD

V

SUNDERLAND

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
Old Trafford

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson Photo: AFP



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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Sunday, December 26

Manchester United v Sunderland
Old Trafford
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

United go into Christmas at the top of the Premier League in the knowledge that they have led at this stage only five times – and gone on to win the title on four of those occasions.

United will also be aware that their record on Boxing Day is hugely impressive.



They have won their last seven, and 15 of their last 16. The only blip was in 2001, when they lost at Middlesbrough.
United are also the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, with a club record 16 games without loss.
Overall, they have gone 21 games without loss including 11 at home.
And they have gone 17 Premier League games without defeat by Sunderland, who last beat United in 1997. United test John O'Shea but are still without Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Antonio Valencia.
Sunderland miss Lee Cattermole, who is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season.
This will be the Sunderland captain's third suspension of the season; he has missed three games following two red cards.
Sunderland are also unable to use Danny Welbeck, currently on loan from Old Trafford.
They test Anton Ferdinand but miss Michael Turner, Titus Bramble, Trevor Carson, Matt Kilgallon, Andy Reid and Fraizer Campbell.
This season: Sunderland 0 United 0. Last season: United 2 Sunderland 2, Sunderland 0 United 1.
Stat of the game: United are at home on Boxing Day for the first time in four years.
Betting tip: Has to be United; for a seasonal 5-0 at a wonderful 25-1.
Manchester United (probable, 4-4-2): Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Park; Berbatov, Rooney.
Sunderland (probable, 4-4-2): Gordon; Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bardsley; Henderson, Meyler, Malbranque, Richardson; Bent, Gyan.
Referee: Phil Dowd. Matches: 15. R4 Y55.

Premier League


Newcastle United v Manchester City: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James's Park on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

NEWCASTLE

V

MAN CITY

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
St James' Park

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Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew Photo: PA



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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Sunday, December 26

Newcastle United v Manchester City
St James' Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

City squandered the chance to go into Christmas at the top of the tree after losing 2-1 at home to Everton on Monday night.

That was City's first defeat in eight Premier League games, but they remain in third place and can put pressure on neighbours and leaders United with a sixth away win of the season.



City won 2-1 against Newcastle in October with Adam Johnson stealing a 75th minute winner.
Alan Pardew leads Newcastle for only the second time after their game at Birmingham was postponed just three hours before kick-off last Saturday.
He can recall Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini to central defence but Sol Campbell is doubtful and Ryan Taylor, Hatem Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling are all sidelined.
City will be without Kolo Toure at St James' Park after the defender was sent-off at Eastlands on Monday. His place could go to Micah Richards or Joleon Lescott.
Newcastle are at home on Boxing Day for the first time since 2001; in the subsequent eight years they have played away and have failed to win, losing five and drawing three.
City, meanwhile, are away on Boxing Day for the first time since 2006 and are unbeaten on the day since 2005.
This season: City 2 Newcastle 1. Last season: N/A.
Stat of the game: City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games, home and away, against Newcastle, winning six and drawing two.
Betting tip: City can win; a 2-1 away victory is 8-1.
Newcastle United (probable, 4-4-1-1): Krul; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique; Barton, Guthrie, Tiote, Gutierrez; Nolan; Carroll.
Manchester City (probable, 4-4-1-1): Hart; Zabaleta, Richards, Kompany, Kolarov; Milner, Y Toure, Barry, Silva; Balotelli; Tevez.
Referee: Chris Foy. Matches: 13. R0 Y28.

All The News


Ameobi doubtful for City clash

Shola Ameobi





Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is doubtful for the Boxing Day meeting with Manchester City on Sunday.

Ameobi is still struggling with the hamstring injury that would have kept him out of last weekend's postponed league trip to Birmingham and is likely to miss out.

However, veteran defender Sol Cambell is back in contention after shaking off an illness. He and Steven Taylor will fight to keep their places as Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini return from suspension.

Injured trio Dan Gosling (knee), Ryan Taylor (ankle ligaments) and Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg fracture) remain on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, City will be boosted by the return from suspension of Nigel de Jong. Italian hitman Mario Balotelli has shrugged off a minor knee ailment, while Pablo Zabaleta - who was previously nursing an ankle complaint - is also set to report fit.




Posted: 24/12/10 11:34

Bruce hopes to break jinx at Old Trafford

Sunderland striker Danny Welbeck (left) vies for the ball with Arsenal's Cameroonian midfielder Alex Song during the English Premier League match in September 2010. Welbeck is ineligible to play against Manchester United this weekend due to his loan agreement with his former club United. Photo/FILE
By (AFP)Posted Thursday, December 23 2010 at 14:28

Sunderland

Steve Bruce takes his Sunderland side to Old Trafford this weekend hoping both he and they can end a winless run against Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Former United centre-half Bruce is still waiting for his first win as a manager against Sir Alex Ferguson - who made him skipper at Old Trafford and has just become the club's longest-serving boss.

Sunderland's last win at Old Trafford was back in 1968 and they have not beaten United anywhere in 14 attempts since a 2-1 English League Cup win at the Stadium of Light 10 years ago.

Bruce almost broke his duck against Ferguson at Old Trafford last season when an injury-time own-goal by Anton Ferdinand - brother of United's Rio - meant Sunderland had to settle for a 2-2 draw instead of a memorable victory.

This season has seen Sunderland win 3-0 away to English champions Chelsea. United have yet to lose a league match this term but Bruce was adamant that, whatever else happened, his team would be unafraid to push for victory.

"I have tried hard and not had one yet, and we will keep trying," he said. But Sunderland will be without seven first-choice players.

Danny Welbeck is ineligible due to his loan agreement with United, while Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole is suspended and Titus Bramble, Michael Turner, John Mensah, Fraizer Campbell and David Meyler are all injured.

Premier League


Wolverhampton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic at Molineux on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

WOLVES

V

WIGAN

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
Molineux

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Wolves manager Mick McCarthy Photo: GETTY IMAGES



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Wigan manager Roberto Martínez Photo: AFP







6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010

Sunday, December 26

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic
Molineux
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

Wolves are still in the relegation zone but have won two of their last three in the Premier League.

Wigan need a win; they are also in the bottom three, just a point to the good, and have failed to win in the league in their last four.



Wolves miss Karl Henry, Jody Craddock, Michael Kightly and Adlene Guedioura, while they test Kevin Doyle, Steven Mouyokolo and Michael Mancienne.
Wigan, one defeat short of 100 in the Premier League, are without Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa, who must serve a ban after their game against Villa was postponed.
Fabio di Santo, Victor Moses and James McCarthy remain on the sidelines.
This season: Wigan 2 Wolves 0. Last season: Wigan 0 Wolves 1, Wolves 0 Wigan 2.
Stat of the game: Wigan have 13 goals, the fewest in the Premier League.
Betting tip: Wolves on the up; try 1-0 to Mick McCarthy's men and you'll be offered 6-1.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (probable, 4-1-4-1): Hennessey; Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi; Mancienne; Edwards, Foley, Milijas, Hunt; Ebanks-Blake.
Wigan Athletic (probable, 4-2-3-1): Al Habsi; Boyce, S Caldwell, Alcaraz, Gohouri; Gomez, Watson; N'Zogbia, Diame, Cleverley; Rodallega.
Referee: Mike Dean. Matches: 15. R1 Y55.

Premier League


Everton v Birmingham City: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Everton and Birmingham City at Goodison Park on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

EVERTON

V

BIRMINGHAM

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
Goodison Park

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Everton manager David Moyes Photo: GETTY IMAGES



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Birmingham manager Alex McLeish Photo: GETTY IMAGES







6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010

Sunday, December 26

Everton v Birmingham City
Goodison Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

Everton won 2-1 at Manchester City on Monday but Victor Anichebe was sent-off and, as a result, is banned.

David Moyes will use either Jason Beckford or Louis Saha, while there are tests for Steven Pienaar and Johnny Heitinga.



Birmingham have gone three games without a win but Alexander Hleb and James McFadden are still injured.
This season: Birmingham 0 Everton 2. Last season: Everton 1 Birmingham 1, Birmingham 2 Everton 2.
Stat of the game: Birmingham have lost only one of their last nine league games on Boxing Day.
Betting tip: Everton have two homes wins while Birmingham have yet to win away, so try a 0-0 draw and take a healthy 8-1.
Everton (probable, 4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Fellaini, Arteta, Osman; Cahill; Saha. Birmingham City (probable, 4-4-2): Foster; Carr, Dann, Johnson, Ridgewell; Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, Fahey; Jerome, Zigic.
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Matches: 6. R1 Y18.

Premier League


Bolton Wanderers v West Bromwich Albion: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Bolton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

BOLTON

V

WEST BROM

Sunday, December 26 15:00
Premier League
Reebok Stadium

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Bolton manager Owen Coyle Photo: PA



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West Brom manager Roberto di Matteo Photo: ACTION IMAGES

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Sunday, December 26

Bolton Wanderers v West Bromwich Albion
Reebok Stadium
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

Bolton can recall Mark Davies, after suspension, while Owen Coyle could restore Lee Chung-yong to midfield after resting the South Korean for the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

Albion will hope Peter Odemwingie will be fit from a groin strain, with Marc-Antoine Fortune on stand-by to deputise.



Earlier this season Johan Elmander gave Bolton the lead but James Morrison stole a 78th minute equaliser for Albion.
This season: WBA 1 Bolton 1 Last season: N/A.
Stat of the game: Bolton are at home on Boxing Day for the first time in four years.
Betting tip: Looks a draw; take 2-2 at 14-1.
Bolton Wanderers (probable, 4-4-2): Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Taylor, Muamba, Holden, Petrov; K Davies, Elmander.
West Bromwich Albion (probable, 4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Scharner, Tamas, Cech; Tchoyi, Dorrans, Morrison, Brunt, Thomas; Odemwingie.
Referee: Howard Webb. Matches: 14. R1 Y47.

Premier League


Fulham v West Ham United: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on Sunday Dec 26 2010, kick-off 13.00 GMT.

• PREVIEW

FULHAM

V

WEST HAM

Sunday, December 26 12:00
Premier League
Craven Cottage

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Fulham manager Mark Hughes Photo: ACTION IMAGES



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West Ham United manager Avram Grant Photo: ACTION IMAGES

By John Ley 6:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 John's Twitter


Sunday, December 26

Fulham v West Ham United
Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 12.00 GMT
TV: Live Sky Sports 1 & highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day

Tale of the game

For both teams, this represents a chance to gain three valuable points.

West Ham, in particular, are desperate for a win. Manager Avram Grant was given the target of one win from three games. After the draw at Blackburn he needs a win either at Craven Cottage or at home to Everton on Tuesday.



The east London side go into the Christmas period bottom of the Premier League and history dictates that the bottom club goes down.
Only once in 18 previous seasons of the competition has a side at the foot at Christmas survived.
That was West Bromwich Albion, in the 2004-05 season. Before the Boxing Day fixture, Albion had 10 points from 18 games and were five points adrift of 17th place.
But Albion won five and drew nine of the remaining 20 games and avoided the drop by one point.
West Ham have three more points, 13, but have so far won just two and scored only 16 goals.
Grant has an unwanted record, the worst return from the first 18 games in top flight football of any West Ham manager.
The Israeli has 13 points, six behind Billy Bonds, who won 19 in 1990.
Fulham, though, have gone seven games without a win, their longest winless streak since they went 12 without a victory between November 2007 and January 2008.
West Ham came from behind when the teams met at Upton Park in October, with Frederic Piquionne cancelling out Clint Dempsey's first half goal.
That was one of 10 draws Fulham have been involved in this season, the most after 17 games of any team in Premier League history.
Fulham, who need one goal for 400 in the Premier League, are still without Matthew Briggs, Freddie Stoor, Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos but Moussa Dembele has a chance of returning.
West Ham are four Premier League goals short of 700 and test Robert Green, who missed the 1-1 draw at Blackburn after having a minor operation to remove a cyst, with Ruud Boffin again on stand-by.
Victor Obinna and Valon Behrami also undergo tests but Anthony Edgar, Peter Kurucz, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Jack Collison are still absent.
But Luis Boa Morte is out after collecting a fifth caution, against Blackburn.
This season: West Ham 1 Fulham 1. Last season: West Ham 2 Fulham 2, Fulham 3 West Ham 2.
Stat of the game: West Ham have won just six games out of 36 in 2010.
Betting tip: So tense down by the Thames. Go 1-1 at 6-1.
Fulham (probable, 4-4-1-1): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey; Gera; Dembele.
West Ham United (probable, 4-4-2): Green; Ben Haim, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon; Dyer, Spector, Parker, Barrera; Piquionne, Obinna.
Referee: Mark Halsey. Matches: 10. R1 Y24.

Kenya talent academy long overdue









By SAMMY KITULA skitula@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Thursday, December 23 2010 at 14:25

The world watched in awe as American swimmer Michael Phelps scooped a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Many who followed this phenomenal swimmer's races will have read about how his mother had got a young Michael swimming to work off his excess energy, especially since he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Back home, renowned swimmer Jason Dunford has made an impressive showing too. But behind those glorious wins there is a common denominator between these two swimmers: their talents were spotted and nurtured in their childhood.

And the recently launched National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA) provides just the kind of environment aspiring sports stars need.

The academy boasts over 100 sports athletes who not only have the chance to pursue their sporting ambitions intensively.

And they also get an education while at it. In March this year, President Mwai Kibaki reiterated the government's commitment to set up a national youth talent academy to nurture youth talents.

Well, this has since come to effect and the government in partnership with Unicef is currently running a programme to achieve the dream.

Already, talented youth have reported to the regional centres for a three-week training stint in football, volleyball, media and creative arts fully funded by Unicef.

An innovative approach

"The Talent Academy is an initiative that seeks to engage and challenge the youth through an innovative approach that taps into their talent in order to boost their opportunities as well as self confidence for improved livelihoods," says Kimanzi Muthengi of Unicef.

This is the best thing to have ever happened to the Kenyan students in as many years of talent waste.

Shimba Hills from Coast Province, Upper Hill from Nairobi, Maseno School (Nyanza), Matuu Memorial (Eastern), Kerugoya Girls (Central), Garissa High (North Eastern), Cheptil (Rift Valley) and Kakamega High (Western) are the identified centres of excellence.

With an annual budget of Sh4million each, the regional centres act as feeder hubs to the national academy.

"Sports talent will never go to waste again," says director quality assurance and standards, Enos Oyaya in the Ministry of Education.

"It is what Kenyan sports has been yearning for, you can imagine how much talent that has gone to waste."

Talent search isn't a new thing. Since the 1970s, St Patrick's Iten High School has produced several world beating athletes, among them Olympic gold medallists Peter Rono, Mathew Birir, Wilson Kipketer and Japheth Kimutai, among many others.

They did this by recruiting the best runners at primary school level from all over Rift Valley province, and putting them under the tutelage of Brother Colm O'Connell.

Kenya's secondary school students continued to produce such world class talent at this year's East Africa Secondary School Games in Nakuru.

Since the home teams first won the overall title in the first edition of the games in 2002, they have never let go the gas pedal.

And after winning seven of the 12 gold medals - six silver and eight bronze - in last year's edition held in Fort Portal, Uganda, Kenya were at it again, this time bagging 11 of the available 14 gold medals.

1 | 2 Next Page »

Kenya talent academy long overdue









By SAMMY KITULA skitula@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Thursday, December 23 2010 at 14:25

The world watched in awe as American swimmer Michael Phelps scooped a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Many who followed this phenomenal swimmer’s races will have read about how his mother had got a young Michael swimming to work off his excess energy, especially since he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Back home, renowned swimmer Jason Dunford has made an impressive showing too. But behind those glorious wins there is a common denominator between these two swimmers: their talents were spotted and nurtured in their childhood.

And the recently launched National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA) provides just the kind of environment aspiring sports stars need.

The academy boasts over 100 sports athletes who not only have the chance to pursue their sporting ambitions intensively.

And they also get an education while at it. In March this year, President Mwai Kibaki reiterated the government’s commitment to set up a national youth talent academy to nurture youth talents.

Well, this has since come to effect and the government in partnership with Unicef is currently running a programme to achieve the dream.

Already, talented youth have reported to the regional centres for a three-week training stint in football, volleyball, media and creative arts fully funded by Unicef.

An innovative approach

“The Talent Academy is an initiative that seeks to engage and challenge the youth through an innovative approach that taps into their talent in order to boost their opportunities as well as self confidence for improved livelihoods,” says Kimanzi Muthengi of Unicef.

This is the best thing to have ever happened to the Kenyan students in as many years of talent waste.

Shimba Hills from Coast Province, Upper Hill from Nairobi, Maseno School (Nyanza), Matuu Memorial (Eastern), Kerugoya Girls (Central), Garissa High (North Eastern), Cheptil (Rift Valley) and Kakamega High (Western) are the identified centres of excellence.

With an annual budget of Sh4million each, the regional centres act as feeder hubs to the national academy.

“Sports talent will never go to waste again,” says director quality assurance and standards, Enos Oyaya in the Ministry of Education.

“It is what Kenyan sports has been yearning for, you can imagine how much talent that has gone to waste.”

Talent search isn’t a new thing. Since the 1970s, St Patrick’s Iten High School has produced several world beating athletes, among them Olympic gold medallists Peter Rono, Mathew Birir, Wilson Kipketer and Japheth Kimutai, among many others.

They did this by recruiting the best runners at primary school level from all over Rift Valley province, and putting them under the tutelage of Brother Colm O’Connell.

Kenya’s secondary school students continued to produce such world class talent at this year’s East Africa Secondary School Games in Nakuru.

Since the home teams first won the overall title in the first edition of the games in 2002, they have never let go the gas pedal.

And after winning seven of the 12 gold medals - six silver and eight bronze - in last year’s edition held in Fort Portal, Uganda, Kenya were at it again, this time bagging 11 of the available 14 gold medals.

1 | 2 Next Page »

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Ulinzi banking on 12th man

By SAMMY KITULA skitula@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Thursday, December 23 2010 at 14:17

Kenyan Premier League champions Ulinzi Stars' head coach Benjamin Nyangweso believes most KPL fans will be behind them when they tackle five-time African Champions League winners Zamalek FC of Egypt in the continental tournament's first round next month.

Already, the soldiers have started planning for the championships in earnest. The military side will be representing the country in the continental club championships for the first time despite having been crowned Kenya champions three times before.

Kenyan teams have been performing dismally in continental club championships with only Gor Mahia the last Kenyan team to halt a North African club when they beat Zamalek in 1987 to win the Mandela Cup.

Suffered the same fate

Sofapaka, the 2009 champions, could not beat break the jinx last year when they were pitted against Egyptian side Ismailia, while former champions Mathare United and Tusker have suffered the same fate in the hands of the North Africans.

Sofapaka will next year play in the CAF Confederation Cup against Atletico Sport Aviacao of Angola. on Thursday, Sofapaka continued their preparations with a 4-0 win over Eastleigh Youth at the Jamhuri High School.

"Many guys are saying that this fixture is very difficult to manoeuvre. I know that Zamalek are very tough, but Gor have defeated them before, why not us,?" said Nyangweso.

Ulinzi were champions in 2003 but, due to financial tribulations, failed to participate in the Champions League in 2004, earning the wrath of the Confederation of African Football who slapped them with a two-year ban.

Unlike the past, the newly crowned champions earned Sh1.5 million to prepare for the African Champions League and a further Sh1.5 million as league champions. "Of course it will cost more to prepare a team and participate, but we are ready to carry the country's flag in the competition," said team manager Joe Birgen.

Nyangweso says he will strengthen the team by bringing in new players although he remained cagey in releasing their names.

"Yes, I want to have three or four new players to beef up our team. We have to work hard and break that jinx," added Nyangweso.

"We are already focusing on how best we can represent the country and make an impact and also successfully defend the Kenyan Premier League title next season."

Ulinzi emerged winners of the 2010 season with 59 points, three above their closest challengers Gor Mahia. Ulinzi will also represent the country in the East and Central Africa Club championships later next year.

Landing Africa's most successful club Zamalek of Egypt in the preliminary round of 2011 Orange CAF Champions League wasn't what Nyangweso was expecting, but it's a hurdle he has to negotiate. Ulinzi will host the African giants in the first leg to be played at the close of January 2011 (28-30).

Nine African honours

The return leg will be played two weeks later February (11-13) in Cairo. The aggregate winner from the two legs will proceed to the first round to take on the aggregate winner from the preliminary round between APR of Rwanda and Club Africaine of Tunisia.

Zamalek Sporting Club is a professional football club located in Cairo, Egypt. They have won the CAF Champions League five times, the CAF Super Cup three times, the African Cup Winner's Cup, finishing off with nine African honour

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Lille top as Auxerre hold Lyon

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By (AFP)Posted Thursday, December 23 2010 at 14:26

Paris

Unfashionable Lille drew 1-1 with St Etienne on Wednesday but it was enough to guarantee they finished the year top of the French championship for the first time since 1949.

A trio of pursuing clubs failed to take advantage of them dropping two points, with PSG losing 2-0 away at Nancy, the visitors playing most of the match a man down after Mamadou Sakho was red carded and a second-half double by Youssouf Hadji giving the hosts the points.

Rennes also lost, 1-0 away at struggling Caen while Lyon were held to their second successive draw with a 1-1 draw at home to Dennis Oliech's Auxerre.

All three trail Lille by a point while champions Marseille are another two points adrift as their poor recent form continued with a 0-0 draw away at Brest, leaving them with just a haul of four points from their last five matches.

Lille's prolific striker Moussa Sow had given them the lead with just under 20 minutes remaining of an evenly-fought encounter as he slotted home his 14th goal of the season past Jeremie Janot after being set up by strike partner, Cote d'Ivoire international Gervinho.

However, their joy was dimmed two minutes later as they conceded a penalty when Blaise Matuidi went down in the area as he tried to squirm past two defenders and referee Said Ennjimi had no heistation in pointing to the spot.

Bakary Sako fooled former France international goalkeeper Mickael Landreau to go the wrong way to level the scores.

Despite the disappointment of drawing, Lille coach Rudi Garcia was ecstatic at finishing the year as championsip leaders and they also have a game in hand on all their rivals.

"I prefer to focus on the fact we are autumn champions, and the magnificent first half of the season we have experienced," he said. However, not all was rosy for the Lille handler.

Paris Saint Germain were always fighting against the odds once Sakho was given a direct red card in the 13th minute for a foul on Hadji by referee Anthony Gautier.

Hadji it was who was to make PSG pay in full as he broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, outpacing Zoumana Camara and shooting past PSG ‘keeper Edel.

The 30-year-old Moroccan international sewed up the points eight minutes from time. The victorious players were rewarded afterwards with an extra day's holiday over the Christmas break.

http://www.nation.co.ke/-/1148/1148/-/xvvu7uz/-/index.html
Football
Lille top as Auxerre hold Lyon
By (AFP)Posted Thursday, December 23 2010 at 14:26

Paris

Unfashionable Lille drew 1-1 with St Etienne on Wednesday but it was enough to guarantee they finished the year top of the French championship for the first time since 1949.

A trio of pursuing clubs failed to take advantage of them dropping two points, with PSG losing 2-0 away at Nancy, the visitors playing most of the match a man down after Mamadou Sakho was red carded and a second-half double by Youssouf Hadji giving the hosts the points.

Rennes also lost, 1-0 away at struggling Caen while Lyon were held to their second successive draw with a 1-1 draw at home to Dennis Oliech's Auxerre.

All three trail Lille by a point while champions Marseille are another two points adrift as their poor recent form continued with a 0-0 draw away at Brest, leaving them with just a haul of four points from their last five matches.

Lille's prolific striker Moussa Sow had given them the lead with just under 20 minutes remaining of an evenly-fought encounter as he slotted home his 14th goal of the season past Jeremie Janot after being set up by strike partner, Cote d'Ivoire international Gervinho.

However, their joy was dimmed two minutes later as they conceded a penalty when Blaise Matuidi went down in the area as he tried to squirm past two defenders and referee Said Ennjimi had no heistation in pointing to the spot.

Bakary Sako fooled former France international goalkeeper Mickael Landreau to go the wrong way to level the scores.

Despite the disappointment of drawing, Lille coach Rudi Garcia was ecstatic at finishing the year as championsip leaders and they also have a game in hand on all their rivals.

"I prefer to focus on the fact we are autumn champions, and the magnificent first half of the season we have experienced," he said. However, not all was rosy for the Lille handler.

Paris Saint Germain were always fighting against the odds once Sakho was given a direct red card in the 13th minute for a foul on Hadji by referee Anthony Gautier.

Hadji it was who was to make PSG pay in full as he broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, outpacing Zoumana Camara and shooting past PSG ‘keeper Edel.

The 30-year-old Moroccan international sewed up the points eight minutes from time. The victorious players were rewarded afterwards with an extra day's holiday over the Christmas break.

Tegete, Shiboli ndani, Banka, Mwaikimba nje
Friday, 24 December 2010 21:53

Kaimu Katibu Mkuu wa TFF, Sunday Kayuni

Sweetbert Lukonge
KAIMU kocha wa timu ya taifa ya Tanzania, Taifa Stars, Sylvestre Marsh jana alitangaza wachezaji watakaounda kikosi hicho huku akimrejesha washambuliaji wa Jerry Tegete, Athuman Machuppa, Said Maulid 'SMG' na chipukizi Ali Ahmed Shiboli.Marsh aliyekabidhiwa jukumu hilo na Shirikisho la Soka TFF, baada ya kocha mkuu wa Stars, Jan Poulsen aliyekuwa mapumziko kwao Denmark kushindwa kurejea kutokana na matatizo ya usafiri iliyoikumba Ulaya kwa sasa.

Kaimu Katibu Mkuu wa TFF, Sunday Kayuni alisema jana kuwa kikosi hicho kwa sasa kitakuwa chini ya Marsh.

"Timu yetu itaingia kambini Jumatatu na taratibu zote za kuwasiliana na wachezaji zinaendelea ili kuhakikisha wanajiweka fiti kwa ajili ya michuano hiyo.

Akitangaza kikosi hicho jijini Mwanza, Marsh alisikia kilio cha muda mrefu cha mashabiki kwa kumrudisha kundini kinara wa ufungaji wa Ligi Kuu msimu huu mshambuliaji wa Yanga, Tegete.

Pia, Marsh amewajumuisha kikosini humo, mzoefu Machuppa anayecheza soka ya kulipwa nchini Sweden, Maulid 'SMG' aliyeko Angola, pamoja na mshambuliaji mpya wa Simba, Shiboli (kutoka Zanzibar Heroes) na Godfrey Taita (Kagera Sugar).

Kocha huyo aliwaengua kikosi humo kiungo na Mohammed Banka wa Simba aliyecheza Chalenji na kuumia pia Gaudence Mwaikimba ambaye alishindwa kung'ara wakati wa Chalenji ameachwa pamoja na Erasto Nyoni, Thomas Ulimwengu, Haruna Shamte na Kigi Makassi.

Timu hiyo itaingia kambini Jumatatu, Desemba 27 ili kujiandaa na mashindano maalum ya Bonde la Mto Nile ambayo yanashirikisha nchi tano zilizo katika ukanda wa Ziwa Victoria na mto huo mrefu barani Afrika.

Mashindano hayo yameandaliwa na Chama cha Soka cha Misri (EFA) kwa kushirikiana na serikali ya nchi hiyo ili kudumisha undugu kwa mataifa yote yanayotoka katika ukanda huo, nchi zilizothibitisha kushiriki mashindano hayo mpaka sasa ni, Misri, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan na Tanzania.

Kikosi kamili ni; Juma Kaseja, Shaaban Kado, Said Mohammed (makipa), Shadrack Nsajigwa, Stefano Mwasika, Nadir Haroub , Agrrey Morris, Kelvin Yondani , Juma Nyosso (mabeki), Shaaban Nditi, Henry Joseph, Nurdin Bakari, Idrissa Rajabu, Seleman Kassim, maarufu Selembe (viungo), Salum Machaku, Mrisho Ngassa, Jerryson Tegete, Nizar Khalfan, Jabir Aziz na Abdi Kassim, Athuman Machuppa, Said Maulid ambao ni washambuliaji.