Match Preview : Sunderland vs Man Utd
The present facts make stark reading for Sunderland fans. Martin O'Neill's team having gone seven games without a win, taking just three points from a possible 21. With eight games to play, the recent past doesn't gladden Wearside hearts either. They finished last season failing to win any of the final eight games. Do that again and they're doomed. Then there's the history books against this opposition. Since the Premier League began, Sunderland have won just one of 23 league games against Manchester United. Not that they're alone with a wretched record against the most dominant force of the last two decades. Throw in the season-ending injury last week to top scorer Steven Fletcher, and the outlook for Saturday matches the countrywide bleak weather. O'Neill's selection will be fascinating. One or two in attack? Danny Graham to go it alone to try to end his Sunderland scoring duck? Connor Wickham to join him? The raw striker will be in the last day of his teenage years on Saturday and is fresh from a starring role for England's Under-21 side this week. Any thoughts of fairytale headlines are, of course, quickly tempered by the United stats. They're seeking a seventh straight league win and a sixth successive clean sheet. Additionally, with the title all but in the bag, they have the incentive of a Premier League points record to aim for, needed 22 from their remaining nine games. As if they'd 'relax' for any game, but especially not this one. Not at the ground where home fans taunted the title being snatched away from them in the final seconds of last season. In March 1997, I was at Sunderland's sole win over United in the last 23 years - a win which perhaps poignantly did not lead to an escape from relegation. Seeing Beckham, Cantona & Co beaten at Roker Park was a shock, but I don't remember it being as surprising as another home win this time would be.
My fixtures News
2013-03-30 02:00:00
Wenger fires warning to players
Arsene Wenger insists that every player at Arsenal is playing for their future at the club for the remainder of the season. Arsene Wenger is happy to play the part of parsimonious prince of Arsenal but they have been left behind. Wenger's men sit fifth in the Premier League standings, four points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand. As the race for a spot in next season's Champions League heats up, Wenger says that individual performances will determine his actions in the summer transfer window. "We have to analyse. What will decide our attitude, my attitude, is how we do now until the end of the season," said Wenger. "We have had some blips that were not expected, Blackburn and Bradford (in the cup competitions), but overall I must say the attitude of the team has been great and when everyone is here (fit), then we have a strong team. "What is important is to analyse where we can improve at the end of the season." Despite his warnings that each man is effectively playing for his place - with even captain Thomas Vermaelen and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny no longer guaranteed a start - Wenger feels the current squad do deserve credit for the way they have hauled themselves back into contention with a run of five wins in the last seven league games. "They have gone through difficult times and have responded well," he said, "They have shown mental strength as we lost against Blackburn (at home in the FA Cup), Bayern (in the Champions League at home) and then Tottenham, so as well they could be scared that the group implodes. "We have shown a strong response against Bayern (in the Champions League away) and also Swansea, so that shows that this group is mentally strong." Arsenal, though, will be without England internationals Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott at home to Reading on Saturday, while France midfielder Abou Diaby is set for up to nine months on the sidelines with knee ligament damage.
My fixtures News
2013-03-30 02:00:00
Villas-Boas: Mourinho return would be 'excellent' for Premier League
The Tottenham boss, who served under his compatriot at Porto, Chelsea and Inter believes that the Real Madrid supremo would light up the English game, if he chooses to return
José Mourinho
2013-03-29 19:10:00
AC Milan: Cagliari stadium controversy has 'altered' championship
The Rossoneri are bemused by the various different rulings on the Rossoblu's home ground, which remains the subject of serious public safety concerns
Italy
2013-03-29 20:05:00
Chelsea and Manchester City agree post-season friendly
The Premier League giants will meet in a match to honour the opening of the Busch Stadium in St Louis, just four days after playing their last domestic game of the campaign
England
2013-03-29 20:45:00
Agent: Damiao open to Napoli move
The Brazil international seems almost certain to join a top European side this season, with the Partenopei, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur all seemingly interested
Leandro Damião
2013-03-29 21:05:00
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Montpellier: Gameiro strikes 10 minutes from time to secure precious win
The 25-year-old forward emerged from the substitute's bench to win the game for the Ligue 1 leaders, who were far from convincing ahead of their big night against Barcelona midweek
France
2013-03-29 21:20:00
Bale is 'frightening' to face, admits Swansea winger Dyer
The Englishman came through the ranks at Southampton with the Wales and Tottenham star and claims to have never been in doubt about the Welshman's huge potential
Gareth Bale
2013-03-29 22:35:00
Salihamidzic: Bayern slight favourites against Juventus
The now-retired winger, who lined up for both sides, feels that Jupp Heynckes' men have a slight edge over the Bianconeri, but expects that the tie will go right to the wire
Hasan Salihamidzic
2013-03-29 22:50:00
Beckham coy on Paris Saint-Germain future
The former England captain has admitted that he is enjoying himself at the Parc des Princes and is proud that Carlo Ancelotti wants him to sign on for another season