United chasing points record
With a 20th league title virtually in the bag and no more European distractions, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is challenging his side to push for a Premier League points record. United visit Sunderland on Saturday when victory would open up an 18-point lead, at least until second-placed Manchester City host Newcastle United later. With nine games remaining, United have 74 points and need 22 more to break the record of 95 set by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side in 2004-05. Their own record is 92. "If we get to 96 points I'd be absolutely delighted," Ferguson, whose side face Chelsea in an FA Cup quarterfinal replay on Monday said this week while waiting for his players to return from international duty. "That would be a fantastic season. If we get to that position, we have probably won the league." Opponents Sunderland will be without top scorer Steven Fletcher after he suffered ankle ligament damage playing for Scotland, and captain Lee Cattermole, who has had knee surgery, for the rest of the season. The ease at which United are moving towards the title has surprised many, not least Ferguson who expected a much tougher fight from champions City, Chelsea and Arsenal this season. "I never thought we would be 15 points clear," he said. "I expected it to be a really tough fight."
My fixtures News
2013-03-28 02:00:00
Manchester City's Yaya Toure will 'soldier on' to summer before deciding future
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are keen on the midfield powerhouse but he just wants to "have fun and entertain the public". Toure has two years left on his current deal, but the Eastlands club's policy is not to renegotiate player contracts during the season. And, less than a week after his agent, Dimitri Seluk, warned the Pemier League champions they needed to hurry up and make an offer, the midfielder himself is in no hurry to settle matters. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are keen on the 29-year-old, who insists he has not decided on his next move.
My fixtures News
2013-03-28 02:00:00
Luiz: Chelsea can still finish strong
Chelsea defender David Luiz believes the club still can fight for silverware despite not 'playing at the level' expected of them. David Luiz celebrates his penalty kick GettyImagesDavid Luiz says Chelsea are still a chance to finish the season strongly Chelsea head into the final part of this season's campaign a massive 19 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United with only nine games remaining in their season. But the Blues are still in the hunt in for both FA Cup and Europa League glory and the 25-year-old Luiz said he and his team-mates believe they can still make this season a success. "I think we are not playing at the level expected from Chelsea and not doing so well this season but in any case I believe we are because we are still competing for three titles," Luiz said. "We can still win the Europa League, are still in the FA Cup and fighting for a better position in the table so I think we can still get there and this season can still be very good." Luiz returns to Stamford Bridge on Monday, lining up for Felipe Luis Scolari's Brazil as they take on Russia in an international friendly. The match also marks a form of homecoming for Scolari, the Brazil manager returning to the club he managed for seven months before being dumped by owner Roman Abramovich. However, Scolari said his time at the Chelsea helm did not paint a true picture of managerial prowess. "I believe my time at Chelsea was not as bad as people have been talking about," Scolari said. "I don't think (I was given enough time) but it was a decision from the management." And Luiz agreed with the Brazil boss, indicating Scolari will appreciate the chance to again the prowl the Stamford Bridge sidelines.
My fixtures News
2013-03-26 02:00:00
Agbonlahor wants survival not record
Gabriel Agbonlahor has said breaking Dwight Yorke's Premier League scoring record for Aston Villa will count for little if he cannot help save the club from relegation.Agbonlahor moved to within one goal of Yorke's record with his 59th goal for the club in the 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers. The club's longest-serving player has scored five league goals this season, four of them in his last eight games, but says protecting Villa's top flight status is more important than individual records. "It would be nice to break the record, but the only thing on my mind is keeping the club up. If the record comes, it comes," Agbonlahor said. Villla are presently in 17th place in the table, which puts them in relegation zone. And they have 2losses, 3wins and 1draw from their last 6games.
My fixtures News
2013-03-26 02:00:00
Arsenal win to close on top four
Arsenal bounced back from their Champions League exit to step up their challenge for a top-four Premier League finish as goals from Nacho Monreal and Gervinho secured a 2-0 win at Swansea City on Saturday. The win moved Arsene Wenger's side to within two points of fourth-place Chelsea, 24 hours before Rafael Benitez's side face West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal has 4wins, 1draw and 1loss from their last 6games.
My fixtures News
2013-03-26 02:00:00
Arsenal step up interest in Chalobah
Arsenal are readying summer bid for Chelsea hotshot Nathaniel Chalobah.
English Championship
2013-03-25 11:59:00
Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic happy to be attracting interest
Asmir Begovic is pleased Manchester United are reportedly watching him, but insists he is more than happy at Stoke City.
News Story
2013-03-25 08:47:00
Sport Analysis 25-3-2013
This past weekend saw a host of 2014 World Cup Qualifiers being played and the results were quite fantastic. First of all England thrashed San Marino at home 8goals to nil which means that England will maintain their position at 2nd place in group H. While Israel and Portugal played out a 3-3 draw which means both teams are still tied on points and are both occupying the 2nd and 3rd positions in group in group F. France beat Georgia 3-1 to go top of group I. Sweden played out a goalless draw against Northern Ireland which means Sweden maintains their position in 2nd place while Northern Ireland are in 4th place.
My fixtures News
2013-03-25 02:00:00
Germany-Kazakhstan Preview: Hosts aiming to complete double
Joachim Low's side won the first-half of this double header 3-0 in Astana on Friday and will be hoping to record another impressive victory in Nurnberg
Germany
2013-03-25 09:00:00
France-Spain Preview: European powerhouses set for Paris showdown
Vicente del Bosque's side surrendered top spot in Group I to les Bleus with a 1-1 draw against Finland on Friday and are under pressure to get a result in the French capital