Defender Pepe believes Real Madrid have what it takes to win the treble this season.
Real are already firm favourites to retain their Primera Liga title after establishing a seven-point lead over second-placed Barcelona heading into 2008, while Bernd Schuster's men are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Copa del Rey is still in its early stages, with Real having drawn the first leg of their round-of-32 tie against Alicante 1-1, but the Spanish giants remain on course in all three competitions - and Pepe feels they can triumph in each of them.
"We aspire to win three titles and I think the team is good enough to achieve this. We must take it step by step, but we must dream we can achieve it," the centre-back said.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Pepe : Real can triumph in all 3 competitions
Rijkaard : Title not decided yet
Barca suffered a league defeat in front of their own fans for the first time since February 2006 after going down to a first-half Julio Baptista goal in 'El Clasico'.
That has left the Catalan giants with a mountain to climb to haul reigning Spanish champions Real in after the Christmas break, but Rijkaard was keen to point out that nothing had been decided on Sunday's result
"It is a tough blow, because we worked hard for the win. But we have to digest the defeat and look ahead," he said.
"Now we have to continue working with pride and with hope. We have to believe in our chances.
"There are still a lot of matches remaining, and while it is true that Madrid have an important advantage, everything is still possible."
Garcia calls for consistency
Atletico are flying high in La Liga, lying in fifth spot over the Christmas break and only three points behind second-placed Barcelona.
Javier Aguirre's men are also going nicely in the UEFA Cup and the Copa del Rey, but Garcia insists they need to keep playing at that level if they are to achieve their goals for this season.
"Consistency is fundamental for any team to get far. The Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup are sporadic competitions, where you play two games every now and again. The league is a more regular competition, a long-distance race," he said
"Our principle objective is to be among the first four places (in the league). What we are doing now is picking up as many points as possible so we can go into the last five games as near as we can be to top spot."
Barton arrested in assault probe
Newcastle and England midfielder Joey Barton has been arrested by police in Liverpool following an alleged assault.
The footballer was arrested along with a 19-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman on Church Street in the city centre at 0530 GMT.
Merseyside Police confirmed the three were being held in custody.
A spokesman said: "All three remain in custody for interview and processing and I expect a decision on charges or release will be made later tonight."
Carvalho sorry for red-card lunge
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has apologised to Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor for the two-footed tackle that led to his red card on Boxing Day.
"I didn't see him after the game to apologise but I asked for a message to be passed on to him," said Carvalho.
But Blues boss Avram Grant said the defender did not deserve to see red, claiming he "went for the ball".
King eyes future England return
Tottenham captain Ledley King outlined his intentions to impress new England manager Fabio Capello after six months out through injuries.
The centre-back made his first appearance of the season in Spurs' 5-1 win over Fulham on Boxing Day.
"I am no different to any player - I want to impress the new (England) manager," said King.
"Once I have got a number of games under my belt then I can start to think about that (England recall)."
King was replaced after 73 minutes at White Hart Lane and will be assessed by medical staff ahead of Saturday's match against Reading.
Wenger unfazed as Man Utd go top
Man Utd beat Sunderland 4-0 on Boxing Day to move ahead of the Gunners, who drew 0-0 away at Portsmouth.
But Wenger said: "I prefer to be in front, but with one point difference that is not that big a deal.
"We have only lost one game so you will have problems to convince me that we are in a crisis."
Interview: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Arsenal travel to Everton this weekend having picked up just two points from their three previous away games.
And Wenger believes that to be trailing by just one point at this stage of the season is not a bad thing.
"Although a 0-0 draw is a disappointment it is not too bad," he added.
"If we go six months again by just losing none then we will be champions," said the Frenchman.
"I believe that if we just try and focus on our performances and get a good result at Everton then everything is alright."
Cole and Knight contest red cards
Chelsea and Aston Villa will appeal against the red cards shown to Ashley Cole and Zat Knight during their thrilling 4-4 draw on Boxing Day.Ashley Cole
Zat Knight
Villa's Knight was sent off for fouling Michael Ballack, while Chelsea's Cole saw red for handball on the goal-line.
Both incidents led to penalties, while Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho was also dismissed by referee Phil Dowd.
"Villa have appealed against Zat Knight's debateable red card," said a club statement released by Villa.
"(Manager) Martin O'Neill was incensed by the decision and after reviewing the incident again has decided to lodge a formal appeal in the hope that Knight can avoid a three-match ban."
With Villa leading 2-0, Knight was sent off just before half-time for a challenge on Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, with the subsequent penalty converted by Andriy Shevchenko.
O'Neill claimed the German international dived to win the spot kick, but Ballack has protested his innocence.
"For me there is no discussion about this," he told the London Evening Standard.
"I had the ball and two guys, not just one, came and one pushed me. It was a clear penalty."
Cole was shown a red card in the 90th minute for handball after clearing Gabriel Agbonlahor's header off the line, with the England left-back claiming he headed the ball clear.
The pair will learn their fate at a Football Association hearing on Friday, 28 December.
Both incidents led to penalties, while Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho was also dismissed by referee Phil Dowd.
"Villa have appealed against Zat Knight's debateable red card," said a club statement released by Villa.
"(Manager) Martin O'Neill was incensed by the decision and after reviewing the incident again has decided to lodge a formal appeal in the hope that Knight can avoid a three-match ban."
With Villa leading 2-0, Knight was sent off just before half-time for a challenge on Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, with the subsequent penalty converted by Andriy Shevchenko.
O'Neill claimed the German international dived to win the spot kick, but Ballack has protested his innocence.
"For me there is no discussion about this," he told the London Evening Standard.
"I had the ball and two guys, not just one, came and one pushed me. It was a clear penalty."
Cole was shown a red card in the 90th minute for handball after clearing Gabriel Agbonlahor's header off the line, with the England left-back claiming he headed the ball clear.
The pair will learn their fate at a Football Association hearing on Friday, 28 December.
Lampard sidelined by thigh injury
Frank Lampard will miss the rest of Chelsea's festive season programme because of a thigh injury.
The England midfielder limped off after 26 minutes in Chelsea's 4-4 thriller against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
"Scans have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh. The tear is not the same leg that Frank injured earlier in the season," said a club statement.
"He will begin rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."
Lampard's injury is yet another setback for Chelsea's title aspirations as they trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points.
Manager Avram Grant is already without captain John Terry and striker Didier Drogba through injuries.
"Scans have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh. The tear is not the same leg that Frank injured earlier in the season," said a club statement.
"He will begin rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."
Lampard's injury is yet another setback for Chelsea's title aspirations as they trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points.
Manager Avram Grant is already without captain John Terry and striker Didier Drogba through injuries.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
West Ham v Reading
West Ham v Reading
Upton Park
Upton Park
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1300 GMT
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is available after suspension but Dean Ashton and Henri Camara could retain their places up front. James Collins (groin) and Luis Boa Morte (thigh) will have fitness tests ahead of the game.
Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson is a doubt with a badly-gashed knee that he picked up against Sunderland.
The Royals have no other new injury worries, with John Oster (ankle) and Glen Little (heel) still sidelined.
Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson is a doubt with a badly-gashed knee that he picked up against Sunderland.
The Royals have no other new injury worries, with John Oster (ankle) and Glen Little (heel) still sidelined.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, McCartney, Gabbidon, Upson, Ljungberg, Parker, Ashton, Pantsil, Solano, Noble, Mullins, Spector, Collins, Wright, Walker, Camara, Cole.
Reading (from): Hahnemann, Federici, Murty, De la Cruz, Ingimarsson, Sonko, Bikey, Duberry, Shorey, Hunt, Gunnarsson, Harper, Cisse, Fae, Convey, Doyle, Kitson, Long, Lita.
Reading (from): Hahnemann, Federici, Murty, De la Cruz, Ingimarsson, Sonko, Bikey, Duberry, Shorey, Hunt, Gunnarsson, Harper, Cisse, Fae, Convey, Doyle, Kitson, Long, Lita.
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley on Dean Ashton:"He's taken some criticism in the last few weeks and I think that is because of the expectation. "He came back and got a couple of goals, but getting fit while playing in the Premier League is so hard. "Dean looked sharper today and when he hits the ball he hits it hard. When a ball drops you want it to drop to him."
Reading manager Steve Coppell on his intentions in January:"I challenged the players and I made the decision (not to make major changes) in the summer. "After half a season we have reached the conclusion that we need two or three reinforcements. "That will be our intention but come the last day of January if we haven't got anyone I'll go with what I've got."
Reading manager Steve Coppell on his intentions in January:"I challenged the players and I made the decision (not to make major changes) in the summer. "After half a season we have reached the conclusion that we need two or three reinforcements. "That will be our intention but come the last day of January if we haven't got anyone I'll go with what I've got."
Tottenham v Fulham
Tottenham v Fulham
White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1300 GMT
Tottenham's Ledley King could make a surprise return depending on a fitness test but Anthony Gardner, Gareth Bale and Didier Zokora are definitely out. Darren Bent (hip), Ricardo Rocha (thigh), and Jermaine Jenas (ankle) and Michael Dawson are all doubtful.
Fulham defender Elliot Omozusi is doubtful after limping out of the draw with Wigan after 60 minutes.
Meanwhile, Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard are still sidelined with long-term knee injuries.
Fulham defender Elliot Omozusi is doubtful after limping out of the draw with Wigan after 60 minutes.
Meanwhile, Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard are still sidelined with long-term knee injuries.
Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Kaboul, King, Lee, Lennon, O'Hara, Jenas, Boateng, Malbranque, Huddlestone, Berbatov, Defoe, Tainio, Taarabt, Bent, Keane, Archibald-Henville.
Fulham (from): Niemi, Hughes, Baird, Konchesky, Bocanegra, Davies, Davis, Murphy, Bouazza, Dempsey, Kamara, Healy, Kuqi, Warner, Smertin, Ki-Hyeon.
Fulham (from): Niemi, Hughes, Baird, Konchesky, Bocanegra, Davies, Davis, Murphy, Bouazza, Dempsey, Kamara, Healy, Kuqi, Warner, Smertin, Ki-Hyeon.
Tottenham manager Juande Ramos on the defeat to Arsenal:"Robbie was upset about the penalty.
"The game was evenly balanced and we had that chance at 1-1. "But to concede a goal from a corner when all the players are in the penalty area isn't normal and that mistake cost us."
Fulham caretaker manager Ray Lewington:"All the games look hard on paper. "We will be playing against a quality side away from home and our away form is not good. "But we have got to win away from home sooner or later so we will go backed by the spirit we showed against Wigan."
"The game was evenly balanced and we had that chance at 1-1. "But to concede a goal from a corner when all the players are in the penalty area isn't normal and that mistake cost us."
Fulham caretaker manager Ray Lewington:"All the games look hard on paper. "We will be playing against a quality side away from home and our away form is not good. "But we have got to win away from home sooner or later so we will go backed by the spirit we showed against Wigan."
Wigan v Newcastle
Wigan v Newcastle
JJB Stadium
JJB Stadium
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Wigan defender Mario Melchiot is available after serving a suspension. Emile Heskey could return following an ankle injury but Jason Koumas remains a major doubt with the groin problem that sidelined him against Fulham.
Newcastle striker Michael Owen is ready to resume training and could make an appearance in the squad.
Stephen Carr is fit after a hamstring injury, as is Abdoulaye Faye, while Damien Duff could start after his return against Derby on Sunday.
Newcastle striker Michael Owen is ready to resume training and could make an appearance in the squad.
Stephen Carr is fit after a hamstring injury, as is Abdoulaye Faye, while Damien Duff could start after his return against Derby on Sunday.
Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane, Valencia, Brown, Scharner, Landzaat, Koumas, Bent, Heskey, Aghahowa, Granqvist, Olembe, Koumas, Skoko, Cotterill, Hall, Sibierski, Pollitt.
Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Beye, N'Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Taylor, Faye, Edgar, Geremi, Butt, Barton, Milner, Emre, Duff, Smith, Martins, Viduka, Owen.
Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Beye, N'Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Taylor, Faye, Edgar, Geremi, Butt, Barton, Milner, Emre, Duff, Smith, Martins, Viduka, Owen.
Wigan manager Steve Bruce:"Two weeks ago we didn't have a hope of getting out of the bottom three and now we are in striking distance of that. "When you take over a club and they haven't won in 13 games, you've got to try and restore the pride and a little bit of belief. "There were a lot of pleasing things in the game against Fulham."
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce:"The Christmas period is where people begin to start fighting harder for their position at the bottom. "Wigan will have picked up some confidence, so I will expect a very difficult game.
"But it is one in which if we do hit our form - each individual and as a team - we can call it a winnable game."
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce:"The Christmas period is where people begin to start fighting harder for their position at the bottom. "Wigan will have picked up some confidence, so I will expect a very difficult game.
"But it is one in which if we do hit our form - each individual and as a team - we can call it a winnable game."
Birmingham v Middlesbrough
Birmingham v Middlesbrough
St Andrews
St Andrews
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Birmingham skipper Liam Ridgewell is available after serving a one-match ban and look set to replace Radhi Jaidi.
Manager Alex McLeish is expected to recall striker Mikael Forssell to play alongside Cameron Jerome in attack.
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is a concern after being substituted in three of the last four games because of cramp. Fabio Rochemback is available after serving a one-match ban but Gary O'Neil is a doubt with a hamstring injury.
Manager Alex McLeish is expected to recall striker Mikael Forssell to play alongside Cameron Jerome in attack.
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is a concern after being substituted in three of the last four games because of cramp. Fabio Rochemback is available after serving a one-match ban but Gary O'Neil is a doubt with a hamstring injury.
Birmingham (from): Maik Taylor, Parnaby, Kelly, Sadler, Queudrue, Schmitz, Ridgewell, Jaidi, Djourou, Larsson, De Ridder, Muamba, Nafti, Johnson, Sheffrey, Kapo, Jerome, Forssell, O'Connor, Doyle.
Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Turnbull, Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Pogatetz, Huth, Cattermole, O'Neil, Boateng, Arca, Rochemback, Johnson, Shawky, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Lee, Hutchinson.
Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Turnbull, Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Pogatetz, Huth, Cattermole, O'Neil, Boateng, Arca, Rochemback, Johnson, Shawky, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Lee, Hutchinson.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish:"I knew it was a tough job when I took it on, a massive challenge.
"I don't have a magic wand. If we keep making the errors then it's going to cost players their places.
"We've got a team that can bounce back, but we will be trying to look to do something in January to add some quality to the squad."
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate on the defeat to West Ham:"We've taken a kick in the nuts, but we've got to get it out of our system. "There's nothing we can do about it now. We're bitterly disappointed but there's nothing we can do about it now. We just have to get back on track. "They did a job on us - a classic away smash and grab."
"I don't have a magic wand. If we keep making the errors then it's going to cost players their places.
"We've got a team that can bounce back, but we will be trying to look to do something in January to add some quality to the squad."
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate on the defeat to West Ham:"We've taken a kick in the nuts, but we've got to get it out of our system. "There's nothing we can do about it now. We're bitterly disappointed but there's nothing we can do about it now. We just have to get back on track. "They did a job on us - a classic away smash and grab."
Everton v Bolton
Everton v Bolton
Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Everton are hopeful Mikel Arteta will have recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the defeat at Manchester United on Sunday. The Toffees were also without Leon Osman (foot), Alan Stubbs (calf) and Leighton Baines (hamstring) and they are likely to be missing again.
Bolton manager Gary Megson could name an unchanged team from the side that beat Birmingham 3-0 on Saturday. But Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel are both hoping for a recall.
Bolton manager Gary Megson could name an unchanged team from the side that beat Birmingham 3-0 on Saturday. But Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel are both hoping for a recall.
Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Valente, Cahill, Carsley, Pienaar, Gravesen, Arteta, Anichebe, Johnson, Yakubu, Vaughan, McFadden, Wessels.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, A O'Brien, Gardner, Nolan, Campo, Guthrie, Davies, Anelka, Diouf, McCann, Samuel, Al Habsi, Speed, Giannakopoulos, Cid, Michalik, Wilhelmsson, Braaten, Alonso.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, A O'Brien, Gardner, Nolan, Campo, Guthrie, Davies, Anelka, Diouf, McCann, Samuel, Al Habsi, Speed, Giannakopoulos, Cid, Michalik, Wilhelmsson, Braaten, Alonso.
Everton manager David Moyes:"Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off and get a good result against Bolton and start another long, unbeaten run. "We played well at United in periods and felt we did enough for a point.
"There were a lot of positives to be taken from the match and we only lost the game in the final minutes."
Bolton manager Gary Megson:"Everton are having a fantastic season and although they have spent some money, they are not one of the real big spenders. "A number of clubs find it difficult at Goodison but we've got to go and improve on our away performances. "When we are at our best we can beat anybody at this level."
"There were a lot of positives to be taken from the match and we only lost the game in the final minutes."
Bolton manager Gary Megson:"Everton are having a fantastic season and although they have spent some money, they are not one of the real big spenders. "A number of clubs find it difficult at Goodison but we've got to go and improve on our away performances. "When we are at our best we can beat anybody at this level."
Derby v Liverpool
Derby v Liverpool
Pride Park
Pride Park
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Derby skipper Matt Oakley remains a doubt with the groin strain that forced him out of the draw at Newcastle.
Stephen Bywater picked up a shoulder injury and Darren Moore a back problem in the match at St James' Park but both are expected to face Liverpool.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is likely to make changes with a tough trip to Manchester City looming next Sunday.
Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Fabio Aurelio, Lucas and Jack Hobbs could all be in line for a starting place.
Stephen Bywater picked up a shoulder injury and Darren Moore a back problem in the match at St James' Park but both are expected to face Liverpool.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is likely to make changes with a tough trip to Manchester City looming next Sunday.
Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Fabio Aurelio, Lucas and Jack Hobbs could all be in line for a starting place.
Derby (from): Bywater, Mears, Moore, McEveley, Leacock, Barnes, Edworthy, Oakley, Pearson, Lewis, Fagan, Howard, Miller, Teale, Earnshaw, Feilhaber, Holmes, Price.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hobbs, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kewell, Babel, Lucas, Sissoko, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hobbs, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kewell, Babel, Lucas, Sissoko, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje.
Derby manager Paul Jewell:"I am a realist, I know we have got it all to do. "All I can ask of the players is that they give me everything they have got. "Day-to-day we are gradually improving and coming around to the way we want to do things because every manager is different and does things differently."
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez:"It is too early to talk about the title or whether we will be in the top four.
"There are a number of sides who are playing well, so you cannot say who are going to be contenders.
"My idea is one game at a time and then see if we are in the top four at the end of the season."
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez:"It is too early to talk about the title or whether we will be in the top four.
"There are a number of sides who are playing well, so you cannot say who are going to be contenders.
"My idea is one game at a time and then see if we are in the top four at the end of the season."
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1300 GMT
Chelsea's third-choice goalkeeper Hilario could start, with Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini both out injured.
Cech is suffering from bruising picked up in Sunday's win at Blackburn while Cudicini is out with a rib injury.
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov could be in line for a recall after making his comeback from injury as a substitute against Manchester City.
Petrov's former Celtic team-mate Shaun Maloney would be the player most likely to make way.
Cech is suffering from bruising picked up in Sunday's win at Blackburn while Cudicini is out with a rib injury.
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov could be in line for a recall after making his comeback from injury as a substitute against Manchester City.
Petrov's former Celtic team-mate Shaun Maloney would be the player most likely to make way.
Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, A Cole, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, J Cole, Lampard, Essien, Sidwell, Kalou, Shevchenko, Mikel, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro.
Aston Villa (from): Carson, Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Taylor, Moore, Maloney, Cahill, Davies, Gardner, Harewood, Osbourne, Berger, Salifou.
Aston Villa (from): Carson, Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Taylor, Moore, Maloney, Cahill, Davies, Gardner, Harewood, Osbourne, Berger, Salifou.
Cheslea manager Avram Grant on Chelsea's injury problems:"I cannot say it will be easy if we lose Cech.
"To play with so many injured for a long time, I don't like it. "It's fact, and we need to get through it as soon as possible like we have done in the last three months."
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:"We've got a tough period coming up. "But this time of the year is always critical because there are so many games in quick succession. "You can recover from a poor Christmas but if you can do well it gives you an enormous spur."
"To play with so many injured for a long time, I don't like it. "It's fact, and we need to get through it as soon as possible like we have done in the last three months."
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:"We've got a tough period coming up. "But this time of the year is always critical because there are so many games in quick succession. "You can recover from a poor Christmas but if you can do well it gives you an enormous spur."
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Fratton Park
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Portsmouth defender Noe Pamarot could return after recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him out of the defeat at Liverpool.
Sean Davis missed the reverse at Anfield after picking up a knock in training but could also return.
Arsenal may opt against playing Robin van Persie after he was not risked against Tottenham.
Theo Walcott is struggling with a knee injury but Emmanuel Eboue is fit after playing for 74 minutes against Spurs.
Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Davis, Diop, Muntari, Kranjcar, Pedro Mendes, Benjani, Kanu, Taylor, Nugent, Lauren, Hughes, Ashdown.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Lehmann, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Gilberto, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Diarra, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, Senderos, Traore, Song, Denilson, Bendtner, Diaby, Eduardo.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp:"It is a nice, easy game for us after Liverpool.
"We gave away two terrible goals after getting back into the game following a poor start.
"But were are making progress as a club and I would be satisfied with a top-10 finish. Anything else will be a bonus."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:"It's important to be top.
"But it's too early to say. In the last two seasons, at this stage there was only one team involved - Chelsea or Manchester United. "This year there are more in it so it's impossible to say how things will happen. Being top now is no insurance."
Fratton Park
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Portsmouth defender Noe Pamarot could return after recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him out of the defeat at Liverpool.
Sean Davis missed the reverse at Anfield after picking up a knock in training but could also return.
Arsenal may opt against playing Robin van Persie after he was not risked against Tottenham.
Theo Walcott is struggling with a knee injury but Emmanuel Eboue is fit after playing for 74 minutes against Spurs.
Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Davis, Diop, Muntari, Kranjcar, Pedro Mendes, Benjani, Kanu, Taylor, Nugent, Lauren, Hughes, Ashdown.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Lehmann, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Gilberto, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Diarra, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, Senderos, Traore, Song, Denilson, Bendtner, Diaby, Eduardo.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp:"It is a nice, easy game for us after Liverpool.
"We gave away two terrible goals after getting back into the game following a poor start.
"But were are making progress as a club and I would be satisfied with a top-10 finish. Anything else will be a bonus."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:"It's important to be top.
"But it's too early to say. In the last two seasons, at this stage there was only one team involved - Chelsea or Manchester United. "This year there are more in it so it's impossible to say how things will happen. Being top now is no insurance."
Sunderland v Man Utd
Sunderland v Man Utd Stadium of Light
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is a doubt with a heel injury he picked up at Reading on Saturday. Liam Miller is still suspended, while Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring), Kieran Richardson (back) and Russell Anderson (ankle) are not yet ready to return. Park Ji-sung could return to the Manchester United squad for the first time since March after knee surgery. Edwin van der Sar (groin) is definitely out, while Rio Ferdinand (foot) and Owen Hargreaves (back) should be fit.
Sunderland (from): Gordon, Ward, McShane, Halford, Harte, Higginbotham, Collins, Yorke, Etuhu, Leadbitter, Wallace, Whitehead, Kavanagh, O'Donovan, Jones, Chopra, Connolly, Murphy, Stokes, Cole.
Man Utd (from): Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, O'Shea, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Nani, Eagles, Carrick, Hargreaves, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Tevez, Rooney, Saha.
Sunderland manager Roy Keane on recent refereeing decisions:"You just keep hoping that over the course of the season these decisions will even themselves out. "It hasn't for the last few weeks but we hope, come May, that we look back and say 'well some went for us and some went against us'. "At the moment they are all going against us."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:"December is a very important month. "If we get through Christmas, we have tough away games at Sunderland and West Ham and Birmingham at home, and are still with Arsenal we have a chance. "We have Nani, Saha and Park all back in the squad, but there won't be a lot of changes."
UEFA Champions League Draw
Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v Porto
Liverpool v Inter Milan
Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olympiakos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla
(Ties to be played on 19/20 February and 4/5 March)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Ice-Cool
Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ice-cool temperament after the Portuguese winger’s nerveless late penalty winner against Everton kept Manchester United’s title challenge on track.Ronaldo sealed the 2-1 victory with a spot-kick three minutes from the final whistle after his first half goal had been cancelled out by Tim Cahill’s equaliser.The double took his goal-haul to 16 for the season and United manager Ferguson admitted Ronaldo’s contribution was crucial to keeping his side within one point of leaders Arsenal after the opening round of the four-game holiday programme.“The thing is the boy has got everything and we are expecting goals from him all the time,” said the manager. “I don’t know if he made a mistake, he was absolutely perfect.“It was a marvellous performance from him. The others played their part of course, we had a good team spirit and we kept going but I think everyone probably expected that. But it’s a very good team performance and I’m pleased.“Ronaldo has always had that great confidence and temperament. He came here with that and he is never going to lose that. That’s a great quality he has. He has composed himself for the penalty kick. He knows it is an important one and he has taken his time and won the game for us.”Ferguson hopes to recall Rio Ferdinand and 
Owen Hargreaves for the trip to face Sunderland on Wednesday but expects Tomasz Kuszczak to continue to deputise for injured keeper Edwin van der Sar for at least two more games.But while he insists the win over Everton was crucial to their hopes of overhauling Arsenal, the Scot warned the race will not be decided during the Christmas period.“You can’t say it is a two-horse race now,” he added. “December is a very important month and if we get through the Christmas period, we have two very difficult away games at Sunderland and West Ham and Birmingham at home, and are still with Arsenal we have a good chance.“We are hoping Hargreaves and Rio will be back for Sunderland. Edwin will be out for another couple of games and we will change things around. We have Nani, Saha and Park back in the squad, but there won’t be a lot of changes.”Everton manager David Moyes was frustrated at Steven Pienaar’s clumsy foul on Ryan Giggs that gave United the chance to seal victory but he insisted the performance was further proof his side are closing the gap on the top four. “It was a moment of madness from Steven, one of those moments in time when you think that can’t have possibly happened,” he said.
Beckham all praise for Capello
David Beckham insists he has no problem with Fabio Capello and can’t wait to work with the new England coach.Capello dropped Beckham when the England midfielder was playing at Real Madrid last season because he had agreed to join LA Galaxy.The Italian was forced to bring Beckham back into the Real starting line-up as the team struggled without him.Real went on to win the Spanish league and Beckham is adamant he doesn’t hold a grudge against Capello. “There were ups and downs with me and the manager at the time but he brought me back into the team and he had the belief in me to put me back in the team,” Beckham, speaking in a BBC Radio Two interview, said. Amazing End “ It gave me an amazing end and I was sad when he got the sack as I believe he had turned the club and the players around and given the fans what they deserved, a trophy.“ I think he is a great appointment for England. Everyone wants someone leading you that has respect and success. He has definitely got that in his career.” Capello has admitted he admires Beckham’s ability and character, but stopped short of confirming he will hand the former Manchester United star his 100th cap in February’s friendly against Switzerland.Whether he is part of Capello’s plans or not Beckham believes England can only benefit from his appointment. “Fabio is one of the managers players look up to and want to manage them. I hope I’ll be part of his plans,” Beckham said. “I think he is going to be great for the players and the England team.”
Chelsea fear Petr Cech injury
Chelsea face a nervous Christmas as goalkeeper Petr Cech waits to learn the extent of a hip injury sustained during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Blackburn.Cech limped out of the action in the second-half following a collision with Blackburn forward Roque Santa Cruz and his injury could prove costly for Chelsea, who are also without rib injury victim Carlo Cudicini for the home clash with Aston Villa on Wednesday.Chelsea manager Avram Grant said: "The situation with Cech is one that we will know once he has had a scan on the injury. We need to wait and see. With this kind of injury, it is better to wait
Real Madrid Win the Big Fight
Baptista’s stunner leaves fans at Nou Camp shocked as Real take seven points lead in the Spanish League
Real Madrid beat their arch-rivals and closest challengers Barcelona 1-0 at the Nou Camp to take a vice-like hold on the Primera Liga title race yesterday. Julio Baptista’s well taken first-half goal secured the Spanish champions only their second league victory in 24 attempts at Barca’s ground, ended the Catalans’ 100 percent home record this season and sent them seven points clear at the top.Real looked sharper throughout while Barcelona appeared paralysed with nerves and offered little once their visitors had edged ahead. “It’s one of the most important goals I’ve ever scored. I’ll never forget it,” Baptista told reporters.Real’s Bernd Schuster, after his first ‘clasico’ as 
coach, goes into the mid-season break sitting pretty with 41 points. Barca are second with 34.Barca coach Frank Rijkaard sprung something of a surprise when he named Ronaldinho and Deco in his starting 11 after a week of heated speculation. Although Barca dominated the ball early on, they were given little space to work their passes and Real had the first clear effort when Pepe headed straight at Victor Valdes from a Wesley Sneijder free kick. Baptista scored Real’s winner. Andres Iniesta sent Samuel Eto’o scampering into the area after 29 minutes but Iker Casillas was quick off his line to smother the danger and then poke the ball off the foot of Iniesta in the follow up. Barca appeared to be upping the tempo when Iniesta streaked down the right and crossed for Ronaldinho to hit a first-time shot, but Casillas pulled off a marvellous reflex save.Real took the lead almost immediately on a lightning quick break when Brazilian midfielder Baptista received a cushioned return pass from Ruud van Nistelrooy to thump the ball into the far top corner. Real did not let Barca settle, pressuring them in every corner of the pitch and the home side were clearly rattled as the second-half minutes ticked by.Rijkaard brought on Giovani dos Santos and Bojan Krkic in an attempt to pep up his attack to little avail, as they clearly missed the cutting edge of injured top scorer Lionel Messi. Brazilian Ronaldinho remained a forlorn figure wide on the left and ended up being whistled near the end.
coach, goes into the mid-season break sitting pretty with 41 points. Barca are second with 34.Barca coach Frank Rijkaard sprung something of a surprise when he named Ronaldinho and Deco in his starting 11 after a week of heated speculation. Although Barca dominated the ball early on, they were given little space to work their passes and Real had the first clear effort when Pepe headed straight at Victor Valdes from a Wesley Sneijder free kick. Baptista scored Real’s winner. Andres Iniesta sent Samuel Eto’o scampering into the area after 29 minutes but Iker Casillas was quick off his line to smother the danger and then poke the ball off the foot of Iniesta in the follow up. Barca appeared to be upping the tempo when Iniesta streaked down the right and crossed for Ronaldinho to hit a first-time shot, but Casillas pulled off a marvellous reflex save.Real took the lead almost immediately on a lightning quick break when Brazilian midfielder Baptista received a cushioned return pass from Ruud van Nistelrooy to thump the ball into the far top corner. Real did not let Barca settle, pressuring them in every corner of the pitch and the home side were clearly rattled as the second-half minutes ticked by.Rijkaard brought on Giovani dos Santos and Bojan Krkic in an attempt to pep up his attack to little avail, as they clearly missed the cutting edge of injured top scorer Lionel Messi. Brazilian Ronaldinho remained a forlorn figure wide on the left and ended up being whistled near the end.On the other hand, every time Real broke forward they looked like adding to the score with Robinho, Van Nistelrooy and their man-of-the match Baptista a constant threat. Real showed greater bite in the tackle and they 
strangled the life out of their opponents and only a late flurry from Barca promised an equaliser.
strangled the life out of their opponents and only a late flurry from Barca promised an equaliser.Monday, December 24, 2007
UEFA Interviews Ricky Kaka
UEFA.com: You came through São Paulo's famous youth academy. How would you compare player development at home to here in Europe?
Kaká : This is an issue that is tackled very differently in Brazil compared to Europe. Brazilian clubs have much better youth development systems in many ways, and the teams tend to rely a lot on home-grown talent. I don't see that happening very much in Europe. I can't say a lot about particular countries, but in Italy the policy is clear, instead of developing them, they buy them. To me, Italian clubs don't have the patience to nurture a player. It's very common to see young talents off-loaded to lower division sides as a matter of course.
UEFA.com: Do you think that will have a long-term effect?
Kaká : Yes, the lack of attention on youth could end up hurting national teams. For example, young players in Italy do not have the same pressure we Brazilians face at a similar age, and this cannot be good. We are tested all the time in Brazil, but with the intention of making players ready for professional action. I used to love it when the junior team faced the professionals at São Paulo. Perhaps some regulations forcing clubs to have a minimum number of home-grown players in their squads, something that has been discussed before, could help.
UEFA.com: Do players have too much power?
Kaká : I don't agree when people say players have too much power in the game. Changes like the Bosman ruling have altered the balance over the last few years, but clubs can still have their way. If you refuse to sign a contract in order to move to another team, or demand better conditions, they can still put you on the bench. There are no heroes or villains in these situations.
UEFA.com: Are player salaries too high or are they justified?
Kaká : Fair is how I would call it, given the importance of the players to the game. No fan goes to a game to cheer for a chairman or the board. They are there to see the star of the show. I don't want to sound arrogant, but just take a look at American sports such as NBA basketball, where some guys can make $100m in a flash. Football generates lots of income and I don't think too much money is spent on players' wages.
UEFA.com: What do you think about the role of agents in football?
Kaká : All agents have been vilified because of some bad professionals but bad people are everywhere in our lives and there are a lot of good agents who I think are often very helpful for players. It would be hard for a player to concentrate on his career on the pitch if things weren't being handled properly off it.
UEFA.com: What do you think is the best strategy to deal with the media?
Kaká : Talk. I don't mind having conversations with journalists and even treating them like colleagues in this football world . That's not to say that I am always giving interviews, but the media is important for the game. Having said that, intrusions really annoy me. Paparazzi can be really irritating, but even then I try to pose for at least one shot. (HAH, THAT'S THE WAY!)
UEFA.com: Are players playing too many games?
Kaká : The answer is simple, why would players complain if it wasn't so? After all, a professional footballer is, by definition, somebody who likes to play football. However, if you have to play it so often, you lose that sense of excitement for the matches which are not derbies. It tires you. But it seems difficult to me to find a solution. It's up to the game's governing bodies to find a way.
UEFA.com: Is doping in football a big problem and what should be done?
Kaká : It's not something that's out of control, but doping and drugs in sport are problems which need constant monitoring. It's not fair when a player tries to further his own physical limitations. And neither is getting involved with recreational drugs. Players are an example for a lot of people and should be really aware of this influence. For me, an addiction to recreational drugs is just as bad as illegal doping.
Source : UEFA.com
Kaká : This is an issue that is tackled very differently in Brazil compared to Europe. Brazilian clubs have much better youth development systems in many ways, and the teams tend to rely a lot on home-grown talent. I don't see that happening very much in Europe. I can't say a lot about particular countries, but in Italy the policy is clear, instead of developing them, they buy them. To me, Italian clubs don't have the patience to nurture a player. It's very common to see young talents off-loaded to lower division sides as a matter of course.
UEFA.com: Do you think that will have a long-term effect?
Kaká : Yes, the lack of attention on youth could end up hurting national teams. For example, young players in Italy do not have the same pressure we Brazilians face at a similar age, and this cannot be good. We are tested all the time in Brazil, but with the intention of making players ready for professional action. I used to love it when the junior team faced the professionals at São Paulo. Perhaps some regulations forcing clubs to have a minimum number of home-grown players in their squads, something that has been discussed before, could help.
UEFA.com: Do players have too much power?
Kaká : I don't agree when people say players have too much power in the game. Changes like the Bosman ruling have altered the balance over the last few years, but clubs can still have their way. If you refuse to sign a contract in order to move to another team, or demand better conditions, they can still put you on the bench. There are no heroes or villains in these situations.
UEFA.com: Are player salaries too high or are they justified?
Kaká : Fair is how I would call it, given the importance of the players to the game. No fan goes to a game to cheer for a chairman or the board. They are there to see the star of the show. I don't want to sound arrogant, but just take a look at American sports such as NBA basketball, where some guys can make $100m in a flash. Football generates lots of income and I don't think too much money is spent on players' wages.
UEFA.com: What do you think about the role of agents in football?
Kaká : All agents have been vilified because of some bad professionals but bad people are everywhere in our lives and there are a lot of good agents who I think are often very helpful for players. It would be hard for a player to concentrate on his career on the pitch if things weren't being handled properly off it.
UEFA.com: What do you think is the best strategy to deal with the media?
Kaká : Talk. I don't mind having conversations with journalists and even treating them like colleagues in this football world . That's not to say that I am always giving interviews, but the media is important for the game. Having said that, intrusions really annoy me. Paparazzi can be really irritating, but even then I try to pose for at least one shot. (HAH, THAT'S THE WAY!)
UEFA.com: Are players playing too many games?
Kaká : The answer is simple, why would players complain if it wasn't so? After all, a professional footballer is, by definition, somebody who likes to play football. However, if you have to play it so often, you lose that sense of excitement for the matches which are not derbies. It tires you. But it seems difficult to me to find a solution. It's up to the game's governing bodies to find a way.
UEFA.com: Is doping in football a big problem and what should be done?
Kaká : It's not something that's out of control, but doping and drugs in sport are problems which need constant monitoring. It's not fair when a player tries to further his own physical limitations. And neither is getting involved with recreational drugs. Players are an example for a lot of people and should be really aware of this influence. For me, an addiction to recreational drugs is just as bad as illegal doping.
Source : UEFA.com
The UEFA Interview
The UEFA Interview
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has described Kaká as one of the finest talents produced by his country in the past 50 years . It is quite an accolade, but since joining AC Milan from São Paulo FC for €8.5m in 2003 Kaká has been living up to the billing, and come good on his promise to " combine Brazilian fantasy with the tactical discipline of European football ". Here the 23-year-old speaks freely to UEFA.com about his views on the game, and how it differs from South America to Europe.
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has described Kaká as one of the finest talents produced by his country in the past 50 years . It is quite an accolade, but since joining AC Milan from São Paulo FC for €8.5m in 2003 Kaká has been living up to the billing, and come good on his promise to " combine Brazilian fantasy with the tactical discipline of European football ". Here the 23-year-old speaks freely to UEFA.com about his views on the game, and how it differs from South America to Europe.
Current Top Scorer's
UEFA Champions League Top Scorer's
Top scorers »
5 Zlatan Ibrahimović InterMilan
5 Cristiano Ronaldo Man. United
4 Steven Gerrard Liverpool
4 Ruud van Nistelrooy Real Madrid
4 Robinho Real Madrid
4 Filippo Inzaghi AC Milan
4 Lionel Messi Barcelona
Some Information on UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is a seasonal club football competition organised by one of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) since 1955 for the most successful football clubs in Europe. The prize, the European Champion Clubs' Cup, is considered the most prestigious club trophy in the sport, together with the Intercontinental Cup.
The UEFA Champions League is separate from the less prestigious UEFA Cup and the defunct Cup Winners' Cup.
The tournament consists of several stages. In the present format it begins in mid-July with three preliminary knockout qualifying rounds. The 16 surviving teams join 16 seeded teams in a group stage. Eight group winners and eight runners-up enter the final knockout rounds, which end with the final match in May.
The current holders of the UEFA Champions League trophy are AC Milan, who beat Liverpool FC 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece on 23 May 2007.
Moscow will host its first European Cup final for the 2007-08 season.
The UEFA Champions League is separate from the less prestigious UEFA Cup and the defunct Cup Winners' Cup.
The tournament consists of several stages. In the present format it begins in mid-July with three preliminary knockout qualifying rounds. The 16 surviving teams join 16 seeded teams in a group stage. Eight group winners and eight runners-up enter the final knockout rounds, which end with the final match in May.
The current holders of the UEFA Champions League trophy are AC Milan, who beat Liverpool FC 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece on 23 May 2007.
Moscow will host its first European Cup final for the 2007-08 season.
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Hi I am Mohsin Rizvi. I am a Big Football Fan so I decided to open this blog so that everyone can discuss football matches & etc.
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