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Manchester United just never know when they are beaten and a stunning comeback saw Fergie’s men go 5pts clear at the top of the Premier League. Sir Alex believes that the result could galvanise United’s title push and on this second half showing you will be a brave man to back against the Red Devils in claiming a record 19th title.

In the papers this morning we have seen a mixed bag of stories that includes Dalglish claiming the return of Gerrard will give the Reds momentum; Fabregas desperate for silverware and John Terry fights back for southern softies.

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Dalglish says return of Gerrard will add momentum – Guardian

New clip leaves Richard Keys in firing line – Daily Telegraph

Spurs plan to leave N17 even if bid fails – Guardian

Fabregas desperate for silverware – Daily Telegraph

Fabio Capello: I trust women officials to rule over the game – Daily Mail

Terry fights back for ‘southern softies’ – Guardian

Chelsea’s £52m swoop KO’d – Sun

Football ruled out by Olympic board in 2006 – Daily Telegraph

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Villa to launch bid for Jenas – Sun

Wenger cools Chamberlain talk – Sky Sports

Hart has to pull his finger out – Capello – Mirror

There have been reports this week that should West Ham fail to win this weekend, that Avram Grant’s time at Upton Park is as good as over. Whilst this may seem a touch melodramatic considering the relatively small point deficit between the Hammers and the main pack, the ease with which Grant’s side have been dealt with in recent weeks suggests that this game could genuinely make or break the league season.

Perhaps it is unfair to judge the current state of West Ham’s quality of football on their performance at Anfield last weekend, as the game was virtually over after 25 minutes. However, they welcome a side that without two red cards at Old Trafford last weekend, could have taken something off the former Premier League champions and this suggests there will be not an easy breath for any of the Hammers faithful before five o’clock on Saturday afternoon.

A victory would be a massive fillip, much could depend on which Wigan decides to make the long journey south. Grant may think he is owed a win, but the Premier League does not always work that away.

Prediction: 1-2

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Blackpool manager Ian Holloway was relieved his side could halt their run of five losses with a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa.

The Seasiders had the chance to clinch the game late on when Villa’s Jean Makoun was dismissed, but Holloway said he was satisfied with his side’s fourth point in 2011.

“I suppose I’ll have to be happy (with a point). We had a bit of a nervous opening quarter of an hour,” he said.

“It was the first time we looked like that all season and they got an absolute classic counter-attacking goal.”

Holloway said his side put forward their usual aggressive tactics but were denied a winner by a stern Villa defence.

“We threw everything we had at them and they defended resolutely. Hopefully, we’ve seen a change of the tide. They broke away in the last minute and they didn’t score, which has been happening to us of late,” he said.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier agreed that referee Howard Webb’s decision to send off Makoun midway through the second half was the correct one.

“I don’t think my opinion (on the sending off) would change things,” the Frenchman joked.

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“I think first of all the sending off was a reckless tackle. I know it was not malicious, I know it was not to hurt, but this one, his feet were off the ground. I know he got the ball, I know it was a good tackle but the rules are simple. When you have got your feet off the ground, it’s a direct red.”

“Obviously, 20-25 minutes, it’s a different game. Down to 10 men, you have to show different qualities. I’m pleased that we were resilient, we showed some resolute defending. We were disciplined, and I was very, very satisfied, very proud of the effort of the players because they really fought hard to keep the point.”

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is surprised by Asamoah Gyan’s decision to leave Wearside to sign for United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, and has stated that the striker has no future at the club.

Speculation has shrouded the African frontman’s future over the last month despite The Black Cats’ lack of attacking options, and Bruce has revealed that Gyan went back on his word.

“I had a conversation with him 48 hours ago and he assured me, he shook my hand, that he wanted to be a Sunderland player, wanted to see the season, wanted to go the African Nations again in good form, wanted to work on his fitness levels then all of a sudden within a few hours it seems things have changed,” he told Sky Sports after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Bruce was astonished by Gyan’s decision to leave, especially given his destination and has admitted the forward is not welcome back to the Stadium of Light.

“Other people can make their own conclusions. You leave the biggest and best league in the world to go play in the United Arab Emirates. I’m sorry but sometimes football, sometimes it’s baffling to say the least. Very disappointed in the timing of it, the whole thing has left a bad taste if I’m being honest.

“I don’t believe he’s got a future here, I don’t think he can. You can’t leave this club and want to leave and want to go the United Arab Emirates and we’re going to welcome you back with open arms, I can’t see it but you never know,” he continued.

The news is a blow for Sunderland, especially after their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, with Bruce not happy with his defence.

“They (Chelsea) were excellent in possession of the ball. We found it very difficult to get after them, which we did and we did valiantly to keep at it and stick at it, but when we got it we gave it away too cheaply.

“For all that good possession that they had, they haven’t really carved us open, they don’t have to do much for both goals really so that’s disappointing,” he concluded.

Sunderland’s next game is against Stoke at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, and with only two points from four games so far this term the home fans will be keen to see their side get a win.

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The narrow minded attitude of the BBC has sparked plenty of criticism over the past month or so as two Football League Shows over the Christmas period were cancelled, suggesting that the show could be scrapped altogether. Rumours were flying about on social networking sites but it is still unclear whether the 72 football league clubs’ supporters will be able to watch action from their teams.

The BBC claim it is in negotiations over whether to recommission the Football League Show, which is in the final year of a three-year contract, but whether they are successful is still to be seen as the Premier League is once again showing its distance between the rest.

A BBC spokeswoman made a statement on the recent cancellations: “The Boxing Day and 2nd January fixtures are outside our contractual obligations,” she said. “Many factors come into play when planning the busy Christmas schedules and we were unable to schedule a programme for New Year’s Eve. To address the shortfall, we will be doing an additional programme later in the season.”

Football League Show host Manish Bhasin attempted to squash any rumours that his show will be no longer after this season is finished.

“Budget decision I’m afraid … but all the goals will be online on the BBC Football website,” he said on Twitter “The FLS has NOT been scrapped! It’s on till May and who knows maybe even longer … but …”

Whatever the decision come May, the nonchalant decision to not show crucial fixtures for waiting fans is a clear sign that the BBC have more interest in the Premier League than ever. The gap between the top two divisions in England is widely thought not to be a great deal in footballing terms, but financially and in people’s priorities it is now huge.

The funding for the Championship sides is decreasing consistently and clubs falling from the top division are finding it harder and harder to compete at the lower level due to financial restrictions and a shock to the system.

It is staggering to think that the Championship, League One and League Two clubs get so little TV time but yet I am confident that West Ham, Birmingham City, Southampton and possibly Cardiff City would not look out of place in the declining Premier League this season. The parachute payments are a ticking time bomb for clubs such as Blackpool who will take a long time to match the heights of Premier League football last season and without excellent owners will have that debt for a long time.

The Football League Show will return this weekend even though the BBC claim that this weeks’ Carling Cup games were more important than the Football League in recent weeks, but the timing of the show usually passes midnight and not all supporters will be able to watch it which once again shows priorities that are not welcomed in modern day football. I am interested in all levels of English football, not just the top 20 teams so why should I not be able to watch the rest because the BBC feel it is less important.

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Do you think the Football League Show is worth keeping on? Let me know on Twitter: @Brad_Pinard

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Tottenham are still interested in signing Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao after failing to prise him away from Internacional in the summer, the Metro understands.

Boss Harry Redknapp was keen to bring the 22-year-old to White Hart Lane during the transfer window as he sought to strengthen his attacking options.

He has since signed Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City but still has a spot open in his squad for a striker after letting Peter Crouch move to Stoke and Robbie Keane leave for LA Galaxy of the MLS.

Damiao was the subject of a £15 million move by Spurs during the summer, but the North London side aren’t prepared to pay anywhere near that amount when the window re-opens at the start of 2012.

They hope that a package made up of a significantly lower fee and a number of incentive-based payments will be enough to tempt Internacional into selling the striker.

However, their has also been protracted interest from Barcelona and Spurs could have a huge battle on their hands if the La Liga giants decide to enter the race for Damiao’s signature.

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Bids from both clubs will hinge on whether the South American club lower their demands for Damiao, with their current price tag considered too steep by both Redknapp and Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola.

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Just hours after tasting success in the Europa League, Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas has already set his sights on more European glory.Villas-Boas became the youngest manager in history to lift a European trophy after Porto battled to a 1-0 win over Sporting Braga in Dublin on Wednesday night.

Radamel Falcao’s 44th-minute header – his 17th goal of the tournament – proved the decisive moment for the club, with the win taking them a step closer to an historic treble.

Porto wrapped up the Liga Sagres title with five matches to spare and they now just need to defeat Vitoria Guimaraes in the Taca De Portugal final on Sunday to seal a hat-trick of major trophies.

And the 33-year-old Villas-Boas – who will be in high demand as a manager – is committed to taking Porto to even greater success.

“I think we have to not focus on my ambitions, that’s not what is important. The most important thing is that Porto has the UEFA Cup in its trophy cabinet again,” he said.

“This is something very, very important for us. It reflects the quality of the work we do. After 2003-2004 it’s something very, very special to get it again. This is something that means a lot to us people of Porto and we are very close to another moment of joy, so let’s focus on beating this number of titles which is something we can be proud of.”

While the match did not live up to the hype of a final as the normally free-scoring Porto were somewhat subdued, Villas-Boas was thrilled to lift the trophy.

“I do feel just a little sad, because both teams could have been better,” he said.

“Both teams found it hard, but that is nothing new in a final. Braga are always very aggressive and very compact, which makes our work very hard.”

“But there is a great joy in winning the trophy.”

Striker Falcao is also likely to come in for some attention but Villas-Boas said he hoped high release clauses would stave off any potential suitors.

“Speculation is normal with managers and football players all around the world, it’s nothing new. Porto has had an incredible year, and people will speculate a lot with the exits. I can only tell you that Porto has the highest release clauses in the market so it’s not easy for any of this talent to run away from us and we would like to keep as much talent as possible for the year after,” he said.

For his part, Falcao could not hide his delight at sealing the title.

“I am very, very happy – I lived for a moment like this – but this is especially for the team,” Falcao said.

“I thank God and Porto to be in a position like this. Being the top-scorer is just an extra, what matters is the victory.”

Goalkeeper and Porto skipper Helton had extra reason to celebrate as he kept a clean sheet on his 33rd birthday.

“Besides being very heavy, this trophy is a wonderful birthday gift,” Helton said.

“We knew it would not be easy and that is how it proved.”

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain hit a hat-trick in their 6-3 thrashing of Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.Jose Mourinho’s side was in devastating form as they held a 4-0 half-time lead at the Estadio de Mestalla, although they failed to make up any ground on first-placed rivals Barcelona, who also had a win.

Higuain was the provider of the first in the 23rd minute as his pass led to Valencia goal-keeper Vicente Guaita palming into the path of Karim Benzema, who hammered home into an empty net.

The Argentine got his first goal of three in the 31st minute with a tight finish, before setting up Kaka for the team’s third six minutes from half-time.

The Brazilian returned the favour twice to Higuain, either side of the interval, as Real Madrid led 5-0 after 53 minutes.

Valencia striker Roberto Soldado pulled a goal back on the hour mark before Kaka completed his brace after an assist from Benzema two minutes later.

Substitutes Jonas and Jordi Alba provided some respectability to the scoreline with goals in the last 10 minutes as the third-placed Valencia crashed to a heavy defeat.

Barcelona maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the table, however, with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Osasuna.

Goals from David Villa and his second-half replacement Lionel Messi ensured Pep Guardiola’s team kept their buffer at the top.

Villa finished smartly in the 24th minute after benefiting from a slick team move that led to a superb pass from Jeffren in his direction.

Messi wrapped up the points two minutes from time with a neat finish after Dani Alves slid him behind the Osasuna defence.

The loss continues Osasuna’s nervous finish to the season, still sitting two points above the drop zone.

There is no longer a revolution underway at Anfield, it is well and truly complete as Liverpool now occupy fifth place in the Premier League and although it is probably too late to catch Manchester City for the Champions League berth, this season has been well and truly rescued by Kenny Dalglish and his team. Liverpool spent big and boldly in the January transfer window in order to try and salvage their season and despite Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez (especially) having performed well for the Merseyside outfit since their arrival, it has been ‘King’ Kenny’s faith in the youngsters that has been the real positive from this season.

John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Kelly have all made great strides under the Kop Hero and have slotted in comfortably to aid Liverpool through their injury troubles, with all of them turning in performances that belie their years. Dalglish’s belief in the youngsters has been a breathe of fresh air in a league that sees the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City mainly ignoring home grown talent and preferring to spend big abroad, but with a reported major summer overhaul of Liverpool’s squad, will the promising starlets be lost amongst pound signs and foreign imports?

Since the end of January, Liverpool have only let in 8 goals, a remarkable feat by a defensive unit. Martin Kelly, can play all across the back line and prior to his injuries the young England Under-21 international’s performances have even forced Liverpool and England’s first choice right back Glen Johnson to play at left back several times this year. But with both these full backs out, along with Fabio Aurelio, up stepped Jack Robinson. The young Englishman put in a sublime performance in the recent 1-1 draw with Arsenal, where he had Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott in his ‘back pocket’. With such talents emerging in the full back positions, should Liverpool really look to be adding someone like Newcastle left back Jose Enrique to their squad?

Jay Spearing epitomises that iconic FIFA 2010 saying “bulldog-like approach” and has been hugely impressive in the absence of Steven Gerrard. Despite the much improved performances of Lucas and a returning Aquilani, if Liverpool were to partner the young Englishman with Stevie G next season, he would only get better, which is a scary thought considering Spearing’s incredible determination and work rate already at just 22.

The future is bright down Anfield Road and if Kenny Dalglish sits tight, he will reap the rewards from his young stars next season, and with the money saved on transfers perhaps Kenny can afford a different haircut after 30 years.

Perhaps the time has come for a Red Dawn.

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Listen to the latest episode of our award nominee podcast – The Football FanCast. – Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and King Jacks! Don’t forget to help Razor and O’Reilly become award winners in the 2011 EPL Awards

Stoke have secured progression to the knockout stages of the Europa League after drawing 1-1 with Dinamo Kiev at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday night.

A Matthew Upson own goal in the first half gave the Ukrainian visitors the lead at the interval, but a late Kenwyne Jones strike ensured that the Potters will be in the draw for the last 32.

With Tottenham, Fulham, Birmingham and Celtic struggling to progress past the pool stages, manager Tony Pulis is proud of the achievements of his team.

“We were off the pace in the first half but they’re a good side. There was one change from the side that knocked Manchester City out last season,” he told Mirror Football.

“What we’ve done is fantastic and we’ve qualified from what I think is the toughest group.

“That’s nine games in Europe and nine games unbeaten. It’s a great, great achievement. It’s very difficult for Premier League teams to play in the Europa League because you come back and every game is like a cup final.

“You can look at other European leagues and the strength in depth isn’t as great. It’s a real struggle in that respect but we want to do well.

“It’s the first time we’ve been in Europe for more than 30 years. You can wash it away, but I don’t want to wash it away, I want to enjoy it, I want the supporters to enjoy it, I want everybody at the football club to enjoy it because we might not get it for a while again.

“It’s the first time this football club’s ever achieved this, so it’s another milestone and is testimony to everything we’re trying to do,” he concluded.

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Stoke now take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, and will look to replicate their European form domestically.

By Gareth McKnight

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