Manchester City 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool fire blanks as Benitez's title push over?

Liverpool failed to take a much needed step towards to the Premier League top two today, drawing one of their two games in hand away to Manchester City. In a game that Liverpool generally edged more than dominated, they just couldn't convert any of several good chances to take all the points.

Torres in particular had an off day, missing one glorious chance set up for him after great interplay between Aurelio and Kewell. In general Torres just wasn't at the races today, scuffing chances and passes throughout. That said man of the match Richard Dunne, and Micah Richards were colossal in defence for City.

Liverpool started the game slowly in a cagey first half, but began to get into it after the half hour mark. Fabio Aurelio led the charge, with two excellent long range strikes that Hart had to tip over. Before that the only effort of note had been a Harry Kewell effort that Hart struggled to gather.

The second half saw Liverpool push more and more for a winner, so much so that City were hanging on desperately by the games end. Torres twice and Benayoun missed great chances to put Liverpool, in what surely would have been a winning lead. Late on there was an amazing piece of defending by Dunne, when he cleared off his line after Hart had only parried Kuyts header.

All in all it was a good point for City but two vital points dropped for Liverpool. Benitez has won the title from the back of the field before but you can't see this Liverpool team doing it to take the Premier League. In reality it was not the points dropped here today that is halting Liverpool's Premier League title challenge, its the two points from nine gained from their rivals that is their undoing. With those gained at home, it's hard to see that being improved on in trips to Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford and the Emirates.

For Manchester City, they can be satisfied at a good performance against one of the Premier League top sides. There tremendous progression under Sven-Goran Eriksson continues.

Motherwell captain O'Donnell dies

Shock at Motherwell captain O'Donnell's death

Scottish football is in a state of shock at the news of Motherwell's captain Phil O'Donnell's death. Near the end of Motherwell's game against Dundee and just as his number was held up to be substituted O'Donnell collapsed. Doctors' and physios' rushed to his aid but he was unable to be revived. He was rushed to Wishaw Hospital, leaving all at the stadium in a state of shock.

Our sympathies go out to his family.

Premier League Results

The Premier League Title see-saw begins

It was a day of some surprises in English Premier League results as the see-saw battle for the title swung back Arsenal's way.

Biggest surprise of the day was Manchester United's 2-1 loss away to West Ham, with Christiano Ronaldo missing a penalty.

Another surprise result was Arsenal's 4-1 win at Everton. A great result given Evertons recent form. By all accounts the scoreline didnt reflect the game, but some great finishing by Eduardo da Silva saw off a spirited Everton.

Chelsea heaped more misery on Sam Allardyce's Newcastle, winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle's performance was vastly improved but they couldn't hold out, and Kalou netted a late winner.

In other Premier League results Sunderland had a great 3-1 win at home to Bolton, while Aston Villa continued their good form, winning 2-1 at Wigan. Tottenham and Reading had a go at taking back the mantle for Premier League's best game from Chelsea and Aston Villa, sharing an amazing ten goals in a game Tottenham won 6-4!

At the top of the Premier League table, Arsenal are leading by two points from Manchester United with Chelsea and Liverpool six and eleven points behind respectively, though Liverpool have two games in hand.

At the bottom in the Premier League drop zone, Sunderland are now out of the bottom three, with Wigan and Fulham joining Derby in the dreaded bottom three spots. Wigan in particular look in freefall and with a trip to Liverpool to come, its not looking good.

Barton on his way out at Newcastle?

Newcastle reportedly looking to cancel Bartons contract.

Reports are surfacing that Newcastle are looking to cancel Joey Bartons contract in the wake of his being held and charged with assault. Apparently if he is found guilty of the charges laid (affray & assault) then he will be on his way.

He was always on a no second chance rule at Newcastle given his previous mishaps, and it seems certain he will be booted out after this latest embarassing episode. Newcastle is a great club with proud traditions and his exit now seems certain. Also given his recent criticism of the clubs fans it would appear his position is now untenable.

Manchester City vs Liverpool, Sunday 30/12, 4.00pm

Its a televised test for Rafa as Hicks criticises teams mental strength

As I've said before, in the frenzied world of the Premier League Rafa Benitez in particular always seems to be on the edge of another media round of criticism and speculation, be it be his rotation policy or his seemingly ongoing spat with Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The latest in that saga has seen Hicks give an interview to Sports Illustrated, talking of Benitez 'pouting' to the media and arguably criticising the teams performance against Manchester United accusing them of not believing they could win (I think he's spot on actually). All in all, another bout of a story that just won't go away.

So to the game against Manchester City at the Eastlands stadium. Benitez has some major injury problems, with the one position he is short of cover at giving him the biggest headache. Daniel Agger is still not fit, Sami Hypia is doubtful, while possible stand-in Alvaro Albeloa has the flu, which leaves rookie Jack Hobbs. Elsewhere Jermaine Pennant is still not fit, Peter Crouch is suspended, while Xabi Alonso is fit to continue his comeback into the first team. He showed at Derby flashes of what Liverpool have been missing - he holds them together well and his range of passing is superb.

My hoped for Liverpool team: Reina, Finnan, Carrager, Agger/Hypia, Arbeloa, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Kewell, Torres, Babel.

For Manchester City Elano and ex-red Dietmar Hamann are set to be restored to the line-up after being rested against Blackburn. Michael Johnson is still out injured.

Footy Focus prediction - I just can't call this one!!

Premier League Transfer Speculation & Rumours

See the Everton fanzine site has a great tongue in cheek rumour. They reckon Xabi Alonso is moving to Everton for 14 million as he's best mates with Arteta! As they cheerfully admit their reports are speculation, conjecture, whisperings, half-truths and outright nonsense!

The independant is reporting Chelsea are likely to secure the signing of Bolton's Nicholas Anelka for 10 million. I really wish Rafa Benitez would (if allowed) go for him. Selling Crouch and buying him would be good business. Still on Chelsea, they are also reportedly interested in Maicon Douglas of Inter Milan, Daniel Alves of Sevilla and Dynamo Zagreb's Luka Modric. An all round transfer splash of around 80 million! We'll see, I think Roman is a lot more frugal these days.

Yawn.......Yet more rumours floating round of Cesc Fabregas to Real Madrid. His agent has put the fans at ease by saying he's very happy at Arsenal and going nowhere.... yeah right, they'll sleep easy now.

Liverpool's Rafa Benitez is being linked with noone very much really. A few central defenders here and there with Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina), Ezequiel Garay (Racing Santander), and apparently the chance to sign Kakha Kaladze (Milan) has gone.

Neighbours Everton according to speculation are after David Albelda (Valencia) and Manuel Fernandes (Valencia). Also despite his donkey kick on Ryan Giggs the other day they wish to make Steven Pienaar loan a permanent move from from Borussia Dortmund.

It's looking a happy New Year for Manchester United

Hypia out for Liverpool, as Wenger and Grant feel the strain.

Its certainly becoming a happy new year for Sir Alex Ferguson. Not only have Manchester United recovered from their slow start to the Premier League, to storm to the top of the table, but he will have been cheered by the news that their nearest rivals are starting to show the strain as we rapidly enter the business end of the season.

Arsenal not only faltered at Portsmouth, they didn't perform. Arsene Wengers criticism of Portsmouth was out of order. Portsmouth played the same formation and arguably created the better chances. Arsenal simply didn't create enough to win and Harry Redknapps point that they weren't there to let Arsenal open them up was spot on. It doesn't get any easier for Arsenal - next they go to Everton.

Chelsea also slipped up, this time to Aston Villa at home. It was an extraordinary game, with the Chav's down 2-0 in 15 minutes. The game see-sawed throughout with Carvalho, Ashley Cole and Zat Knight all dismissed. Aston Villa were well worth the point. Avram Grant now has to marshall his meagre resources to push on for the title - he is now without Terry, Drogba, Makelele, Florent Malouda, Cudicini and now Lampard (all injured), with Cole, Carvalho and Essien all now suspended. Its' Newcastle at Stamford Bridge next for Chelsea.

Liverpool also have major injury problems. Not only are Daniel Agger and Jermaine Pennant still missing, and Xabi Alonso slowly getting back to fitness, but Sami Hypia has an ankle injury that makes him doubtful for the tough trip to Manchester City. This potentially leaves Liverpool with only one senior centre-half (Jamie Carragher). On the performance at Derby it appears the major thing stopping Liverpool from challenging for the title is Rafa Benitez himself. He put out one of his unbalanced, disjointed selections, and but for the intervention of Steven Gerrard, Liverpool would be dead and buried in the title race. I predict they will be shortly.

All in all I really can't see past Manchester United for the title. Each of their rivals has some fault that you think will lead to dropped points, but Manchester United are now looking and playing like a side that could go a long, long time unbeaten.

Newcastle's Joey Barton arrested again

Newcastles bad-boy does it again

Sam Allardyce will be waking up this morning with a bigger headache than anyone will have on New Years day. Not only is he under ever-increasing pressure after a deserved defeat at Wigan, following a home draw with bottom club Derby, Joey Barton is again in trouble after being arrested on suspicion of assault in his home town of Liverpool.


The Times is reporting Barton and two others were arrested after two men were assaulted in Church Street, Liverpool City Centre.

Barton has a long history of off-field scrapes and I suspect the Newcastle board will want rid of him after this. Given the on-field problems of Allardyces reign and Barton's recent criticism of the club's fans, I don't think they will be in any mood to tolerate Barton after this.

Manchester City 2-2 Blackburn

Blackburn show their mettle and grab a point

Blackburn battled back to gain a point in a game that had a better second half than first. Any team of Mark Hughes's is not going to give up, and so it was as Blackburn battled back to score a late equaliser. They could even have won it as they finished the stronger.

The game exploded into life with three goals in six minutes. Vassell headed home from Petrov's cross, Santa Cruz levelled, and then Blackburn captain Nelsen scored an own goal after Petrov again caused mayhem.

The second half saw Blackburn put in a much stronger performance and they could have won it, finishing stronger at the end. Their attackers of Bentley, Santa Cruz and McCarthy played some great football, linking well throughout.

Overall Mark Hughes was satisfied his team battled back for a point. Blackburn can certainly score goals, but their defence is all over the place at times. Manchester City seem to be slightly fading now in performances and results.

Premier League - Transfer Speculation & Rumours

Well the latest tittle-tattle is as follows:

Micah Richards is set to sign a new 46k a week deal to stay with Manchester City despite delays in signing the deal. See the alledged mobile phone indescretion has done him no harm!

The Mirror reckons Spurs are set to beat Liverpool and Chelsea amongst others to David Villa's signature.

Equally far-fetched is the speculation that Arsene Wenger is prepared to pay 25 million for Mikel Arteta. Apparently Real Madrid are rumoured to be eager to add to the long line of quality midfielders purchased from Everton by tempting Arteta as well. He's quality but obviously not worth that by a long shot!

Still on Real Madrid apparently their second choice to Arteta is a 50 million pound bid for Cesc Fabregas. Actually now this speculation really is believeable, if only because of the genuine quality of the player.

Other rumours have Rafa Benitez adding to the long list of wingers he's bought to fill those pesky wide midfield slots at Liverpool with a 10 million bid for Blackburn's David Bentley being mooted.

Speculation has it that Chelsea, Man City and Spurs are to try and outbid each other for Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luka Modric, 22 who is valued at 18 million.

Premier League - Manchester United take top spot

Arsenal, Chelsea falter as Manchester United take top spot

Arsenal missed the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League, with a hard fought draw at Portsmouth. To be honest it was a game of few chances and despite Arsenal dominating the second half Portsmouth were worth the point, with the 'Arse creating few chances. Portsmouth stuck doggedly to the tactic of a five man midfield, with Kanu alone up front and deservedly got a point in the fifth nil-nil at Fratton Park this season.

Premier League title holders Manchester United, ominously took top spot with an expected 4-0 win at Sunderland. Rooney, Saha (2) and Ronaldo were the scorers. Tevez, Giggs and Anderson were all rested, but their absence was immaterial as Ronaldo and Rooney in particular began to dominate. The second half seemed to fade out as United were content with strolling to three points and Sunderland appeared satisfied they weren't embarassed too much further.

Chelsea were held to a 4-4 draw by Aston Villa, in what was the Premier League game of the season to date at Stamford Bridge. Villa had knight sent off on 45 minutes but still managed to net twice in the second half, including a 91st minute penalty by Gareth Barry that salvaged them a point. And all this was after Villa gaining a 2-0 lead. Seems the absence of Terry is starting to show at the 'Bridge.

Footy Focus can't see past a two horse race for the title. Arsenal and Manchester United seem set to go toe to toe for the remainder of the season. Liverpool just don't quite have enough quality, while Chelsea are missing Terry and Drogba and are set to lose key players to the African Nations cup.

Premier League: Derby 1-2 Liverpool, Gerrard saves Rafa from himself

Gerrard saves Rafa from himself

Gerrard's determination to hold onto his dream of leading Liverpool to a Premier League title won this game for Liverpool. With the game locked at 1-1 after a dreadful second half display, Liverpool's title hopes were looking dead and buried. Gerrard then picked the ball up in his own half, held off a challenge, beat one and knocked it wide to Benayoun. Benayoun beat a man, squared it for Torres who had his shot saved. Gerrard had continued his run and was there to smash it home and get a priceless win for Liverpool.

The game had started well enough for Liverpool, with Torres scoring a superb individual goal in the 14th minute. He picked the ball up 25 yards out, nutmegged Moore, drifted past Leacock and clipped it home past Price with ease. A truly splendid goal. After that Carragher and Babel had good chances to extend Liverpool's lead by half-time.

In the second half, Liverpool lost their way as Derby gamely fought to get back into the game. Liverpool made a dreadful hash of defending Lewis' free-kick and McEvely drove the ball past Reina. Liverpool then sensing the urgency of their situation began to have a string of shots at the Derby goal. Alonso and Aurelio had good efforts saved, while Gerrard had a superb effort from a great move, cannon off the cross bar.

Then cometh the hour, cometh the man, as so often for Liverpool Steven Gerrard dragged his team to victory.

Paul Jewell must be feeling 'gutted' as they say. He saw his limited Derby team fight with all they had to get back into the game, only to undeservedly lose it at the death. Following on from the performance at Newcastle, Derby fans have a glimmer of hope.

Overall Liverpool's performance started reasonable then fell away. They looked disjointed and lacklustre and weren't helped by Benitez's shuffling of his pack. A midfield of Riise, Gerrard, Alonso and Babel looked unbalanced with Babel particularly looking out of place on the right wing. Also Voronin and later Kuyt are looking simply punchless as forwards. They work hard, look neat in their play but in reality create nothing. Liverpool for the title? Not while Rafa picks unbalanced teams and shows respect to teams like Derby.

Premier League - Latest Transfer Rumours and Speculation

The footy focus team have contacted our contacts, listened to the word on the street and found this malicious gossip masquerading as Premier League transfer rumours and speculation:

Liverpool's American owners maybe about to give us all a major surprise, as the rumours on David Silva moving from Valencia to Liverpool appear to be gathering pace. The usual pattern is emerging of the player saying 'England is a great place' and 'Liverpool is a big club' with increasing 'leaked' reports of the proposed move. If this does come off, it certainly is more likely to be a summer move with quite possibly a different manager, than a January one.

Other transfer speculation sees John Arne Riise on his way to Villa yet again, with Gabriel Heinze finally getting his wish and moving from Real Madrid to Anfield. Seems this speculation is borne from the fact that Heinze has only made six starts at Madrid.

Other reports see Liverpool strengthening their central defence through buying Czech Republic international Tomas Ujfalusi from Fiorentina. Still on Fiorentina, media sources has some interesting speculation that sees them lining up a loan deal for Momo Sissoko, with a view to a 4 million pound deal. I really can't see this one flying, as its' too cheap for him and the Mascherano deal is far from done and dusted.

Porto's Quesresma's agent is alledgedly hawking him around the Premier League with rumours of Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool interested. This has been flying round for ever, and is nothing new.

Elsewhere Djibril Cisse is rumoured to be interesting West Ham, Bolton and Manchester City as his Marseille stay goes from bad to worse under new coach Eric Gerets. He is quoted as saying he needs ten days to think on whether to stay or not. I feel really sorry for Cisse. He seemingly had a great career ahead of him, then a change of manger and two horrendous leg breaks later and he's contemplating a move to Premier League mediocrity in Bolton! Football is indeed a harsh game!

Darren Bent is happy at Tottenham and is no way seeking a move to West Ham in January......allegedly. Unless Ramos has told him to seek a new club he should stay until the end of the season at least. Berbatov may leave and for me he's not as good as he thinks he is. Bent gives Tottenham something different and unless you leave White Hart Lane for one of the Premier League big four its' all downhill careerwise.

Premier League Preview - Big Four Boxing Day Clashes

Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all passed their first test of the busy Premier League Christmas period. Arsenal managed to see off Tottenham, Manchester United defeated Everton thanks to a moment of madness from Steven Pienaar after Everton had battled well, Chelsea got a great result at Blackburn and Liverpool comfortably saw off Portsmouth. Elsewhere the surprise package of the season Manchester City drew at Aston Villa.

For the boxing day games, Premier League leaders Arsenal have on paper the hardest test facing a trip to Portsmouth, who will be all out to get a good result after that collapse at Liverpool. Arsenal will be missing Eboue, Walcott and Van Persie. Footy Focus prediction - score draw.

Liverpool go to Derby knowing they simply have to keep winning to have any chance of being in the title shake-down. It really is a game they should win if they have any pretence of being title challengers. Reports are Rafael Benitez will shuffle his pack with Voronin, Lucas, Babel and Aurelio amongst the likely incomers. Footy focus prediction - comfortable Liverpool win.

Premier League title-holders Manchester United go to Sunderland, for what is also on paper a relatively easy game. Roy Keane's side will give their all and fight to the death but I really can't see past a comfortable Manchester United win. For me they are still the team to beat and are looking very, very mean at the moment. Footy Focus prediction - a slightly bruising but comfortable win for Sir Alex's men.

Chelsea face a potentially tricky home game to Villa, especially given the extent of their injury problems. Drogba and Terry are longer term casualties, with now possibly Cech also out. Chelsea have to take great credit for the results they've been getting despite missing two of their main players, and their absence has to show at some stage. It won't be tomorrow though, with a Footy Focus prediction of a narrow home win.

I note Sir Alex see's the race for the Premier League as a four horse race. I think he's right about three of them but until Liverpool start taking points off their rivals they ain't gonna be in there at the death.

Liverpool 4-1 Portsmouth

Liverpool romped away with this one in a game that a brief second half rally apart, was all over within the first fifteen minutes.

Liverpool, looking to get their Premier League form back on track, were straight out the traps, intent on killing the game off early doors and that is what they achieved. Benayoun volleyed home after a pinpoint cross from Harry Kewell after Portsmouth had again struggled to cope with Fernando Torres. Worse was to come a few minutes later when Distin got in the way of Sol Campbell's tackle on Torres and the ball cannoned off his shin into the net. Liverpool at this stage were all over Portsmouth with Kewell and Torres particularly dangerous. Portsmouth simply couldn't cope with Kewell's passing and Torres pace and invention. Harry Redknapp was scathing afterwards of his teams defending, however it has to be said Liverpool were playing some superb football and the best in the Europe would struggle with Torres in this form.

In the second half Portsmouth rallied briefly. Substitute Kanu showed a moment of brilliance with a superb pass to Benjani who turned inside the defender to shoot home with his right foot. However ten minutes later a Mascherano pass into the box had James and Distin all over the place and Torres stepped in to drill the ball right-footed into the corner. It really was game over now. Torres than added a fourth volleying home from a great Steven Gerrard flick.

Overall it was a good, verging on a great Liverpool performance. The feeling persists however that they are solidly a top three or four team, but not potential Premier League winners. Their last two home games really tell the tale. Manchester United relatively comfortably holding off the same team that blew away Portsmouth. They simply don't have quite enough to take points off the top teams, which is really the missing link in their Premier League quest.

Rafael Benitez will be feeling a happier man this morning but know the rumblings around Anfield mean he will be under pressure for a while yet. Jurgen Klinsmann seems to be lurking as an ever increasing shadow over Benitez and his comments about knee-jerk sackings appear to show he knows it.

Man U vs Everton, Blackburn vs Chelsea

Now these are two games where I really really want the opposition to do us a favour. Shouldn't have to be wanting that, but thats the reality if your a Liverpool fan trying to hold onto the dream of a Premier League title.

Manchester United versus Everton should be a great game. Everton are really flying at the moment and will fancy their chances of having a right good go at Manchester United. They'll want to really rattle Man U and not let the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney settle on the ball. Then again thats what Liverpool tried and look where that got them!

Team news is that Manchester United have Rio Ferdinand, Carlos Tevez and Wes Brown all fit, having shaken off knocks from the great win at Liverpool. Everton meanwhile have Tim Howard, Ayegbeni Yakubu, Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Joseph Yobo all back after being rested for the win at AZ Alkmaar.

Footy Focus Premier League prediction - I think Everton just might get something from this game!

Blackburn verus Chelsea is another potential cracker of a game. Mark Hughe's team are always up for the battle regardless of the opposition. However Blackburn have been leaking goals lately and their back four is disrupted again with Chris Samba banned for this game. Elsewhere in the team Brett Emerton returns after suspension.

The Chavs' meanwhile are sweating (don't know why) on the fitness of Shevchenko. Apparently the Premier League show-pony injured his ankle in midweek. Not sure how given he didn't break sweat in effort for his team.

Footy Focus Premier League prediction - Hate to say it but I think Chelsea will have too much for Blackburn. Despite injuries etc they are still a very strong side and Blackburn are leaking too many goals to be playing Chelsea at this time.

Liverpool vs Portsmouth Saturday 22nd Dec, 3.00pm

They all seem must win games for increasingly embattled Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez. What with two Premier League defeats in a row, one of which was to a major rival, adverse stories about refinancing for the new stadium and the ongoing speculation about his relationship with his American bosses, these are testing times for Benitez.

However if Liverpool have any pretensions about winning the Premier League they simply do have to win these type of games, despite Portsmouth's great form this season. Liverpool have midfielder Xabi Alonso available after he came through his comeback game against Chelsea in midweek. Peter Crouch is now banned for three matches after the red-mist saw him sent off in that game, while Steve Finnan is again absent with a calf problem. Worryingly Daniel Agger is still out with his metatarsal injury. I really do think this will become a real problem for Liverpool if he's not back soon. As good as Sami Hyppia has been, it has to catch up with Liverpool soon. Otherwise the big-guns will be back for Liverpool with the likes of Reina, Gerrard, Mascherano, and Torres all back.

Portsmouth have a few problems with defender Noe Pamarot absent and Sean Davis also out. Hermann Hreidarsson definitely back while Pedro Mendes is also likely to start.

Footy Focus prediction - home win for the Reds!

European Champions League Draw in Full

The draw has just been made and there's some absolutely cracking ties!!!!

Celtic v Barcelona;
Lyon v Manchester United;
Schalke v FC Porto;
Liverpool v Inter Milan;
Roma v Real Madrid;
Arsenal v AC Milan;
Olympiakos v Chelsea;
Fenerbahce v Sevilla.

Arsenal vs AC Milan is one for the purists, while Liverpool vs Inter Milan will be one of the great European nights. Celtic vs Barcelona is another one I can't wait for. There's great nights of football to be watched on the 19th February!!!

Premier League - Weekend Fixtures Preview

Its another interesting old weekend in the Premier League fixtures. As usual there's minimal games at the traditional time of 3.00pm with only 5 out of 10 at this time. Oh well you take Sky's money and thats the way it goes.

I see Premier League leaders Arsenal of the top clubs have arguably the hardest fixtures over the busy Christmas period. They have the game against Tottenham, followed by trips to Portsmouth and Everton (ouch!). They round the period off with an easier home game against West Ham. Manchester United appear to have the easiest run having three games at home with an away trip at West Ham in between. Chelsea don't have a bad run, with this weekends game away to Blackburn looking the hardest they've got. Outsiders Liverpool have a relatively easy run and will surely be looking to make up ground from their fixtures over this period. They've got Portsmouth at home followed by Derby away and Wigan home, with Manchester away in-between looking the hardest game by far.

So to this weekend's fixtures; I think Tottenham might just raise eyebrows and get something at the Emirates, Manchester United should narrowly triumph over Everton, while Blackburn I suspect will be good for a point against Chelsea. Of the chasing pack, I expect Liverpool to prove too much for Portsmouth, and I can see Manchester City struggling to get more than a point from their game at Villa.

Newcastle should continue their confidence building revival with a home win against dead and buried Derby. For the Premier League strugglers the fixtures of Fulham versus Wigan, and Reading versus Sunderland are relegation six-pointers. Can't see Sunderland winning at Reading but think Wigan will get the win against Fulham.

I'd better get my bets on!!

English Premier League - Transfer Rumours and News Latest

We've done a scan of the latest goss, rumours and tittle tattle on the English Premier League and here's the ones that stood out:

Sven-Goran Eriksson Manchester City's manager is to launch a bid for Diego Milito from Real Zaragoza. He's long been linked with various clubs but I am not convinced myself. He's took until age 28 to have a good season in European football and is not scoring as many this season. One season wonder methinks. Other Citeh' related transfer gossip has us hearing that Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson looks set to leave and that Palermo might be after Rolando Bianchi (the Guardian).

Still on our Sky Blue friends, Manchester City are trying to butt in on Chelsea's move for Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka (The Sun). I would love Liverpool to sign him after selling Kuyt - Anelka for a net 4 mill would be great! Meanwhile, the Chelsea Chav's are interested in a transfer for Hamburg's wide midfielder Rafael van der Vaart but face a bidding war with Juventus according to the Telegraph.

The Scum (Sun) transfer news is also saying that Everton will pay £4m for Valencia captain David Albelda who has fell out with Ronald Koeman. Other 'bitter blue' (You'll know what means if you come from Liverpool) transfer related goss has Mikel Arteta insisting he is happy at Everton despite admitting he is flattered by interest from Atletico Madrid. However according to the Mirror he has "an attachment" to Athletico and would like to play for them!

Much transfer speculation has surrounded Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko and the latest rumour is that he is interesting Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan.Again from the Mirror.

Aston Villa are about to splash £10m on a double raid for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen and Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte, according to the Daily Star. Gudjohnsen would be a great buy and would work well with Carew, however it seems to me Villa are always mentioned in transfer talk simply because they have bought relatively few new players and have a rich owner.

Last and definitely least is the stunning news that Everton will not allow striker James McFadden to join Celtic. The Telegraph underwhelmed the nation with that one.