Arsenal returnees sink City

Arsenal pair Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas returned from injury to help inspire a 2-0 triumph over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Togo international Adebayor had not featured for the Gunners since February while Gunners captain Fabregas has been recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained last December.

And the duo made their comebacks in style as Fabregas' eighth minute free-kick allowed the unmarked Adeabyor to open the scoring against their affluent opponents, who have struggled on the road this season.

After a shaky start, Mark Hughes' men did find their feet and substitute Gelson Fernandes went mighty close to restoring parity before half-time when his strike clipped off the outside of the post.

Arsenal, though, started the second period in excellent tempo, and they put the game beyond City's reach when Fabregas' dinked through-ball found the feet of Adebayor, who coolly tapped home to ensure the club tightened their grip on fourth place.

Rovers late show stuns Spurs

Blackburn scored two late goals to ease their relegation worries with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham at Ewood Park.

Robbie Keane opened the scoring for Spurs in the 30th minute after a controversial decision by referee Peter Walton, who pointed to the spot after Aaron Lennon's cross hit the arm of defender Gael Givet.

Harry Redknapp's men controlled the match for long periods but were unable to grab a second goal and were then reduced to 10 men on 80 minutes when Wilson Palacios was sent off for a second bookable offense.

Blackburn, who had rarely threatened, capitalized on their numerical advantage almost immediately as Benni McCarthy turned home a sliced pass from makeshift frontman Christopher Samba.

Spurs then failed to defend a corner two minutes from time and their six-match unbeaten run came to an end as Andre Ooijer poked the ball home from close range.

El-Hadji Diouf should have got Blackburn off to a good start but sent his header wide following a cross from Morten Gamst Pedersen in the 11th minute.

It was a half-chance and Diouf would have been expected to test the goalkeeper from that range.

Play switched back down the other end and Ledley King flicked a header wide after Luka Modric had swung in the corner.

Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson then did well to parry a shot from Darren Bent to safety in the 18th minute after a fine through ball from Palacios.

It was developing into an open game and Blackburn launched a swift counter-attack four minutes later.

Diouf made space inside the area but saw his effort blocked by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who was well positioned at the post.

Blackburn were forced to make a change in the 26th minute after Pedersen took a knock and was replaced by David Dunn.

Tottenham were showing plenty of attacking intent and Vedran Corluka cut into the area a minute later, only to send his effort wide of the post.

They did not have long to wait, however, before making the breakthrough.

Keane took his tally for the season to 10 goals in the 29th minute when he scored with a cool penalty.

Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen protested that the ball was not on the spot but referee Walton would have none of it.

The penalty was awarded after Givet was adjudged to have handled a cross from Lennon.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce made an extraordinary change at half-time. He took off Jason Roberts, pushed central defender Samba into attack and brought on Ooijer.

The gamble paid off with Samba making a nuisance of himself in his unlikely new role.

He won a header in the penalty area after 47 minutes but Diouf sent his effort over the bar.

Diouf then tried to pick out Samba at the back post but goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made the interception.

There was a moment of danger for the home side in the 65th minute when Jermaine Jenas made space in the area but there was no-one on hand to get on the end of his cross.

McCarthy should have pulled Blackburn level in the 75th minute when he headed wide following a cross from Diouf.

Four minutes later the game took another dramatic twist with Tottenham midfielder Palacios sent off after collecting two yellow cards in the space of two minutes.

Blackburn took advantage and McCarthy scored his 11th goal of the season from close range in the 81st minute after being set up by Samba.

Warnock's shot was turned over in the 87th minute by Gomes. But the goalkeeper failed to deal with Diouf's corner and Ooijer was on hand to fire home.

WHELAN SUPPORTS GAFFER

Dave Whelan has offered his full support to manager Steve Bruce in however he decides to deal with Amr Zaki, following the striker's failure to report back to training following this week's international break.

Bruce has gone public over his disappointment in Zaki's lack of professionalism and Whelan is confident that the gaffer will deal with the situation accordingly:

"I back Steve Bruce absolutely 100%," said Whelan who spoke to Sky Sports News.

"Whatever action he takes on Zaki I will be behind him. We all know Steve is a very good and very fair manager, but you can't have players going away on international breaks and not reporting back.

"Zaki is only on loan to us at the moment and he's desperate to get a long-term contract from us. So, for him not return for third or fourth time this season is unbelievable.

"Ultimatey it's up to Steve to decide if he has a future with us. He's a football manager and I respect his views. But if Zaki continues like this he'll find it very difficult to have a future at Wigan Athletic.

Zaki has failed to score in open play since Wigan's trip to Anfield back in October and not managed to find the net at all since his penalty against Bolton in December, and Whelan believes the striker has a lot of work to do if he is to regain the trust of not only his management, but also the fans:

"He's (Zaki) happy when he's scoring goals. But he hasn't been doing that lately and he gets a little frustrated. But instead of listening to someone like Steve Bruce who could help him, he decides to go down his path.

"I think if he starts scoring goals again then the fans will start to love him again. But he has to win back their respect, and you do that by playing football and working hard, not by messing the manager about and giving him all kinds of problems."

Good habits

Harry Redknapp hopes we can prove we have kicked the habit of dropping points on the road when we visit Blackburn on Saturday.

His side lost four consecutive away games in the Premier League around the turn of the year due to conceding late goals.

But having picked up seven points from the last three trips, the manager believes we are now reaping the rewards for the good form we have shown under his guidance.

However, he is under no illusions how tough a trip to Ewood Park will be with Rovers in the midst of a relegation battle.

Harry said: "Blackburn's always a tough place to go and they've got a terrific manager in Sam Allardyce who knows the game.

"But we've been in terrific form. It looked scary at one point with the amount of fixtures we had, but I've been pleased with the players.

"We had one little blip where we lost a few away games by the odd goal, but we've only lost once at home all season since I arrived.

"Nobody has ever turned us over. It was always last minute goals at set pieces away from home.

"But we've improved and we're not conceding those sort of goals any more. That's been the biggest change in recent weeks."

Magpie Michael: It's Friends Reunited!

NEWCASTLE United skipper Michael Owen says he is delighted to be working with Alan Shearer once again after the Club's all-time record goalscorer returned to St. James' Park this week as manager for the rest of the season.

The two men were partners in attack for United during the 2005/06 season after Owen joined the Magpies from Real Madrid in a £16m deal that saw United top their previous record outlay of the £15m paid for Big Al from Blackburn Rovers back in 1996.

Writing his captain's column for the game against Chelsea in the official match programme, Owen said: "Alan Shearer's appointment as Newcastle United manager is just what we needed to give us that extra injection of confidence and enthusiasm, and everyone has certainly had an extra spring in their step since the announcement was made in midweek.

"It's exciting, and it's given the whole place a buzz. There are not many people who could come in and affect the club like this, but Alan is certainly one who can and the proof has been there even before we face Chelsea this afternoon.

"Everybody's in a great frame of mind, and now if we go out on the pitch this afternoon and get a positive result the whole thing can snowball.

"But we've got to get that first win, and all the players know we have to produce top form to get it, especially against a side like Chelsea.

"For my part, I'm really delighted to see Alan here as manager. I watched his career when I was a kid, I admired him as a player, and then I got the chance to play alongside him with Newcastle three or four years ago, which was great for me.

"Now it's come full circle and here I am playing for him as my manager! Who would have thought it?

"In all of this, there's certainly no knocking Joe Kinnear, who was struck down with his heart problem - we all send Joe our very best wishes - nor Chris, who we all like a great deal, and Colin, with whom we've all been more than impressed. But as I say, Alan is one of the few people who could have had this affect.

"Alan's been around and seen it all, he knows what he wants and what he has, and like me he knows we have a squad of players that is far better than the league table suggests. But we have lacked confidence, and we haven't played well.

"Now the last eight games are like a new chapter. We've played well in patches, we know we have the ability to mix it against the best teams, and today we have another chance to prove our worth against a top side."

Ireland blow rocks Blues bid

STEPHEN IRELAND is almost certainly out for the Blues as Mark Hughes' team tackle Arsenal at The Emirates looking to get their run-in challenge for a top-seven finish in the Premier League off to a positive start.

The influential midfielder limped out of training after damaging an ankle on Thursday, and his absence from the starting line-up this afternoon will be a huge blow to City's hopes of pulling off a double over Arsene Wenger's men.

Ireland, who has enjoyed a terrific season, was outstanding in the 3-0 home victory over Arsenal in November and scored an opening goal that was later overshadowed by Robinho's brilliant chip for City's second.

Despite Ireland's probable absence, it was not all bad news for manager Hughes as Craig Bellamy has made good progress with the sore knee that prevented the Wales skipper from facing Germany in Cardiff on Wednesday night.

Striker Bellamy will need a fitness test before the game but the Blues are optimistic that he could be fit to lead the attack in a game that pits Hughes against one of the respected rivals he loves to cross swords with.

That is Arsenal manager Wenger, by the way, and not skipper Cesc Fabregas, expected to step back after three months out injured and the recipient of a few harsh words from the Blues boss in his days as Blackburn's manager.

Fabregas is now a little older and wiser than the day he riled Hughes with a jibe about the style of Blackburn's football after Rovers had forced an FA Cup replay. The Blues will not be playing with a draw in mind today.

Hughes and Wenger have not always seen eye to eye, but the City boss said: "Our relationship is as good as with any Premier League managers. I always invite him in for a drink. I might have gatecrashed his office on one occasion but he was OK about it!

"He's a proper football man who's engrossed in his club. Some of us, myself included, get used to having a response for when we lose. It's not the same for the top four managers, they're not that used to losing games.

"But I am an admirer of what Arsene has done over the years, I have a lot of time for him. The quality of the football Arsenal produce when they're in full flow is as good as any team in the League or possibly Europe.

"They are looking now for winning football again in terms of trophies, which they've not had the last few years. They will hope to address that this year, but might have to look to next year.

"I like going up against the so-called big four. They ask huge questions of you, and as a team and as a manager you must have answers. But they are attack-minded, and there will be opportunities for us on occasions. We have to take them."

KUYT KEEN TO WIN ANFIELD MEDALS

Dirk Kuyt has spoken of his determination to win silverware as a Liverpool player after agreeing a two year extension to his Anfield contract.

Kuyt followed in Steven Gerrard's footsteps on Friday by committing his future to Rafael Benitez's men - and now has his sights firmly set on helping the Reds to future success.

"I am really pleased to have agreed the deal," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It was a dream come true when I signed for the club and it's great to know I will be involved in any successes we have over the next three years.

"Liverpool us one of the biggest clubs in the world and to know they wanted me to stay is fantastic. Over the last few games we have really shown what we are capable of and I'm looking forward to helping us to keep move forward.

"If we keep working as hard as possible I am confident we can enjoy success together over the coming years.

"It's been a great couple of weeks with news of Rafa's contract and of Stevie agreeing a new deal. Hopefully we can finish the week in style and win at Fulham to go back to the top of the league.

"We're on a good run at the moment, we've got great quality in our team and there's no reason why in the future we can't win a lot of trophies together. That's our aim."

COACHING THE COACHES

With Alan Shearer the talk of the toon as today's visit from Chelsea marks his first game in charge of Newcastle, Guus Hiddink has been discussing famous players making the transition to manager.

The former England international centre-forward goes into the job having completed his Uefa A and B coaching qualifications. However Shearer is without the Uefa Pro Licence expected of someone plying his trade at the top level for an extended period.

Hiddink, who made the switch from midfielder to gaffer back in the early 1980s, was involved in similar cases to Shearer's when working as Dutch national manager. He values training for coaches but also a flexible approach.

'When I was working with the Dutch federation, with some directors we created a course for former players,' he recollects.

'Holland as in England has many star players. We were talking about it and thinking that if they were very interested in staying in the football business, it would be a waste not to use their experience as players.

'Saying that, you must also add many tools to be a manager and that is why we organised as a federation a course for ex-international players.

'They have to have had their international career,' he continues, 'playing European Championships and World Cups, and then we created a course which is not as long as the normal course.

'It is not four-to-five years. We made it happen in one-and-half years.'

Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit was one to take advantage of the fast track partly laid down by the man who has become his successor at Stamford Bridge.

Other Dutch legends like Ronald Koeman, Johann Neeskens, Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Krol and current Holland manager Marco van Basten did too.

'First players react that it is not necessary,' reports Hiddink. 'They say I know everything about football, but when they start these courses, after two months they start saying it is very interesting to know a lot more about managing a team, and then they are getting very equipped.

'This is the situation for Alan Shearer now. For the moment his team is having problems. I don't know how it is organised in England when there are exceptional situations so the federation give permission for a certain time, and then you have to get your diploma. But I think they will have their demands in the near future.'

One of the major benefits of qualifying as a coach, according to Hiddink, is gaining knowledge on how to make each training session work towards a desired goal - and not just in a scoring sense either. These goals can be technical, tactical or physical.

'That is the part where new managers have to broaden their knowledge and they get interested.'

He also goes along with the commonly held view that a great player doesn't necessarily develop into a good manager.

'You can use a great playing career on top of what you gather in knowledge. I hope I am still learning even at my older age.

'Now doing the course in Holland are Phillip Cocu and Frank de Boer, who are very smart players and people. When you are a top, top player you are not always guaranteed of being a top manager. Sometimes those who have not reached the top, top level can imagine a little bit what the difficulties are not being top.'

JT: SWEET SUCCESS

John Terry has called for three points as we head to Newcastle this afternoon, while explaining some of his own traits for long away travel.

The captain and his team-mates flew north yesterday after training, but before they did, he stopped for a chat with chelseafc.com.

Air travel is a more direct method than the long trip being undertaken by most of the travelling Blues support, looking to extend the unbeaten run against the Magpies to seven games.

To pass the time, newspapers will be read, football discussed and countless service station sandwiches eaten. That of course applies to the supporters, but how does Terry pass the time en route to the team hotel before a game?

We have all heard of the computer games, card schools and DVDs that supposedly make up the footballer's travel pack, but the 28-year-old explained recently he has dedicated his time to getting things done.

'To be fair as you get older you tend to try and get things done while you travel, paying your bills, because we're away so much, I got home from the England trip and had a shed load of mail I went through on Thursday, so you get that sorted while then trying to spend time with the kids and family.

'We were talking on the England trip about some of our favorite sweets when we were kids, sometimes you can get bored on the road and randomly pop up with things like that,' he laughed.

'You used to be buzzing when you got 10p or 20p off your mum or dad - I went and got a quarter of rhubarb and custard, which I really liked, and cola pips.'

Discussing one's favourite childhood confectionery is certainly strange preparation for a vital Barclays Premier League clash, but this has been no ordinary week.

Having scored a late winner for England at Wembley on Wednesday, JT and his team-mates were back on Chelsea duty on Thursday afternoon, leaving little time for Guus Hiddink, another away on international duty, to ready his side for Newcastle.

'Thursday was a warm down day, we just went for a jog and came in,' he said. 'Most of the lads got back late Wednesday night, were in late on Thursday afternoon and again on Friday.

'For most of us, we are more tired on Friday, the second day, it always is for players, so we felt the same but you get out, run it off and have a sweat to get it out of your system by the time the game comes round.'

With ground to be made up on both Manchester United and Liverpool, the captain knows nothing less than victory will do.

'We need to get back on track and into winning ways to really put the pressure on. It's a shame we couldn't win at Tottenham to really put that pressure on Man United, like Liverpool have,' he admitted.

'We need two teams to slip up now which is harder for us but we will keep plugging away until the end.

'There is that belief that we can still do it, the United players and Liverpool players sensed that while we were away with England which is good, and we've got that back. I think they went through a spell where they probably didn't think that earlier in the season, so it's good we have that in the dressing room and we can go again.'

Terry also acknowledged the importance to the home side of its favourite son's return, but sees this as an opportunity for Chelsea to show our strength.

'It's the worst case for us that Alan Shearer takes over at the time he has but it's a chance to go there, silence the crowd early on in the first 10 or 15 minutes and possibly win a massive game,' he said.

With that, it was on to the team coach and away to the north east, possibly with a call to the accountant and a rhubarb and custard treat on the way.

MON's Rallying Call

Martin O'Neill believes Villa have the "ability and talent" to turn things around and finish the season in real style.

O'Neill revealed his genuine excitement that his claret and blue troops are in with a chance of causing a real stir and breaking the Big Four's monopoly at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

He said: "I'm still very excited about the run-in. We're hoping that the break from top flight action will give us some impetus now to give it a really good go for this last charge.

"We're still in there fighting and we certainly haven't come all this distance to go and throw it all away.

"I believe we have the ability and talent in the squad to turn things around.

"We can still do it [finish in the top four] - absolutely. It became a talking point when we had a gap but, as I have said before, it was always going to be exceptionally difficult.

"The Big Four are the best in the country - it's no fluke - they have been there year-in and year-out. Everton broke in one season but other than that it's been a monopoly.

"They are there because they have good players and big squads. It seems crazy but this football club was nearly relegated a while back. We are battling in there near the top now. Sometimes I feel like that gets forgotten.

"But it certainly doesn't mean we can now just disintegrate. It will absolutely not be acceptable because the side should be stronger than that. I hope we are mentally tougher than that."

Reds yet to open Carra talks

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed the club have yet to open talks with Jamie Carragher over a new deal.

On Friday, the Reds announced that Dirk Kuyt and captain Steven Gerrard had both agreed contract extensions.

Carragher's current terms, meanwhile, are to expire in 2011, and Benitez is remaining coy over whether discussions with the 31-year-old are in the offing.

The Spanish coach said in the Daily Star: "They [Gerrard and Carragher] have the same agent, but different age, different players.

"We have a lot of conversations with different players but one at a time. We're not talking at the moment with Carra. Maybe we will.

"He is in the squad. We know each player is different and so we have to think about them one at a time."

Benitez also insisted that defender Daniel Agger is happy at Anfield, despite speculation surrounding his future.

He said: "Yesterday I was talking with him and it was okay, not a problem. He wants to play and to play for us. He wants to win trophies with us."

Premier League team news

SATURDAY

Arsenal v Man City (3pm)

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is set to return from three months out with a knee injury, but Robin van Persie (groin) misses out.

Abou Diaby (thigh) and Eduardo (groin) picked up knocks during the international break, but Theo Walcott (knee), Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) and Mikael Silvestre (calf) are fit again.

Winger Samir Nasri (virus) is a doubt and forward Carlos Vela is not due back from Mexico duty until this morning so may be rested.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes could be without striker Craig Bellamy but expects top-scorer Robinho to be fit.

Wayne Bridge could return from a hamstring strain, while Michael Johnson, Martin Petrov, Daniel Sturridge, Benjani and Didi Hamann are all nearing a return from injury.

Arsenal squad: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Denilson, Fabregas, Arshavin, Bendtner, Adebayor, Fabianski, Djourou, Gibbs, Vela, Eboue, Silvestre, Song, Nasri

Man City squad: Given, Richards, Onuoha, Dunne, Zabaleta, Wright-Phillips, Elano, De Jong, Kompany, Robinho, Bojinov, Bridge, Garrido, Fernandes, Evans, Etuhu, Berti, Vassell, McGivern, Hart.

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Blackburn v Tottenham (12.45pm)

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz will see a specialist next week if he fails to show signs of a recovery from a knee tendon injury.

The Paraguay international will miss his fifth successive game, with midfielder David Dunn also out of with an Achilles problem.

Brett Emerton and Steven Reid on the long-term casualty list.

Tottenham club captain Ledley King should be fit after resting his knee during the international break.

Alan Hutton returned for Scotland from his foot injury last week but Jermain Defoe is still out, also with a foot complaint, although he is running again.

Blackburn squad: Robinson, Bunn, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Samba, Simpson, Warnock, Givet, Olsson, Villanueva, Tugay, Andrews, Diouf, Treacy, Mokoena, McCarthy, Roberts, Pedersen, Grella

Tottenham squad: Gomes, Cudicini, Corluka, Hutton, Chimbonda, Bale, Assou-Ekotto, King, Woodgate, Dawson, Modric, Jenas, Zokora, Lennon, Huddlestone, Palacios, O’Hara, Bentley, Pavlyuchenko, Campbell, Keane, Bent

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Bolton v Middlesbrough (3pm)

Bolton boss Gary Megson has no fresh concerns with all of his players on international duty returning unscathed.

Knee injury victims Mark Davies and Joey O’Brien as his only absentees.

Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson faces a fitness test after suffering a couple of knocks while playing for England Under-21s against France on Tuesday.

Boro will also assess skipper Emanuel Pogatetz and Tuncay, both of whom were late arrivals back from international duty.

Robert Huth has been having treatment during the week for a sore knee, but fellow central defender Chris Riggott is back from injury, while midfielder Matthew Bates returns from suspension.

Bolton squad: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andy O’Brien, Samuel, Riga, Taylor, McCann, Muamba, Gardner, Kevin Davies, Elmander, Al Habsi, Hunt, Puygrenier, Makukula, Shittu

Middlesbrough squad: Jones, Turnbull, Hoyte, McMahon, Taylor, Grounds, Huth, Pogatetz, Wheater, Riggott, Aliadiere, O’Neil, Johnson, Bates, Walker, Shawky, Downing, Emnes, Alves, Tuncay, King

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Fulham v Liverpool (5.30pm)

Liverpool are likely to be without defender Sami Hyypia and midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

Hyypia returned from international duty with a knee injury, while Benayoun has a hamstring injury.

Mark Schwarzer and Clint Dempsey will play for Fulham after international duty.

All of Fulham's international contingent returned to Craven Cottage without any injuries.

Fulham squad: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Stoor, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Baird, Davies, Etuhu, Dacourt, Murphy, Gera, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Kallio, Nevland, Kamara, Gray, Barnes.

LIverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Dossena, Babel, Mascherano, Gerrard, Alonso, Lucas, Torres, Kuyt, Ngog, Insua, Cavalieri, Riera

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Hull v Portsmouth (3pm)

Daniel Cousin is Hull’s only doubt after missing the last two games with a back complaint.

The club’s other injury concerns, Michael Turner (thigh), Kamil Zayatte (knee), Andy Dawson (thigh) and captain Ian Ashbee (hamstring), are all fit.

George Boateng (knee) is set to return to full training next week but Anthony Gardner (back) and Jimmy Bullard (knee) are out for the season.

Peter Crouch, David James and Glen Johnson have all returned unscathed from England duty for Portsmouth’s clash at Hull.

Jermaine Pennant has recovered from a thigh injury.

Hull squad: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Mendy, Ashbee, Marney, Kilbane, Geovanni, Manucho, Garcia, Barmby, Fagan, Halmosi, Folan, Doyle, Hughes, France, Cousin, Myhill

Portsmouth squad: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Mullins, Davis, Nugent, Kranjcar, Crouch, Kanu, Kaboul, Pamarot, Utaka, Hughes, Belhadj, Basinas, Ashdown, Begovic

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Newcastle v Chelsea (3pm)

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer hopes to have three key players available for his first game in charge.

Steven Taylor (ankle) and Sebastien Bassong (groin) are improving, while Damien Duff (hamstring) is expected to train today.

Danny Guthrie is back in contention after an eight-match lay-off with a torn hamstring and strikers Andy Carroll (ankle) and Xisco (fractured toe) have returned to training.

But Shola Ameobi is out with an ankle problem and Joey Barton (fractured metatarsal), Mark Viduka and Ignacio Gonzalez (both Achilles) remain on the sidelines.

Chelsea are without striker Didier Drogba and right-back Jose Bosingwa with ankle and hamstring problems respectively.

Nicolas Anelka has shaken off his toe problem to be included in the squad.

Newcastle squad: Harper, Forster, Krul, S Taylor, Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, Enrique, Edgar, Cacapa, Butt, Duff, R Taylor, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Geremi, Smith, Martins, Owen, Carroll, Xisco

Chelsea squad: Cech, Hilario, Taylor, Belletti, Alex, Ivanovic, Terry, Mancienne, A Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Deco, Obi, Kalou, Essien, Malouda, Di Santo, Anelka, Quaresma, Stoch

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West Brom v Stoke (3pm)

West Brom defender Abdoulaye Meite returns after a hamstring problem and illness but Tony Mowbray could continue with Jonas Olsson and Shelton Martis at the centre of defence.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis will assess the fitness Glenn Whelan, Stephen Kelly, Abdoulaye Faye and Thomas Sorensen.

Amdy Faye will be recalled in central midfield if Salif Diao fails a test on a groin strain, but striker Mamady Sidibe is out for the season after a damaged cruciate ligament was confirmed.

West Brom squad: Carson, Kiely, Zuiverloon, Hoefkens, Olsson, Martis, Donk, Pele, Meite, Robinson, Cech, Koren, Teixeira, Do-Heon, Valero, Brunt, Simpson, Fortune, Bednar, Moore, Menseguez

Stoke squad: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Lawrence, Diao, Whelan, Delap, Beattie, Fuller, Simonsen, Etherington, Amdy Faye, Camara, Sonko, Cresswell, Cort, Pugh, Tonge, Griffin, Olofinjana

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West Ham v Sunderland (3pm)

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has a groin injury is out.

Scott Parker is carrying a groin problem but may still play, while Radoslav Kovac (thigh) has also picked up a knock.

Central defenders Matthew Upson and James Collins are both fit, Savio Nsereko has recovered from a minor knee injury, but Valon Behrami, Jack Collison (both knee) and Danny Gabbidon (back/stomach) are out.

Kieran Richardson returns from suspension for Sunderland but George McCartney is a doubt with a calf injury.

Calum Davenport is ineligible because he is on loan from the Hammers.

West Ham squad: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Spector, Ilunga, Noble, Parker, Kovac, Boa Morte, Lopez, Tristan, Payne, Di Michele, Dyer, Lastuvka, Sears, N'Gala, Stanislas, Upson, Collins, Savio.

Sunderland squad: Fulop, Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Ben-Haim, Collins, Nosworthy, McCartney, McShane, Edwards, Malbranque, Whitehead, Leadbitter, Richardson, Reid, Murphy, Jones, Healy, Cisse

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SUNDAY

Everton v Wigan (3pm)

Everton boss David Moyes will make a late decision on the fitness of Tim Cahill who is recovering from a calf injury.

Wigan will be without Amr Zaki after the Egyptian again failed to return from international duty on time.

Jason Koumas has a hip problem which needs to be assessed, otherwise the Latics squad is at full strength.

Everton squad: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha, Jo, Rodwell, Baxter, Nash, Castillo, Jacobsen, Gosling, Wallace, Van der Meyde

Wigan squad: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa, Watson, Brown, Scharner, Kapo, N’Zogbia, De Ridder, Rodallega, Mido, Kingson, Pollitt, Edman, Cho

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Man Utd v Aston Villa (3pm)

Gary Neville is expected to return for the first time since January after coming through a reserve team outing on Monday.

Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic are all suspended, Dimitar Berbatov (ankle) is out for a fortnight and Anderson is not likely to play after picking up a knee injury on World Cup duty with Brazil.

Gabriel Agbonlahor could return for Aston Villa after being dropped for the 5-0 mauling by Liverpool.

Emile Heskey is out with a hamstring injury, but left-back Wilfred Bouma could play any part after eight months out with a dislocated ankle.

Man Utd squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Gibson, Possebon, Carrick, Park, Giggs, Tevez, Welbeck

Aston Villa squad: Friedel, Guzan, Reo-Coker, L. Young, Knight, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Bouma, Milner, Gardner, Petrov, Barry, Sidwell, Salifou, A. Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Delfouneso, Heskey

The Sun called me dumb... and that really hurt

JAVIER MASCHERANO admits he turned into the silent assassin after a harsh home truth from The Sun.

Twelve months ago, the Liverpool tough guy was left shame-faced when ref Steve Bennett sent him packing at Old Trafford for a foul-mouthed rant in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

His refusal to leave the field just before half-time only made matters worse, with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso eventually escorting him off.

The backlash Mascherano received from pundits shook him to the core — and none more so than the pasting from Britain’s favourite newspaper.

Now the Argentina skipper has revealed SunSport’s headlines were the final straw which helped convince him he had to button his lip to officials. Mascherano explained: “I don’t talk to referees any more after that sending off.

“It’s true I made a mistake arguing about something I shouldn’t have been arguing about.

“The Sun called me the stupidest man in the world. It hurt to be called that as I didn’t think I deserved it.

“But fair enough, when you make a mistake you hold your head up and put up with the criticism, although I’m sure I wouldn’t have been sent off if I was English.

“In the Premier League, players say whatever they like to the ref but I have to learn I’m not in my own country.”

Ironically, Mascherano misses next week’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg showdown with Chelsea through suspension, although that was largely down to a totally inept ref in the win over Real Madrid.

Now the Kop idol just wants to get back into Premier League action at Fulham today and forget a nightmare international week.

The 24-year-old midfielder was in the Argy side that crashed to a sensational 6-1 hiding against Bolivia — their biggest loss in 50 YEARS.

Victory at Craven Cottage would put the Reds back on top of the league as leaders United do not host Aston Villa until tomorrow.

Mascherano added: “Liverpool had a perfect March. We showed we’re alive and fighting for all the titles.

“Before that it looked like United had the league sewn up but now anything can happen.

“We’re close and feel capable of becoming champions.

“Everybody’s dream is to win the league and we’ll give everything we have to make it happen.”

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez reckons pitching his star straight back into action is the best way to cure his wounded pride.

Benitez said: “When you lose a game like Argentina did, it’s really important to play another game quickly, so I will talk to him and see how he is.”

In fact, Rafa has been speaking to all his players since their return from international duty, to spell out how vital the next fortnight will prove in shaping their season. He added: “I have told them all how crucial this period will be and we’re playing with confidence at the moment.

“We know we’ll probably have to win every game and United are still favourites, so it would be very positive if we beat Fulham.”

Liverpool could hardly be in better form, rattling in 13 goals in three games — including EIGHT against Real and United.

They received another boost yesterday with Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt both agreeing two-year contract extensions.

Skipper Gerro’s commitment has really buoyed everyone at Anfield and Benitez admitted: “Our relationship has been good but now he’s more mature.

“Stevie can see my points of view in a different way. He’s the captain and leader, so we have to be close. But the manager cannot be a friend to the players.

“Other managers might have been very close but you have to keep a bit of distance because that’s how the business is now.”

That business will look a whole lot different should Liverpool succeed where Alex Ferguson’s champions failed a fortnight ago and break through Fulham’s defences.

Rafa is convinced the title fight could go down to the wire, which is why he was so annoyed his side only beat Villa 5-0 two weeks ago.

He added: “It was a very good result that could have been better. Maybe the international break wasn’t at the best time for us.

“We need to win to put pressure on United but the mentality of the people of Liverpool is ‘Don’t give up, keep going’.

“Maybe Mr Ferguson should be a bit nervous.”

Source: The Sun

Barca are Spain in the neck

ARSENE WENGER admits he is not surprised by Barcelona’s latest attempt to unsettle captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Arsenal boss yesterday showed his deep mistrust of the Spanish giants after club president Joan Laporta said he would love to see Fabregas in a Barca shirt.

Wenger, who welcomes back his skipper today after nearly four months on the sidelines with a knee injury, said: “I am not disappointed with the comments. If I was disappointed it would mean I expect other behaviour — but I don’t.

“What is important is how we deal with things inside the club. It is about how much energy we put into achieving things and not worrying about what people say or think.

“What is important is not who stays or goes in July but the next game. It is important we concentrate on the short-term rather than become involved in speculation. We have 25 players and everyone wants them.”

As for the Gunners’ hopes of keeping Fabregas in the summer, Wenger added: “We are in a strong position.”

Since 21-year-old Fabregas got injured against Liverpool on December 21, Arsenal have been on a 16-game unbeaten Premier League run.

Ironically, their last defeat was a 3-0 loss at Manchester City on November 22.

And while Wenger will welcome back star player Fab along with Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott, the French boss insists there is more to the team than his Spanish midfield general.

He said: “Cesc was impatient while he was injured but worked very hard. He knows it is a big challenge to come back and help the team be successful. We are on a good run. We have a good squad.

“We are not a one-man team. We have a squad of 20 young players. In March, they are better than they were in September. If you are 36, you are worse in March than you were in September.

“I am very proud of the players as they have been so strong and now I want to capitalise on that strength in the most important part of the season. We have grown because we have been united during the difficulties.

“During our run, we have had a few 0-0 games and seen teams equalise in the last minute, so we could still have been fighting for the title.”

Fabregas said: “I’m feeling good and I’m available for selection.

“During the past week I’ve felt really sharp — I don’t know if I can cope with 90 minutes in my first game because I haven’t played competitively yet.

“Whether I start or am on the bench, the good thing is we cannot say I am injured anymore. I’ll be very happy because I will feel like a footballer again.

“City are a very good side and I like the way they play but, hopefully, we can get the three points.

“We have to remember what they did to us a few months ago and try to continue our good form because we have eight finals from now on.”

Source: The Sun

Gerrard scoops £26m deal

STEVEN GERRARD has pledged the rest of his career to Liverpool — for a whopping £26million.

The Kop skipper, 28, agreed a two-year contract extension, taking him to 2013, and will see his wages rise nearly £20,000 to around £125,000 a week.

Boss Rafa Benitez said: “It is a very, very positive message to the players that we have the commitment of Gerrard, which means we can go forward and can concentrate on football.

“We are trying to keep the spine of the team here and with Gerrard we wanted to be sure we keep the captain for a long time.”

The timing of the announcement, a day before the trip to Fulham, was a masterstroke in psychology by the Spaniard.

He admitted: “We want to show everyone is pushing in the right direction.

“With Stevie, as soon as we said we wanted to talk about an extension it was agreed very, very quickly.”

Gerrard’s deal was swiftly followed by a similar extension for Dirk Kuyt and Benitez now hopes to thrash out further agreements with Sami Hyypia, Alvaro Arbeloa, Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger.

Yet centre-back Jamie Carragher, who still has two years left, will have to wait until the end of the season for his fresh deal.

Source: The Sun

Who you kiddink Shearer?

GUUS HIDDINK has told Alan Shearer: Your fame means nothing.

Newcastle legend Shearer faces Chelsea today in his first game as a boss following a glittering playing career.

But Blues manager Hiddink warned: “Top, top players think because of their talent everything is going to happen automatically.

“It’s not always that when you are a top, top player you are guaranteed to be a top manager as well.

“Most of the time the players who have not reached the top, top level can sometimes imagine a little bit more what the difficulties are.”

Hiddink is expecting St James’ Park to be pumped up with the Toon’s new ‘Messiah’ in the dugout and battling to keep the club in the top flight.

But Hiddink believes Newcastle may need more than an adrenalin rush to spark their survival bid.

He said: “It depends on your religion whether or not you believe in Messiahs.

“At kick-off he will not play and I will not play. We can prepare as we have done but we both have to sit down. It’s not a game between managers.

“The instant input and change in the dressing room gives the players a lot of energy and that’s an extra aspect of the game we have to deal with.

"But besides this game, there are other things for managers to get interested in...

“How to prepare a team, how to make training sessions with aims and objectives.

“Training is not just for passing the time or having a nice workout.

“Every day we aim for a strategic, physical or tactical aspect of the game.

“That’s the part where new managers have to broaden their knowledge of the game.

“I have the benefit of experience.”

Hiddink added: “I think Alan Shearer’s team will reflect his personality.”

Source: The Sun

Fergie wants Moyes at United

DAVID MOYES is Alex Ferguson’s choice to succeed him as Manchester United boss.

Fergie, 67, is likely to step down after next season. He said: “David hasn’t got the credit he deserves.

"When you take everything into consideration, he’s done an incredible job at Everton.

“He has not had the resources of other clubs but got all his younger players on long contracts and built around them with the likes of Phil Jagielka, Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott.

“The signings he has made have been terrific and it means he has continuity for years.”

Moyes, a Glaswegian like Fergie, has done a remarkable job at Everton since replacing Walter Smith in March 2002.

The Toffees have finished in the top six in three of the last four seasons and was voted by fellow bosses as Manager of the Year in 2003 and 2005.

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho and Aston Villa’s Martin O’Neill have been heavily linked with filling the United hotseat.

Source: The Sun

Gerrard states deal delight

Steven Gerrard is determined to celebrate his signing of a new contract by captaining Liverpool to silverware this season.

Rafa Benitez's Anfield outfit received a boost this week with the news Gerrard had put pen-to-paper on a deal that binds him to the club until 2013.

Talisman Gerrard believes that having settled players - Dirk Kuyt also signed a two-year extension on Friday - can aid the club's bid for Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory.

He said: "This news has given me a boost and hopefully it will help us in our remaining games.

"We have got big matches to play, all of them cup finals as we have to win them all to stay in the title race and go all the way to Rome for the Champions League final."

He added: "It is a fantastic feeling to have agreed the deal. This is what I wanted, to see out the rest of my career with Liverpool.

"I have said all along that as long as the club wanted me then I would stay at Liverpool.

"I have been a fan all my life and it will be fantastic at the end of my career to look back and say I have been with Liverpool all the way through.

"The main priority is to be successful and I want to achieve success at the club I love. If we can win more trophies together then I will be really happy."

Source: Sky Sports

Harry expects Bentley interest

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp concedes David Bentley could attract bids from rival clubs in the summer.

After his failure to live up to expectations in his debut season at White Hart Lane, it has been speculated the midfielder faces an uncertain future in the capital.

The big money summer capture from Blackburn was expected to be a big success in North London, having established himself as a key player at Ewood Park and broken into the England squad.

It has not worked out that way though, as Bentley has struggled to capture anything like his best form under first Juande Ramos - who signed him - and now Redknapp, who has preferred in-form Aaron Lennon down his right flank.

Redknapp acknowledges Bentley's frustration at playing second fiddle and accepts his current predicament could entice interest from elsewhere.

"Teams know what he can do and it is a possibility," he said.

Luka Modric has also impressed on the left so Bentley will probably be on the bench this weekend when he returns to Blackburn, who he left last summer.

Redknapp added: "It's hard for David. Aaron has been in great form. You hope that Aaron keeps playing well and the team keeps winning and I don't have to change it, I've got to be truthful.

"Modric has played fantastic for me on the left. I certainly wouldn't be leaving Luka out of my team, that is for sure.

"It's difficult but it is a nice problem when the team is playing so well and winning. I couldn't even contemplate changing it."

Source: Sky Sports

Shearer seeks strong start

Alan Shearer is relishing the opportunity to cross swords with Chelsea in his first game as manager of Newcastle United.

The former Magpies captain is hoping to raise his legendary status on Tyneside by a notch or two after agreeing to help in the fight against Premier League relegation.

Eighteenth-placed Newcastle confirmed Shearer as an eight-game replacement for Joe Kinnear, who is recovering from heart surgery, on Wednesday and the club's record goalscorer is now preparing for the challenge.

The ex-England star has inherited a side two points from safety and facing, arguably, the toughest run-in of all the clubs battling at the wrong end of the division, starting with Saturday's visit of Guus Hiddink's third-placed Chelsea.

And Shearer is in no doubt regarding the significance of the Blues' visit but hopes to begin his tenure with a bang, saying: "I keep hearing people say it is a tough game. I understand that.

"Chelsea have world-class players and a great, experienced manager. They are going for the Premier League and they are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

"However, I still think it is a great game for us to have. I'm not having the fact people keep saying, 'we will not get anything here'.

"I do not accept that, I really don't. If we do not gain anything tomorrow and the other teams win, they will be five points ahead of us.

"We do not want that. We have to take something."

After taking on Chelsea, Newcastle face Stoke, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Liverpool, North-East rivals Middlesbrough, Fulham and Aston Villa.

Source: Sky Sports

Owen backs Shearer effect

Newcastle United captain Michael Owen has backed Alan Shearer to lead the struggling club to safety.

Shearer is poised for his first game as Magpies boss against Chelsea on Saturday since his shock unveiling as a short-term replacement for Joe Kinnear during midweek.

Striker Owen played alongside Shearer for England and Newcastle and is now ready to give 100 per cent when working under him as the Tyneside club look to escape relegation from the Premier League.

In the matchday programme for Saturday's meeting with Chelsea, Owen said: "I'm really delighted to see Alan here as manager.

"I watched his career when I was a kid, I admired him as a player, and then I got the chance to play alongside him with Newcastle.

"Now it's come full circle and here I'm playing for him as my manager. Who would have thought it?

"Alan Shearer's appointment as Newcastle manager is just what we needed to give us that extra injection of confidence and enthusiasm.

"Everyone has certainly had an extra spring in their step. It's exciting and it's given the whole place a buzz. There are not many people who could come in and affect the club like this, but Alan is certainly one who can.

"Everybody's in a great frame of mind, and now if we go out on the pitch and get a positive result the whole thing can snowball.

"But we've got to get that first win, and all the players know we have to produce top form to get it, especially against a side like Chelsea."

Source: Sky Sports