Enrique To Miss Potters Clash

By Craig Hope

JOSE Enrique is out of this weekend's crunch survival clash at Stoke City.

The Spanish defender suffered a knee injury in training earlier in the week and will not travel to Staffordshire.

And boss Alan Shearer told nufcTV: "Unfortunately Jose won't be available.

"He caught a ball on his toe earlier in the week and it twisted his knee slightly.

"Hopefully though he won't be out for too long."

Meanwhile, Shearer confirmed that both Steven Taylor (ankle) and Peter Lovenkrands (back) would also miss the game at the Britannia Stadium.

Imperative We Get Result - Boss

By Craig Hope

NEWCASTLE United boss Alan Shearer insists it is "imperative" for his side to get a positive result from Saturday's tea-time showdown with Stoke City.

The Magpies are three points adrift of safety and six behind this weekend's opponents with seven games left to save their top-flight lives.

And Shearer told nufcTV that the Geordies will going all out for a win at the Britannia Stadium.

"It's imperative to get a result and we will be going to get three points," said the 38-year-old gaffer.

"I'm not going to says draws are no good for us, because we would rather get a point than nothing.

"But we are going to try to win the game. We need three points."

Shearer has watched from his Match of the Day sofa this season as the Potters have turned their Staffordshire base into something of a fortress with 28 of their 35 points coming on home turf.

And Big Al added: "They are a tough nut to crack and most of their points have come at home.

"They are big, strong and physical. They are very dangerous from set-pieces and we know all about them.

"But knowing and stopping are two different things.

"We can try and tell the players until we're blue in the face what they're going to do. But they have to go out and battle, scrap and fight for everything as they would do every other week."

Tuncay: We Must Be As One

TURKISH tornado Tuncay is calling on Boro fans to fill the Riverside with "positive energy" and inspire their team to victory over Hull City on Saturday.

The 26-year-old understands the supporters' fears about Boro's Premier League future, but says it's vital not to transmit any nervousness to the players on the pitch.

"It's important that the fans believe in us," said the former Fenerbahce man. "We need them to believe in us.

"We know the fans want us to play good football and to win games. All the players want to play good football but sometimes that doesn't happen, sometimes it's not possible.

"But if the fans have a positive energy then that can help the players be positive. If the fans are not positive, then it is harder for the players to relax and play good football."

Tuncay is a megastar in his homeland and has made himself equally popular in his two years on Teesside thanks to his tireless efforts for the cause, wherever he is asked to play.

And while he visibly thrives on the passionate backing of the fans, he says all players need a helping hand during challenging times like these.

"The players want a good atmosphere in the stadium like the fans gave us in the games against Liverpool and West Ham," said Tuncay, Boro's top Barclays Premier League scorer with five goals.

"When the fans are positive, the players relax and can play better football.

"We know the fans love Boro and want us to do well and that they are worried because we are not winning, but the fans can help the players best if they stay positive.

"If we are one team, then we are stronger."

Edwin: We need to be mean again

Report by Adam Bostock

Edwin van der Sar is desperate to shut out Sunderland on Saturday as the Reds seek a first clean sheet in the Barclays Premier League for almost two months.

The Dutchman will be doing his utmost to halt the run of strikes conceded and he's urging his team-mates to be just as vigilant at the Stadium of Light.

"It’s not that the goals we are conceding are great goals from our opponents," Edwin told MUTV, after being beaten by two Porto efforts in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"Of course, we have to sort that out and start focusing on what we did very successfully for a long time this season.

"We need to get back to that way of defending and then we should be okay."

United's last league shut-out - in the 3-0 home win over Fulham on 18 February - was remarkably the 14th in a row. Yet the Reds have since conceded in defeats to Fulham (away) and Liverpool, and in victories over Blackburn, Newcastle and Aston Villa. The latter pair of wins have been hard-fought with the Reds falling behind in both games.

"We had a hard game on Sunday, and again on Tuesday," said Edwin, referring to the two matches in 48 hours against Villa (3-2) and then Porto (2-2).

"We need to make sure we focus again for Saturday against Sunderland."

You can follow Saturday's clash live via ManUtd.com with Match Tracker text and MUTV Online's radio commentary. Coverage starts at 14:45 BST, 15 minutes before kick-off.

Petrov return on the cards

City's hopes of success in the UEFA Cup look set to be boosted by the return of Martin Petrov, manager Mark Hughes has stated.

The Bulgarian winger's season has been interrupted by a knee injury picked while on international duty in early October, but he is with the squad as the final preparations for tonight's quarter final against Hamburg are made.

Given the 30-year-old's lengthy absence, it is easy to forget that he has played and scored in this season's European odyssey. The former Atletico Madrid man kicked off the Mark Hughes era with the opening goal of the tie against EB/Streymur way back in mid-July, and the Manager is eager to see him in action again.

"Martin is an outstanding player," Hughes asserts. "He gives you great quality, not just with his knowledge of the game but his ability to deliver great balls into good areas.

"We have missed him this year. If we had the option of Martin before, I am sure he would have had a positive impact on games.

"To see him play against Newcastle for the reserves was a great thing for everyone. He had 45 minutes of good play. "He looked sharp and he looked ready. He is very much in our thoughts for the Hamburg game."

Tim Oscroft

City Wait On Cousin Scan Results

Phil Brown is still awaiting the results of scans on Daniel Cousin's back problem before deciding whether to include the striker in his squad for Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough.

Cousin hasn't played since the 1-1 draw against Newcastle last month but should City receive some positive news, he will travel to the North East.

Meanwhile, George Boateng remains on course for a place on the bench as he bids to make a comeback after three months out with ligament damage.

"George is the more positive of the two," said Brown.

"Daniel has had an assessment by a specialist in France and we're awaiting the results of that assessment.

"If those are positive, then he will train with the first team and travel up to Middlesbrough.

"George has got a good chance of being on the bench on Saturday."

Marathon Man Pienaar Ready For Villa

by Matthew Gamble

Steven Pienaar insists he will be fresh for Everton's remaining games.

The South African was replaced after 70 minutes of the 4-0 win over Wigan after a global travel marathon during the recent international break.

Pienaar flew back to his homeland to help them win the Nelson Mandela Challenge with a victory over Norway, before heading to Switzerland with his countrymen to take on Portugal.

After the 2-0 defeat in Lausanne, he travelled back to Merseyside to prepare for the arrival of Steve Bruce's side.

And after being withdrawn 20 minutes before the final whistle, Pienaar has now declared he is in prime condition going into this season's remaining games.

He told evertonTV: "I had to get used to playing three games in a week and travelling almost 18 hours so it was quite difficult - but I will be fresh.

"It takes a lot because you have to fly there, it takes almost 11 hours, then play the game, then fly back and there is all the bus travel as well, so it is quite hard but we are all professionals and it comes with the job."

The former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund playmaker believes the resounding win over Wigan will instill great confidence amongst the Everton squad ahead of Sunday's fifth-place showdown with Aston Villa.

"Confidence is high in the team and we are looking forward to Sunday's game," he declared.

"If we you keep on playing like that, goals will come and we will create opportunities.

"It is not going to be easy playing Villa away. We have to stick to our game plan, play like we did on Sunday and I don't think we will have a problem."

THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: ASHLEY COLE

With 38 appearances to his name, few Chelsea players have been used more this season than Ashley Cole. He has been talking to Chelseafc.com about feeling good.

We are getting some mileage out of you this season.
It is the most I have ever played in a season. I am happy to be playing, it is nice to get this many games under your belt and the results have been coming so I have really enjoyed playing.

So you have plenty left in the tank to push on as the season reaches its climax?
That is why you are at big clubs like this. These are the games you want to come around and be fighting for and I am delighted that we could be in contention for three trophies, which is brilliant.

Do you have natural stamina?
As actual fitness goes, with the lungs, I have always been a fit guy. I always train to try to maintain that. The injuries are different and something you can't help but otherwise I am fit. I don't seem to get out of breath that easily.

You are 28-years-old now which is often talked about as the peak for a footballer. Have you felt a steady improvement?
My condition is fine and I have never been as fit as this year. But I worked hard in the summer to come back from injuries and I have come back strong. I have had a few niggles but I am happy with how many games I have got through.

What about your outright pace compared with when you were, say, 20-years-old?
No, I am a little bit slower. I can't get around quite as quick but the training we do here is always keeping you sharp and the way I play, I always like to get tight. So if I keep training on that, I think I will be alright.

What about mental maturity? Has your decision making improved?
That is hard because when you are playing in defence and you make one mistake, give one bad ball as I have found in my career, that is it, they score. One thing that makes you a good defender is when to play back, when to play forward. But having JT there makes it easier.

He speaks a lot and has good communication. That makes my job easier and his job easier. It is mostly concentration. Sometimes you are going to be caught out but being focused is the key.

Is decision making something coaches help with or is it more instinct?
Of course the coaches help because they will tell you when to play out and when not to but when you are in a game situation it is down to the player. Some coaches say that in your third of the pitch just kick it out, but sometimes you don't have to kick it out, you can play out and get around teams like that. But the older and more experienced you get, you know when to do that and when not.

You've spoken about your on-pitch relationship with John Terry and although you've had several different team-mates in front of you down the wing, JT inside you and Frank Lampard on the left of the midfield are near constants. Barely anyone plays as often as you three.
I think there is a real understanding. Like I said me and John are always talking constantly whether anyone else is there or not. We know where each other is. And with Lamps, as soon as I give him the ball he knows I am going to be in that space so we don't really look, he just puts these great balls in.

We seem to work well and we play together with England as well and it makes it easier the more games we play.

Has Guus Hiddink asked you to play differently compared with before he arrived?
At the start of the season I was attacking a lot. But now he has changed the team in the way we defend. We defend as a four a little bit more and let the other guys do the attacking and the results have shown that it has worked, we have done really well. The lads love him and he has brought out the best in a lot of players.

You are still in the FA Cup and if you win it again, that would be the fifth time, taking you ahead of the likes of Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Ray Parlour for wins in the modern era.
That would be brilliant. The FA Cup is always a great trophy and the atmosphere and everything that comes with it is great and if I ever get the chance to play in another final and win it, I would look back on my career and say yeah, I have won the Premier League but to win the FA Cup that many times would be a great honour.

What was mood like last night after the Anfield win?
We were a little bit disappointed that we didn't score four or five. When we came in everyone was saying we could have finished it there. But we are happy. It is always nice to go to Anfield and get a good result and it is going to be tough for them to come to the Bridge and score three goals.

Of course it could happen but we have got the players in our team to score goals. We have scored in every game apart from one since the new manager came in so we are very confident we can push on now and go through.

People say Dirk Kuyt has been one of Liverpool's best players this season. What is it like to play up against him?
He is hard because when he goes inside I have to trust our winger to stay with their right-back. I can't go tight on him because if I do and they play a one-two, I am out of position. It is hard because he is always moving into the hole behind the striker but when I have Essien and JT behind me, again speaking and covering inside, it does make it easier.

But sometimes we are saying in the game just let him have it there and drop off and let them try the long ball. I think it worked well. Of course he did the back-heel for their goal but I have certainly enjoyed playing against him this year. I can't remember him contributing too much. It is good to play against players like that, this is a great league and I think he must be one of their best players.

Away from the pitch, you were recently involved in launching a government initiative to combat knife crime.
Coming from the background I did, I saw a lot of stuff when I was growing up and I stayed away from that and luckily I have got a football career. It is something in my heart that I think needs to be stopped and I know it is a cliché everyone is saying but it is not big to carry a knife. They seem to think they carry it for protection, but they pull it out and they could end up getting hurt as well as hurting someone else.

It has definitely changed from when I was young. It has got worse and we need to clean up the streets and maybe give young people more activities to do. Maybe the government can help a little bit and hopefully it could take them off the streets and into clubs and things like that.

Me and JT went to the launch and it was a great day. We met the kids, heard what their problems were or what they thought could be done and improved and hopefully that can be taken on board and a few things are changed.

CHELSEA ANNOUNCE GLOBAL PUBLISHING DEAL

Chelsea Football Club has been signed up by one of the world's leading literary agents in a new global publishing deal.

The Christopher Little Literary Agency, who act for a number of exciting authors including JK Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, will represent Chelsea in all book deals in the United Kingdom and around the world.

It is the first time Chelsea has been represented by a literary agent and the partnership will be looking to expand the portfolio of books produced by the club.

Chelsea communications and public affairs director, Simon Greenberg, said: 'Christopher Little are the ideal partners for Chelsea in this sector. They are known throughout the publishing world for the writers they represent and for their knowledge of the industry.

'We have already discussed some great ideas and we are sure together we will take Chelsea's publishing to a higher and more successful level.'

Neil Blair, partner at Christopher Little, said: 'We are delighted to be working with Chelsea and helping to create an exciting new range of books, both here and abroad.'

Blair, together with founding partner Christopher Little, helps to run the agency which is based in south west London.

It employs a motivated team of specialists who offer a dedicated and highly personal service with expertise in all areas of publishing, media, film and television, merchandising, royalties and accounting.

The Christopher Little Literary Agency's diverse client list includes not only JK Rowling but also bestselling authors Darren Shan and Cathy Hopkins, as well as Sir Mike Jackson and the Gorillaz.

It deals directly with more than 175 publishers in over 200 territories around the world, with books published in over 65 languages.

Match Preview: Chelsea v Bolton

Chelsea v Bolton Wanderers,
Barclays Premier League,
Saturday 11 April 2009,
Stamford Bridge, 3pm Kick-off.

Wanderers travel to Stamford Bridge hoping to continue an impressive run of form on Chelsea's home patch after denting the West London side's title challenge on the final day of last season with an impressive 1-1 draw.

The Whites will be looking to avenge their 2-0 home defeat at the start of December when Nicolas Anelka returned to the Reebok for the first time since his £15million move to the Blues in January 2008, and he duly opened the scoring.

Portuguese midfielder Deco completed the victory for a side that has since dispensed with the services of manager Phil Scolari and appointed Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink until the end of the season.

Bolton go into the game with optimism, hoping to build on an emphatic 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough. Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-0 last time out to ruin Alan Shearer's hopes of a triumphant return to Newcastle in his first game in charge of the Toon Army. Bolton will be aiming to be the first team from outside the top four to beat Chelsea away.

Chelsea approach the match sitting in third place on 64 points, four points behind leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand. Hiddink's side sit nine places and 27 points above Bolton but Gary Megson's side will be hoping to draw on past positive experiences at Stamford Bridge to get a result.

Bolton travelled to West London last season on the final day of the season needing to avoid a seven goal reversal in goal difference, that being the minimum requirement to stay in the Premier League. Goal difference wasn't needed though as a late Matt Taylor strike secured an impressive 1-1 draw and maintained Bolton's status in the top flight.

Bolton have only tasted defeat once out of their last five visits to Stamford Bridge, the highlight coming in 2003 when they snatched a 2-1 victory with a late John Terry own goal.

Chelsea captain John Terry told Chelsea club website that he feels the side are getting stronger under the new manager. He explained: "We are a lot stronger since the new manager has come in. We have regrouped and gone again and that is why we are pushing the way we are in the league.

"We have scored in every game except one since the new manager came in. We are in as good form as anybody."

The referee for the match will be Northampton's Peter Walton. His last Wanderers game was when he took charge for the 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park in February.

His previous game involving Chelsea was their 2-1 home victory over Stoke in January. Walton was the man in the middle for the Community Shield game at Wembley between Manchester United and Portsmouth at the beginning of the season.

Team News
Manager Gary Megson confirmed that Bolton only have long-term injuries Mark Davies and Joey O' Brien unavailable.

No pressure on us

MANAGER Sam Allardyce insists the pressure is all on Liverpool ahead of Rovers' visit to Anfield this weekend.

With Rafa Benitez's Reds desperately needing the three points to keep the heat on Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title, Big Sam believes most neutrals will be anticipating a Liverpool victory in Saturday's early kick-off.

However, the Rovers boss is adamant that could work to his team's advantage.

Buoyed by last week's dramatic late victory over Tottenham, Big Sam said: "We'll go to Liverpool with the sort of attitude of let's go and do it right, let's go and do our very best, and let's see what we what we can do.

"Nobody expects us to do anything so that takes the pressure of us really.

"Hopefully, we can express ourselves in the right way, use our abilities in the right way, and give Liverpool the type of game we gave Manchester United at Old Trafford, particularly in that second half."

Big Sam was an interested spectator at Anfield on Wednesday night when Liverpool suffered a damaging defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

But whilst he was encouraged by the way Chelsea performed in front of the Kop, the Rovers boss insists he learnt more from Stoke City's display at Anfield earlier in the season.

He added: "When you play at Anfield there has to be different tactics. You have to be tactically different than if you were at Ewood Park, even against Liverpool.

"Obviously I've seen some very good tactics by a couple of teams against them, notably Stoke earlier on in the season.

"We got a lot of reports on what they did to stop Liverpool, rather than watching Chelsea because, whilst I've got very good players, they aren't at the same level as Chelsea.

"We've got to go out and make sure we are going to be ready to run as long as we need to run, run as far as we need to run, and compete as long as we need to compete.

"Then, after that, we must try to get playing and use the possession that we get as best as we possibly can, and as effectively as we possibly can. We must try to get into Liverpool's final third and cause them a few problems."

Dunny: 'Big Chris' is a big asset!

MIDFIELDER David Dunn believes emergency striker Chris Samba could be a big asset during the run-in.

With Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts both ruled out for this weekend's trip to Liverpool, manager Sam Allardyce may once again be tempted to use 'Big Chris' as a target man after he proved effective in that role during the second half of last week's win over Tottenham.

Hailing the Congo international's recent contribution at both ends of the pitch, Dunny said: "Chris was a real handful up there, so we'll probably look to Chrissy to maybe play a part and go up there and do the same again if we are struggling in the last 20 minutes.

"He's a big player for us, he has done very well since he came to the club a couple of seasons ago, and hopefully we can use him in his proper position more often than not.

"But he is a great threat to have when you want him to go up there."

Gallas out for season

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed William Gallas will miss the rest of the season with a medial knee ligament injury.

Gallas was forced off with the problem in the first half of Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

The Frenchman picked up the knock after colliding with Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Wenger feared after the match that Gallas had sustained a serious injury and his worst worries have been confirmed, with the centre-back facing several weeks on the sidelines.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia also faces a spell out of action after suffering an ankle injury in midweek.

The Spaniard was forced off after he was also, coincidentally, caught by Rossi in the first half.

It means Polish keeper Lukasz Fabianski will have an extended run in the side, starting with this weekend's clash with Wigan.

Full-back Gael Clichy has also been ruled out of the trip to Wigan and the second leg against Villarreal after picking up a back problem in Spain.

"We have not the best news for Gallas because he looks to have a medial knee ligament that takes him out," said Wenger.

"He is quick to recover, but we think he will be short to come back before the end of the season.

"It's a big, big blow but that's where the squad comes in.

"I believe as well we have lost Manuel Almunia for three weeks and we lost Clichy for two weeks with a back problem.

"We lost three players on Tuesday night so we have to once again rely on the depth in the squad - that is quite strong but as well we have to rely on our mental strength because until now we have dealt well with all our injury problems."

Wenger also revealed Robin van Persie and Eduardo, who both missed Tuesday's match, are struggling to be fit for Saturday and will undergo fitness tests before the game.

"Robin van Persie and Eduardo will have tests on Friday morning. They could be available," added Wenger.

Wenger admitted injury-plagued star Tomas Rosicky had suffered a setback in his bid to return to action.

Rosicky has not played since last January and Wenger concedes the midfielder is no closer to making his long awaited comeback.

Wenger said: "Tomas Rosicky, at the moment, is not close to coming back. We have to be very patient there as well. But of course we have (Andrey) Arshavin available for Saturday again."

Fabregas: Three More Games

By Steven Fisher

Cesc Fabregas has returned and re-ignited Arsenal's season as they tussle with Villa for the forth place spot.

The Spainard who has set up all three goals in his last two games for the Gunners has been sidelined for the last three months through injury, But he still believes that he is way short of the type of form that people expect.

Against Villareal Adebayor netted a brace with Fabregas setting up both goals but still Cesc was downbeat about his performance as he explained to the clubs official website.

"I don't feel 100 per cent yet,” admitted the Arsenal captain.

“This was only my second game. I played 90 minutes on Saturday I played 80 minutes on Tuesday.

“That is not easy after over three months out. I feel I need three more games to be at my best.

“But definitely when you are like that you can finish the season better than the players who have played the whole time."

Aguero for City

By Steven Fisher

Manchester City are getting ready to make a move a move on cash strapped Athletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero.

The Argie could well be on his way to The Premiership and he said "The club will decide if I stay. "

"I do not know if they need the money."

The Eastlands would be a favorable place to go because of the Argentinean community in the North-West with the likes of Tevez at Manchester United and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano for whom are both international team-mates with Aguero.

Harry in for Aly

By Steven Fisher

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £5M bid for Aly Cissokho reports The Sun this morning.

Harry Redknapp has been watching the Frenchmen quite a while now and was especially impressive in Porto's midweek draw against Manchester United.

With Gareth Bale struggling with form at White Hart Lane, it would only be a matter of time before something showed up on Harry's radar.

Cissokho has been playing well and is a regular in the Portuguese Champions team and for a player who only cost £270,000 from Vitoria Setubal, it would take quite a sweetener and abit of Harry's charm for them to part with him.

Spurs are looking a lot more stable under Redknapp and as he looks to next season, only a player of that level would compliment the team and its push for a top six finish.