Saturday's B*l**x
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 12:55 amSo in case any of you were still in any doubt ... Can I borrow your ladders mate? Well there's no need for that language fella .. a gap in the hedge you say .... ...
It's the Daily Shit Stirring Cunts headline of the hour
and of course after various pictures at training they have to publish two more pictures, firstly, the one with Nasri wimping out and then finally the RVP free kick .... So 1 hour and 23 minutes pass and a bored DSSC decides to 'write' another article, one which nicely links into their next story scandalising our club ....
then of course Baconchops has his regualar column where he directs the ref for this weekend game ...
Enough! ..... Here's the BOLLOX
Roberto Mancini plays it cool as Carlos Tevez future comes under renewed debate at Manchester City
Manchester City are to adopt a pragmatic approach to resolving Carlos Tévez’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium, despite manager Roberto Mancini raising the prospect of the Argentine being offered a new contract.
Tévez, who is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up against Arsenal on Sunday because Sergio Agüero is sidelined with a torn hamstring, has just 18 months left to run on his £198,000-a-week contract at the Etihad, but no talks are planned over an extension to that deal.
Since leaving Manchester United to sign for City in July 2009, Tévez has endured a turbulent time at the Etihad, with success in the FA Cup and Premier League countered by clashes with Mancini and last season’s unauthorised three-month return to Buenos Aires, which resulted in the player being fined £1.2 million by the club for gross misconduct.
But with City facing the possibility of Tévez leaving as a free agent in the summer of 2014, Mancini has claimed that the player could be offered a one-year extension to his contract to safeguard against him leaving for nothing next year.
“This could be an option because Carlos is 28 and he has other years to play.” Mancini said. “We have another 18 months and I think we have the time to talk. When Carlos takes his decision, he will talk with us.
“His behaviour is very good, he works very well. He is an important player because he has experience.”
Having repeatedly stated a desire to return to Argentina once his contract expires at City, it is understood that both the club and Tévez are comfortable with the current situation.
Tévez has told friends that he is more settled at City than at any time in the past, while his previously fractious relationship with Mancini is now much healthier, with the two men sharing a mutual respect.
However, despite the pragmatism displayed by both parties, neither has ruled out the prospect of an extension to Tévez’s stay, but a decision on that is unlikely to be made until the final months of his current deal.
Mancini has insisted, meanwhile, that City must overcome the loss of midfielder Yaya Toure pn international duty for potentially the next six weeks.
Toure, his brother Kolo and midfielder Abdul Razak, flew to Abu Dhabi last week in order to link-up with the Ivory Coast ahead of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and City face the prospect of the trio being away until mid-February.
With Yaya having started each of City’s 21 league games so far this season, his absence could prove decisive in the title race, with the former Barcelona midfielder a central figure in Mancini’s plans.
City won four and lost just one of five league games missed by Toure during last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, however, and with other players injured and Samir Nasri suspended, Mancini admits there is no pointing in bemoaning Yaya’s unavailability.
“We can do nothing, Yaya is in South Africa,” Mancini said. “The problem is that we are missing three or four important players, Samir, Sergio and other players, but I think if we work hard, we can do well.
“We have had a lot of injuries this year. Last season, we were lucky, but this year maybe not. We have important players injured, but this is football. We need to work with players we have and hope we can recover injured players for next week.”
City’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal last season meant they fell eight points behind United in the title race with just six games to go, but a dramatic fightback in the closing weeks of the campaign took the Premier League trophy to the Etihad.
With United now seven points clear, Mancini insists that City have ample time to overhaul the deficit in order to retain the title.
“There are moments during a season when even a top team like United can lose points.” Mancini said. “It is impossible to win every game and we should be ready when United lose a point.”
He added: “Last year United recovered when we were five points clear and after Arsenal we went eight points behind. United overturned 13 points, so we can recover. It is not a problem.”
“Oh, f**king hell!” – Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini gets one Balotelli question too many
Roberto Mancini was obviously hoping to have left the latest Mario Balotelli controversy behind him this week after professing that the striker would have 100 more chances at the club.
So, he was a bit dismayed when the first question at today’s press conference related to Balotelli.
A smiling Mancini replied: “Oh, f**king hell!”
The makers of the video above have strangely chosen to cover the swear word with a cow noise rather than the traditional bleep.
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Manchester City striker John Guidetti looking for loan move but not to Italy
Manchester City striker John Guidetti is looking to join an English club on loan, according to the player's Italian agent.
Guidetti has yet to play for City this season after being sidelined by injury, but was rewarded with a new three-year contract in October.
He impressed on loan at Feyenoord last season and his Italian representative Roberto De Fanti says Guidetti subsequently rejected a loan move to Siena last summer.
A January switch to Serie A has also been ruled out by De Fanti as Guidetti hopes to head out on loan this month in order to play first-team football.
"In the summer, the deal for Guidetti's transfer on loan to Siena was already done, then he talked with David Platt and decided to remain at City," De Fanti told Radio Blu.
"Now he is back after injury and he's looking for a team, but I think his most likely destination will be in England.
"A move to Italy could be possible for next season."
Samir Nasri demands Manchester City hunger
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has declared that his side must show hunger and desire in the second of half of the season to successfully defend their title.
Roberto Mancini's side trail Manchester United by seven points ahead of this weekend's fixtures, with Nasri insisting that City are only focused on their own form and results.
He told The Sun: "If you have a strong squad, if you have quality and you still want to win, you don't think about someone else.
"You have to be hungrier for the title, to retain any title. We are."
City face a stern test of their championship credentials on Sunday when they travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 12-1-2012
Hughes: I’ve learnt from mistakes at City
Mark Hughes believes his struggle to satisfy Manchester City’s mega-rich owners will stand him in good stead at QPR.
Rangers’ Tony Fernandes-led regime have big plans for the club but are relatively new to football, which Hughes’ predecessor Neil Warnock feels was a factor in his sacking.
But Hughes has experience of dealing with new, ambitious owners, having been manager at City when they were taken over by the Abu Dhabi Investment Group.
Fernandes is keen to make major signings.Hughes explained: “I’ve been through it before and that experience will help me because, in fairness, I probably made mistakes with the new owners last time and I understand that now.
“I can learn from that and I’m a better manager than I was then. There [at City] we had different layers of management and it was very difficult to navigate, but I’m happy with the structure here.”
And Hughes says he is unperturbed by the turnover of managers at Loftus Road in the last few years.
The Welshman is Rangers’ 11th boss since 2006 and Warnock, who lasted less than two years, was by far the longest-serving manager during that period.
Hughes said: “Perhaps now there’s a will to calm things down, back somebody and give them the opportunity.
“I’m grateful for that opportunity, because I back my own ability. Given enough time, I will definitely make this club successful.”
Man City target not keen on Etihad switch
Manchester City target Edinson Cavani has pledged his future to Napoi and admits he would love to play alongside Mario Balotelli.
Cavani, Serie A’s top scorer this season with 16 goals, has been scouted extensively by City, Chelsea and Zeni St Petersburg over the past two seasons.
Earlier this week his father said Real Madrid would be the Uruguayan’s ideal destination but Cavani has quashed all talk of a departure. He said: “I hope to stay here for a long time. I am enjoying this moment and everything that surrounds football in this city, such as the fans, who give us an extra boost.
“Naples has given me so much and that is why I am so happy here. The warmth and affection of the fans have given me extra confidence. I have a great deal of love for them and for this city. My children are Neapolitan, as they are indelibly linked to this city.”
With Balotelli’s future at the Etihad Stadium in a constant state of uncertainity, Cavani also spoke of his desire to play with the Italian international.
AC Milan and Inter have also been monitoring Balotelli's situation, despite Roberto Mancini’s insistence the striker is not for sale. Cavani added: “I would certainly love to play alongside him. He is a champion and has proved that. He’s an Italian champion who will make people very happy.”
MANCHESTER TITLE RACE
PTS +7 GD +4
Nottingham Forest and Bolton in battle to sign Man City defender Boyata on loan
Nottingham Forest and Bolton want Dedryck Boyata on loan from Manchester City following his recall from a spell at Eredivisie side FC Twente. Boyata had failed to make an impact in Holland, making just one start in the league under the former England boss Steve McClaren.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Bolton, but was unable to prevent the Trotters being relegated.
Man City Ready to Pounce as Liverpool Striker Luis Suarez Considers £40m Anfield Exit
The Uruguayan is ready to leave the Reds in the summer, with owners FSG willing to listen to offers worth £40m-plus as City plan a summer overhaul of their strikeforce
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the Reds’ owners, fear Suarez will seek to leave Merseyside in the summer if the club fail to qualify for Europe, despite the player signing a long-term contract worth £100,000-a-week in the summer.
The 25-year-old is eager to play in the Champions League and his representatives are understood to be considering potential options, although most clubs will be deterred by Liverpool’s £40 million-plus asking price. wait in the wings
Roberto Mancini may well have space for the addition of Uruguayan ace Luis Suarez if he opts to listen to offers for troublesome striker Mario Balotelli, and indeed Edin Dzeko could well seek to leave the Etihad Stadium if his run of recent first team action is once again curtailed.
Luis Suarez has been in fine form this season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions thus far and this despite the Anfield side hardly setting the world on fire.
Brendan Rodgers would be loathed to lose the former Ajax man but if Liverpool once again fail to secure a Champions League berth then there is every chance the 25 year old could seek an exit.
This source believes that offers above £40m would be considered and that seems a price that many sides would be willing to pay for a lethal forward like Suarez. Goal Bollox
Douglas Higginbottom's Training supplement - PART 473 : City stars practicing free-kicks
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Wojciech Szczesny: 'Joe Hart is world's best goalkeeper'
Arsenal stopper Wojciech Szczesny has declared that he considers Manchester City rival Joe Hart to be the best goalkeeper in the world. Szczesny comes up against Hart this weekend when the Gunners face City at the Emirates on Sunday.
City crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages before Christmas but Szczesny believes that Hart shone in the competition with a series of impressive displays.
He told the club's official website: "I rate Hart as the best goalkeeper in the world. I don't see a goalkeeper around who is as consistent as him, or better than him.
"I think he has been by far their best player in the Champions League, in fact probably the best player in the Champions League for any team. I rate him massively."
Szczesny kept a clean sheet in his last match against City, a 1-0 win thanks to a Mikel Arteta strike last April.
SNUB COUNT - 61
GOLDEN BOLLOX 12-1-2011
Youth cup exit for City at Forest
Forest took a two-goal lead thanks to strikes within five minutes of each other in the first half. There was a marked improvement from the Blues after the break, with George Evans pulling one back, but overall the home side deserved the win that sadly ended the Under 18 side’s interest in this season’s FA Youth Cup.
City showed four changes from the side that started what turned out to be an 11-goal thriller in the previous round at Oldham. Out went keeper Karius, Coulson, Drury and Robinson, in came Lawlor between the sticks, Kim Skogsrud, Rusnak and Roman.
Scott Sellars had tried to address the defensive frailties from Boundary Park by changing the goalkeeper and shuffling the back four, but sadly those frailties resurfaced after just 12 minutes. Meppen-Walter gave away a free kick and from the set-piece Byrne’s header tore past Lawlor.
It did not stay that way too long, and the home side doubled the lead five minutes later, Byrne muscling his way through to poke it home at the near post.
City were shell-shocked and struggled to get a foothold. Bunn worked tirelessly and Alex Henshall posed problems down the left but Forest custodian Gathercole was barely tested in the first half.
Meadows should have finished it for Forest just after the resumption, cutting through the defence from the right to roll the ball just wide from a tight angle. City’s first real chance did not come until the hour mark, when Meppen-Walter nodded a Henshall corner over.
But the young Blues finally got into the game with 20 minutes to go, when the home defence failed to cope with another probing corner from Henshall, George Evans drilling the ball home from close range
The goal seemed to lift both sides, and it was only last-ditch stuff from Courtney Meppen-Walter that prevented Forest from sealing the deal with 83 on the clock.
The dying seconds saw City screaming for a penalty after a Forest hand touched the ball in the area but the referee did not blow for the penalty that should have been given. Lawlor made a fine save from Bamford in the last minute of the 90, but City pressure in stoppage time at a series of corners came to nothing and the young Blues were out.
Stop sniggering at the back
Arsene Wenger says ticket prices only way Arsenal 'can compete'
Arsène Wenger has staunchly defended Arsenal’s ticket pricing policy, claiming that charging high prices at the Emirates is the only way the club can afford to compete with their Premier League rivals.
Responding to criticism of his club’s ticket prices after Manchester City returned around 900 tickets for this Sunday’s game, citing the £62 price tag as a factor, Wenger confirmed that, with no benefactor, the club’s financial model is dependent on its supporters having deep pockets. “Ideally you want ticket prices to be as low as possible,” he said. “But on the other hand the only way we can pay the wages and compete without any external help is to the ticket prices because it is our main income. Therefore we are in this situation where, of course, the prices are high.
“I am really worried they are high for our supporters. For the visitors, it only happens once per year so that is less a concern. [But] ideally you want ticket prices to be affordable to everybody. It is a very delicate subject.”
The issue has raised concerns among supporters and next week the Football Supporters Federation will launch a national campaign to stop supporters “paying through the nose” to watch football at all levels.
Arsenal and Manchester City fans have given their backing to an online petition calling for a cap on away ticket prices.
More than 2,000 supporters of both clubs have added their names on the campaign website http://change.org/awaypricecap.
City fan Rick Hincks, who opened the petition, said: “Fans are continually being exploited due to their loyalty and it’s time to stand against it. Clubs must change this short sighted, greedy approach to ticketing.”
The Premier League is also concerned about maintaining away attendances, which are set at 10 per cent of capacity, with a 3,000 limit. A working group has been formed which is examining means of ensuring that away support, crucial to ensuring that grounds have the atmosphere beloved of broadcasters, remains healthy.
Among the options that may be considered is a suggestion from Stoke for clubs to pay for free coach travel for fans, which could cost £800,000 per season per club.
In a statement the FSF said: “Match-going fans all too often must pay through the nose to watch their team. The problem is particularly acute for away fans, who must also cover the additional costs of transport, food and refreshment that come with following your team across the country.
“In the last few days there have been many petitions and local campaigns aiming to bring away ticket prices down to a more affordable level.
“This feels like a real watershed moment when fans across the country are willing to put aside club differences to speak with one voice.
“With that in mind the Football Supporters’ Federation will next week announce the first in a series of meetings across the country to see what fans can do to make football more affordable.”
Snidey bacon preconditions ref whilst having several pathetic digs at City ... again PART 1
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says Luis Suarez is "laden with controversy" ahead of Sunday's meeting with Liverpool.
Suarez heads to Old Trafford having been criticised for using his hand before scoring the Reds' second goal in their 2-1 FA Cup win at Mansfield.
"I don't know whether he enjoys [being controversial], but it is something we hope we don't suffer from ourselves," Ferguson said of Suarez, who was banned for eight games in 2011 for racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra.
That incident, for which he was also fined £40,000, occurred during the fierce rivals' 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Suarez subsequently refused to shake hands with Evra before United's 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in February 2012.
In the wake of last weekend's controversy at Field Mill, the Uruguayan was accused of "stealing" the FA Cup tie by Mansfield's chief executive Carolyn Radford.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has consistently spoken of his belief in Suarez, though, and criticised his treatment by officials and opposing fans.
"I never saw the game last Sunday, so it is difficult to say whether it was a deliberate handball," said Ferguson.
"You will always support your own player, I don't think that is surprising from Brendan.
"I have done it myself. It is just part of your loyalty to the player and protection for them too.
"I hope we don't suffer from some of the decisions that have gone his way in terms of that. We want it to be a good game on Sunday.
"Over the years, the Liverpool-Manchester United games have been relatively free of controversy - nothing really sensational in terms of decisions that marred the game, and that is good."
However, former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, who scored 183 goals in 369 games for Liverpool, disagreed with Ferguson's comments about Suarez.
"He didn't really need to say too much in my eyes," Fowler told BBC Sport.
"Suarez is a condemned man before he even steps on the pitch. As much as he is getting stick from everyone else, I think it's driving him on and making him a better player. He wants to prove a lot to people wrong and show how good he is."
Fowler added: "Every player will have mishaps in a game. Robin van Persie was accused of elbowing someone earlier in the season. Gareth Bale has been accused of being a diver at times. Luis Suarez does have some misdemeanours in his past but I want to go on the positives. I love him as a player."
Liverpool go into the game having lost seven of their past eight visits to Old Trafford - a memorable 4-1 victory in March 2009 the only positive result.
But Ferguson insists it will never be easy. "Derby games are very tricky affairs, as they always have been," he added.
"The previous year we outplayed them in the cup and lost 2-1. You are sitting at the end of the game saying, 'How did that happen?' Derby games are like that. Hopefully we will play well and win."
Ferguson also served a reminder to Liverpool fans that it may be some time before they return to the top of the English game.
As well as firing in 20 goals for Manchester United this season, Robin van Persie has scored five goals in his last six matches against Liverpool.
"The club at the moment is a hell of a challenge because they haven't won the league for 20 years. It is a long time," he added.
"It is difficult to measure any Liverpool side at the moment with any Liverpool side of the past.
"I think it is terrific if the Liverpool fans are prepared to be patient because it is going to require patience. It is a long road back to what they used to be."
Van Persie is likely to be a key player again on Sunday and Ferguson admitted that the Dutchman's decision to join the club had been vital, even in the face of strong interest from other clubs, including Manchester City.
"I wasn't aware of the City thing until he told me himself that he had turned them down," Ferguson added.
And the love-in continues ....
Wenger: I knew Van Persie would make the difference in title battle
Arsene Wenger always knew he would shift the Barclays Premier League title battle in favour of Manchester United when he let Robin van Persie leave Arsenal for Old Trafford.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson put in a personal call to Wenger as he aimed to push through a £24million deal and beat bitter rivals Manchester City to the signature of the Dutchman.
City boss Roberto Mancini claims his side were 'very close' to landing Van Persie, who has gone on to prove his worth with 20 goals already this season as United opened up a healthy lead at the top of the table.
Wenger was in no doubt that whichever of the Manchester clubs landed the Arsenal skipper would be in the driving seat for the championship.
'It was a very professional phone call (from Ferguson) and there was more than one. I will tell you the rest another day,' said Wenger, whose side host City on Sunday.
'You know when you sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United, that (they lead the league) will be the case.
'Robin is one of the best strikers in the world and you know he will score goals for them.'
Wenger added: 'If he went to City he would have been just another striker in a bunch of world-class players.'
Van Persie chalked up his 20th of the campaign when he came off the bench to net a superb stoppage-time equaliser in United's FA Cup third-round tie at West Ham, while his brace at Wigan in his previous league outing helped keep United seven points clear of City. Wenger was always confident the 29-year-old could maintain his form from an outstanding final campaign with the Gunners.
'Robin is at the peak of his game. He has a high level of confidence in his qualities and knows his game well,' Wenger said.
'He is more patient today than he was five or six years ago, now he can stay up front.
'Sometimes in games you don't see him for 20 minutes, but he knows he will get a chance at some stage and that he will use it.
'Before he always came back in midfield, but now he stays there and uses his killer instinct much better
Lescott? Parker? You're dreaming... Villa can't spend big, admits Lambert
Paul Lambert has spelt out the financial realities of life at Aston Villa, saying that signing the likes of Joleon Lescott and Scott Parker during the transfer window is the stuff of fantasy.
Both of those players have been suggested as the ideal candidates to prop up a team that suffered humiliation in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final against Bradford City. But Villa’s boss admitted that adding players of the ilk of the two England internationals simply was not on the agenda.
Asked if such signings was a case of supporters living in dreamland, Lambert replied: ‘I think that’s the reality of it. We can’t do things like that.’
Asked why, he replied: ‘It’s finance. We are going to have to build. I don’t know how much money the chairman has put in over the years — I don’t think it’s light. The club cannot go bursting into major debt. We have to build and not let it go back to what has happened before.’
‘The team needs a little bit of strength. There's two areas we are looking at - in the centre of defence and the centre of the park.’
Lambert may consider a move for West Ham’s Mo Diame, given the £3.5million escape clause in his contract, but said that cancer victim Stiliyan Petrov’s loss was greater than anyone could imagine.
‘Stiliyan’s absence has been huge — more than people think,’ he said.
‘The most important thing, obviously, is his health. But we have missed that type of guy. He’s a top lad. When he comes in here he's full of energy.
‘Petrov was £6m and his value to this club is incredible. I know him. I played with him for eight years. I know what type of guy he was.
‘He's been a major loss to the dressing-room as well.’
Villa won just three home matches in the Premier League in 2012 and with Southampton visiting on Saturday afternoon it is vital to kick off the New Year in more encouraging fashion.
Lambert admitted he had been shaken by the events of Tuesday but said that the return will be a ‘different game’.
‘I feel exactly the same way as every Aston Villa fan feels,’ he said, 'we shouldn't have been beaten. We shouldn't have conceded the goals we did. We had enough chances to win two games. You've got to take them.
‘I'm not going to hide behind it. The way we were beaten. The goals we conceded and the way they were. They were really poor. The only good thing is we have a chance to turn it around. It will be a different game at Villa Park.
‘Everyone is embarrassed by it. There's no other way to look at it. The only good thing is that we have another tie at home. You cannot defend like we did.
‘It's not been a great two nights. You don't sleep.
‘But that's the job. I have to get the lads up and the crowd going against Southampton. That's a must.’
Swansea have made a £7m bid for Blackpool winger Tom Ince, 20. The England Under-21 international is also a target for former club Liverpool. talkSHIT
QPR have failed with a £7.3m offer for Rennes' French midfielder Yann M'Vila, 22. The Ligue Un club are holding out for around £8.3m and M'Vila is keen to move to Loftus Road as long as the deal involves a release clause in the event of Rangers being relegated. Le Parisien
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has ruled out signing former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, 34, who is currently at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, and insists the club will keep Brazilian forward Robinho, 28, until at least the end of the season. Gazzetta dello Sport
Tottenham could renew their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian striker Willian, 24, after the Ukrainian side beat Chelsea to sign Metalist Kharkiv's Brazilian forward Taison, 24. Metro
Newcastle have opened talks with West Ham as they move for defender James Tomkins, 23. talkSHIT
Reading and Norwich are considering moves for Carlton Cole after the striker, 29, was told he can leave West Ham. Daily Mirror
Birmingham's Serbia striker Nikola Zigic, 32, has turned down a move to Villarreal, with his agent claiming the target-man's wages are on a par with a Manchester United player. Sky Sports
Striker Wayne Rooney, 27, could return to the bench for Manchester United's match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday after missing four games with a knee injury. Daily Telegraph
Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez is the man Real Madrid's members want to replace Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Benitez, who started his career as a youth coach at the club, secured 21.4 per cent of the vote, while Germany coach Joachim Low got 19.5 per cent. Swansea's Michael Laudrup got 15.6 per cent and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger secured 3.1 per cent, while 21.2 per cent are undecided. Marca
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admits he "burnt the ears" of head of recruitment Martin Glover after missing out on Swansea's Spanish striker Michu, who has scored 16 goals this season, in the summer. DSSC
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists he will celebrate - and not confess to the referee - if he scores with his hand against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Daily Mirror
Snidey baconlicker having several pathetic digs at City ... again PART 2
Liverpool our biggest rivals, says United’s Scholes ahead of clash; Man.City brace for Arsenal derby
English football’s two most successful clubs meet again in the Premier League this weekend when Manchester United face north-west rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
And for United great Paul Scholes, no other fixture quite comes close even though it’s now 23 years since Liverpool were last crowned champions of England.
In that time United have surpassed what was Liverpool’s national record of 18 championship titles, although the Merseysiders still have the edge when it comes to the Champions League, having lifted the European Cup five times compared to the Old Trafford club’s three final victories. However, there is no denying the current domestic gap between the two clubs with Premier League leaders United a huge 21 points in front of eighth-placed Liverpool heading into Sunday’s match.
United’s closest pursuers are cross-town rivals Manchester City, the reigning English champions.
City too are in action on Sunday but could be 10 points behind by the time they kick-off against Arsenal if United beat Liverpool. Now, as was the case in the late 1960s, the Manchester derby has become a pivotal fixture in the destiny of the title, with Chelsea key players as well, but for 38-year-old midfielder Scholes, who came out of retirement last season, the rivalry created by the Liverpool match still matters.
“Liverpool historically are our biggest rivals, they’re always the biggest games and the best atmospheres,” Scholes told Inside United magazine. Sunday’s match will be the first time United have met Liverpool at Old Trafford since Luis Suarez refused to shake Patrice Evra’s hand in last season’s corresponding fixture. However, the pair did manage to get through the return clash at Anfield in September without incident.
“Last year it was unfortunate with the Suarez behaviour,” said United manager Alex Ferguson.
“I think hopefully it is behind both clubs now and we can just look forward to the game.”
Liverpoool great Steven Gerrard would love nothing more than to bolster a seasonal tally of four goals in 21 Premier League appearances thus far by scoring at Old Trafford and the midfielder believes he’s nearing top form.
“I think my performances are getting closer to where I want them to be so if I can add goals to those performances then maybe people will start saying the old Steven Gerrard is back,” he said.
Only a week ago temperamental Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli had to be pulled away from manager Roberto Mancini during a training ground row.
But the 22-year-old forward was quickly welcomed back into the fold and this latest spat could recede into the background should Balotelli help City win away to Arsenal in the league for the first time since 1975.
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GOLDEN WAG 12-1-2012
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LAHAD'S BINGO CIRCLE OF BOLLOX
A perfect place to honour the Fez & Nipple Tassel wearing one ....
MCF.net THREAD: http://mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewtopic ... 21&t=44934
It's the Daily Shit Stirring Cunts headline of the hour
Mancini lines up City wall... and then fires balls straight at it to stop it crumbling like in derby
and of course after various pictures at training they have to publish two more pictures, firstly, the one with Nasri wimping out and then finally the RVP free kick .... So 1 hour and 23 minutes pass and a bored DSSC decides to 'write' another article, one which nicely links into their next story scandalising our club ....
"The last time they scored there was 2007... and it's been 37 YEARS since they actually won at Arsenal, so do Manchester City have any chance of victory on Sunday?"
then of course Baconchops has his regualar column where he directs the ref for this weekend game ...
Enough! ..... Here's the BOLLOX
Roberto Mancini plays it cool as Carlos Tevez future comes under renewed debate at Manchester City
Manchester City are to adopt a pragmatic approach to resolving Carlos Tévez’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium, despite manager Roberto Mancini raising the prospect of the Argentine being offered a new contract.
Tévez, who is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up against Arsenal on Sunday because Sergio Agüero is sidelined with a torn hamstring, has just 18 months left to run on his £198,000-a-week contract at the Etihad, but no talks are planned over an extension to that deal.
Since leaving Manchester United to sign for City in July 2009, Tévez has endured a turbulent time at the Etihad, with success in the FA Cup and Premier League countered by clashes with Mancini and last season’s unauthorised three-month return to Buenos Aires, which resulted in the player being fined £1.2 million by the club for gross misconduct.
But with City facing the possibility of Tévez leaving as a free agent in the summer of 2014, Mancini has claimed that the player could be offered a one-year extension to his contract to safeguard against him leaving for nothing next year.
“This could be an option because Carlos is 28 and he has other years to play.” Mancini said. “We have another 18 months and I think we have the time to talk. When Carlos takes his decision, he will talk with us.
“His behaviour is very good, he works very well. He is an important player because he has experience.”
Having repeatedly stated a desire to return to Argentina once his contract expires at City, it is understood that both the club and Tévez are comfortable with the current situation.
Tévez has told friends that he is more settled at City than at any time in the past, while his previously fractious relationship with Mancini is now much healthier, with the two men sharing a mutual respect.
However, despite the pragmatism displayed by both parties, neither has ruled out the prospect of an extension to Tévez’s stay, but a decision on that is unlikely to be made until the final months of his current deal.
Mancini has insisted, meanwhile, that City must overcome the loss of midfielder Yaya Toure pn international duty for potentially the next six weeks.
Toure, his brother Kolo and midfielder Abdul Razak, flew to Abu Dhabi last week in order to link-up with the Ivory Coast ahead of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and City face the prospect of the trio being away until mid-February.
With Yaya having started each of City’s 21 league games so far this season, his absence could prove decisive in the title race, with the former Barcelona midfielder a central figure in Mancini’s plans.
City won four and lost just one of five league games missed by Toure during last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, however, and with other players injured and Samir Nasri suspended, Mancini admits there is no pointing in bemoaning Yaya’s unavailability.
“We can do nothing, Yaya is in South Africa,” Mancini said. “The problem is that we are missing three or four important players, Samir, Sergio and other players, but I think if we work hard, we can do well.
“We have had a lot of injuries this year. Last season, we were lucky, but this year maybe not. We have important players injured, but this is football. We need to work with players we have and hope we can recover injured players for next week.”
City’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal last season meant they fell eight points behind United in the title race with just six games to go, but a dramatic fightback in the closing weeks of the campaign took the Premier League trophy to the Etihad.
With United now seven points clear, Mancini insists that City have ample time to overhaul the deficit in order to retain the title.
“There are moments during a season when even a top team like United can lose points.” Mancini said. “It is impossible to win every game and we should be ready when United lose a point.”
He added: “Last year United recovered when we were five points clear and after Arsenal we went eight points behind. United overturned 13 points, so we can recover. It is not a problem.”
“Oh, f**king hell!” – Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini gets one Balotelli question too many
Roberto Mancini was obviously hoping to have left the latest Mario Balotelli controversy behind him this week after professing that the striker would have 100 more chances at the club.
So, he was a bit dismayed when the first question at today’s press conference related to Balotelli.
A smiling Mancini replied: “Oh, f**king hell!”
The makers of the video above have strangely chosen to cover the swear word with a cow noise rather than the traditional bleep.
[youtube]BswsZaviq80[/youtube]
[spoiler]
Manchester City striker John Guidetti looking for loan move but not to Italy
Manchester City striker John Guidetti is looking to join an English club on loan, according to the player's Italian agent.
Guidetti has yet to play for City this season after being sidelined by injury, but was rewarded with a new three-year contract in October.
He impressed on loan at Feyenoord last season and his Italian representative Roberto De Fanti says Guidetti subsequently rejected a loan move to Siena last summer.
A January switch to Serie A has also been ruled out by De Fanti as Guidetti hopes to head out on loan this month in order to play first-team football.
"In the summer, the deal for Guidetti's transfer on loan to Siena was already done, then he talked with David Platt and decided to remain at City," De Fanti told Radio Blu.
"Now he is back after injury and he's looking for a team, but I think his most likely destination will be in England.
"A move to Italy could be possible for next season."
Samir Nasri demands Manchester City hunger
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has declared that his side must show hunger and desire in the second of half of the season to successfully defend their title.
Roberto Mancini's side trail Manchester United by seven points ahead of this weekend's fixtures, with Nasri insisting that City are only focused on their own form and results.
He told The Sun: "If you have a strong squad, if you have quality and you still want to win, you don't think about someone else.
"You have to be hungrier for the title, to retain any title. We are."
City face a stern test of their championship credentials on Sunday when they travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 12-1-2012
Hughes: I’ve learnt from mistakes at City
Mark Hughes believes his struggle to satisfy Manchester City’s mega-rich owners will stand him in good stead at QPR.
Rangers’ Tony Fernandes-led regime have big plans for the club but are relatively new to football, which Hughes’ predecessor Neil Warnock feels was a factor in his sacking.
But Hughes has experience of dealing with new, ambitious owners, having been manager at City when they were taken over by the Abu Dhabi Investment Group.
Fernandes is keen to make major signings.Hughes explained: “I’ve been through it before and that experience will help me because, in fairness, I probably made mistakes with the new owners last time and I understand that now.
“I can learn from that and I’m a better manager than I was then. There [at City] we had different layers of management and it was very difficult to navigate, but I’m happy with the structure here.”
And Hughes says he is unperturbed by the turnover of managers at Loftus Road in the last few years.
The Welshman is Rangers’ 11th boss since 2006 and Warnock, who lasted less than two years, was by far the longest-serving manager during that period.
Hughes said: “Perhaps now there’s a will to calm things down, back somebody and give them the opportunity.
“I’m grateful for that opportunity, because I back my own ability. Given enough time, I will definitely make this club successful.”
Man City target not keen on Etihad switch
Manchester City target Edinson Cavani has pledged his future to Napoi and admits he would love to play alongside Mario Balotelli.
Cavani, Serie A’s top scorer this season with 16 goals, has been scouted extensively by City, Chelsea and Zeni St Petersburg over the past two seasons.
Earlier this week his father said Real Madrid would be the Uruguayan’s ideal destination but Cavani has quashed all talk of a departure. He said: “I hope to stay here for a long time. I am enjoying this moment and everything that surrounds football in this city, such as the fans, who give us an extra boost.
“Naples has given me so much and that is why I am so happy here. The warmth and affection of the fans have given me extra confidence. I have a great deal of love for them and for this city. My children are Neapolitan, as they are indelibly linked to this city.”
With Balotelli’s future at the Etihad Stadium in a constant state of uncertainity, Cavani also spoke of his desire to play with the Italian international.
AC Milan and Inter have also been monitoring Balotelli's situation, despite Roberto Mancini’s insistence the striker is not for sale. Cavani added: “I would certainly love to play alongside him. He is a champion and has proved that. He’s an Italian champion who will make people very happy.”
MANCHESTER TITLE RACE
PTS +7 GD +4
Nottingham Forest and Bolton in battle to sign Man City defender Boyata on loan
Nottingham Forest and Bolton want Dedryck Boyata on loan from Manchester City following his recall from a spell at Eredivisie side FC Twente. Boyata had failed to make an impact in Holland, making just one start in the league under the former England boss Steve McClaren.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Bolton, but was unable to prevent the Trotters being relegated.
Man City Ready to Pounce as Liverpool Striker Luis Suarez Considers £40m Anfield Exit
The Uruguayan is ready to leave the Reds in the summer, with owners FSG willing to listen to offers worth £40m-plus as City plan a summer overhaul of their strikeforce
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the Reds’ owners, fear Suarez will seek to leave Merseyside in the summer if the club fail to qualify for Europe, despite the player signing a long-term contract worth £100,000-a-week in the summer.
The 25-year-old is eager to play in the Champions League and his representatives are understood to be considering potential options, although most clubs will be deterred by Liverpool’s £40 million-plus asking price. wait in the wings
Roberto Mancini may well have space for the addition of Uruguayan ace Luis Suarez if he opts to listen to offers for troublesome striker Mario Balotelli, and indeed Edin Dzeko could well seek to leave the Etihad Stadium if his run of recent first team action is once again curtailed.
Luis Suarez has been in fine form this season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions thus far and this despite the Anfield side hardly setting the world on fire.
Brendan Rodgers would be loathed to lose the former Ajax man but if Liverpool once again fail to secure a Champions League berth then there is every chance the 25 year old could seek an exit.
This source believes that offers above £40m would be considered and that seems a price that many sides would be willing to pay for a lethal forward like Suarez. Goal Bollox
Douglas Higginbottom's Training supplement - PART 473 : City stars practicing free-kicks
[youtube]WqZm4p930Co[/youtube]
Wojciech Szczesny: 'Joe Hart is world's best goalkeeper'
Arsenal stopper Wojciech Szczesny has declared that he considers Manchester City rival Joe Hart to be the best goalkeeper in the world. Szczesny comes up against Hart this weekend when the Gunners face City at the Emirates on Sunday.
City crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages before Christmas but Szczesny believes that Hart shone in the competition with a series of impressive displays.
He told the club's official website: "I rate Hart as the best goalkeeper in the world. I don't see a goalkeeper around who is as consistent as him, or better than him.
"I think he has been by far their best player in the Champions League, in fact probably the best player in the Champions League for any team. I rate him massively."
Szczesny kept a clean sheet in his last match against City, a 1-0 win thanks to a Mikel Arteta strike last April.
SNUB COUNT - 61
GOLDEN BOLLOX 12-1-2011
Youth cup exit for City at Forest
Forest took a two-goal lead thanks to strikes within five minutes of each other in the first half. There was a marked improvement from the Blues after the break, with George Evans pulling one back, but overall the home side deserved the win that sadly ended the Under 18 side’s interest in this season’s FA Youth Cup.
City showed four changes from the side that started what turned out to be an 11-goal thriller in the previous round at Oldham. Out went keeper Karius, Coulson, Drury and Robinson, in came Lawlor between the sticks, Kim Skogsrud, Rusnak and Roman.
Scott Sellars had tried to address the defensive frailties from Boundary Park by changing the goalkeeper and shuffling the back four, but sadly those frailties resurfaced after just 12 minutes. Meppen-Walter gave away a free kick and from the set-piece Byrne’s header tore past Lawlor.
It did not stay that way too long, and the home side doubled the lead five minutes later, Byrne muscling his way through to poke it home at the near post.
City were shell-shocked and struggled to get a foothold. Bunn worked tirelessly and Alex Henshall posed problems down the left but Forest custodian Gathercole was barely tested in the first half.
Meadows should have finished it for Forest just after the resumption, cutting through the defence from the right to roll the ball just wide from a tight angle. City’s first real chance did not come until the hour mark, when Meppen-Walter nodded a Henshall corner over.
But the young Blues finally got into the game with 20 minutes to go, when the home defence failed to cope with another probing corner from Henshall, George Evans drilling the ball home from close range
The goal seemed to lift both sides, and it was only last-ditch stuff from Courtney Meppen-Walter that prevented Forest from sealing the deal with 83 on the clock.
The dying seconds saw City screaming for a penalty after a Forest hand touched the ball in the area but the referee did not blow for the penalty that should have been given. Lawlor made a fine save from Bamford in the last minute of the 90, but City pressure in stoppage time at a series of corners came to nothing and the young Blues were out.
Stop sniggering at the back
Arsene Wenger says ticket prices only way Arsenal 'can compete'
Arsène Wenger has staunchly defended Arsenal’s ticket pricing policy, claiming that charging high prices at the Emirates is the only way the club can afford to compete with their Premier League rivals.
Responding to criticism of his club’s ticket prices after Manchester City returned around 900 tickets for this Sunday’s game, citing the £62 price tag as a factor, Wenger confirmed that, with no benefactor, the club’s financial model is dependent on its supporters having deep pockets. “Ideally you want ticket prices to be as low as possible,” he said. “But on the other hand the only way we can pay the wages and compete without any external help is to the ticket prices because it is our main income. Therefore we are in this situation where, of course, the prices are high.
“I am really worried they are high for our supporters. For the visitors, it only happens once per year so that is less a concern. [But] ideally you want ticket prices to be affordable to everybody. It is a very delicate subject.”
The issue has raised concerns among supporters and next week the Football Supporters Federation will launch a national campaign to stop supporters “paying through the nose” to watch football at all levels.
Arsenal and Manchester City fans have given their backing to an online petition calling for a cap on away ticket prices.
More than 2,000 supporters of both clubs have added their names on the campaign website http://change.org/awaypricecap.
City fan Rick Hincks, who opened the petition, said: “Fans are continually being exploited due to their loyalty and it’s time to stand against it. Clubs must change this short sighted, greedy approach to ticketing.”
The Premier League is also concerned about maintaining away attendances, which are set at 10 per cent of capacity, with a 3,000 limit. A working group has been formed which is examining means of ensuring that away support, crucial to ensuring that grounds have the atmosphere beloved of broadcasters, remains healthy.
Among the options that may be considered is a suggestion from Stoke for clubs to pay for free coach travel for fans, which could cost £800,000 per season per club.
In a statement the FSF said: “Match-going fans all too often must pay through the nose to watch their team. The problem is particularly acute for away fans, who must also cover the additional costs of transport, food and refreshment that come with following your team across the country.
“In the last few days there have been many petitions and local campaigns aiming to bring away ticket prices down to a more affordable level.
“This feels like a real watershed moment when fans across the country are willing to put aside club differences to speak with one voice.
“With that in mind the Football Supporters’ Federation will next week announce the first in a series of meetings across the country to see what fans can do to make football more affordable.”
Snidey bacon preconditions ref whilst having several pathetic digs at City ... again PART 1
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says Luis Suarez is "laden with controversy" ahead of Sunday's meeting with Liverpool.
Suarez heads to Old Trafford having been criticised for using his hand before scoring the Reds' second goal in their 2-1 FA Cup win at Mansfield.
"I don't know whether he enjoys [being controversial], but it is something we hope we don't suffer from ourselves," Ferguson said of Suarez, who was banned for eight games in 2011 for racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra.
That incident, for which he was also fined £40,000, occurred during the fierce rivals' 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Suarez subsequently refused to shake hands with Evra before United's 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in February 2012.
In the wake of last weekend's controversy at Field Mill, the Uruguayan was accused of "stealing" the FA Cup tie by Mansfield's chief executive Carolyn Radford.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has consistently spoken of his belief in Suarez, though, and criticised his treatment by officials and opposing fans.
"I never saw the game last Sunday, so it is difficult to say whether it was a deliberate handball," said Ferguson.
"You will always support your own player, I don't think that is surprising from Brendan.
"I have done it myself. It is just part of your loyalty to the player and protection for them too.
"I hope we don't suffer from some of the decisions that have gone his way in terms of that. We want it to be a good game on Sunday.
"Over the years, the Liverpool-Manchester United games have been relatively free of controversy - nothing really sensational in terms of decisions that marred the game, and that is good."
However, former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, who scored 183 goals in 369 games for Liverpool, disagreed with Ferguson's comments about Suarez.
"He didn't really need to say too much in my eyes," Fowler told BBC Sport.
"Suarez is a condemned man before he even steps on the pitch. As much as he is getting stick from everyone else, I think it's driving him on and making him a better player. He wants to prove a lot to people wrong and show how good he is."
Fowler added: "Every player will have mishaps in a game. Robin van Persie was accused of elbowing someone earlier in the season. Gareth Bale has been accused of being a diver at times. Luis Suarez does have some misdemeanours in his past but I want to go on the positives. I love him as a player."
Liverpool go into the game having lost seven of their past eight visits to Old Trafford - a memorable 4-1 victory in March 2009 the only positive result.
But Ferguson insists it will never be easy. "Derby games are very tricky affairs, as they always have been," he added.
"The previous year we outplayed them in the cup and lost 2-1. You are sitting at the end of the game saying, 'How did that happen?' Derby games are like that. Hopefully we will play well and win."
Ferguson also served a reminder to Liverpool fans that it may be some time before they return to the top of the English game.
As well as firing in 20 goals for Manchester United this season, Robin van Persie has scored five goals in his last six matches against Liverpool.
"The club at the moment is a hell of a challenge because they haven't won the league for 20 years. It is a long time," he added.
"It is difficult to measure any Liverpool side at the moment with any Liverpool side of the past.
"I think it is terrific if the Liverpool fans are prepared to be patient because it is going to require patience. It is a long road back to what they used to be."
Van Persie is likely to be a key player again on Sunday and Ferguson admitted that the Dutchman's decision to join the club had been vital, even in the face of strong interest from other clubs, including Manchester City.
"I wasn't aware of the City thing until he told me himself that he had turned them down," Ferguson added.
And the love-in continues ....
Wenger: I knew Van Persie would make the difference in title battle
Arsene Wenger always knew he would shift the Barclays Premier League title battle in favour of Manchester United when he let Robin van Persie leave Arsenal for Old Trafford.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson put in a personal call to Wenger as he aimed to push through a £24million deal and beat bitter rivals Manchester City to the signature of the Dutchman.
City boss Roberto Mancini claims his side were 'very close' to landing Van Persie, who has gone on to prove his worth with 20 goals already this season as United opened up a healthy lead at the top of the table.
Wenger was in no doubt that whichever of the Manchester clubs landed the Arsenal skipper would be in the driving seat for the championship.
'It was a very professional phone call (from Ferguson) and there was more than one. I will tell you the rest another day,' said Wenger, whose side host City on Sunday.
'You know when you sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United, that (they lead the league) will be the case.
'Robin is one of the best strikers in the world and you know he will score goals for them.'
Wenger added: 'If he went to City he would have been just another striker in a bunch of world-class players.'
Van Persie chalked up his 20th of the campaign when he came off the bench to net a superb stoppage-time equaliser in United's FA Cup third-round tie at West Ham, while his brace at Wigan in his previous league outing helped keep United seven points clear of City. Wenger was always confident the 29-year-old could maintain his form from an outstanding final campaign with the Gunners.
'Robin is at the peak of his game. He has a high level of confidence in his qualities and knows his game well,' Wenger said.
'He is more patient today than he was five or six years ago, now he can stay up front.
'Sometimes in games you don't see him for 20 minutes, but he knows he will get a chance at some stage and that he will use it.
'Before he always came back in midfield, but now he stays there and uses his killer instinct much better
Lescott? Parker? You're dreaming... Villa can't spend big, admits Lambert
Paul Lambert has spelt out the financial realities of life at Aston Villa, saying that signing the likes of Joleon Lescott and Scott Parker during the transfer window is the stuff of fantasy.
Both of those players have been suggested as the ideal candidates to prop up a team that suffered humiliation in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final against Bradford City. But Villa’s boss admitted that adding players of the ilk of the two England internationals simply was not on the agenda.
Asked if such signings was a case of supporters living in dreamland, Lambert replied: ‘I think that’s the reality of it. We can’t do things like that.’
Asked why, he replied: ‘It’s finance. We are going to have to build. I don’t know how much money the chairman has put in over the years — I don’t think it’s light. The club cannot go bursting into major debt. We have to build and not let it go back to what has happened before.’
‘The team needs a little bit of strength. There's two areas we are looking at - in the centre of defence and the centre of the park.’
Lambert may consider a move for West Ham’s Mo Diame, given the £3.5million escape clause in his contract, but said that cancer victim Stiliyan Petrov’s loss was greater than anyone could imagine.
‘Stiliyan’s absence has been huge — more than people think,’ he said.
‘The most important thing, obviously, is his health. But we have missed that type of guy. He’s a top lad. When he comes in here he's full of energy.
‘Petrov was £6m and his value to this club is incredible. I know him. I played with him for eight years. I know what type of guy he was.
‘He's been a major loss to the dressing-room as well.’
Villa won just three home matches in the Premier League in 2012 and with Southampton visiting on Saturday afternoon it is vital to kick off the New Year in more encouraging fashion.
Lambert admitted he had been shaken by the events of Tuesday but said that the return will be a ‘different game’.
‘I feel exactly the same way as every Aston Villa fan feels,’ he said, 'we shouldn't have been beaten. We shouldn't have conceded the goals we did. We had enough chances to win two games. You've got to take them.
‘I'm not going to hide behind it. The way we were beaten. The goals we conceded and the way they were. They were really poor. The only good thing is we have a chance to turn it around. It will be a different game at Villa Park.
‘Everyone is embarrassed by it. There's no other way to look at it. The only good thing is that we have another tie at home. You cannot defend like we did.
‘It's not been a great two nights. You don't sleep.
‘But that's the job. I have to get the lads up and the crowd going against Southampton. That's a must.’
Swansea have made a £7m bid for Blackpool winger Tom Ince, 20. The England Under-21 international is also a target for former club Liverpool. talkSHIT
QPR have failed with a £7.3m offer for Rennes' French midfielder Yann M'Vila, 22. The Ligue Un club are holding out for around £8.3m and M'Vila is keen to move to Loftus Road as long as the deal involves a release clause in the event of Rangers being relegated. Le Parisien
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has ruled out signing former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, 34, who is currently at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, and insists the club will keep Brazilian forward Robinho, 28, until at least the end of the season. Gazzetta dello Sport
Tottenham could renew their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian striker Willian, 24, after the Ukrainian side beat Chelsea to sign Metalist Kharkiv's Brazilian forward Taison, 24. Metro
Newcastle have opened talks with West Ham as they move for defender James Tomkins, 23. talkSHIT
Reading and Norwich are considering moves for Carlton Cole after the striker, 29, was told he can leave West Ham. Daily Mirror
Birmingham's Serbia striker Nikola Zigic, 32, has turned down a move to Villarreal, with his agent claiming the target-man's wages are on a par with a Manchester United player. Sky Sports
Striker Wayne Rooney, 27, could return to the bench for Manchester United's match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday after missing four games with a knee injury. Daily Telegraph
Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez is the man Real Madrid's members want to replace Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Benitez, who started his career as a youth coach at the club, secured 21.4 per cent of the vote, while Germany coach Joachim Low got 19.5 per cent. Swansea's Michael Laudrup got 15.6 per cent and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger secured 3.1 per cent, while 21.2 per cent are undecided. Marca
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admits he "burnt the ears" of head of recruitment Martin Glover after missing out on Swansea's Spanish striker Michu, who has scored 16 goals this season, in the summer. DSSC
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists he will celebrate - and not confess to the referee - if he scores with his hand against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Daily Mirror
Snidey baconlicker having several pathetic digs at City ... again PART 2
Liverpool our biggest rivals, says United’s Scholes ahead of clash; Man.City brace for Arsenal derby
English football’s two most successful clubs meet again in the Premier League this weekend when Manchester United face north-west rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
And for United great Paul Scholes, no other fixture quite comes close even though it’s now 23 years since Liverpool were last crowned champions of England.
In that time United have surpassed what was Liverpool’s national record of 18 championship titles, although the Merseysiders still have the edge when it comes to the Champions League, having lifted the European Cup five times compared to the Old Trafford club’s three final victories. However, there is no denying the current domestic gap between the two clubs with Premier League leaders United a huge 21 points in front of eighth-placed Liverpool heading into Sunday’s match.
United’s closest pursuers are cross-town rivals Manchester City, the reigning English champions.
City too are in action on Sunday but could be 10 points behind by the time they kick-off against Arsenal if United beat Liverpool. Now, as was the case in the late 1960s, the Manchester derby has become a pivotal fixture in the destiny of the title, with Chelsea key players as well, but for 38-year-old midfielder Scholes, who came out of retirement last season, the rivalry created by the Liverpool match still matters.
“Liverpool historically are our biggest rivals, they’re always the biggest games and the best atmospheres,” Scholes told Inside United magazine. Sunday’s match will be the first time United have met Liverpool at Old Trafford since Luis Suarez refused to shake Patrice Evra’s hand in last season’s corresponding fixture. However, the pair did manage to get through the return clash at Anfield in September without incident.
“Last year it was unfortunate with the Suarez behaviour,” said United manager Alex Ferguson.
“I think hopefully it is behind both clubs now and we can just look forward to the game.”
Liverpoool great Steven Gerrard would love nothing more than to bolster a seasonal tally of four goals in 21 Premier League appearances thus far by scoring at Old Trafford and the midfielder believes he’s nearing top form.
“I think my performances are getting closer to where I want them to be so if I can add goals to those performances then maybe people will start saying the old Steven Gerrard is back,” he said.
Only a week ago temperamental Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli had to be pulled away from manager Roberto Mancini during a training ground row.
But the 22-year-old forward was quickly welcomed back into the fold and this latest spat could recede into the background should Balotelli help City win away to Arsenal in the league for the first time since 1975.
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GOLDEN WAG 12-1-2012
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]LAHAD'S BINGO CIRCLE OF BOLLOX
A perfect place to honour the Fez & Nipple Tassel wearing one ....
MCF.net THREAD: http://mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewtopic ... 21&t=44934