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Chester`s 0-0 draw with Stockport last night meant that after 77 years in the Football League Mansfield will be joining Wrexham in the Blue Sqaure Premier League at the start of next season.

Mansfield who earlier in the season came close to knocking Middlesborough out of the F.A.Cup can reflect on the fact that their home form cost them thier league status 14 home defeats says it all along with the fact that they conceded more goals at Field Mill then they did on their travels

This now resolves all the promotion and relegation issues in League Two with one set of games to goal, with the only issue now to be sorted being who plays who in the play offs.

It seems like buses 147`s at the World Championship seem to come along in pairs these days! 24 hours after Ronnie O`Sullivan achieved the feat in his match against Mark Williams, Ali Carter has achieved the perfect score in his quarter final match against Peter Ebdon.

Carter now gets a share of the £157,000 total bonus prize money and hopefully he and Ronnie will not have to split their cut further, but the way this years tournament is shaping up who would bet against it!

I mentioned yesterday that Ronnie had plans to buy a Bentley Convertible with his money, but now that he has to share maybe he will review his plans! Whatever i doubt he will offer Ali a ride in it!

Who? - Stephen Harper - Speculation Where is he? - Newcastle United Who is he linked with? - Liverpool
Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has warned Liverpool off making an approach for goalkeeper Steve Harper. Harper, 33, has been linked with a summer move to Anfield where he would be understudy to number one Jose Reina. But Keegan is hoping the experienced keeper decides his future lies at St James' Park following a season where he has made 19 appearances due to number one Shay Given suffering a succession of injuries. Harper has spent 15 years with the Magpies and is under contract until summer 2009. "I am not looking for him to go out, though I'm sure he would come and see me if Liverpool come and knock on his door," Keegan told the Newcastle Chronicle. "I'm not surprised if other teams are interested. Steve Harper is a very, very good goalkeeper. "Everyone has always known that, but it's always been hidden by the fact he has not played."

Who? - Roque Santa Cruz - Speculation Where is he? - Blackburn Rovers Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz insists he has no intention of leaving Ewood Park this summer despite reports linking him with a switch to Manchester United. The 26-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding first season in the Premier League following his transfer from Bayern Munich last summer, scoring 21 times for Mark Hughes' side, including the winner in Saturday's 1-0 success at Portsmouth. Reports suggest the Paraguay international will move to Old Trafford, but Santa Cruz said: "To tell you the truth I'm not thinking about leaving Blackburn Rovers. "I know about the interest from Manchester United after what has been said in the press but nobody has spoken with me about that. "If I have to be transferred I expect it to be inside England because I would like to stay in this country." Meanwhile, Hughes is confident Christopher Samba will have recovered from a knee injury in time to face Derby County on Saturday. The Rovers boss said: "He got a bang on the outside of the knee. We hope it's just an impact injury and he should be okay. "If it's twisted then it could be a bigger issue for us. It'll be sore for a couple of days, but we hope that's all it is."

Who? - Jason Koumas - Speculation Where is he? - Wigan Athletic Who is he linked with? - Everton

Everton manager David Moyes is being linked with a summer swoop for Wigan Athletic's Wales international midfielder Jason Koumas. The 28-year-old moved to the JJB Stadium last summer in a 5million move from West Bromwich Albion but has been restricted to only 20 starts for the Latics this term. Koumas' first-team opportunities have lessened since Steve Bruce's appointment as manager and he has started only four Premier League matches since the turn of the year. Moyes is expected to revamp his midfield in the summer with Lee Carsley already being linked with a move to Derby County. Meanwhile, Nigeria international Aiyegbeni Yakubu is determined to get back on the goal trail in the last two weeks of the season. The 25-year-old, who has found the net 19 times this season only to struggle for goals recently, told the Toffees' official website: "The back four this season have been doing a great job, a fantastic job and so have the midfield. "Everybody in the team is doing a good job. Us strikers have not scored in the last four or five games but we have to just keep doing the job and it is thanks to the defenders that we are scoring goals. "I still believe before the end of the season us strikers can score goals in the last two games. "We strikers are under pressure when we don't score but I'm used to being under pressure. I'll keep working and I still believe I can score goals. For me I still believe I will score 20 goals."

Who? - Arsenal Players - Speculation Where is he? - Arsenal Who is he linked with? - Derby County

Derby County manager Paul Jewell hopes to bring up to two Arsenal players to Pride Park on loan next season. Last season, Birmingham City won promotion from the Championship after then manager Steve Bruce brought Gunners youngsters Nicklas Bendtner, Sebastian Larsson and Fabrice Muamba to St Andrew's on season-long loans, and Jewell hopes he can follow that lead. He said: "I've spoken to Arsene (Wenger) a couple of times about maybe having a look at a couple of his younger players. What I said is if he's prepared to loan anyone, would he let us know. It benefits everybody and so it's something I'll be speaking to him about tonight. They're certainly the team to watch when you're not playing against them. Probably, they'll be a bit disappointed they've fallen away. The Champions League exit has obviously hurt them and I thought they'd win the Premier League when they were top but they've probably just tired a bit. I think Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have got deeper squads but I'd say that, on their day, Arsenal are the best team in the country to watch. It's very close, there's not a lot to choose between them and Manchester United. When you see some of the football Arsenal play, it's sensational and they can blow you away - terrific team, terrific manager. Given the football they've played this season, they've probably deserved to win something."

After Manchester United sealed their place in the Champions League final in Moscow next month it is the turn of Chelsa and Liverpool to decide which of these two teams join the in an historic all English clash.

Chelsea have a marginal advantage thanks to Riise`s own goal deep into stoppage time in the first leg at Anfield last week which earned them some may say a fortunate 1-1 draw. They will be full of confidence also after their 2-1 win over Man Utd in the Premiership on Saturday.

However if there is a team that can get a result away in Europe it is Liverpool. I have lost count of the times over the years a Liverpool team has gone away from home and got the result they need in a European tie and they also have the advantage of being in this position before.

Liverpool have to score tonight to have any chance of making the final and there i believe lies the key. They have to find that balance between caution and aggression. These games are not noted for their goals and even if Chelsea score first the tie will be delicately balanced as an away goal will take the tie to extra time.

I feel this is a possibility tonight and the chance of penalties again are a distinct possibility but as a gambling man i will stick my head out and say if there is going to be a winner it will be Chelsea as their home record is formidable and they seem to have found form at the right time despite all the obvious behind the scenes problems the club are having.

Paul Scholes fired Manchester United into an all-English Champions League Final after a stunning 25-yard strike secured a 1-0 semi-final second leg victory over Barcelona.
Scholes, who missed United's last and victorious appearance in the final in 1999 through suspension, latched onto a loose ball and drilled a trademark strike beyond Victor Valdes in the 14th minute of a tense semi-final to secure his side's passage into next month's showpiece.

United will now take on either Chelsea or Liverpool in Moscow after edging their way past Barcelona in a nip-and-tuck last four encounter.

The two sides had fought out a goalless first leg at the Camp Nou last week, but United received a blow before kick-off when key duo Wayne Rooney (hip) and Nemanja Vidic (head) were ruled out through injury.

But the Red Devils were much more of an offensive presence on home soil and an energetic performance led from the front by the outstanding Carlos Tevez eventually saw them home.
Scholes struck after United had endured a rocky start, but after that it was the home side who carved out the best opportunities of the night.

Edwin Van der Sar stuck out a strong right hand to divert a Lionel Messi shot following a 20-yard run, while Deco twice lashed rising shots over the crossbar during the first period.
However, Ji-Sung Park should have doubled the advantage midway through the period, but his side-foot effort after arriving onto a Cristiano Ronaldo pull back was inches away from finding the far corner of the net.

Just before the interval, Nani was inches away from diverting a Park cross from close range past Valdes with a glancing header.Nani also came close to doubling the advantage and killing off the tie in the 53rd minute, but his near-post flick was smothered behind for a corner by the desperate Eric Abidal. Tevez then stung the palms of Valdes in the 58th minute after playing a superb one-two with Ronaldo before poking a shot straight at the keeper from a tight angle.
An increasingly desperate Barcelona threw on Thierry Henry midway through the half and the former Arsenal striker wasted their best chance of the night after heading Xavi's corner straight at Van der Sar from close range in the 79th minutes.

The visitors upped the pressure during a nervous final ten minutes but they failed to find the key to unlock a strong defence superbly marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown.
Ronaldo cut in from the right flank in the dying minutes but dragged a shot from the edge of the area the wrong side of the near post as United rode the storm and secured their place in the first ever all-English final in confident fashion.

Arsenal delivered a second-half master-class to send relegated Derby County crashing to yet another heavy home defeat.

Derby played well in periods but the brutal truth is that they were torn apart by the movement and passing of Arsene Wenger's team who could and should have scored more.

It is no exaggeration to say that Arsenal might have broken the double figure barrier, although an Emmanuel Adebayor hat-trick still highlighted the yawning gulf between the sides.
At least the Rams will not have to face the striker next season and for that they will be greatly relieved. This was Adebayor's second hat-trick against Derby this season and both Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie might also have staked a claim to the match ball.

Derby boss Paul Jewell said before the game that Arsenal were the best team in the country to watch, but this must have been painful viewing from the home dug-out as the speed of the Gunners' attacks ripped the home defence apart with alarming ease. And yet Derby had matched the visitors for the first opening 25 minutes and drew level before Arsenal engaged the turbo after the interval.

Bendtner put his team in front in the 25th minute after awful defending allowed the Dane to play a one-two with van Persie before driving a low shot inside the right-hand post. Van Persie should have almost immediately made it two but fired wide from 12 yards and, three minutes later, Derby levelled when Robbie Savage's free-kick bounced off Jay McEveley's shoulder before the defender reacted by stabbing the loose ball in from eight yards.

Roy Carroll kept Derby afloat until the 40th minute when Kolo Toure chipped the ball over Darren Moore and this time van Persie chested it down and fired into the top left-hand corner.
From then on, Arsenal pulled Derby apart and only Carroll kept the score down until the Rams defence collapsed in the closing 11 minutes.

Adebayor replaced van Persie for the second half and scored the third goal in the 59th minute when the hugely impressive Denilson played in Theo Walcott whose low cross was touched in at the far post. Walcott should have scored before Rob Earnshaw, Derby's record £3.5million signing, scored his first goal for the club in the 77th minute when Andy Todd sent him clear.
But that only roused Arsenal to greater heights and, two minutes later, Walcott got in on the right to curl a shot inside Carroll's left post.

Adebayor slid in for his second when Gael Clichy crossed from the left and the rout was completed in stoppage time when the Togo international raced clear to sidestep Carroll and roll the ball into an empty net.

Derby have now conceded six goals in each of their last two home games and have let in 11 against Arsenal this season. The good news is that there are only two Premier League games left.

Ronnie O'Sullivan once agained proved why on his day he is the most exciting snooker player ever when he hit a 147 break in the final frame of his 2nd round match against Mark Williams at the Crucible last night.

Ronnie stands to pick up 157,000 pounds for the break provided no other player equals the feat during the rest of the tournament and he is a 10/1 shot to repeat the feat himself with most bookies.

For all his troubles he is without doubt on his day the best snooker player of his generation. He is quoted as saying that he will spend the money on a Bentley Convertible! It really is a hard life for some!!!

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray is pleased his side were able to live up to their reputation as promotion favourites by all but sealing their place in next season's Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Southampton.

Albion were forced to come from behind before taking a point from the game thanks to Chris Brunt's late equaliser and now, barring a bizarre set of results on Sunday, will be back in English football's top-flight next term after a two-year absence.

Mowbray said: "I'm delighted for the players and the staff. It's been a long, hard season after the play-off final defeat and the changes in the squad during the summer.

"We had the expectation of people saying 'Albion are the best team in the league' to deal with. That could have been a burden but full credit to the players for overcoming that.

"We're almost there and it will take a strange set of results at the weekend to deny us promotion but the players in the dressing room were already talking about winning the league.

"That was a strong feeling amongst them after the final whistle. "I enjoy winning any match. I am not outwardly emotional but inwardly I enjoy things as much as anyone else. "I will enjoy the moment when I get home with the family. Then I will feel the warmth of getting into the Premier League."

Are Sven's days numbered? A question that is being asked more and more around the blue half of Manchester at the moment.

Reports this morning suggest that Sven Goran Eriksson will be leaving Manchester City this summer, whether under his own steam or because he will be sacked by Thaksin Shinawatra. After guiding City to a top ten place and earning more points than they have managed in any other Premier League season, as well as doing the double over Manchester United, isn't this a bit unfair on the former England boss?

However, critics will point out that City's form since the turn of the year has mostly been poor, while several of Sven's big money signings have failed to consistently make an impact.

If ever the manager had a major role to play it is in tonight's Champions league semi final showdown between Manchester United and Barcelona.

Barcelona have lost the title race in Spain and coach Rijkaard is under tremendous pressure and even a Champions League win would not necessarily keep him at the club. The Barca faithful have become increasing more frustrated with their teams performances and given the array of talent it is hard not to feel sympathy for them.

It seems if ever there were proof that a talented group of individuals do not necessarily make a successful team it is proven by Barca at the moment. Even with Ronaldinho injured and seemingly on his way out of the club a team that can call on the likes of Eto'o Henry and Messi surely must be able to do better.

Man Utd have their own problems at the moment highlighted by the strange team selection by Sir Alex for the Chelsea game at the weekend which resulted in a 2-1 defeat and making the premiership title race closer then it should be add the fact that the club have to deal with the aftermath of the scuffle after the game, the possibility that Rooney will be out of the match due to injury and the fact that Ronaldo has looked jaded in the last couple of games and it proves my point that both managers have a crucial role to fill in tonight's game.

For me Sir Alex will have his team right for tonight, he has proven over the years that united are at their most dangerous when they are being put under pressure and the crucial fact in his favour is that he is THE boss in the dressing room which is something that you cannot say about Rijkaard.

I expect Man U to come out a guns blazing tonight and win the tie to advance to Moscow and a final clash next month with Liverpool or Chelsea.

The snooker world championship is now into it's 2nd week and already there have been a few suprises.

World Champion John Higgins exited in the 2nd round going down 13-9 to Ryan Day and former champion Shaun Murphy is already at home along with Graeme Dott and a lot of peoples pre tournament favourite as an outsider for the title Mark Selby.

My money is on Stephen Maguire, i got the Scot anti post at 8/1 after a few people in the game had commented that he was cueing better then ever this season.He comfortably overcame Antony Hamilton 10-3 in the first round and as i write he holds an 11-5 lead over Aussie Neil Robertson. With 2 frames two win to progress into the quarter finals and a meeting with either Stuart Bingham or Joe Perry he is starting to look good value though his odds of 21/10 to win the event now reflects that fact.

He has been fortunate to be in what i feel is the weaker half of the draw and so avoiding the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry but he demonstrated in the first 8 frames against Robertson why he is so highly regarded.

One of my favourite pastimes at this time of year is the transfer rumours that circulate, and below are a few of the latest potential moves:

Who? - Lee Carsley - Everton linked with? - Derby County

Everton manager David Moyes has insisted that Lee Carsley will not quit the club in the summer. The veteran midfielder has been linked in the past few weeks with a return to former club Derby County after Rams boss Paul Jewell revealed an interest in him. However, Moyes has now explained that Carsley is more likely to sign a contract extension than move on. "Lee has told us he wants to sign a new contract here and we expect that to happen," he said. "He's been very reliable for us and we don't want to lose that. I want to keep that strong backbone."

Who? - Matt Derbyshire - Blackburn Rovers Linked with: Several

Mark Hughes has insisted that Matt Derbyshire still has a role to play at the club. The talented midfielder has struggled to find a place in the first eleven this season due to injury problems and the fine form of Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarthy. However, Hughes has said: "Matty is an explosive player and a great impact player for us. In recent weeks...I've erred on the side of safety somewhat with putting an extra defensive-minded player [on the bench], rather than two attacking-minded players. That's the thinking behind it. It's not the fact that I'm unhappy with his performance or that I think he hasn't got a big part to play, because he certainly has."

Who? - Scott Carson - Liverpool linked with? - Aston Villa

Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson will have to wait until the summer to discover where his future lies, Martin O'Neill has revealed. The England stopper is currently on loan at Villa from Liverpool, having signed for the Reds from Leeds United in 2005. "All parties will sit down [at the end of the season]," said O'Neill. "We are prepared to leave it. I haven't relayed anything to Scott either way." Carson has also been sent out to Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton during his three-year period with Liverpool. He has been on impressive form for the Villains this campaign, but fumbled Niko Kranjcar's shot into the back of his own net during England's 3-2 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to Croatia in November 2007.

The race for the 5th position in the Premier league and a UEFA Cup place is still finely balanced after Everton and Aston Villa fought out a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

With 2 games to go Everton have a 3 point lead with an away game at Arsenal and home clash with Newcastle to come. These are not easy games with Arsenal wanting to finish the season well and protect a record of 1 defeat in 54 competitive matches at the Emirates and also Newcastle on a run of good form.

Villa on the other hand have a home tie against Wigan this week and follow that up on the final day with with a trip to West Ham.

Villa have a plus 22 goal difference compared to Everton who are on plus 21 so again there is nothing in it but i can only see Everton getting 3 points from their final 2 games where i believe Villa who are on a better run of form can get at least 4.

This would give Villa the 5th spot that would take them into next seasons UEFA Cup and i believe that come the final day that will be the outcome.

I read recently that Rio Ferdinand is being considered as the next England captain. I personally hope this is not the case, whilst i have every respect for the man as an outstanding defender and would never question is commitment on the field i feel he lacks a certain control which a captain of the national side must have.

On Saturday he accidently kicked a female steward in frustration nd apologised for the incident, now dont get me wrong i am all for passion in the game and i know the feeling of frustration when things don't go your way (i am after all a Arsenal fan!). But outbursts like these help no one, the question that come to my mind is did Bobby Moore the greatest defender and captain of England kick anything or anyone when he came of the pitch in 1970 after England had lost 3-2 to West Germany in the World Cup Quarter Finals after being 2-0 up? I very much doubt it and i cannot imagine his frustration being any less great.

Also for me Ferdinand spends too much time being confrontational with referees, next time there is a decision that goes against him watch who is the first to race up to the ref, as a gambling man my money will be on Rio.

As i said in the beginning i love the way he defends, he is wholehearted but an England captain in my opinion no, we have the perfect man in John Terry, although he is no saint he is a player that commands respect and is a real leader, so come on Fabio do the right thing, give Terry the arm band.

With 2 games to go in the Premier League, 1 each in the Championship, League 1, and League 2 and the Blue square Premier finished these are are list of the Promtion and Relegation issues that have been resolved so far.

Premier League: Relegated: Derby

Championship: Relegated: Scunthorpe,Colchester.

League One: Promoted: Swansea Relegated: Luton, Port Vale

League Two: Promoted: MK Dons,Peterborough,Hereford. Relegated: Wrexham.

Blue Square Prem: Promoted: Aldershot. Play Offs: Torquay, Cambridge Utd, Exeter and Burton. Relegated: Stafford Rangers, Droylsden, Farsley Celtic and Altrincham.

As you can see even at this late stage of the season there are still plenty of clubs with something to play for and the final two weeks of the season promises to have several twists left in it.

Who will win the premier league? A question that after 36 games is still open for debate which in itself makes for a refreshing change.

For quite some time it looked like Arsenal would finally get the reward that their football has so richly deserved but like lemmings seeing the edge of the cliff the urge to self destruct was too great.

This leaves Man Utd and Chelsea tied at the top at the table but despite Chelsea`s win yesterday i feel advantage is still with Man Utd.

Man U have West Ham at home and Wigan away and i cannot see the hammers winning at Old Trafford for the 2nd season in a row and if United have to go to Wigan looking for a win it is hard to see them not getting it.

Chelsea have in my opinion a much harder run in with an away game at Newcastle where the Geordies have at last started to play like a team that believe in themselves and follow this up with a home game against Bolton on the final day. Bolton are very much involved in the relegation dog fight and though i would expect Chelsea to win that game the Newcastle match could be a potential banana skin.

It is hard to see Man Utd dropping points which is exactly what they have to do because of their vastly superior goal difference and wouldn't Kevin Keegan enjoy it if he could say Alex Ferguson needed a favour from him to win a title!

So i will stick with united to win the title on goal difference for the first time since 1989.

Fulham secured a vital relegation lifeline on Saturday afternoon as they came back from two goals behind to beat Manchester City 3-2 at Eastlands. Sven-Goran Eriksson's side appeared to have this game all wrapped up by the midway stage of the first half as they raced into a two goal lead. Stephen Ireland found the first on nine minutes with a neat finish from Martin Petrov's pass, before Benjani hit the second eleven minutes later. Elano found Darius Vassel and the striker slipped a neat pass through to the former Portsmouth man, who made no mistake with a smart finish past Maik Taylor in the visiting goal.

The Cottagers were surprisingly muted considering defeat coupled with bad results elsewhere would relegate them, but they were given hope midway through the second half when Diomansy Kamara came off the bench to fire a great shot through the legs of Joe Hart. Buoyed by this, Roy Hodgson's side pressed looking for the leveller and it came shortly after when Jimmy Bullard was brought down in the area by Sun Jihai. Danny Murphy's initial kick was saved, but the veteran midfielder hit home on the rebound to make it 2-2. The two goalscorers then combined for the third, as Murphy set up Kamara to lash home the winner late on and hand the visitors hope of survival.

The news wasn't so good for Birmingham however as Alex McLeish's side did the opposite and threw away a two goal lead to draw with Liverpool. A neat finish from Mikael Forssel and cracking free-kick from Sebastian Larsson either side of half-time put Alex McLeish's side in the driving seat by the early stages of the second half.
However, Peter Crouch brought the visitors back into the game shortly after the second strike with a sidefooted finish from Jermaine Pennant's pass, before a slice of good fortune handed them the equaliser. Yossi Benayoun's header from Lucas' cross took a cruel deflection off Radhi Jaidi and went into the back of the net. City couldn't hit back and the result delivered a potentially decisive blow to their survival hopes.

There was less drama at the JJB Stadium and White Hart Lane, but the results of the games between Wigan and Reading and Spurs and Bolton are no less important for the four-way tussle at the bottom. Both the Royals and the Trotters remain in immediate trouble after low-scoring draws. Reading were held to a dour stalemate by Wigan, meaning they are still just a point ahead of Birmingham, while Bolton are in sixteenth on goal difference alone following a 1-1 draw at Tottenham. Stelios appeared to put the visitors on course for a vital victory, but Steed Malbranque levelled up shortly after to secure a point.

At the other end of the table, Chelsea made sure the title will go to the final day of the season with a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Sir Alex Ferguson opted to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench and the visitors started slowly, with Chelsea dominating the opening stages and hitting the woodwork through Joe Cole. It didn't take long for the hosts to take a deserved lead though as, in the build-up to half-time, Michael Ballack headed home from Didier Drogba's well-flighted cross to send the home fans into raptures.
United came out in the second half far stronger, but they needed a defensive slip-up to draw them level. Ricardo Carvalho played a weak backpass to John Terry and Wayne Rooney nipped in to dispossess the England man and fire into the back of Petr Cech's net. It seemed that would be enough to hand United the point which would leave them in charge of the title race, but Chelsea went ahead again when Michael Carrick was adjudged to have handled in the area. Ballack struck home from the spot, and the Blues - despite two off the line clearances - clung on to leave themselves in second on goal difference alone.

West Ham and Newcastle played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Upton Park in the battle of the mid-table sides. Alan Curbishley's men started brightly and found both of their goals inside the opening 22 minutes. Mark Noble volleyed home George McCartney's cross to put the Hammers ahead, before Bobby Zamora set up Dean Ashton to sweep home the second. However, two strikes late in the first period from Obafemi Martins and Geremi brought the hosts level, and although both sides had good chances to add to the scoring in the second period, the score deservedly stayed at 2-2.

Finally, Sunderland took a crucial step closer to safety by beating local rivals Middlesbrough 3-2 in the Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light. Tuncay Sanli broke through to put the hosts ahead four minutes in, but Danny Higginbotham and Michael Chopra found the back of the net not long after to make sure it was the hosts who went into the break ahead. Afonso Alves took advantage of a defensive lapse seventeen minutes from time to seemingly secure a point for Boro, but on a day of late drama in the Premier League, Daryl Murphy rose highest to head home Grant Leadbitter's corner and seal three vital points for his hard-working side.

After Saturdays Premier League matches the Title and 2 remaining relegation issues are as wide open as ever and looks like giving us one of the most exciting league run ins for many years.

Sheffield United are in 9th position in the league and need to win both their remaining games at home to Bristol City today and at Southampton on the final day and hope other results go their way to scrape into the play offs.

Their opponents today Bristol City are sitting 4th at the moment and need a point from today's game or next weeks home game against Preston to themselves make the play offs.

However going into this match Sheff U are definitely the form side of the two with 4 wins 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 6 games and a forward in James Beattie who has hit form at just the right time.

Bristol City on the other hand are in a run of form more worthy of relegation contenders with one win in 6 and no wins on the road since the beat Colchester 2-1 at Layer Road at the end on February.

In my opinion the 11/10 on offer about a Sheffield United win this afternoon is to tempting for me to ignore, i know all bad runs have to end sometime but i will be hoping Bristol City`s will not end for one more game.

So Sheffield United to win to keep their faint promotion hopes alive depending on other scores today for one more week.

Good luck

Silverfox.

Leeds United's joy at finally clinching a place in the League One play-offs was clouded by the sending off of left-back Alan Sheehan in the 65th minute of what previously had been an incident-free evening.

Sheehan crashed into Yeovil's Lee Peltier provoking a melee involving just about every outfield player and referee Keith Stroud immediately produced a red card.

Sheehan had no sympathy from his manager Gary McAllister, who said after the game: "He had to go. In this day and age you can't go in with high two-footed tackles like that." Yeovil boss Russell Slade also had a moan. His night was marred by the fourth-minute goal that won the game. "It wasn't a goal. There was a handball but the referee didn't see it," he said.

Neil Kilkenny crossed from the right to set up that early strike. He picked out Bradley Johnson at the far post. Johnson's shot was parried by Steve Mildenhall but in the scramble that followed the experienced Dougie Freedman got the ball over the line.

Yeovil's football was neat and precise but it was 20 minutes before they had a real attempt at goal, a header from Marcus Stewart flying over.

Six minutes later they had their best opportunity. Everton loanee Aidan Downes got in a perfect cross for Marvin Williams but his six-yard header was superbly saved by Casper Ankergren.
The Leeds keeper made another fantastic save three minutes from time to prevent a dramatic equaliser. Downes was again involved. He got in a terrific shot which looked to be heading for the bottom corner but somehow the keeper managed to turn the ball round the post.

Leeds' best effort in the second half came in the 69th minute from their big central defender Lubomir Michalik. A thunderbolt of a free-kick from 40 yards had Mildenhall flying across his goal to turn the ball for a corner.

It's a tired old cliche, but a week is a long time in football and it has felt a little bit longer for John Arne Riise. 4thegame.com casts an eye over the stories making the news and asks: "Will he ever score a better goal than that at the right end?"

MONDAY

Yesterday was derby day in the Premier League, and Newcastle United and Aston Villa emerged as the big winners. Michael Owen is the talk of the toon after scoring both goals in the Magpies' 2-0 defeat of Sunderland at St James' Park, while Villa hit five past Birmingham City in the Second City tussle at Villa Park. Great news for Martin O'Neill and Fabio Capello, who was looking on as English duo Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor found the net, less so for Alex McLeish, whose side are now below Bolton in the table. Bolton! Oh dear...

It's also getting pretty tight at the top of the table following another iffy performance from Manchester United at Blackburn. Sir Alex Ferguson's side needed a last minute Carlos Tevez header to cancel out Roque Santa Cruz's first half strike to take a point home from Ewood Park. It leaves them just three clear of Chelsea, but Ferguson is at least in buoyant mood, calling the display the performance of champions. It'd be far easier to take him seriously on that, of course, were it not for the return of Tevez's dummy celebration. How does he manage to keep that thing in place during the game?

Meanwhile, the usual media hoopla has begun as everyone (well, Liverpool and Chelsea fans) prepares for another clash of the titans between the two warring sides. Rafa Benitez gets the ball rolling by saying that Chelsea haven't really changed since Avram Grant arrived and that he doesn't miss Jose Mourinho, but that hasn't stopped the Special One chipping in. "Liverpool have to fight to win in all competitions and at least win a cup," he says. "If they don't, everyone will say the season was a failure. After the money Liverpool spent, they'll understand that." Is Jose paid for this, or does he just stir because he gets a kick from it...

TUESDAY

Predictably, it all continues today. Rafa Benitez reckons that Chelsea are "psychologically scarred" by their previous defeats at Anfield, but John Terry insists that the past will have no bearing on this match, and that his team is just concentrating on getting through to the final and making history. Meanwhile, Stevie G says in his usual slightly deluded way: "This team never knows when it's beaten. Some teams wilt and chuck it in when the going gets tough. That's not the case with us." No, Stevie. You just wilt and chuck it in when the game's all but won...
Yep, deep into stoppage time and with his side a goal up and taking a crucial step towards their third Champions League final in four years, John Arne Riise decides that it's all become a little bit predictable and heads an innocuous cross from Salomon Kalou into the back of the his own net. Neutrals everywhere celebrate as something of interest happens in another otherwise dire Liverpool vs Chelsea match, but Rafa Benitez is less than impressed. But who to blame? Himself? His player? Naaah...

"Of course I am disappointed with the officials' performance," howls the beardy one. "It's very difficult to understand because there were 94 or 95 minutes on the clock and I was surprised. It's not the first time this has happened to us and we are really disappointed." Disappointed in a referee's Champions League performance, eh? We're sure Arsenal fans will have something to say about that...

WEDNESDAY

Obviously keen to prove pundits wrong and show they too can play boring football which sucks the life out of fans, Manchester United slug out a snoozer in Barcelona in the second semi-final, and it's all Cristiano Ronaldo's fault. The Portuguese winger, who has scored more goals this season than we've had hot dinners, proves he is human after all by hitting a terrible penalty high and wide of Victor Valdes' goal in the second minute of the game at the Nou Camp.
Had it gone in, United would have been in the box seat for the second leg, but Ronaldo has vowed to make sure he and his team do not rue it. "I know I will score in the return game in Manchester next Tuesday," he explains after the match. "I'm always confident. I've 38 goals this season so it's not a problem if you miss one or two. I didn't change my style for taking the penalty. I've scored in that top corner before this season. If I get another penalty in Manchester I'll score."

And thankfully, he might have the chance to do that, because Sir Alex has insisted that he will actually allow his team to attack in the second leg. "Absolutely, no question about that. The game now starts at Old Trafford - it's the deciding game,' he says. "Barcelona have a lot of possession in all games, especially at home, and I am satisfied with the clean sheet - it was a professional performance." No, Sir Alex, it was a boring performance.

THURSDAY

So, that's two incredibly dull European games involving British teams in a week. Surely Rangers can't make it the hat-trick? Of course they can. Walter Smith's side play out a dour goalless draw with Fiorentina at Ibrox in the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi-finals. Naturally, Smith still reckons his side is strong enough to do what they've done in previous rounds and nick a crucial away goal in Italy to make it through to the final, but seriously, ask yourself this Walter: do you really WANT to win the UEFA Cup? It's probably more prestigious not to win it, you know.
Just because we're two days after the game at Anfield, doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet. Oh no, we've still got a whole other 90 (or possibly - gulp - 120) minutes of silken footy still to go. Steven Gerrard kicks off the hype for that match, saying that Liverpool won't be scared of going to Stamford Bridge (that is, of course, after spending much of this week insisting that Chelsea will be practically wetting themselves at the thought of travelling to Anfield), while poor old John Arne Riise has still got his mind fixed on Tuesday.

Says his brother, Lillestrom star Bjorn Helge Riise: "I tried getting in contact with John Arne after the game. Eventually he sent me back a text message saying, 'I don't want to speak. I'm so disappointed. Give me a call back in a couple of days and we'll speak then'." Frankly, we don't know what he's so bummed out about. It was a corking header, John. Sure, at the wrong end, but what you gonna do, eh?

FRIDAY

Thankfully for Riise, Newcastle and Manchester City are always good for a morale boosting laugh and they've produced the goods again today with their latest insane transfer targets. Despite insisting that he will only return to England to play for Arsenal, Thierry Henry is apparently top of the Magpies' hit list, while the old 'Ronaldinho to City' chestnut just won't go away. Thaksin Shinawatra and Sven Goran Eriksson are set to meet up to discuss the future in the coming days, and a move for Ronny is thought to be on the cards.

The transfer window wackiness doesn't stop there though. Real Madrid have been told by Chelsea that if they want to sign reportedly unsettled Didier Drogba they'll have to dig £18million out of their backpockets, while Rafa Benitez has decided that he wants to pretty much reshape his entire Liverpool team, with Gareth Barry, Philipp Degen, Antonio Valencia, David Bentley, Fernando Amorebieta and Albert Riera all on his hitlist. That's a lot of money for a guy who's at war with his board at the moment.

Meanwhile, it's the big title crunch match between Manchester United and Chelsea tomorrow. Normally this wouldn't be particularly amusing as both managers are prone to being miserable and tight-lipped on these occasions, especially as Jose Mourinho is no longer around to stir things up. But, as Avram Grant is particularly miserable and tight-lipped, he is prone to the odd clanger and this is a classic. "We don't want them to take the title here," he says, before hastily adding: "or to become champions at all." That's the spirit Avram. Pretend like you care.

Who? - Marcus Bent - Quite likely Where is he? - Charlton Athletic Who is he linked with? - Wigan Athletic

Marcus Bent's loan contract at Wigan could turn into a permanent deal at the end of the season. The striker looks likely to make the move from parent club Charlton, but it is dependent on Wigan's Premiership survival. Latics boss Steve Bruce said: "If and when we get safe, we can sit down again and see what the way forward is. There's already a fee agreed with Charlton if we want to take him, about 1 million, so we'll see what happens." The player himself would agree to the move, despite being used mainly as a substitute behind Emile Heskey and Marlon King. 29 year old Bent commented: "I will be happy to stay if something was offered."

Who? - Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Speculation Where is he? - Internazionale Who is he linked with? - Chelsea

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted that his future lies in either England or Spain, with Chelsea thought to be interested. The Swedish striker currently plays in Serie A for Inter Milan, but has set his sights on a move away. He said: "I feel good in Italy, but I don't know what'll happen in the next few years. Playing in England or Spain would fascinate me. They are technical leagues like the top flight in Italy." It is unlikely that Chelsea would make any move unless Didier Drogba was to leave Stamford Bridge. However, if this should happen, the big striker is adept at playing a lone striker role and so could be the ideal replacement.

Who? - Luka Modric - Speculation Where is he? - Dinamo Zagreb Who is he linked with? - Newcastle United

Newcastle could be on the verge of landing a real transfer coup by signing Luka Modric. The Croatian, 22, is widely seen as one of the top European talents around at the moment. Able to use both feet with equal effect, Modric can play either on the left or in the middle of midfield and is a regular in the Croatian national side. Despite not currently being at a top club, Newcastle would need to fork out around 12 million to secure his services. Newcastle and Chelsea are also interested, although Newcastle's director of football, Dennis Wise, has reportedly met with the players' agent to move the transfer to a more advanced stage.

Who? - Aleksandr Hleb - Where is he? - Arsenal Who is he linked with? - Internazionale

Aleksandr Hleb could be plying his trade in Serie A next season after Inter Milan declared their interest in the player. The Belarussian midfielder has been in good form for Arsenal this season and has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs. But it is Inter who have made their interest known in the 26 year old. Manager Roberto Mancini said: "I have already spoken with president Massimo Moratti about the players we would like to sign. We are interested in Hleb." There have been no reports that Hleb is unhappy at Arsenal, although the club's ambition has been questioned due to a lack of signings. Similarly, the Gunners' failure to land a trophy this season has been disappointing and so Wenger could have a job on his hands fending off Europe's biggest clubs.

The two UEFA Cup Semi`s end the same way as the 2 Champions League Semi`s in draws and again both ties are delicately poised as they enter the second legs next week.

The final is at the City of Manchester Stadium this year and whoever gets through should be guaranteed a full house.

Bayern and Zenit fought out a 1-1 draw in Munich last night with Ribery scoring for Bayern after his penalty had been saved only for Zenit to get an equaliser thanks to an own goal by Brazilian defender Lucio.

Bayern missed the presence of Luca Toni up front, the big striker had to sit out the match due to suspension but will be available for next weeks 2nd leg.

In my opinion this could swing the tie in Bayern`s favour s tough Zenit are a very good team they are still in the early stages of their season whilst Bayern are in full flow and have a squad of experianced internationals used to big match occasions.

It is this factor that makes me think Bayern will be one of the teams to grace the final.

I watched the other semi between Rangers and Fiorentina in between naps!!! To be fair Rangers had a game plan forced on them through injuries to key players such as keeper Alan McGregor and skipper Barry Ferguson and Fiorentina were always going to be happy with a draw.

Both sides rarely showed much attacking threat though Darcheville for Rangers looked dangerous when he had the ball. As for Fiorentina Mutu had an off night nd spent most of it in a sulk!

Rangers form on the road in Europe has been nothing short of amazing with wins at Lyon in the Champions league and at Sporting Lisbon in the last round of this competition but i cannot see beyond a Fiorentina win in the 2nd leg, they have Mutu, Pazini and Vieri to call on in attack and the talented young Montolivo in midfield so i expect them to win another tight game.

So for me the UEFA Cup final will be Bayern Munich and Fiorentina, and if it is lets hope the people of Manchester get a football match worthy of two such great sides.

Rangers were held to a goalless draw by Fiorentina at Ibrox in the first leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final.

This result will not upset the home team too much, as much of their best work in Europe this season has come away from home.

The nearest either side came to a goal was a powerful shot by Adrian Mutu 15 minutes from time, which Neil Alexander saved well diving to his right.

The scoreline keeps the tie nicely balanced for the return leg, when the Gers will undoubtedly be strengthened by the return from suspensions of skipper Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson.

It was a nervous start with misplaced passes by both teams. David Weir headed clear a dangerous cross by Zdravko Kuzmanovic, before Jean-Claude Darcheville set off on a run from the halfway line, which ended with his cross being cut out by Gamberini.

Steven Whittaker flashed a shot wide from 25 yards before Mario Alberto Santana was booked for a bad foul on Darcheville.

Martin Jorgensen then threatened for the visitors with a powerful 20-yard shot which was held by Alexander.
The pace of Darcheville clearly worried the visitors, with their defenders taking turns to foul him every time the striker got possession.

The half finished with Alexander saving bravely at the feet of Santana, following a clever lay off by Giampaolo Pazzini.

Rangers applied some early pressure at the start of the second half, with Kirk Broadfoot's chip nearly putting Nacho Novo through.

A quick free-kick by Broadfoot to Novo caught out the Italian defence, but the striker shot wide when a bit more composure was called for.

Alexander punched out a deflected Mutu shot, but well before the end both teams seemed content to settle for a goalless draw.

On a lighter note i enjoyed the story that came out of Denmark recently.

During a lower league game one of the fans decided he would spice up precedings by streaking across the pitch! The first part of his plan went perfectly, until he decided he would stand in front of the home team captain a rugged centre half and do a dance.

The player obviously unmoved by the streakers dance moves proceeded to kick him in his crown jewels, this action led to the defender being led off by the local constabulary and the streaker being carried off by the Danish equivolent of the Red Cross!!!

After the incident the defender was asked for a comment on the event, and being a man of few words said and i quote "He went down fast".

Danish streakers you have been warned!!

Just a quick line to pay my respects to Frank Lampard over the loss of his mother Pat at the age of 58.

At times like these it just heightens the fact that football is only a game and my thoughts are with Frank, Frank Snr and all the family at this time.

Frank has had a difficult season both on and off the pitch but hopefully now he will get the respect he deserves at this time, and i am sure i speak for all true football fans when i say that i hope he is soon back on the pitch doing what he is best at, I`m sure his mother would say the same.

After the of the Champions League Semi`s comes the UEFA Cup and tonight Bayern Munich take on Zenit St Petersburg and though the 0.50 on offer for a Bayern win tonight are too short in my opinion i think there is a reasonable bet in the over 2.5 goals market.

The best price 4/5 with Bet365 is a reasonable enough price to get me interested in as both sides have scoring potential. Bayern with the likes of Klose, Ribery, and Toni will want to take a good lead to Russia as though the Russian Season has only been going since March 23rd and Zenit have not made the best of starts sitting in 8th postion in the league at the moment they showed in their 4-1 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in the way leg of the last round that they are more then capable of springing a surprise.

Bayern have been favourites for the UEFA Cup since the start of the season and though they were fortunate to get through on away goals against Getafe in the last round after extra time they did show resilience by coming back from 3-1 down in that game.

It should also be noted that their UEFA Cup campaign has included a 5-0 win at Anderlecht, a 5-1 win at home to Aberdeen and a 6-0 home win against Aris Salonika so they cannot be accused of not taking the competition seriously.

So for me over 2.5 goals for tonight`s game at best price 4/5 with Bet365.

Good luck

Silverfox.

After both of the Champions League Semi Finals ended in stalemate the question now is who will make it to Moscow for the final next month.

Both ties are still far from dead but i feel the home sides have the greater advantage. Chelsea have the vital away goal thanks to Riise`s last minute own goal on Tuesday night and with them being the masters of the 1-0 win i expect them to finally break the Champions League jinx Liverpool have over with them.

The Man U v. Barca tie is in my opinion slightly more balanced as the game ended 0-0 so technically Barca only need a score draw to progress. Weather they achieve that is another matter as the team have not been playing well in recent times and the back room atmosphere is not helping the situation.

Man U have the firepower and i feel the desire to win this tie and i will be surprised if Barca despite their array of stars will be able to hold out against the attacking onslaught that they are bound to face next week.

So for me a little bit of history will be made in Moscow next month when Man U and Chelsea will play the first all Premiership final in the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty as Manchester United held Barcelona to a goalless draw in their Champions League semi-final first leg clash at the Camp Nou.

In a cagey game, Frank Rijkaard's team had most of the possession but struggled to create many clear-cut chances, particularly after the outstanding Lionel Messi was substituted early in the second half.

United suffered a blow before kick-off when Nemanja Vidic was rushed to hospital with suspected gastro-enteritis. Owen Hargreaves started the game at right-back with Wes Brown partnering Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defence.

In only the second minute of the game United were given the opportunity to make the perfect start when the referee awarded them a penalty after Gabriel Milito was adjudged to have handled the ball.

However, Ronaldo side-footed his spot-kick wide as Victor Valdes went the other way.
Unperturbed, United edged the opening stages before slowly losing the initiative as they were pegged further and further back.

Messi continually attempted to prise open United's defence while Yaya Toure was excellent in his holding midfield role but too often Barca's attacks were too laboured.

Barca kept the ball well but struggled to create a clear-cut opening despite all their possession.
United thought they should have had a second penalty on the half-hour when Andres Iniesta's terrible pass picked out Ronaldo. The Portugal international tumbled inside the area under Rafael Marquez's challenge but there was to be no penalty this time.

Samuel Eto'o had a half-chance after being found by Messi but, before the Cameroon international could get his shot in, Brown got across to block the effort.

Just before half-time Ferdinand showed his pace to stop Eto'o racing towards goal but the best spell of the match came early in the second period.

Poor play by Brown let in Eto'o who would surely have won a penalty had he gone down under Ferdinand's challenge. The striker stayed on his feet though and was unable to pull the back for Messi.

Eto'o then fired into the side-netting when he seemed certain to score while at the other end Michael Carrick should have crossed into the six-yard area rather than trying to shoot from a tight angle.

After Messi went off just after the hour mark, the game petered out as both sides seemed to settle for a goalless draw and they will now try again in six days' time at Old Trafford.

Who? - Kevin Phillips - Speculation Where is he? - West Bromwich Albion Who is he linked with? - Wigan Athletic

Kevin Phillips looks certain to be playing Premiership football next year, but it may not be with promotion favourites West Brom. The veteran striker - who is the Championship's joint leading scorer with 22 goals - has rejected an offer of a new contract with the Baggies, reportedly wanting a two-year deal rather than the one on offer. A source close to Phillips said: "Kevin is disappointed with the contract he has been offered at the Hawthorns. He feels the terms do not reflect his achievements this season." This has alerted Wigan boss Steve Bruce who believes Phillips can still cut it at the highest level.

Who? - Steven Sidwell - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Aston Villa

Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell could be on his way to Aston Villa. The former Arsenal and Reading star has not been able to force his way past his superstar Chelsea rivals and has made only seven starts for Avram Grant's side. Having moved on a free transfer from Reading in the summer, Chelsea would be keen to make a considerable 5 million profit from the transfer to Villa. Martin O'Neill sees Sidwell as an ideal replacement for Gareth Barry, who has been consistently linked with Liverpool.

Who? - Daniel Alves - Speculation Where is he? - Seville Who is he linked with? - Manchester United, Chelsea

Sevilla full-back Daniel Alves has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester United, with Chelsea also known to be interested. The Blues had an offer turned down for the Brazilian defender last summer and would surely rival any interest from Sir Alex Ferguson. The 24 year old is widely seen as one of the best in his position and, with Gary Neville in the latter stages of his career, could be an ideal addition to United's squad. Alves is keen on the move and said: "I was upset when Sevilla turned down the Chelsea offer. But if I leave this summer and get a deal which makes me as happy then perhaps it was not a disaster. I know Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea and United want me and I'd be honoured to go to any of them."

Of these rumours the most persistant and most likely is Alves coming to the Premiership and i feel Chelsea will win the bidding war, whilst Sidwell who has been a bit part player for the blues this season will almost certainly being jumping of the bridge and probably landing in a Villa along with Martin O`Neills growing colony of fine young English talent.

As for the old war horse Kevin Phillips where ever he plays next season he ill guarantee one 100% effort and goals!

Wrexham's 87-year hold on league football came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Hereford United.

Goals from Gary Hooper and Theo Robinson sent the Red Dragons down into the Blue Square Premier for the first time.

But the victory also improves Hereford's hold on the third automatic promotion place and opens up a four-point gap between the Bulls and chasing Stockport and Rochdale.

There was plenty of excitement in the opening exchanges with chances at both ends.

Matt Done forced an excellent save from Wayne Brown in the Hereford goal, with the ball being put behind for a corner, but Robinson missed a great chance to open the scoring with only four minutes played, blazing wide after being sent through by Hooper.

It was Brown who came to Hereford's rescue again on 33 minutes.

A long free-kick from goalkeeper Gavin Ward was flicked on by Mark Williams to Neil Roberts, whose fierce first-time effort was pushed behind for a corner by the United keeper.

Three minutes before the interval, the Bulls took the lead with a well-worked goal.

Sammy Igoe's pass was back-heeled by Robinson to Hooper, who raced on before driving home an angled shot past Gavin Ward.

Hereford made a bright start to the second period and Robinson raced away to fire against the foot of a post on 54 minutes.

Brown then saved well from Mark Williams before the Bulls extended their lead on the hour mark.

Richard Rose's cross from the left was flicked on by Hooper and neatly controlled by Robinson, who then struck his 11th league goal of the season, matching Hooper's total, under Ward.
Hereford continued to have their moments in attack, but were grateful again in injury time for the agility of Brown, who pulled off a superb flying save to deny Michael Proctor.

A last-minute John Arne Riise own goal gave Chelsea a crucial away goal as they secured a 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Home manager Rafael Benitez opted to pair Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel in central defence, with Sami Hyypia left on the bench.

Blues boss Avram Grant decided to start with Paulo Ferreira at right-back, while Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard return in midfield, but Michael Essien was suspended.

The early play was scrappy and condensed in midfield, but 12 minutes in Xabi Alonso's pass over the top played in Dirk Kuyt, his first touch was poor and Petr Cech was able to smother the danger.

Nine minutes later Lampard played an excellent ball over the top towards Joe Cole, but his attempted ball across the area was deflected back to Jose Reina.

On the half-hour Didier Drogba thought he should have had a penalty and within a minute Fernando Torres passed up the best chance of the game. Steven Gerrard's flick played in Torres, but the usually deadly Spaniard shot straight at the advancing Cech with his right foot.
However, Liverpool did hit the front two minutes before the interval, following a free-kick in midfield.

The Chelsea defence fail to deal with it and when Javier Mascherano's mishit shot dropped in the area, Kuyt was on hand to drive the ball home from close range.

Liverpool started the second half the brighter, but failed to create any clear-cut chances, before Gerrard flicked on a long punt forward on the hour and Ryan Babel fired a 30-yarder narrowly wide of the far post with Cech at full stretch.

A few minutes later the Blues almost found a way back into the game, but Mascherano got back to make a superb block as Florent Malouda closed in on the left.

Nine minutes from time sub Salomon Kalou somehow squeezed the ball into the area, but Lampard was dispossessed by Carragher as he prepared to shoot from a good position.

With time running out Liverpool came within a whisker of adding a clinching second goal, as skipper Gerrard cracked in a superb drive from the right which was hurtling towards the top corner of the net, before Cech made a world-class tip-over.

Deep into stoppage time a Gerrard corner fell to Torres at the far post, but Cech made a point-blank stop and that proved to be a crucial save as play swung to the other end of the pitch.
With the final action of the game, Kalou played in a cross from the left and Riise stooped to try and clear the ball, but succeeded only in heading it past the stranded Reina to silence the home fans.

Who? - Kasper Schmeichel - Quite likely Where is he? - Manchester City Who is he linked with? - Leaving

Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel accepts that he may have to leave the club in the search for regular first-team action. The 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at Coventry City, played in Manchester City's first seven Premier League games of this season before being dropped in favour of Joe Hart. "I spoke to Sven last week and explained to him that I want to play first-team football," said Schmeichel. "He said that he can't promise me that, so if I'm honest it looks like my future might not be at City. "I have got three years left on a good contract so I could bide my time, but I am a footballer and I want to play. It is as simple as that. "The future is exciting. I could go anywhere in Europe to play my football - Spain, Italy or stay here in England. "I am looking forward to it but for now I am not thinking about that. I am a Coventry player at the moment and my job is to help Coventry to be safe."

Who? - Shaun Wright-Phillips - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Manchester City

Shaun Wright-Phillips could be making a surprise return to Manchester City in the summer. The England star has struggled to hold down a regular starting place in the Chelsea side. Instead, Avram Grant has utilised the pace of Wright-Phillips late on in games as a substitute. 10 million could tempt Chelsea to sell a player they signed for almost double that fee three years ago from City. The player himself would accept the transfer, particularly after the rapturous reception he receives whenever he makes an appearance at Eastlands. The fact that City, thanks to the funds of Thaksin Shinawatra, can now match the big wages Wright-Phillips currently earns at Chelsea will no doubt further persuade the winger to agree terms.

Who? - John Arne Riise - Speculation Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - Newcastle United

Liverpool left-back, John Arne Riise, has not been offered a new deal at Anfield, which has sparked rumours of a move to Newcastle. The Norweigan has been left frustrated this season, playing second fiddle to the Brazilian, Fabio Aurelio, who Rafa Benitez has favoured in the left-back role. Kevin Keegan has made sorting out that position a main priority in the summer, having been less than impressed with current player, Jose Enrique. Money will not be a problem for Keegan, who has the full backing of multi-millionaire owner, Mike Ashley. A projected fee of 5 million would be enough to persuade Liverpool to sell their unsettled star, whose contract expires in 2009.

Who? - Steven Davis - Quite likely Where is he? - Fulham Who is he linked with? - Rangers

Fulham midfielder, Steven Davis, looks likely to make a permanent move to Glasgow Rangers in the next transfer window. The Northern Ireland international has been on loan at Ibrox since January, having been surprisingly frozen out by Fulham. 23 year-old Davis has certainly made the most of the move, standing out in the Glaswegian side's UEFA Cup win at Sporting, and has impressed Rangers manager Walter Smith enough for him to consider a 3 million transfer. Davis has said he wants to wait until the end of the season to decide his future, although he did admit: "What I can say is that I will listen to Rangers first. If they are an option, then it's something I will consider." Blackburn and Middlesbrough are also monitoring the situation.

Who? - David Villa - Speculation Where is he? - Valencia CF Who is he linked with? - Arsenal

Spanish international striker, David Villa, has fueled speculation that his future may lie at Highbury. The Valencia star covets a move to the Premiership and believes that Arsenal are the team for him. Villa said: "..the team I'm most attracted to is definitely Arsenal. Their brilliant one and two-touch football and the whole style of rapid counter-attack...is the one that suits my game best of all." Villa would cost a hefty 20 million, although with Eduardo on the sidelines until next year, Arsene Wenger may be forced to act.

Kasper Schmeichel will find no shortage of admirers if he leaves the City of Manchester Stadium and as for Shaun Wright-Phillips going back to City this has been doing the rounds for some time and much will depend on weather Sven stays as t weather the move becomes reality.

Other rumours that have been doing the rounds for a while are the Riise to Newcastle and Villa to Arsenal ones and the former i believe will happen as Keegan builds a new squad for the new season, bt though from a personal point of view i would love to see Villa in an Arsenal shirt next season i feel: 1:) Liverpool could be a more likely bidder and 2:) Arsene would not be to happy parting with 20 million!

As always it will be wait and see.

As always at this timof year the transfer grapevine is in full swing as players and agents get busy in the hope of a new deal or a new club, here are some of the latest rumours circuating, as always some are more believable then others,but any true fan always gets a buzz from the thought that a superstar could some be in his clubs colours.

Who? - Daniel Alves - Speculation Where is he? - Seville Who is he linked with? - Manchester United, Chelsea

Sevilla full-back Daniel Alves has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester United, with Chelsea also known to be interested. The Blues had an offer turned down for the Brazilian defender last summer and would surely rival any interest from Sir Alex Ferguson. The 24 year old is widely seen as one of the best in his position and, with Gary Neville in the latter stages of his career, could be an ideal addition to United's squad. Alves is keen on the move and said: "I was upset when Sevilla turned down the Chelsea offer. But if I leave this summer and get a deal which makes me as happy then perhaps it was not a disaster. I know Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea and United want me and I'd be honoured to go to any of them."

Who? - Samuel Eto'o - Speculation Where is he? - Barcelona Who is he linked with? - Chelsea

Barcelona's star striker Samuel Eto'o has dropped a big hint that he could leave the Nou Camp this summer. Barcelona's domestic season has faltered of late and the Catalan giants now find themselves in third place in La Liga, 11 points behind rivals Real Madrid. Chelsea are long-term admirers of the Cameroon hitman and will have taken notice of his recent comments. Said Eto'o: "I want to win titles and if I can't do it here then it will be in another club. But in Spain my cycle has finished. I have touched the ceiling in Barcelona so if I leave I will go abroad. I will go to whoever pays the most.' Roman Abramovich's billions could well ensure that Chelsea are that very club.

Who? - Diomansy Kamara - Quite likely Where is he? - Fulham Who is he linked with? - Various clubs

Fulham misfit Diomansy Kamara looks certain to leave the club in the next transfer window. The Senegalese forward moved to Craven Cottage in a 6 million move from West Brom last summer, but has failed to perform as the Cottagers battled relegation. Three goals in a season is not an impressive return for any striker, yet there is no shortage of teams reportedly interested in signing the 27 year-old. Fabrizio Ferrari, Kamara's agent, said: "I'm aware of the reports about Sevilla but he also is admired by Atletico Madrid. In Italy, there is perhaps Palermo, Roma or Napoli interested."

Who? - Thierry Henry - SpeculationWhere is he? - Barcelona Who is he linked with? - Arsenal

Thierry Henry could be leaving Barcelona in the summer transfer window, according to reports from Spain. The Frenchman moved to the Nou Camp from Arsenal at the end of last season, but has struggled to settle due to family issues. Newcastle United are among the clubs linked with a move for him, and a Barca source told the News of the World: "If we receive a proposal then then we will speak to the player. We have not opened the door for Henry, but we have not closed it." Henry made a name for himself at the Gunners, but has struggled with European teams before, notably Juventus, whom he played for before signing for Arsene Wenger's side.

Who? - Marek Hamsik - Speculation Where is he? - Napoli Who is he linked with? - Chelsea

Chelsea are set to make a bid for Napoli striker Marek Hamsik in the summer transfer window. Reports suggest that the Blues, who have been keeping an eye on the player since January, sent scouts out to watch him in action last weekend. Manchester United and Liverpool are also said to be interested in him, but a potential stumbling block for all three clubs is that Napoli coach Edy Reja is keen to keep him in Italy. Hamsik began his career with Slovan Bratislava in 2004, scoring one goal in the only game he played for them. In that same year he moved on to Brescia, where his ten goals in 65 appearances attracted the interest of Napoli, whom he signed for in 2007. He has scored twice in just seven appearances for the Slovakia national team.

Who? - Diego Capel - Speculation where is he? - Seville Who is he linked with? - Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur manager Juande Ramos looks set to make a move for Diego Capel, who currently plays for his old club Sevilla. Capel has a clause in his contract which stipulates that he can leave for 8million, and Ramos is thought to be keen on meeting that fee. However, he is likely to face a battle for the winger, as Real Madrid are also known to be interested. "I've heard of the interest and am flattered Ramos is impressed with me enough to look at me," Capel told the Daily Mirror. Capel has been with Sevilla since turning professional in 2004. He has scored three goals in 33 appearances since then.

Who? - Jonas Gutierrez - Speculation Where is he? - Real Mallorca Who is he linked with? -Portsmouth

Portsmouth are set to battle it out with Valencia and Sevilla in the race to sign Jonas Gutierrez. The Real Mallorca winger, who has the nickname Spider-Man after once donning the superhero's mask to celebrate a goal, has been a reported target of Harry Redknapp's for some months now, with rumours of his interest first emerging last summer. However, with Sevilla's Daniel Alves expected to join Barcelona in the summer and Valencia targeting a UEFA Cup run next season, it is thought the Spanish duo are prepared to enter the race for the 6million-rated Argentine as well. Gutierrez began his career with Velez Sarsfield in 2001, before moving on to Mallorca four years later. He has won two caps for his country.

Who? - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes - SpeculationWhere is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is keeping an eye on the status of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. The Manchester United veterans, aged 34 and 33 respectively, have been used sparingly this season as Sir Alex Ferguson has looked to give first team experience to the likes of Anderson and Nani. Hughes, a former United legend himself, would be very keen to land the midfield duo should they become available. "If players like Giggs and Scholes came on the market, then everybody would be interested, irrespective of age", Hughes stated. "We have done well in the last two or three years to be able to bring the right quality at the right price and they have always been able to produce for us. I have got to keep on doing that."

As i said at the start these are rumours and to me taken as seriously as you wish,but my peronal favourite as a lifelong Gunner is the return of Henry, i feel he left with unfinished business at the Emirates but though my heart says come back my head says it is unlikely as i believe Wenger would see it as a step back, but the sentimentalist in me would love to see the great man fit and well and doing what he was best at, scoring for Arsenal.

Bolton climbed out of the relegation zone on Saturday afternoon as they earned a slender but vital 1-0 win at Middlesbrough. The hosts dominated the early stages and could have gone ahead on a number of occasions, with David Wheater, Tuncay Sanli and Afonso Alves all coming close to opening the scoring in a pulsating start to the match. The rest of the opening half continued in this fashion, and Bolton were lucky to go into the break with the score still level.
However, Gary Megson's side emerged stronger in the second half, and they took the lead on 63 minutes. Gary Cahill's powerful header was saved well by Ross Turnbull, but the keeper could do nothing to stop the rebound effort, as Gavin McCann smashed home from close range. The goal did not come without its controversy, however, as just minutes before, McCann appeared to handle the ball in the Bolton area. Referee Alan Wiley gave nothing, but replays later proved there was definite contact, and should they survive, Bolton will look back upon that moment as a decisive one in their season.

There was no such luck for Fulham though, who now look as good as down after losing 2-0 at home to Liverpool. Despite the absences of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, the Reds fielded a reasonably strong side, and Rafa Benitez opted for a striking partnership of Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin. Jermaine Pennant also returned to the first eleven and it was he who opened the scoring when he hammered home a superb shot into the top corner of Kasey Keller's net seventeen minutes in.
The Cottagers forged some good opportunities in the build-up to half-time, with Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard coming especially close. However, the match was decided midway through the second half. Scorer turned provider as Pennant fed the ball through to Peter Crouch and the England international slipped a fine shot under the body of Keller from 12 yards out. Liverpool saw the game out comfortably from then on in, leaving Fulham some five points off safety.

The relegation dog fight in my opinion involves any 2 from 4, though i think a miracle is need to save Fulham.

That leaves Bolton, Birmingham and Reading to fight it out. Looking at the 3 remaining fixtures gives us a better idea of who will drop down at the end of the campaign.

Bolton have Spurs (A), Sunderland (H) and Chelsea (A) and they are the "form" side of the strugglers, so i expect them to get t least 4 points from those 3 games.

Birmingham have Liverpool (H), Fulham (A) and Blackburn (H) in their last 3 matches and much depends on how they react to the 5-1 thrashing they got at Villa, Liverpool proved at Fulham that even a weekend side is good enough to get 3 points and Blackburn showed at the weekend that their season is far from dead, this leaves the Fulham game by which time i believe they will be down, the most i can see Birmingham get is 2 points.

Reading the final team in the equation have Wigan (A), Spurs (H) and Derby (A), they too are low on confidence but have the advantage of playing to mid table sides before they Derby game which i expect them to win and i can see Reading getting 5 points.

So if my maths are correct that would mean come the final day Reading would finish on 37, Bolton on 36 and Birmingham on 33 condemning the blues to a return to the Championship along with Fulham and Derby.

As the season draws to a close the Championship race is set to go down to the last set of matches with the prize of Premiership football awaiting the winners.

Two teams involved in that race meet in a real "6 pointer" at the Britannia Stadium this evening when Stoke take on Bristol City.

This is an interesting match as both sides are not in the best of form recently. Stoke have a home record in the league this season of won 11 drawn 6 lost 4 scored 34 conceded 26 but in their last 6 games they have won only 1 drawing 4 and losing the other and their last win at the Britannia was a 1-0 victory against Ipswich on February 23rd.

Bristol City are 1 point and 1 place behind Stoke but they have also hit a bad patch of form with 1 win 2 draws and 3 defeats over the last 6 matches and only 4 goals scored whilst conceding 7, their last away win also came on February 23rd when they beat Colchester 2-1, but the 4 away games since then have seen them score only twice.

They have won 7 drawn 7 and lost 7 on the road in the league this season so far and scored 19 whilst conceding 29.

Head to head favours Stoke, as in the 7 games played at Stoke since 1977 they have won 5 and drawn 2.

Early team news is that Stoke City could include on-loan Shola Ameobi for the promotion showdown with Bristol City after his hamstring injury proved not as serious as first feared.
Captain Andy Griffin (hamstring) is ruled out and Liam Lawrence (groin) is a doubt, but Glenn Whelan should be fit after illness.

Meanwhile midfielder Lee Johnson (heel) and defender Jamie McAllister (hamstring) could return for Bristol City. Both trained on Thursday but they will not be risked if not fully fit.

There are safe bets to go for today but i like to look for value whenever possible and i feel today`s game gives me that, Stoke are best price 21/20 with Totesport for tonight and i feel that is a fair enough price given the form of both sides, in addition to the win bet i will have a saver on the under 2.5 goals market as neither side have been prolific in recent weeks and the best price at the time of writing was 8/11 with Paddy Power and Skybet.

So a Stoke win and under 2.5 goals for tonights match.

Good luck as ever

Silverfox.

P.S: I don`t normally post racing tips but i had a friend of mine more knowledgeable then i on racing telling me that if the rain stays away from Ayr today to have an interest in Noir Et Vert each way in today`s Scottish Grand National. I will be watching the weather forecast with interest!!!

Today sees the final of the Copa Del Rey at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid between Getafe and Valencia.

Both teams have had disappointing seasons in the league with Getafe sitting 12th in the table and well off the pace for a European spot via the league and Valencia in even worse shape in 16th position and only 5 points of the drop zone with 6 games to go.

Ronald Koeman the Valencia coach is under extreme pressure and even a win tonight may not guarantee his job come the end of the season with several high profile candidates being lined up.

Though both teams have struggled in the league their cup form has been good with Getafe reaching the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup and only going out on away goals after extra time to Bayern Munich the tournament favourites, before that they enjoyed a fine 1-1 draw in the first leg of that game and in the previous rounds beat Benfica of Portugal home and away.

Also in the UEFA Cup they hae beaten the likes of Andelecht and AEK Athens at home and Spurs away so are to be respected in one off games.

Valencia`s season on the other hand has been inconsistent to say the least, they had disastrous Champions League campaign and were beaten 3-0 at home by Villareal on the first day of the season and 5-1 at home by Real Madrid in the early part of the campaign but they have also won 3-2 at the Bernabeu in recent weeks to go along with the 4-3 aggregate win over Barcelona in the semi finals of the Copa Del Rey so it is hard to predict which Valencia will turn up tonight.

I am going for a Getafe win tonight as i feel they will have recovered from their unfortunate defeat to Bayern in the UEFA Cup and will want to end the season to show something for their efforts and qualify for Europe next term into the bargain.

I feel Valencia will be more interested in their survival in La Liga and the coming game at the weekend at Bilbao as relegation for a club as big as Valencia is unthinkable. Also i was watching Spanish TV this morning and saw the Valencia players as they were boarding the team bus and they looked a group of very tense young men, though this may not be the most scientific approach i cannot help but think the Getafe camp will be the more relaxed of the two and i am sure their coach Michael Laudrup will have his team ready for the occasion.

Getafe are currently 21/10 with Totesport and that is a very good price for me to get involved with tonight.

Good luck with whatever you decided.

Silverfox.

Arsenal Football Club Dinner Menu Joke

ARSENAL F.C. - End of Season Dinner Dance

Starter
Egg on Face
Seasoned Hash
Frogs legs (past their best)
Spanish Surprise (well beaten)

Main course
Humble Pie
Chump Chops
French (has) Beans
Manager's Beef (not rare)
Catch of the Day - (gutted)
NB: everything is imported, nothing is home grown.


Dessert
Sour Grapes (may be hard to swallow)
Fruitless Tarts
Raspberry Fools
Hard Cheese


Drinks
Bitter
Little Spirit
French Whine
Cabernet Empty 2008
Champagne - sorry none ordered
STRICTLY NO DOUBLES OR TREBLES

NB: drinks should be consumed from glasses as there will be no cups this year.

Stevenage v. Exeter Blue Square Premier

Stevenage were my each way tip at the start of the season for the Blue Square premier, and though it looks like Aldershot have booked the automatic promotion spot, Stevenage are still well placed to give me a return on my anti post bet.

This is a big match as far as the play off places are concerned with 3rd placed Stevenage entertaining 6th placed Exeter.

A win for Stevenage should secure them a place in the end of season play offs whilst a defeat for Exeter would severely dent their chances so a real 6 pointer if ever there was one.

Though Stevenage's form has been erratic over the last 6 games with 3 wins and 3 draws all the wins have been at home and you have to go back to November when Halifax won 3-2 at Stevenage to find their last home defeat.

Exeter come into this game having played Thursday night when they were held to a disappointing home draw by relegation threaten Droylsden so it would be a big ask in my opinion for them to get anything from today`s encounter, add the fact that you have to go back to February for their last away win a 2-0 victory at Grays and i think this adds up to a Stevenage win today.

Stevenage have no injury worries ahead of the game and should be at full strength whilst Exeter may bring in defender Steve Tulley, and their may be a starting place for Steve Basham up front after he came on as sub against Droylsden and had an impact on the game.

Those of you who like head to head stats will want to know that not surprisingly over the last 10 games in recent times in all competitions the home sides have generally come out on top and Stevenage will want to avenge the two 4-0 thumpings they have received from Exeter this season one in the league and one in the FA Cup.

Bet365 are offering 11/10 for a Stevenage win today which is a price i am more then happy to take.

Good luck,

Silverfox