Scholes wants long Ferguson stay

Manchester United's Paul Scholes wants manager Sir Alex Ferguson to remain at Old Trafford for years to come.

Ferguson has had a glorious 23-year stay at United where he has won a clutch of honours including the Barclays Premier League on 10 occasions.
The 67-year-old did have plans to retire at the end of the 2001/02 campaign but decided to stay on and lead the Red Devils to even more silverware.

Long-serving midfielder Scholes is backing his manager to continue managing the champions into his 70s and add more trophies to the ever burgeoning cabinet.

so long

"His record speaks for itself," Scholes said. "Twenty-three years is a long time and, hopefully, he can continue to be here and win trophies for a long time to come.
"Other teams don't have the benefit of having a manager for so long.
"I think it goes to show what can be achieved if you have a manger for so long and the trophies they can win.
"I've known no different. When I played for England there was a change of manager from time to time and it probably didn't seem to help most of the time. I've been lucky enough to play under one manager and it has been great."
Scholes came up through the ranks at Old Trafford and has made 422 Premier League appearances, scoring 98 goals, since his debut in 1993.

Wenger boosted by injury news

Injuries to Arsenal pair Robin van Persie and Kieran Gibbs are not as severe as first feared.

The loss of Holland striker Van Persie for at least six weeks with ankle ligament damage is a major blow but manager Arsene Wenger feared the player would be out for longer.
Gibbs looks set to be back in action for the visit of Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea at the end of the month after he sustained bruising to his foot after initial fears that the defender had broken a bone.

This comes as a boost to Wenger who has a lengthy injury list that includes Lukasz Fabianski, Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky.

in hospital

"We knew when Robin came out with this injury that he would be out for a long time, but frankly I feared it would be more because the first news was very, very bad. So it was a relief that he would be out for six weeks," Wenger said.
"Of course it is a disappointment and something we did not want, but I feel we have enough strength to compensate for his absence for a while.
"It will also allow him to be fresh for when he comes back."
On the subject of Gibbs, he added: "Our medical staff called me saying he was in hospital in Lithuania with a suspected broken metatarsal.
"Later on, it was much better news. He will still be out for Sunderland, but maybe we could have him back for (the Champions League match with) Standard Liege on Tuesday."

News in Brief - Fri 20th Nov

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Arsenal

 Midfielder Henri Lansbury would consider extending his loan spell at Watford until the end of the season. The 19-year-old has made a big impression at Vicarage Road, scoring twice in 14 appearances. Lansbury was a regular in the Gunners' Carling Cup line-up last term and admits the prospect of their forthcoming quarter-final at Manchester City is tempting. But the England Under-21 international is enjoying regular first-team football in the Championship and is leaning towards staying on with Malky Mackay's side. He said: "I'm not sure how long I will be there. The clubs are still speaking so I need to speak to the boss about that. But I just want to go out and play really so I would be happy to stay at Watford for longer. There is a bit of an ache there because I'd like to be part of the Carling Cup run but I just want to play football. I just wanted to get some more games under my belt and more experience. That's what I am doing at Watford and hopefully it will continue."

Aston Villa

 James Milner believes he is reaping the benefits of having greater experience than most players his age as the Aston Villa winger looks to secure an England World Cup spot. Milner is only 23 but has already clocked up more than 270 matches at domestic and various international levels - including his first senior England start against Brazil in Doha last weekend. Winger Milner said: "I'm getting more mature. It comes with playing a lot of games. You learn. I'm pushing nearly 300 games even though I'm still young. I started young, as a 16-year-old at Leeds, so it is an advantage that I've gained more experience than players my age. If you are in the first team, the amount of football that is played these days means you are never going to be short of matches. In one season at Newcastle I played nearly 60 games. But it is also about making sure you look after yourself and ensure you recover because the the games do come thick and fast."

birmingham city

 Alex McLeish has ruled out a possible return as Scotland manager. McLeish enjoyed a successful spell in charge of the national side before making the switch to Birmingham two years ago. But he has no desire at this stage of his career to take over from George Burley, who was sacked earlier this week. McLeish said: "Is it a job I would want to return to now? No. I've got a fantastic challenge here at Birmingham. I am really enjoying it and building a team and infrastructure which hopefully can keep us in the Premier League for a few seasons to come. I loved my time with Scotland, a fantastic journey which was part of my education in football and it is a phenomenal honour to manage your country. But I am very happy at Birmingham and will be even happier if we get to January showing the same performance levels of the last few weeks."

Blackburn Rovers

 Queens Park Rangers have completed the loan signing of Steven Reid from Blackburn. Reid has joined the Championship side on a month's loan in a bid to get valuable first-team action under his belt. Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is happy to loan out Reid as he looks to find his fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines over the last 12 months. QPR manager Jim Magilton believes the signing of Reid is a real coup and feels he will provide cover for injured duo Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands. Magilton said: "This is a significant loan signing for the football club. The fact we've been able to attract a player of Steven's calibre to the club speaks volumes of the board and the direction in which the club is heading." He's a class act. He can pass; he can tackle; he can shoot; he's box-to-box - he's a very, very good player."

bolton wanderers

 Sam Ricketts believes that there is an extra incentive to record a victory over neighbours Blackburn Rovers this weekend. Apart from the match being a local derby, the Wales defender has stressed that the players want to put in a strong response following the result at Aston Villa before the international break. He said: "Generally this season we have played well in the league apart from the game at Villa Park. It was one of those games where all of the outfield players had an off day and we need to write it off. But we can only do that by putting in a good performance and hopefully getting a win against Blackburn. All derbies are big games and it's bragging rights as much as anything. It's putting one over your local rivals, and the players feel that as much as the fans. You always want to win in general, but the fact that it is a derby does add something to the game."

burnley

 Goalkeeper Brian Jensen has not yet given up on his one final shot of playing at the World Cup. The Dane was drafted into the national squad in September for the World Cup qualifier at home to Portugal but has yet to feature for his country. That call-up was purely as cover as suspension had ruled out Stoke's Thomas Sorensen but the 34-year-old has been encouraged by the recognition and is determined to fight for a chance to go to South Africa this summer. He said: "When Denmark played Portugal I was on standby over there for the other two goalkeepers in case anything happened because Thomas Sorensen was suspended. I was basically cover but since then I hadn't really heard anything. At least now they have told me the door is open - but the only thing I'm thinking about is doing my best for Burnley. Hopefully that will be good enough, but it's not for me to say, it's down to the Danish manager (Morten Olsen). At the moment I'm probably fifth choice from his point of view, but hopefully I can fight my way into the squad. It will be my last chance, but fingers crossed I will do enough at the end of the season. Only time will tell." 

Chelsea

 Carlo Ancelotti is ready to put his faith in youngsters Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini when the Blues lose Ivory Coast strike pair Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou in January. Chelsea have been linked with a £40m move for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero in the January transfer window but Ancelotti is also ready to hand his second-string forwards a chance to shine. Kalou and Drogba, along with Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi, will be on international duty at the African Nations Cup during January. But the Italian coach is confident Sturridge and Borini have the talent to ease Chelsea through a difficult period. Ancelotti said: "We have two boys with a great future: Sturridge and Borini. Borini is a very, very, very interesting 19-year-old from Bologna."

everton

 Mikel Arteta believes the current Everton squad is the best in a decade. Over the last few years David Moyes has gradually assembled a squad full of young, international quality players. Arteta himself is an excellent example of a player brought in for a bargain price who has flourished while on Merseyside. And the likes of Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar - to name just a few - have also proved themselves at the very highest level while wearing the Blue shirt. Arteta told the official club web site: "I think if everyone is fit it is the best team Everton has had over the last seven, eight - ten years, probably. We need to perform and do well as a group but we have a really good squad when we have out best eleven out on the pitch."

Fulham

 Simon Davies is ready to return to Barclays Premier League action as Fulham visit Birmingham City on Saturday. The midfielder said: "I'm hoping to be on the bench if the manager sees fit. It's always nice to go back to a ground where you have good memories as I scored the winner against Birmingham for Everton in 2005." Davies has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines following an ankle injury at the back end of the 08/09 campaign but the Welsh midfielder is hoping his injury worries are now well and truly behind him. He added:  "I'm trying not look too far ahead and my first goal is to just get fit and then win a place back in the team. After that I want to enjoy another successful season and if we finish in the top ten I think that would be a great achievement after being involved in the Europa League. Personally If I can start maybe 20 games from now until the end of the season I would have done well considering the start to the season I've had. I'm obviously behind the other players fitness wise but if I can get back in the team and playing it will take me a couple of games to get back up to speed. With the competition for places we have it's always going to be difficult so I really have to hit the ground running if and when I get my chance. It's been a very frustrating six or seven months for me personally but looking at the positives I had a good three or four year spell of being injury free when I hardly missed a game so maybe these things come around. Maybe after this I can go on for another three or four years injury free."

Hull City

 Midfielders Nicky Featherstone and Will Atkinson have completed loan moves to League Two sides Grimsby Town and Rochdale respectively. Featherstone, whose two first-team appearances this season have come in the Carling Cup, will stay with Grimsby until 4th January. Atkinson, who has previously had loan spells with Mansfield and Port Vale, heads to Rochdale on a one-month deal.

Liverpool

 Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani may have to be patient for a little longer before getting his first start for Liverpool since his £20m summer move from Roma. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has played down claims the Italy international will start Saturday's home match with Manchester City. Aquilani has now recovered from ankle surgery but has so far managed one 15-minute spell in a reserve match and two similar cameo roles in senior matches with Arsenal and Birmingham. He said: "Alberto wants to play for us and he is so desperate to be involved as quickly as he can but he understands the reasons he cannot start yet. He wants to keep improving his condition and now it is just a matter of him keeping calm as it will not be long before he is there. He is pushing us all the time. He is very positive and wants to help the team now but you must remember that we have a responsibility to him, and we will not take any risks at this stage. We have got to keep analysing the situation and watching him in every training session but we know that the right time is nearly here. He has a very good mentality." 

manchester city

 Mark Hughes expects Gareth Barry to shrug off a groin problem and face Liverpool on Saturday. Barry suffered some discomfort following England's defeat by Brazil in a friendly last week. Hughes said: "Gareth came back from the international with a little bit of soreness but it should not be a problem for the weekend."

Manchester United

 Manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be in the dugout at Old Trafford on Saturday when his side face Everton. The Football Association have confirmed Ferguson's two-match touchline ban does not start until 14 days after the disciplinary panel hearing, which was held last week. It means Ferguson will be in the stand on 28th November when United face Portsmouth at Fratton Park and then during the Carling Cup tie with Tottenham. Ferguson was given a four-match touchline ban, of which two are suspended until the end of the 2010-11 season, after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

Portsmouth

 Defender Younes Kaboul is looking forward to a physical battle with Stoke striker James Beattie on Sunday. Kaboul will face the former Southampton striker when Pompey tackle Tony Pulis' side at the Britannia Stadium. Beattie scored both goals in last season's 2-2 draw, just after Paul Hart succeeded Tony Adams as manager. But in-form Kaboul is confident he can control Beattie's threat in the air. Kaboul said: "I know he's strong and he always likes to fight the defender one versus one. But we will work to move out as a defence. We know all strikers in this league are good. Every week is another test, and this will be a hard one. I'm ready for a big fight, that is for sure. That is why I'm here."

Stoke City

 Winger Matthew Etherington believes he is at last showing the consistent form that saw him being talked of as an England prospect during his West Ham days. Etherington, who has scored three times in seven games, feels his confidence is at last returning and he is hoping for more of the same against Portsmouth on Sunday at the Britannia Stadium. Etherington said: "I have played a lot of 90 minutes lately, which has helped with my fitness and made me feel stronger. Beforehand, when my form wasn't as good, the manager(Tony Pulis) was taking me off after 60 or 70 minutes. But things are going well, I feel very confident at the moment and scoring a few goals has helped. I was once talked of as an England prospect, but I'd be daft to start talking myself up now with so much talent around."

sunderland

 Jermain Defoe says he did not mean to hurt Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Gordon fractured his arm following a clash with Defoe, during the Wearsiders' visit to Tottenham earlier this month. The Scottish goalkeeper was unhappy with Defoe's challenge but the England striker maintains it was not deliberate. Defoe said: "It was a funny one, the ball got played through and I thought I could get a toe in - but there was no intention to hurt him. So I talked to Darren Bent, to text him and apologise and I did that - I think he is out for a couple of months and I am sorry, he knows that is not my game."

tottenham hotspur

 Jermain Defoe was disappointed not to play against Brazil for England at the weekend but does not think it has any bearing on his World Cup chances. He said: "I think in the games I have played I have got my goals, and so the manager is happy. The other day it would have been nice to play, but I understand it was a chance for him to see players who haven't played."

West Ham United

 This year's Bobby Moore Fund Sports Ball, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, raised £154,000. Hosted by Stephanie Moore MBE and event Patrons David Seaman MBE and Gareth Gates, the Ball was a wonderful opportunity for sports fans and supporters alike to come together and celebrate the work of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. West Ham United, who are proud supporters of the fund, donated a popular auction lot - a number 10 shirt signed by Tony Cottee, Sir Trevor Brooking, Sir Geoff Hurst and Paolo Di Canio. This fantastic shirt alone raised over £1,200 for the Bobby Moore Fund. Another highlight in the auction was a 1966 World Cup presentation signed by all 11 members of the 1966 winning team, including Bobby Moore OBE, which raised £3,200. All the money raised on the night will go towards the Bobby Moore Fund's cutting-edge bowel cancer research and the work of Professor Dion Morton from Birmingham University, who is helping to improve the care given to bowel cancer patients during their treatment.

Wigan Athletic

 Midfielder Hendry Thomas is keen to see fellow Honduran players at the DW Stadium. The club have been linked with Johnny Palacios and Roger Rocas, who are both on the books of Olimpia. Thomas said: "It is great there is a link between Wigan and Honduras. Let's hope the flow of players can continue. It was always a dream of mine to come to Europe and play in the Premier League and I have realised that."

wolverhampton wanderers

 Central defender Jody Craddock has vowed the team have got what it takes to survive in the Barclays Premier League. Wolves face a daunting trip to league leaders Chelsea on Saturday having dropped in to the relegation zone after collecting just three points from their last six matches. They were beaten 4-1 by free-scoring Arsenal in their previous outing and will now come up against a Chelsea side who have scored 20 goals in their last six fixtures. Chelsea have also not conceded a goal at Stamford Bridge in their last nine matches, dating back to the opening day of the campaign. While Wolves are massive underdogs to pull off a shock this weekend, Craddock still believes they are not facing an immediate return to the Championship this season. He said: "We just need to keep playing our football. We've definitely got enough here, we've got a good bunch of lads, and a young, hard-working team. We know it's not going to be easy - it's going to be tough, but we've got enough here to see us through."

Bruce: Gordon devastated

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce says goalkeeper Craig Gordon was nearing top form before breaking an arm.

Gordon faces three months on the sidelines after sustaining the "devastating" injury in a challenge with Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe a fortnight ago.

The Scotland international has not quite lived up to his reputation from north of the border since his £9m move from Hearts two years ago, but Bruce has been impressed with the 26-year-old this term. Bruce said: "I was absolutely delighted with his form. He was starting to look like the goalkeeper we paid all that money for.
"Of course he's upset, he's got a broken arm. He's had an operation to have a plate inserted and he's in plaster.
"To have him out for three months is a big blow, for sure.
"He is devastated with what happened but he will get over it."
Marton Fulop is likely to take Gordon's place in Saturday's Barclays Premier League home match against Arsenal.
Another player missing will be striker Kenwyne Jones, who is halfway through a three-match ban for his sending-off against West Ham United last month.

big loss

Suspensions have been an issue for the Black Cats recently with Lorik Cana returning from one to face Arsenal but now Michael Turner is serving a one-match ban.
Bruce has been impressed with the classy defender since his arrival from Hull City at the end of the summer transfer window.
Turner was put on standby for England's friendly against Brazil in Qatar last weekend by manager Fabio Capello.
He was ultimately not required but Bruce feels it is only a matter of time before he is called up, possibly in time for the World Cup.
He said: "There is always somebody that comes from nowhere to make it.
"I won't be surprised if it is Michael the way he has been playing. He has been terrific, so he will be a big loss this weekend."

Neville tips two-way title tussle

Everton captain Phil Neville expects Manchester United and Chelsea to battle it out for the title this season.

But the former Old Trafford defender believes the top team could lift the crown by losing as many as six matches.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's meeting between United and Everton, Neville said: "It is a funny league this season with everyone beating each other.

"We have had a horrendous start but are only three or four points off fifth place. "It could be one of those years where you can afford to lose six games and win the title. It is going to be open.
"Liverpool have a mountain to climb while Arsenal are playing good football but you still think they will slip up now and again. The top two are obviously Manchester United and Chelsea."

fate calling

A nasty knee injury has restricted Neville to just four Barclays Premier League appearances this season and his commanding presence has been missed in the Merseysiders' midfield.
Initially he hoped to make his return against his old club but he now accepts that is unlikely to happen.
He said: "It was nine weeks ago on Sunday when the surgeon told me I would be out for 12 weeks.
"Then I looked at the calendar and saw it was 10 weeks until United and felt it was fate calling. I thought that would be my comeback game.
"But as the time has got closer and closer... you have still got to overcome so many obstacles.
"I have managed to start running, kick a ball, twist and turn. But if you are not tackling four days before a Manchester United game it is going to be a miracle for me to play on Saturday. But you never say never."

Villa duo winning fitness battle

Aston Villa duo James Collins and Emile Heskey are winning their battle to be fit for Saturday's visit to Burnley.

Central defender Collins missed the 5-1 demolition of Bolton Wanderers at Villa Park a fortnight ago with a groin injury and Heskey was also sidelined after suffering a back spasm in the previous game at West Ham United.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: "James Collins is going strongly and Emile, at this minute, has got a good chance. I think that the medical side at the club are particularly pleased with their progress. I think they are on course." Heskey has yet to score in nine appearances this season and faces competition for his place from England Under-19 striker Nathan Delfouneso, who recently signed a two-year extension to his current contract.

utmost potential

O'Neill believes the promising young frontman is now ready to challenge for a Barclays Premier League spot.
Delfouneso first made an impression last season when he scored twice in the UEFA Cup for Villa.
O'Neill said: "I have known now Nathan for some quite considerable time. He got on in the game on Saturday week (against Bolton) and he's got the utmost potential.
"I think he has got a real proper future in the game. He has got stronger too as time has gone on and he is really knocking on the door of the Premier League for us."
Delfouneso played a key role in helping Aston Villa to win the Barclays Premier Reserve League play-off last season.
Villa beat northern section winners Sunderland 3-1 at Villa Park to clinch the trophy with Delfouneso scoring the opening goal.
He has made two substitute appearances in the Barclays Premier League this season.

Insua wants to start winning run

Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua says the club must make a statement of intent against Manchester City.

It will be a crunch week for the Merseysiders who face ambitious City at Anfield on Saturday and then travel to Budapest for their Champions League night of destiny against Debrecen on Tuesday.
The following Sunday sees Liverpool make the short trip across Stanley Park to face neighbours Everton as they bid to re-ignite their stuttering season.

The Reds have already lost five league matches, including three of their last five fixtures. And they needed a controversial penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham City last time out. And they will exit the Champions League at the group stages if Fiorentina win at home against Lyon next Tuesday.
Now, the Anfield aces must re-discover their strength to hold off the substantial challenge of Manchester City who have aspirations of Champions League football and have their sights set on snatching Liverpool's position in that elite group.

teams fighting

Full-back Insua knows just how important it is for Rafael Benitez's men to show they are not prepared to give up that place without a fight.
He said: "We know we have to start winning games and this is a big game, but it's still too early to be looking at the league table.
"Maybe we can look at it again in February or March and then see where we are.
"We have to start showing what we are capable of. City have signed a lot of top players and they are a good team but we have a good squad as well.
"They want to be in the top four but there are a lot of teams fighting for this, so we have to push hard and start winning games.
"But there is long way to go in the season and a lot of games left in the Premier League for us to put things right, starting with Manchester City."

open game

Liverpool should have midfield dynamo Steven Gerrard fit, along with defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson.
Ace striker Fernando Torres is almost certainly out, but French teenager David Ngog will play despite breaking his nose on Under-21 duty this week.
Insua added: "Maybe we are making some mistakes in defence and conceding goals from set pieces but we have worked hard on this in training and are confident we can put things right.
"City will come to Anfield to try and win and I think it will be a very open game. We have to be strong in defence and we have an advantage because we are playing at home with our fans behind us."

Murphy's injury setback

Birmingham City defender David Murphy may require further surgery on his troublesome knee.

Murphy, 25, has been out for seven months with a broken knee cap and doctors will see if the player needs another operation after he suffered a setback.
The left-back played his part in helping Blues win promotion to the Barclays Premier League before getting injured towards the end of last season.

Manager Alex McLeish will be hoping for a speedy return for the former Middlesbrough trainee he signed from Hibernian for £1.5m in January 2008.

playing again

McLeish said: "We are disappointed at the lack of progress by David. He was coming back - and looking good - but he has had another little setback.
"We are going to have to get him re-assessed for the lad's sake as well as anything else.
"He is really, really desperate to get back playing again. He is such a good professional and seven months out is a long time.
"Will he need more surgery? I don't know. He has got pins in his knees and, if these have to be taken out, then it will require a bit of that (surgery).
"It is a shame for David because he is really down at the moment and we are doing what we can to keep his morale up."
Murphy came up through the ranks at Boro and made 22 appearances, moving onto Hibs via a loan spell with Barnsley.

Match previews - Sun 22nd Nov

A look ahead to Sunday's fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.

Sunday's Barclays Premier League programme kicks off with an intriguing north-west derby which sees former Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce return to his old club with Blackburn Rovers.
Wigan Athletic travel to Tottenham Hotspur and bottom club Portsmouth face a tough trip to Stoke City.

Bolton v Blackburn

These two Lancashire rivals both need the points to keep themselves clear of the relegation battle.
The Trotters have not kept a clean sheet all season and have lost their last three matches, scoring just once and conceding 13.
Rovers have not lost at the Reebok Stadium in eight visits since 2001 but have been beaten in their last 10 away matches.

Spurs v Wigan

Tottenham Hotspur have won four and lost two of their six home matches this season and host a Wigan side who have a mirror image record on the road, losing four and winning two out of six.
Similarly Spurs have gone 12 matches without a draw at home and the Latics have not finished all-square in any of their last 12 on the road.
Wigan's only victory against the north London side came at the JJB Stadium last season and they have won only three of 22 Premier League visits to London.

Stoke v Portsmouth

Stoke City are strong at home, losing just twice in front of their own fans - and that was against Chelsea and Manchester United. However they have gone three matches without a win.
Portsmouth though are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Stoke in all competitions, winning three at Fratton Park and drawing twice at the Britannia Stadium.
Only one club has lost nine of their opening 12 Premier League matches and subsequently stayed up; that was Portsmouth's south coast neighbours Southampton in the 2001/02 season. Former Saints striker James Beattie will be keen to score against Pompey.

Barclays Premier League fixtures

Click on a fixture below to view the match preview
Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers (Referee: Mike Dean)
Tottenham Hotspur v Wigan Athletic (Peter Walton)
Stoke City v Portsmouth (Kevin Friend)

Match previews - Sat 21st Nov

A look ahead to Saturday's fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.

There are some intriguing fixtures in prospect as the Barclays Premier League returns to action following the international break
Chelsea will be aiming to stretch their lead at the top of the table as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers but rivals Arsenal and Manchester United will be ready to pounce on any slip-up.

In the first match of the day, Liverpool take on Manchester City in a mouth-watering encounter at Anfield.

Chelsea v Wolves

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has seen his Blues side make a flying start to the season. They have not even conceded a goal at Stamford Bridge since the opening day of the season.
In the 14 hours and 32 minutes since Hull City netted against them, the Blues have hit 26 goals without reply in all competitions.
Chelsea scored five times both home and away against Wolves when the sides last met in the league in 2003/04 and will be bidding for the 1,000th home league win in their history. Wolves' last three league goals have all come from centre-back Jody Craddock.

Man Utd v Everton

Manchester United will be keen to keep up the pressure on Chelsea as they protect their 11-match unbeaten home record against Everton.
The Merseysiders have won only one of their last 28 league meetings with the Red Devils who have scored 69 Premier League goals against Everton, more than against any other opponent.
Everton's win over West Ham United ended a run of seven matches without a victory in all competitions.

Liverpool v Man City

After winning seven of their first nine fixtures, Liverpool have won just one of their last nine.
However the Merseysiders are undefeated in their last eight Premier League meetings with Manchester City who have drawn their last five matches.
The Reds will be aiming to equal a club Premier League record of scoring in 18 successive home matches.

Sunderland v Arsenal

The Gunners are unbeaten in seven, taking 19 points from a possible 21 and are aiming to maintain their scoring streak after hitting 36 goals in 11 Barclays Premier League matches this season.
That is the highest tally by any top-flight side at this stage of the season since Spurs got 40 in their first 11 fixtures in 1963/64.
Sunderland are without a win in four matches in all competitions and have not beaten Arsenal in their last 11 league meetings, although both of last season's encounters ended level.

Burnley v Aston Villa

Burnley have won five of their six home matches since securing promotion and they will aim to extend that impressive record against a Villa side who have not won in their last four on the road and have a wretched record at Turf Moor.
Villa have not won in their last 22 league and cup visits to Burnley, a run which dates back to 1936.
Martin O'Neill's men have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches but have lost only one of their last six.

Hull City v West Ham United

Gianfranco Zola's side have won only once in the league since the opening day of the season and have not kept a clean sheet since August.
The Tigers have won just four times in 2009 but snatched a last-gasp victory at home to Stoke City before the international break.
The teams are separated by just one point and defeat would leave the losers in the relegation zone.

Birmingham v Fulham

Fulham are fifth in the current form table after stringing together a five-match unbeaten run to win the Barclays Manager of the Month award for Roy Hodgson.
Blues are also proving hard to beat and will be aiming to stretch their undefeated run to four matches following their impressive 2-2 at Liverpool.
Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey is out to equal Steed Malbranque's club record of scoring in four successive league matches.

Barclays Premier League fixtures

Click on a fixture below to view the match preview
Liverpool v Manchester City (Referee: Phil Dowd)
Birmingham City v Fulham (Chris Foy)
Burnley v Aston Villa (Howard Webb)
Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Lee Mason)
Hull City v West Ham United (Mark Clattenburg)
Sunderland v Arsenal (Alan Wiley)
Manchester United v Everton (Steve Bennett)

Fabregas is EA SPORTS Player of the Month!

Cesc Fabregas has pipped Robin Van Persie to the EA SPORTS Player of the Month for October.
The duo dominated last month's official Club poll, receiving more than 85 per cent of the votes cast by Arsenal.com users.
Van Persie was always in with a shout after scoring five goals in five October games but Fabregas' all-round contribution denied the Dutchman by a meagre 48 votes.
Fabregas is a worthy winner. He scored exceptional goals against Blackburn and Tottenham to book-end his October appearances and also found the net in the Champions League game at AZ Alkmaar.
But the captain offered more than goals in October. He had a hand in five of the six scored against Blackburn - he had been substituted by the time the final goal went in - and currently leads Arsenal's assists charts.
Fabregas received 43.4 per cent of the votes with Van Persie just behind on 42 per cent. Alex Song, solid as a rock in his defensive midfield role, was third with 5.1 per cent.

Fabregas - Captaincy has not changed me

Cesc Fabregas insists that the responsibility of captaining Arsenal has not changed him at all.

The Spanish midfielder was just 21 when he was handed the armband by Arsène Wenger last year and will celebrate the anniversary of his first game as skipper on November 25.

A serious knee injury diluted his influence last season but Fabregas has led by example this term. He tops Arsenal's scoring charts with nine goals and has helped the team to second place in the Premier League and to within a point of the Champions League knockout stages.

Fabregas appears to have taken the captaincy in his stride and the 22-year-old believes his team-mates have made the job easier for him.

"The captaincy hasn't changed me at all," said Fabregas.

"My team-mates have done a great job for me as well, to be honest. They showed me they believe and help me with everything. There has never been any trouble so I am very happy with how things are going."

This time last year Arsenal's team spirit was questioned during the final days of William Gallas' captaincy but Fabregas insists he leads a united dressing room.

"The issue with William is gone for us," he said.

"We don’t think about it anymore and are happy with the way things are going at the moment. The dressing room has always been really together and kept believing.

"Even if we didn’t win anything last year, we were really close and in all the competitions right until the end. So the mood in the dressing room is always really positive."

Wenger - Fabregas is now better than ever

Is Cesc Fabregas as good as Cristiano Ronaldo? As good as Lionel Messi? Is Arsenal's captain now the best player in the world?

Who cares? While those debates rage across the football world, Arsène Wenger is only concerned about one thing - that Fabregas keeps improving.

And according to the Arsenal manager, that's exactly what is happening. The Spanish midfielder scored twice against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday to join Robin Van Persie at the top of Arsenal's scoring charts with eight goals and has just been crowned PFA Player of the Month.

Wenger always knew Fabregas was a class act. Now the Frenchman thinks his captain is better than ever.

"I am not too keen on these comparisons [with Ronaldo and Messi] because Cesc is a midfielder," said Wenger.

"I believe he is one of the best of course and all the rest we leave to the media.

"What is good for me is that he has improved defensively and offensively.

"What is good as well is that he is 22 years old so there is a lot more to come from him. If he keeps the same attitude a lot more will come from him."

Bid for a signed Fabregas captain's armband

Two signed captain's armbands from Cesc Fabregas will be auctioned online from November 12 for charity. This unique piece of sporting memorabilia will raise money for two worthy causes - the Willow Foundation and the Steve Bernard Foundation.

Unlike other sporting memorabilia, captains' armbands cannot be bought in the shops. They are unique items that have been signed by your sporting heroes, including Cesc Fabregas, and many have been worn, even showing the 'battle scars' of the day.
An armband from each of the 21 Premier League club captains are up for grabs, along with a selection of armbands from Championship captains. Each signed armband is framed alongside a striking picture of the captain in action. 

The online eBay auction will run for 10 days, starting on Thursday November 12, ending Sunday November 22, with proceeds to be split equally between the Willow Foundation and Steve Bernard Foundation. You can view all armbands now at www.willowfoundation.org.uk/captainsarmbands

The Willow Foundation was set up by Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs and provides special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds throughout the UK. The Steve Bernard Foundation supports sporting projects in the Bournemouth area, in memory of sports-mad Steve who sadly passed away in November 2005.

Willow Foundation co-founder Bob Wilson, said: "These armbands are a real one-off and I'm sure that any football fan would be thrilled to own one. Buying just one armband in this auction will not only be a fantastic purchase of unique sporting memorabilia but will also mean a great deal to the people who will benefit from a special day during a really tough time of their life.

Fabregas voted PFA Fans' Player of the Month

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been crowned PFA Fans' Player of the Month in the Premier League.
The midfielder seems to be getting better with age and, considering he's still only 22, that's quite frightening.
The Spaniard is the heartbeat of an Gunners team that many believe play the best, most attractive football of any side in the country.
The architect of the majority of Arsenal moves, Fabregas also has the ability and vision to get himself on the end of some of them.
Such a knack has prompted manager Arsène Wenger to liken him to Chelsea's Frank Lampard, who Fabregas just edged out in the October voting.
Wenger says of his skipper: "He's a bit like Lampard in that he wants to structure the game.

"Cesc likes to be at the start of things and then get on the end of things, and he can push forward more this season because he has two players around him who can defend."
Fabregas has many fans, hence his latest award, but few are bigger than his Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott who fully appreciates what the captain brings to the team.
"He is fantastic to play with because he spots everything on the pitch and times his passes to perfection, so that you don't even need to break stride," said Walcott.
"He is still so young and, as captain, has a lot of pressure on his shoulders yet he continues to deliver. He is a fantastic person to learn from. It's hard to believe he is still only 22."
Fans voted for Fabregas as http://fansaward.givemefootball.com/

CESC FABREGAS

From promising youngster to the heartbeat and captain of the Arsenal side - Cesc has come a long way since joining the club as a 16-year-old in September 2003.

Likeable and level-headed off the pitch, Cesc is the complete midfielder on it. He has always been blessed with wonderful technique and vision but the Spaniard has now added steel to his game too.

Then there are the goals. Cesc netted 13 times in the 2007/08 campaign and, after a long-term knee injury last term, the ingredients are in place for another decent return. He certainly started the season in fine style with two goals in the opening-day win at Everton.

Arsène Wenger’s decision to adopt a 4-3-3 formation is designed to liberate Cesc, allowing him the freedom to finish off moves as well as initiate them. The Spaniard is likely to take full advantage of that tactical switch.

Cesc won the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2008 but is operating at a different level now. He is a fully-fledged Premier League star – the man who makes Arsenal tick – and his international career has blossomed too.

Cesc was a key component of Spain’s Euro 2008 triumph and is expected to play a significant role at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Before that, the Catalan has one simple aim – to lift a trophy as Arsenal captain.
 

MY YEAR

October

Cesc enjoyed a fine run of form in October, scoring three goals for Arsenal, one for Spain and assisting four of the Gunners' strikes against Blackburn. He was also voted PFA Fans' Player of the Month in the Premier League. The Club captain told Arsenal.com that he was enjoying playing in the 4-3-3 formation. "My position is higher up on the pitch," he said. "I'm in a part of the pitch where I can do dangerous things in terms of giving the final ball, and I have more time to go to dangerous positions to score a goal as well."

September

Cesc played all of Arsenal's first-team games in September with the exception of the Carling Cup clash against West Brom. He scored the final goal of the 4-0 win over Wigan and assisted four Gunners goals in those five games. He also bagged for Spain in a World Cup qualifier victory over Estonia.

August

Cesc scored two goals in Arsenal's 6-1 win at Everton on the opening day of the 2009/10 Premier League season. He dedicated his second goal in the match to Daniel Jarque, the Espanyol captain who died having suffered a heart attack after a pre-season training session in August.
He missed the trip to Old Trafford with a hamstring strain that also kept him out of the Champions League Play-Off second leg against Celtic.

4. Cesc Fabregas - Full Arsenal Record

	Prem Lge		Europe		FA Cup		Lge Cup		C. Shield		Total
Player	Ap	Gl	Ap	Gl	Ap	Gl	Ap	Gl	Ap	Gl	Ap	Gl
2003-2004	0	0	0	0	0	0	2+1	1	0	0	2+1	1
2004-2005	24+9	2	4+1	1	4+2	0	1	0	1	0	34+12	3
2005-2006	30+5	3	10+3	1	0	0	0+1	0	1	1	41+9	5
2006-2007	34+4	2	10	2	2	0	3+1	0	0	0	49+5	4
2007-2008	32	7	9+1	6	2	0	0+1	0	0	0	43+2	13
2008-2009	22	3	10	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	33	3
2009-2010	10	6	5	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	15	9
Totals	152+18	23	48+5	13	9+2	0	6+4	1	2	1	217+29	38

Key:

• Prem Lge = Barclays Premier League
• C. Shield = Community Shield
• Europe = UEFA Champions League
• Ap = Appearances
• FA Cup = FA Cup sponsored by E-on
• Gl = Goals Scored
• Lge Cup = Carling Cup

Fabregas in Player of the Month contention

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has been receiving high praise from his teammates this week – and he continues to earn the respect of football fans nationwide.

The race to become PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for October is hotting up, and Fabregas is leading the way, along with a number of other Champions League big hitters.

Fabregas was on target, and led by example, against AZ Alkmaar in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw in Holland on Tuesday.

Arsenal are on a high at the moment and four of their players feature in the top ten as voting for fans’ player of the month stands at the moment. Andrey Arshavin, Thomas Vermaelen and Nicklas Bendtner are all in contention along with Fabregas.

To vote for you PFA Fans' Player of the Month for October visit http://fansaward.givemefootball.com

'We are there for Fabregas if he needs it'

Gael Clichy says the Arsenal squad are rallying round Cesc Fabregas while he deals with personal issues back in Spain.

The captain missed his country's final World Cup qualifier last week due to family reasons but played a full 90 minutes for his club against Birmingham on Saturday and then scored Arsenal's goal in their 1-1 draw at AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday.

Clichy declared his support for Fabregas and paid tribute to the 22-year-old for maintaining his high standards on the pitch despite problems off the field.

"In the dressing room he is always the same, like on the pitch, he is a good example for everyone," said the full-back.

"He is the captain and sometimes you go through bad moments in your private life and maybe this is one for him. But we are there for him if he needs it and once again he showed the character and we don't see that something is going wrong in his life.

"I hope everything will be good for him and his family. But in the dressing room and on the pitch he is still the big man."

Fabregas – Why I'm a big fan of Vermaelen

Cesc Fabregas is not surprised that Thomas Vermaelen is already a big hit with the Arsenal fans.

The Belgian defender has followed up his EA SPORTS Arsenal.com Player of the Month award for August by winning the September prize - the first time a new Arsenal signing has pulled off that particular double. 

Vermaelen has been an obvious choice for the Club's official award after a flying start to his career in English football. The 23-year-old has added steel to the Arsenal defence but has exceeded all expectations by getting forward to net five times and top the Gunners' scoring charts.

Vermaelen is already being lauded as one of Arsène Wenger's most astute signings and Arsenal's captain can see why the centre back has earned the fans' seal of approval.

"I’m a big fan of him. He’s been doing so well," said Fabregas at the launch of Nike's CTR360 Boot at the start of the month.

"It’s difficult in this position, especially from centre back because you will always be compared to some other players, or if you know that your defence is one of your weaknesses then you have to do even better to be loved by the people, and I think the fans clicked straight away with him since his first game.

"He scored a goal [in his first game at Everton], played amazing, his confidence is high at the moment. And with the ball he’s really good. He’s like one more midfielder.

"These days, to have a centre back that can play, you know, these balls on the ground, between the lines, and past players, for players like me in midfield it’s really good because it gives you so much time and so much space on the ball. It’s really good.

"The way he is playing I don't think he needs any advice [from me]. I am sure he is a very strong guy with a strong mentality. You can see he has been a captain before because he is strong and he knows how to lead a team."

Fabregas - It's great to have Rosicky back

Cesc Fabregas can sense a "good feeling" at Arsenal this season - and he believes Tomas Rosicky is a big part of that.

The Czech international is rediscovering the form which made him such a vital cog in the Arsenal machine before his lengthy lay-off. And it's no coincidence that the Gunners are flowing now Fabregas and Rosicky are back in tandem for the first time since 2007/08 - the last time the Gunners challenged strongly for the title.

But according to the captain, Rosicky's influence runs deeper than that. The Czech's mental fortitude during his 18-month spell on the sidelines helped Fabregas through his own four-month lay-off last term and brought the Arsenal squad closer together.

"Tomas Rosicky is probably one of the best friends I have, and he’s been injured for nearly two years," said Fabregas, speaking at the launch of Nike's CTR360 Boot at the start of the month.

"It's great to have him back and I'm really happy for him. I have learned a lot from him as well - to be strong and keep believing. He believed in himself, that he could play football and it is great to see him play.

"I was with him every day, I went to his house - it’s like that. And I think team mates, we have to be like that as well. It was nice when they were coming to me [when I was injured]; it’s nice now that I go to them.

"The important thing is you don’t do it because you have to; you do it because you really want to do it. And I think that [at] Arsenal, there’s this feeling with everyone. It’s really good."

At 29, Rosicky brings vital experience to Arsène Wenger's youthful squad. And Fabregas clearly loves sharing a football pitch with his Czech mate.

"I think he has done very well and he gives you so many options," said the captain. "You can see straight away the vision he has, the touch, the class that he plays with. It's great to have him in the team; he's like a new signing."

Distin hails super Saha

Everton's Sylvain Distin has been impressed with team-mate Louis Saha's goalscoring form this season.

The former Fulham and Manchester United striker has been a revelation in the Barclays Premier League this season, scoring seven of the Toffees' 15 goals in the top flight so far.
Few would question the 31-year-old's ability when fit, but having endured a string of injuries during his spell at Old Trafford, Distin is pleased to see the France international is back to his best.

great player

Saha was back on the scoresheet on Sunday as David Moyes' side earned a crucial away win over West Ham United, and Distin is confident there will be plenty more to come from his compatriot when the Barclays Premier League resumes after this week's international break.
"Every time he plays he seems to score," said Distin.
"When you've got a player like Louis playing like he is now, even with an injury, it's amazing.
"He impresses me. He's a great player and you can see it every week."

O'Neill calm over Heskey injury

The 31-year old striker picked up the injury in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham United last Wednesday and will also miss England's trip to take on Brazil in a friendly match in Doha this weekend.
He has had to endure a series of injury niggles since his £3.5m switch from Wigan Athletic in January, when he was reunited with O'Neill who also managed him at Leicester City.

back problem

But the Villa Park head coach is optimistic the latest setback will not mean a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
O'Neill said: "It's not a serious problem which will keep Emile out for weeks.
"I know Emile from the past, he's had an ongoing back problem throughout his time. It comes up now and again and it gets very stiff and it obstructs him. But overall it's not a monumentally difficult thing and we're trying to get to the bottom of it."

Bendtner faces operation

The striker limped out of Arsenal's 3-0 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur last month with the injury, which forced him out of the 4-1 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers as well as the Gunners' next two matches.
Bendtner had only just come back from a similar injury for the North London derby before breaking down again.

He confirmed this week he needed surgery and went under the knife at a specialist in Germany on Tuesday.

set pieces

Speaking after the Spurs match, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said: "We suspect [he will be out for] four weeks.
"Bendtner is a big blow. I played him against Tottenham because he is strong in the air.
"It gives us more variety in our games because we can lose possession, yet still win the next header with Bendtner.
"He makes us dangerous at set pieces and so we can change our game a little bit."

Home comforts for Kirkland

Chris Kirkland wants Wigan Athletic to concentrate on ensuring their home form provides a platform for success.

The Latics, who drew 1-1 at home with Fulham last weekend, have been inconsistent at the DW Stadium so far this season, winning two, drawing two and losing two.
However, they did defeat leaders Chelsea, and Kirkland knows how important it will be to recreate that sort of display against other teams in the league.

tough place

"We've not been too bad at home over the last couple of seasons and we've made it a tough place for teams to come and get a result," said the goalkeeper.
"We've now got to try to get back to winning ways here and there were plenty of positive signs (in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham)."
Kirkland's good form this season has prompted suggestions he could be recalled to the England squad

Swiss, Colombia Storm into Semis

First-timers Switzerland booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 with an eventful 2-1 win over the Italians in Ijebu-Ode. Despite going a man down in the second half, the Swiss were the better side on the day and will now take on Colombia - who beat Turkey in their quarter-final in Bauchi - in the final four.

Colombia kept up their late dramatics here at the Nigeria 2009, equalising against Turkey in the dying seconds of their quarter-final in Bauchi and winning out 5-3 on penalties after a scoreless extra-time session remained balanced at 1-1. After coming back from a two-goal deficit to beat Argentina in the Round of 16, Colombia have firmly established themselves as the masters of the late show ahead of a semi-final date with Switzerland

The Italians began the match looking dangerous, with some fine wing play resulting in sharp crosses that the strikers just couldn't quite steer into the net. It took the Swiss 15 minutes to carve out their first chance of the opening period, Haris Seferovic hammering a long-range shot just over the bar. Five minutes later they signalled their intent once again when Roman Buess fired into Mattia Perin's mid-section, but the Italian keeper smothered the try at the second attempt.

The Swiss were very much in the ascendancy, and in the 24th minute they were rewarded for their incisive attacking play. A fine run and cross from the left side by Ricardo Rodriguez was expertly volleyed home by Nassim Ben Khalifa, for his third goal of the finals. Italian keeper Perin got a hand to the effort, but he couldn't keep it from bouncing in off the post.

www.mydexexpresscash.com

GUNNERS FOR LIFE

I would like to open this blog officially
As you can already tell,
I am an arsenal fan...
One thing i can say categorically about arsenal fans,
they are football lovers and never follow the crowd.
they are true fans and not mere supporters

I dont intend to be fanatical but, i have to represent...

this blog is not for arsenal fans alone,
it is for all football watchers, supporters, or followers all over the world

I promise to talk a lot about how i feel about the present or future topic

Just make sure our comments are geared towards improvement and not
sacarsm

thanks

www.mydexexpresscash.com