TheGame - Times Online - WBLG

Ahead of theGame: Lee returning to Liverpool

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LEE RETURNING TO LIVERPOOL
The Anfield club is in talks with the former Bolton boss about him becoming Rafael Benitez's assistant manager. Rick Parry, the Liverpool chief executive, met Lee yesterday and further talks are expected to take place today. The move has been approved by estranged co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. So, the Americans have finally managed to agree on something.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3932240.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Ronaldo: I am going nowhere

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RONALDO: I AM GOING NOWHERE
The Manchester United forward has denied reports claiming he wants to move to Real Madrid this summer. He said: "I'm at the right club, playing with the right players and I learn things all the time. That's what is great about being at United. I improve all the time and I want to improve every season. I think I'm a better player now than five years ago." Sighs of relief all round then. Note, he only thinks he's a better player. Five years ago, Ronaldo scored four goals, this season he scored ten times as many.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3923803.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Chelsea agree Bosingwa fee

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CHELSEA AGREE BOSINGWA FEE
The Premier League runners-up are wasting no time in their summer recruitment drive with a £16.1 million bid for the defender. The club released a statement saying: "Chelsea can confirm it has reached agreement with FC Porto for the transfer of Jose Bosingwa. The player is now in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical." Expensive Portuguese right-back replaces expensive Portuguese right-back, read all about it.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3915944.ece

Ahead of TheGame: City bound for Europe

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CITY BOUND FOR EUROPE
Manchester City could win a place in the Uefa Cup after the governing body awarded the FA an extra place in next season's competition by virtue of winning its Fair Play competition. Sven-Goran Eriksson's team are in pole position to scoop the prize because they have the best disciplinary record in the Premier League of those teams who haven't already qualified for Europe. Yes, it takes some working out, but it's clearly another terrible reason to sack the Swede.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3902579.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Keegan ready for Ashley showdown

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KEEGAN READY FOR ASHLEY SHOWDOWN
The Newcastle manager has confirmed he will meet the club's owner in London tomorrow. Keegan insists he is looking forward to it, despite speculation that their relationship is strained after the manager expressed doubts about his ability to break the dominance of the big four.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3894295.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Capello facing perjury case

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CAPELLO FACING PERJURY CASE
The England manager has been placed under investigation by the office of Rome's prosecutor after he gave evidence in March in a trial relating to a sports agency that managed several Italian footballers and coaches. "We haven't heard or been informed of anything, but that's normal," Pierfilippo Capello, Fabio's son and manager, said. "There is nothing new from when we first heard about this two months ago. We'll take action and offer an explanation when it is necessary."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article3887556.ece

Ahead of the Game: Capello set semi-final target

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Tuesday, May 6. 1600 BST
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News in 60 seconds

CAPELLO SET SEMI-FINAL TARGET
The England manager has been told by the FA bigwigs that he must be the first manager since Terry Venables in 1996 to get the national side to a semi-final, either at the 2010 World Cup or the 2012 European Championships. The impossible job just became the improbable one.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article3881453.ece

MANDARIC WON'T WALK AWAY FROM LEICESTER
Leicester City's maverick chairman has assured fans that he will not leave the club despite fears for its future due to mounting debts and its relegation from the Championship on Sunday. Which will come as a great relief to Leicester supporters who have endured five different managers under his stewardship and seen the club drop into the third tier of English football for the first time in its 124 year history.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article3880625.ece

Ahead of the Game: Terry backs Grant to stay

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TERRY BACKS GRANT TO STAY
John Terry, the Chelsea captain, says that Avram Grant’s predicted demise as manager at Stamford Bridge may be premature and finds it "unbelievable" that his position is still being questioned. "I think he (Grant) deserves respect ,” Terry said. “It is the first time in the club's history we have got to a Champions League final - it has never been done by any manager or set of players before and he does deserve it.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3856219.ece

CARRAGHER SAYS LIVERPOOL WILL BOUNCE BACK
Liverpool’s redoubtable centre-half says the Champions League final will be "hard to watch" after last night’s defeat but reckons his side will come back stronger. “There is no doubt about the character and belief in this side, and next season we want to be challenging United, Chelsea and Arsenal," he said hopefully.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3856318.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Drogba slams 'weak' Benitez

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DROGBA SLAMS 'WEAK' BENITEZ
The Chelsea striker is upset at the Liverpool manager's suggestions he is a diver. "His words demonstrate a weakness," Drogba said. "A top manager would never go so low to attack a player. Maybe he should concentrate on his own team's game and if he wants me to stay on my feet, maybe he should tell his defenders to stop hitting me." Miaow.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3845724.ece

LIVE COMMENTARY: CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL
Will the result see Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr hugging in the director's box? Or will Avram Grant crack his second smile of the year? Follow the big game with us tonight from 7.45pm. The coverage is also available free on your mobile phone, by texting Times to 86626.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/sports_commentary/football/index.html

Ahead of TheGame: Eriksson get the push at City

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ERIKSSON GETS THE PUSH AT CITY
The Manchester City manager will be sacked at the end of the season. Thaksin Shinawatra, the club's owner, has told the Swede that he is not the man to take the team forward and will look for a new manager in the summer. "I had a meeting with Dr Thaksin and his people on Sunday morning and at this moment with two games to go in the season I don't want to make any comment about that," Eriksson said. We think his diplomacy will make little difference.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3837997.ece

How should Fergie play his hand?

Lionel Messi, in an interview with CNN International, said he was surprised by Manchester United's tactics in their Champions League semi-final first leg match: "We believed they would try to beat us, that they would also want to have possession, but instead, they were very defensive, and had eight men behind the ball throughout the match. It was really hard to penetrate their back line. We had a lot of possession and dominated the game so we were surprised."

Sir Alex Ferguson was widely criticised for his tactics in Spain, especially for playing Wayne Rooney in an orthodox right wing position. So what should United's plan be for the second leg at Old Trafford tonight considering that Barcelona will be expected to play with more urgency?

We're making you the manager. How would you approach the game? Would you partner Rooney with Cristiano Ronaldo in attack? Should the midfield include a defensive player to counter the threat of Barcelona scoring a crucial away goal? Would playing Ryan Giggs offer a better balance to the team? And would you rush Nemanja Vidic back into the centre of defence or take a chance on Gerard Pique?

Share your tactical nous with us by leaving a comment below.

Ahead of TheGame: United to file report

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UNITED TO FILE REPORT
The FA have asked Manchester United to provide details on the post-match flare-up that took place at Stamford Bridge after their Premier League defeat to Chelsea. The governing body are thought to be examining CCTV footage as they attempt to uncover what sparked the row. "We are very happy with that, we are delighted with that," Sir Alex Ferguson said.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3833745.ece

Ahead of the Game: Capello Beckham For 2010

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CAPELLO: BECKHAM COULD PLAY UNTIL 2010
The England manager has surveyed the dearth of top-quality England flank players and declared that David Beckham could be part of his plans at the next World Cup. “It's still open,” Capello says. “There are players who at 33 or 34 take good care of themselves.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article3815024.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Ronaldo: I'll take next penalty

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RONALDO: I'LL TAKE NEXT PENALTY
The Portuguese forward insists he will have no hesitation in accepting responsibility the next time Manchester United are awarded a spot-kick. "I will try and put things right," Ronaldo said. "I am always confident. I have 38 goals this season. It is not a problem if I miss one or two. I try to do my best in every game."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3809065.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Lampard: hardest week of my life

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LAMPARD: HARDEST WEEK OF MY LIFE
The Chelsea midfielder says that an improvement in the condition of his mother, who is seriously ill with pneumonia, convinced him to play against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final first leg. "I have been in better shape for games both mentally and physically but it has been a very difficult week," he said. "Things have brightened up a little bit in the last few days but without that happening back home I wouldn't have been playing. It has been a positive few days from what was a very desperate situation last week."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3800504.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Hicks warned to stay away

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HICKS WARNED TO STAY AWAY
Merseyside Police have advised the Liverpool co-owner to avoid tonight's Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea because of fears for his safety. "Advice was given to the club based on a standard ongoing risk assessment," a police spokeswoman said. "The safety of all those attending has been considered." The club still expect Hicks to attend. Well, he'd be mad to miss a European Cup tie at Anfield.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3797374.ece

Ahead of TheGame: We can be the greatest, says Ronaldo

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WE CAN BE GREATEST, SAYS RONALDO
The Manchester United winger claims the squad can prove themselves the best ever in the club's history. "I think that this is the most talented team, but you can only confirm this at the end of the season, seeing what the team has won," he said. "Game after game we have shown that we have a fantastic team, with a lot of talent and magnificent players, but at the end of the season we will be able to provide a definite answer if this team is the best Manchester United side of all time."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3790592.ece

Ahead of the Game: United trio agree new deals

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MANCHESTER UNITED TRIO AGREE NEW DEALS
Wes Brown’s prolonged sulk hasn’t resulted in a one-way ticket to Sunderland as expected, but instead earned him a new deal and a hefty pay rise. AOTG must try the same thing sometime. Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand get to share his joy after both also agreed new contracts – doubtless Rio will be in line pick up a few more trophies to put on his mantelpiece, unless Gary Neville gets there first.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3772529.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Grant plots Chelsea resurgence

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GRANT PLOTS CHELSEA RESURGENCE
The Chelsea manager expects to be in charge of the team next season despite continued speculation over his future and is promising new signings. "We know the vision of the club and the money won't be a problem if we find good players to bring here," he said. "So you could say £80m or £100m but we don't have the advantage that we had two or three years ago."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3758930.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Cech remains defiant

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CECH REMAINS DEFIANT
The Chelsea goalkeeper believes his team can still become Premier League champions. "We are not throwing the towel in yet." he said. "We have a difficult game at Everton, but if we beat them we cut the gap to two points and then Manchester United have to come to Stamford Bridge." Yes, Fergie's men will be really worried after watching Wigan's comeback last night.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3751918.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Arsenal need killer instinct

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ARSENAL NEED KILLER MENTALITY
Emmanuel Adebayor says the Gunners must develop a mean streak if they are turn themselves from gifted challengers into Premier League champions. "I still believe we are one of the best teams in the world," he said. "We know how to achieve things and we know how to play football. But next season we have to come out like a killer to do something." Starting with your finishing in big games then, Emmanuel.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3743614.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Parry Hits Back In Anfield Row

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PARRY HITS BACK IN ANFIELD ROW
The Liverpool chief executive says Tom Hicks' written request for him to resign was offensive. “I've not seen the letter," Parry said. “This week, I shouldn't be the story, the story should be the team. It's offensive to the players, the manager, the fans.” And to you, Rick.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3727423.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Sullivan and Brady deny wrongdoing

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SULLIVAN AND BRADY DENY WRONGDOING
Birmingham City's co-owner and managing director have denied they have done anything wrong after being arrested by police investigating alleged corruption in football. "The City of London Police investigation is focusing on payments to a football agent and two players dating back to 2002-03," a club statement read. "There is absolutely no allegation that any director of the company or the club itself has benefited financially from any of this activity."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/birmingham/article3721254.ece

Ahead of TheGame: European Cup final appeal

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EURO CUP FINAL APPEAL
The Premier League could write to Uefa to request that the European governing body considers moving the venue for the Champions League final because of the prospect of an all-English showdown. Manchester United could join Liverpool and Chelsea in the last four of the competition tonight and there are fears that the final could be marred by serious crowd violence should the North West rivals be pitched against each other in Moscow on May 21.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3713680.ece

Ahead of the Game: Hicks To Miss Arsenal Tie

HICKS TO MISS ARSENAL TIE
The Liverpool co-owner will be in America to watch his Texas Rangers side compete in the first match of the baseball season while Liverpool play Arsenal in the Champions League. “Opening day in baseball is like a national holiday,” Hicks said. “But I will have the Liverpool game on my TV.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3705705.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Cech undergoes surgery

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CECH UNDERGOES SURGERY
The Chelsea goalkeeper has been ruled out of the Champions League quarter-final, second leg against Fenerbahce having had treatment on his lip and chin following a collision during a practise session. "Petr will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing as soon as possible," a club statement read.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3699359.ece

Ahead of TheGame: FA To Probe Match-Fixing Claim

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FA TO PROBE MATCH-FIXING CLAIM
The FA is to investigate a newspaper report that a player with a serious gambling problem – and a Premier League club on his CV - accepted a £50,000 bribe to fix a match in order to clear his betting debts.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3681705.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Mascherano ban increased

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MASCHERANO GIVEN EXTENDED BAN
The Liverpool midfielder has been suspended for a further two matches and fined £15,000 for his poor conduct towards referee Steve Bennett after he was sent off against Manchester United. "Although we received a fair hearing we must now decide whether to appeal on the basis of inconsistency of sentencing for Javier based on past precedents," a Liverpool spokesman said. Mascherano must wish he hadn't wasted a stamp writing to Bennett to apologise.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3675486.ece

Ahead Of TheGame: FA Charge Fergie And Queiroz

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FA CHARGE FERGIE AND QUEIROZ
The Manchester United manager and his assistant have been charged with improper conduct by the FA. The case relates to comments the pair made after Manchester United's FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3668304.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Make or break for Arsenal

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MAKE OR BREAK FOR ARSENAL
Arsene Wenger has billed the Champions League fixture against Liverpool as the start of the most challenging period he has faced in nearly 12 years in charge of the club. "The next ten days will define our season because I strongly believe that we are in the championship race," he said.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article3661328.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Chelsea await decision

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CHELSEA AWAIT DECISION
Malaysia may relax their ban on Israeli citizens entering the country to allow Chelsea's mini Asian tour in July to go ahead. "Chelsea are not my team but it's definitely good for local football," Najib Tun Razak, the deputy prime minister, said. "I'm not sure what the decision should be yet but it would be a pity if politics got in the way of sports." Avram Grant and Tal Ben Haim must be feeling very privileged.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3652939.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Beckham in England squad

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BECKHAM IN ENGLAND SQUAD
The LA Galaxy midfielder has been recalled to the England squad for next week's friendly against France in Paris, putting him on track to win his 100th cap. "I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad," Fabio Capello said. "I know a lot about him and what he can offer the team."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3590241.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Birmingham raided by police

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BIRMINGHAM RAIDED BY POLICE
City of London officers executed a search warrant at St Andrew's and left the club with financial documents as part of an investigation into corruption in football. Karren Brady, Birmingham's managing director, said: "We are co-operating fully with the police in their investigation, which is in connection with a third party." The club insist that the inquiries relate to parties unconnected to the club.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3582917.ece

Should Cristiano Ronaldo have made bullfight ad?

Cristiano Ronaldo is known for tormenting and teasing opposition defenders, but now he risks the wrath of animal rights campaigners after filming a controversial advert for Fuji Xerox depicting him skillfully avoiding the attentions of a bull.

It doesn't appear that any animals were harmed during the film. In a 'Making of' video, the worst ordeal seems to belong to an actor being turned into an old man by a make-up artist.

But should Ronaldo be seen to glorify a sport that is banned from many countries and causes suffering to animals? Should footballers show more discretion in selecting their commercial activities? Or are we being too sensitive considering the animal is clearly in no danger from the Portuguese star? Watch the videos and send us your comments.

The ad:

The making of the ad:

Ahead of TheGame: Given Goes Under The Knife

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GIVEN GOES UNDER THE KNIFE
The Newcastle United goalkeeper is to have surgery on his groin injury in Germany today. His surgeon, Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, specialises in hernia operations and has previously operated on Michael Owen and Alan Shearer. The Lord giveth and then taketh away after Newcastle's encouraging draw at Birmingham last night.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3574496.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Nani joins West Ham

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NANI JOINS WEST HAM
No, not that Nani. The former Brescia sporting director has been confirmed as the club's new technical director. As well as assisting Alan Curbishley with transfers, he will also be responsible for enhancing West Ham's international scouting network, developing the youth academy and improving the club's training ground facilities. That doesn't leave Curbs with too many excuses, now he can concentrate on the first team.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/west_ham/article3569666.ece

STEELE FACING CUP DISAPPOINTMENT
The goalkeeper looks set to miss out on an FA semi-final appearance at Wembley after West Bromwich Albion and Barnsley failed to reach an agreement on the goalkeeper's future. Simon Davey, the Barnsley manager, has admitted he is searching for alternatives between the sticks.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article3569469.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Arsenal draw Liverpool in Champions League

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ARSENAL DRAW LIVERPOOL
Less a battle of Britain, more an English civil war in the last eight of the Champions League. The winner is likely to play Chelsea in the semi-finals after Avram Grant's team drew Fenerbahce. Manchester United and their fans will no doubt be welcomed with open arms for their trip to Roma in the first leg. Arms meaning arms or arms meaning twirling police batons, we're not sure.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3552931.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Euro pay-day for English clubs

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EURO PAY-DAY FOR ENGLISH CLUBS
The top four clubs in England are set to enjoy a new Champions League pay-day that could enable them to move even farther ahead of their domestic rivals. The current ITV and Sky deals are understood to be worth just under £90 million a year, and it is thought that the successful bidders will have to pay about £125m to clinch the next deal, which is to run from 2009 to 2012.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article3539787.ece

Ahead of the game: Capello Warns Inter

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CAPELLO WARNS INTER
Fabio Capello has told the Italian club to beware Liverpool’s ability on the counterattack when they meet in the Champions League tonight. “When Liverpool are given space, they are lethal,” the England manager said.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3530762.ece

Ahead of TheGame: FA Cup semi-finals draw

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FA CUP SEMI-FINALS DRAW
Barnsley will take on fellow giant-killers Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion will play Portsmouth at Wembley to decide who makes the final. Can Simon Davey plot a way past David Jones's boys? Will Premier League wannabes West Brom give Portsmouth a winning display of their talents? We will have an answer on April 5 and 6.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3522044.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Keane: 'I'd have been locked up'

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KEANE: I'D HAVE BEEN LOCKED UP
The Sunderland manager thinks he would have gone to prison had Sepp Blatter's demand for lifetime bans and criminal prosecutions for dangerous tackling come into force while he was a player. "I have to be careful with this subject," he said. "I would have been doing a bit of 'porridge' myself!"
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/sunderland/article3505305.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Mourinho out to get Chelsea

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MOURINHO OUT TO GET CHELSEA
The former Chelsea manager is weighing up opportunities to return to football and admits he hopes to face his old club in the near future. "I hope to play them next season in the Champions League," he said. "If I play them in the Champions League, I want to go there and kill them - that's my message."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3496276.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Kaka praises Arsenal

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KAKA PRAISES ARSENAL
The AC Milan midfielder believes the Premier League side deserved their historic Champions League victory in the San Siro. "Arsenal played really well, better than us," Kaka said. The brilliant Brazilian got a taste of his own medicine.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3488642.ece

ADEBAYOR MAKES BOLD CLAIM
The Togo striker believes Arsenal's historic victory over AC Milan shows they can "beat every single team in the world". They travel to Wigan Athletic next weekend. Let's see if he can back up those big words.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article3489000.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Liverpool bid on hold

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LIVERPOOL BID ON HOLD
Dubai International Capital's proposed £400 million takeover of Liverpool is on hold after sources close to Tom Hicks, the club's co-owner, said that the Texan millionaire did not want to sell his 50 per cent stake in the club. The offer, however, remains on the table while Hicks considers his options.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3481138.ece

GERRARD: WE MUST BEAT WEST HAM
The Liverpool captain, admits Sunday's victory over Bolton will mean nothing unless they beat West Ham United on Wednesday. "The important thing short-term is to get in that fourth position," he said. "Then we can regroup in the summer and have another go at winning the league." It seems Stevie G is starring in his own version of Groundhog Day.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3483923.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Chelsea launch Lampard appeal

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CHELSEA LAUNCH LAMPARD APPEAL
The FA has confirmed that the club are challenging the England midfielder's dismissal against West Ham. Chelsea’s appeals against the red cards shown to John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole this season have been dismissed but they are confident of winning after reading the referee's report. If at first you don't succeed try, try again. Alternatively, improve team discipline and stop worrying about these things altogether.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3476022.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Grant defends position

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GRANT DEFENDS POSITION
The Chelsea coach has blown his top at suggestions that the club are in crisis and that he is a puppet of owner Roman Abramovich. In an unprecedented broadside from the usually reserved Israeli, he told reporters that he didn't like them anymore. "You didn't behave too nicely. Now I don't respect you too much because we lost one game and you've taken it too far. I don't like it. You hurt my players, you hurt the club and this is not the right way. We were the only team to get to the final from the big four, we are still in all the other competitions. We've won 24 games in 35. We have done a fantastic job in our opinion."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3461400.ece

Your responses to our footballing tat plea

Yesterday, inspired by the gaudy delights of Tottenham Hotspur's Carling Cup winners 2008 collectors plate featuring a cross eyed Dimitar Berbatov, we asked you to send in more examples of the worst excesses of football merchandise.

Can you beat our colleague's cuddly claret and blue West Ham elephant - a birthday present that saw him dumped by his girlfriend?

What horrors do you have lying in the attic or sitting on the mantlepiece? Keep them coming and please send us a picture. E-mail sport@timesonline.co.uk

Barca Cigarettes: I thought you might appreciate the humorous irony of one of the greatest football clubs in the world, teeming with some of the fittest and most skilful athletes the game has known, splashing their name all over a lung busting packet of death!!!! Alexander Cave

Ahead of TheGame: Carragher arrested

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CARRAGHER ARRESTED
Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool defender, has been arrested and cautioned by police for common assault. The 30-year-old was questioned yesterday about an incident with a man near his Crosby home on Tuesday morning as he made his way to training.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3452687.ece

The worst new George Best

Liam Miller has been told he can leave Sunderland at the end of the season after just 18 months on Wearside. The former Celtic and Manchester United player drew favourable comparisons to Roy Keane, the Sunderland manager, when he moved from Glasgow to Old Trafford in 2004. But clearly Keane doesn't see enough of himself in the 27-year-old midfielder to keep him in his plans.

Miller is by no means a dud, but he features on a long list of players who have suffered from a wholly unfair comparison. How many players have been dubbed the new George Best? Diego Maradona? Or Pele? Or even Patrick Vieira?

AOTG wants to know who you think are the worst players to have been compared to a legend? And who have handled grandiose labels well? Maybe you have made a claim on a player's behalf only for it to have been thrown back in your face. I'll admit it, I once thought Titus Bramble would play for England.

Ahead of TheGame: Gerrard: "We're not good enough"

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GERRARD: WE'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH
The Liverpool captain has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's faltering campaign by declaring even winning the Champions League will not make up for their dismal performance in the Barclays Premier League. "I'm 27 now, I don't want to be talking about 'next season' for Liverpool when I'm 32," he said.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3446763.ece

COACH EXPLAINS CHELSEA ROW
Henk ten Cate, Chelsea's first team coach, has revealed the reason for his training ground bust-up with John Terry: the captain wanted to train too hard before the Carling Cup final. Did Terry attempt to carry Roman Abramovich's wallet to the car park?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3443675.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Hicks' Liverpool future uncertain

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HICKS' LIVERPOOL FUTURE UNCERTAIN DESPITE DENIAL
The club remains dogged by uncertainty despite Tom Hicks insisting he is not planning to sell his stake at Anfield. Oliver Kay, in an exclusive story this morning, said that Liverpool's American owners were preparing to signal the beginning of the end of their regime by granting Dubai International Capital permission to examine the club's accounts with a view to making a takeover bid. Hicks has since issued a rebuttal but we're sticking to our guns. Click on the first link for the update and the second for Oli's exclusive.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3439815.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3434438.ece

Ahead of TheGame: Bendtner speaks up for Taylor

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BENDTNER SPEAKS UP FOR TAYLOR
The Arsenal striker, who spent time on loan to Birmingham City, is convinced Martin Taylor's tackle on Eduardo da Silva was not malicious and has urged the Gunners to move on.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3432415.ece

MCLEISH: "EDUARDO WAS TOO QUICK"
Birmingham City's manager has given Martin Taylor his full support after the defender came under heavy criticism for the challenge that earned him a straight red card against Arsenal. "Having played the game at the highest level for 20 years I used to go in for those challenges," McLeish said. "I do wince at some challenges, but I never gave that challenge a second thought."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3432747.ece

Ahead of the game: Wembley Beckons For Robinson

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WEMBLEY BECKONS FOR ROBINSON
The Spurs goalkeeper looks set to keep his place in the side to play Chelsea in the Carling Cup final on Sunday. His performance in the Uefa Cup last night suggested his lard-fingered days are behind him. We’ve got all the other team news on the big match and the weekend’s Premier League fixtures. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3414324.ece

Ahead of the Game: Gazza Sectioned And Arrested

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GAZZA SECTIONED AND ARRESTED
Paul Gascoigne has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The former England midfielder was arrested after police were called to a hotel in Gateshead.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3409776.ece

Ahead of the game: Live Champions League

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LIVE: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Humiliated in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup, Arsenal have an opportunity to repair their reputation tonight against AC Milan, the Champions League holders. We're covering the action live with rolling commentary from 7.45pm, including updates on Lyons v Manchester United and Celtic v Barcelona.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/sports_commentary/football/index.html

Ahead of the Game: Live Champions League

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LIVE: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Liverpool play Inter Milan in the Champions League tonight with the Anfield club in turmoil. But, as Fabio Capello said, Rafael Benitez's team save their best for this competition and it should be a fascinating first leg against the Serie A leaders. Follow it live with our rolling commentary, which will include updates from Chelsea's tie against Olympiacos. http://timesonline.typepad.com/sports_commentary/football/index.html

Ahead of the game: Barnsley face Chelsea in FA Cup

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FA CUP: BARNSLEY FACE CHELSEA
Barnsley's reward for beating Liverpool in the FA Cup is a home quarter-final against the holders, while Manchester United will play Portsmouth at Old Trafford. In the other ties, Bristol Rovers face West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City travel to Sheffield United or Middlesbrough. We've got all the news and reaction.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3390634.ece

Ahead of the game: Wenger - 39th Step Worth Studying

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WENGER: 39th STEP WORTH STUDYING
The Arsenal manager thinks the Premier League’s global plan is worth investigating and can’t understand the intensity of the opposition to it. He has also denied reports that the club have started talks with Cesc Fabregas over a new contract. 
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article3376869.ece

Ahead of the Game: Blades 'Sack' Robson

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BLADES 'SACK' ROBSON
Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson has been relieved of his first-team duties, according to reports. Apparently, the club plan to change their "football infrastructure". Quite what that means is anybody's guess, but suffice to say it's not looking good for the dour-faced former England hero. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article3369015.ece

Ahead of the game: Ireland Appoint Trapattoni

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IRELAND APPOINT TRAPATTONI
Giovanni Trapattoni has been confirmed as the new manager of the Republic of Ireland, ending a 113-day search to find a successor to Steve Staunton. You can hardly blame the FAI, though. After getting it so wrong with Staunton, they couldn't afford to mess up again.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3363185.ece

Ahead of the game: Senderos Hails Ugly Arsenal

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SENDEROS HAILS UGLY ARSENAL
Philippe Senderos says Arsenal have prospered this season by adding an ugly edge to their beautiful game. And we thought it was because they played consistently spellbinding football.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article3358284.ece

BARTON AND BOWYER NOT GUILTY
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will face no action from the FA over his clash with Aston Villa's Shaun Maloney. Lee Bowyer, meanwhile, has escaped a three-match ban after having the red card he received during West Ham United's 1-1 draw with Birmingham rescinded on appeal. Couldn’t happen to nicer guys.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/newcastle/article3358245.ece

Ahead of the game: Dowie Sacked

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DOWIE SACKED
Iain Dowie has been sacked as manager of Coventry City after only a year in the job. The club press office sifted its cliché collection and said he was "relieved of his duties". We've read between the lines for you.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article3348539.ece

GIGGS WARNING
Ryan Giggs says United cannot afford to drop any more league points if they're to win the title. Which is about as big a compliment as a United player will ever pay Arsenal.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3351468.ece