Hughes Sacked …Mancini In

Manchester City today confirmed that they have sacked manager Mark Hughes and replaced him with ex-Inter boss Roberto Mancini.
The decision came immediately following City’s 4-3 victory over Sunderland.
Chairman of the club, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, released a statement explaining the decision. He commented:
“Prior to the current season beginning, with significant investment in players and infrastructure in place, [...] http://bit.ly/8nvtvn

Hughes Set For The Sack?

Both the tabloids and the broadsheets are suggesting that Mark Hughes is on his way out of Manchester City after a miserable run of results, culminating in a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The papers suggest that Hughes will be out of a job by Monday regardless of the result against Sunderland, but what they can’t [...] http://bit.ly/6e699V

Premiership Betting Tips : Dec 19-20th

Some intriguing fixtures this weekend and a few well worth backing with your kids christmas present money, starting with :
Aston Villa vs Stoke City : Sat Dec 19th 15:00
Aston Villa are a strong counterattacking side, which means little as the Villa faithful expect them to take teams on when on home turf. Unfortunately, Stoke City [...] http://bit.ly/7yrtXI

Arsenal vs Hull City Team Preview

Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas is ruled out of the visit of Hull City with a hamstring injury.
Fabregas sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in midweek and could be replaced by the fit again Denilson.
With Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Tomas Rosicky, Gael Clichy and Armand Traore all still out, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger [...] http://bit.ly/895ZlK

Blackburn vs Tottenham Preview

Brett Emerton is out for Blackburn Rovers with a groin injury, while Tottenham will be without midfielder David Bentley.
Bentley has a calf strain and will miss the opportunity to face his former side.
Also out for Harry Redknapp’s Spurs side are centre backs Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate; the pair having been missing for several weeks.
Redknapp [...] http://bit.ly/6kB5Yc

Man City v Sunderland Match Preview

Joleon Lescott is missing for Manchester City following knee surgery, while Sunderland captain Lorik Cana is suspended.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce could replace Cana with Lee Cattermole, who has recently returned to fitness after a medial ligament injury, although it is more likely that Cattermole will be on the bench, with Henderson, Malbranque, Reid and Richardson [...] http://bit.ly/4CQ1lc

Aston Villa vs Stoke City Team Preview

Robert Huth is suspended for Tony Pulis’ Stoke City side, while Aston Villa have no new injury concerns.
Villa boss Martin O’Neill has selection problems with defender James Collins coming back into contention after a groin injury. However, with Carlos Cueller in good form, Collins is likely to take his place on the bench.
Villa favourite Wilfred [...] http://bit.ly/5PdQIm

Portsmouth vs Liverpool Preview

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is set to start his first match in a number of weeks against Avram Grant’s Portsmouth.
Torres appeared as a goalscoring substitute during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Wigan and is set to start ahead of fellow striker David Ngog.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is also hopeful that right back Glen Johnson has overcome [...] http://bit.ly/61J1sH

Premier League Want McCarthy Explanation

The Premier League have asked Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy to explain his team selection for Wolves match against Manchester United.
McCarthy rested 10 regular players for the match on Tuesday night, prompting anger from his side’s own fans.
The Premier League have requested that McCarthy explain his actions, releasing the following statement:
“The Premier League Board have [...] http://bit.ly/8QTeNY

Donovan Interested in Everton Loan

LA Galaxy forward and USA international Landon Donovan has said that he would be “very comfortable” with a loan move to Everton.
Donovan is keen to join a major European side in January in order to maintain his fitness during the MLS close season.
The 27 year old has extended his deal at the Galaxy until 2013, [...] http://bit.ly/893EYI

Manchester United vs Wolves Preview

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs may miss the visit of Mick McCarthy’s Wolves with a hamstring injury.
It is unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson will risk him in this match, but fellow veteran Paul Scholes has returned from suspension and could start for United.
Rafael da Silva is also back in contention and may start, allowing Darren [...] http://bit.ly/5vsZZy

Bolton vs West Ham Utd Match Preview

Croatia striker Ivan Klasnic could start for Gary Megson’s Bolton Wanderers in tandem with captain Kevin Davies.
Klasnic impressed last time out, scoring in Bolton’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City and will keep Sweden international Johan Elmander on the bench.
Definitely out for the home side is Gavin McCann, who has a serious ankle injury. Fabrice Muamba [...] http://bit.ly/624iA3

Birmingham vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish is unlikely to make any changes to a side that has been in impressive form recently.
With veteran Lee Carsley out with a back problem, McLeish is set to name the same eleven that beat West Ham 1-0 last time out.
Still sidelined for Birmingham are long term abstentees David Murphy, Garry [...] http://bit.ly/7o9z3G

Sunderland v Aston Villa Preview

Kieran Richardson returns for Sunderland, while Aston Villa left back Stephen Warnock is rated doubtful.
Warnock suffered a neck injury last time out and could be replaced by Luke Young, with Carlos Cueller moving to right back and James Collins coming in at centre half.
Elsewhere, Villa boss Martin O’Neill is set to keep faith with the [...] http://bit.ly/93j0V9