WENGER HOPES FUNDS AVAILABLE IN JANUARY

Gunners manager, Arsene Wenger has admitted that he would like to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window to bolster his Arsenal side's faltering title challenge but does not know the club will make the necessary cash available.

 

Wenger knows his side must improve in the second half of the season but is hamstrung by long-term injuries which rule out Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott. One player Arsenal have been linked with is Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin. However, Wenger refused to confirm he is chasing the Russia forward.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

STEVEN GERRARD ARRESTED

Steven Gerrard was arrested on Monday after a brawl at a restaurant. The Liverpool captain was among six men arrested when officers were called to the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside. A local man was taken to hospital with facial injuries, which are not thought to be serious. Police said the 28-year-old footballer and five other men were arrested on suspicion of assault.

 

Gerrard went out with friends just hours after his side's 5-1 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park. He was arrested after a disturbance at the Lounge Inn, a modern restaurant close to the junction of Bold Street and Stanley Street. The venue converts to a late-night club venue with live music and DJs. No one was available to comment on Monday. The seaside town is a popular destination for wealthy footballers looking for a night out. 

BOLA BOYZ LIVERPOOL

MAN UTD 1 - MIDDLESBROUGH 0

Middlesbrough forced Manchester United to work hard at Old Trafford before conceding a 1-0 loss. After missing a series of chances, Dimitar Berbatov spared their blushes with the only goal. The Bulgarian volleyed home from close range in the 69th minute after Michael Carrick's left-wing cross had bounced back off Boro defender David Wheater.

 

Berbatov, who replaced Boxing Day's match-winner at Stoke Carlos Tevez after he returned to Argentina on a ''family issue'', was one of the guilty culprits in the first hour of the match. But he was not the only one with Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael, Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-sung all squandering chances against a determined Middlesbrough side. United may have won with just one goal but managed to keep Premier League leaders Liverpool within their radar.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD

ARSENAL 1 - PORTSMOUTH 0

Former captain William Gallas came to Arsenal's rescue with a late header in a 1-0 win against Portsmouth which keeps the Gunners in the Premier League title chase. The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when David James flapped at Denilson's free-kick and Gallas rose to head the ball into the Pompey net.

 

The victory was barely deserved but it prompted a wave of Arsenal attacks as they at last took control of a game they had struggled to grasp for great swathes against a Portsmouth team which is going through its own crisis of confidence under another former Gunners captain, Tony Adams.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

FULHAM 2 - CHELSEA 2

Clint Dempsey's last-minute header dented Chelsea's Barclays Premier League title challenge as Fulham earned a battling 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage. Chelsea, who have now taken just 10 points from their last 21, had been on course for a west London derby win after two second-half strikes from Frank Lampard.

 

But Dempsey, who had given Fulham the lead after 10 minutes, popped up with seconds remaining to extend the Cottagers' unbeaten run to nine games. Chelsea now head into the new year three points behind league pace-setters Liverpool, who had signed off 2008 earlier in the day with a 5-1 win at Newcastle.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

NEWCASTLE 1 - LIVERPOOL 5

Liverpool tightened their grip at the top of the Premier League with a superb 5-1 win at Newcastle. England midfielder, Steven Gerrard claimed a fine double as he got the ball rolling with a 31st-minute opener and then after Sami Hyypia and Ryan Babel had struck either side of David Edgar's header, he completed the job with a 66th-minute second.

 

Xabi Alonso also converted a 76th-minute penalty after fellow newcomer David Ngog had been tripped by Edgar to complete a miserable afternoon for Joe Kinnear's injury-ravaged side, for whom goalkeeper Shay Given made seven remarkable saves.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL 

ASTON VILLA 2 - ARSENAL 2

Zat Knight rifled home an injury-time equaliser to rescue a well-deserved 2-2 draw against Arsenal. and provide a significant boost for Aston Villa's fight for Champions League qualification. Martin O'Neill's side had battered the Londoners throughout the first half but somehow found themselves two goals down only to mount a superb fightback.

 

Goals either side of half-time by Denilson and Abou Diaby for Arsenal were not a fair reflection of the game and, after Gareth Barry's penalty pulled a goal back, Knight smashed home a stoppage-time leveller to maintain Villa's three-point lead over the Gunners.

 

Villa captain Martin Laursen was missing and Gareth Barry was made skipper for Villa. Arsene Wenger was without captain Cesc Fabregas through injury and striker Emmanuel Adebayor due to suspension.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

LIVERPOOL 3 - BOLTON 0

Liverpool reclaimed the top spot of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Bolton at Anfield. Chelsea's victory earlier in the day put the London side in pole position until Robbie Keane's double and a goal from Albert Riera ensured the Reds went back to the head of the pack.

 

The win meant Liverpool have completed all of 2008 unbeaten at home in the league. Missing Alvaro Arbeloa with a hamstring injury, manager Rafael Benitez re-jigged his back line, moving Jamie Carragher to right-back with Sami Hyypia slotting into the centre of defence. Liverpool also restored Yossi Benayoun to midfield at the expense of Lucas, who was joined on the bench by fit-again Javier Mascherano.
 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

STOKE 0 - MAN UTD 1

A late goal by Carlos Tevez ensured Manchester United returned to Premier League action with a 1-0 win at Stoke City. The home side had earlier been reduced to 10 men with Andy Wilkinson picking up two yellows.

 

The striker scored the vital goal with seven minutes remaining to end Stoke`s brave resistance, shortly after Andy Wilkinson was ordered off. However it took United a while to get going after they only arrived back on Monday from Japan.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD 

CHELSEA 2 - WEST BROM 0

Chelsea went back to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over rock-bottom West Brom at Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were on target for the Blues as they recorded their first home league win in four games.

 

The Blues took just three minutes to go in front with Drogba, making his first league appearance since the end of September, heading home a cross from Joe Cole. It was the Ivorian's second goal of the season and his first in the Barclays Premier League this term. Lampard, captain in the absence of the suspended John Terry, scored Chelsea's second goal in the first half injury time.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

ASTON VILLA CANNOT WIN TITLE - WENGER

Arsene Wenger realised it is a big game, but turned down the idea of Aston Villa winning the Premier League. The Gunners manager however accepted that Villa is a serious threat for the top four positions challenge.

 

Without Fabregas and suspended striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal will travel to Villa Park looking for revenge after Gabriel Agbonlahor helped inflict a shock result when the two teams met last month.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

REAL MADRID WANTS PENNANT

Sky Sports News sources understand Liverpool are considering a bid from Real Madrid for Jermaine Pennant. As revealed by skysports.com, Pennant was attracting interest from La Liga and now Real have made a bid for Liverpool man as they look to bring in a new winger in the January transfer window.

 

New Real coach Juande Ramos has made a new right-sided winger one of his top priorites and they have been linked with a host of players including Ashley Young, Aaron Lennon and CSKA Moscow's Milos Krasic. Real have been priced out of the move for the trio and now they have turned their attentions to forgotten Liverpool man Pennant. Pennant has made just four appearances for Liverpool this season and it appears he does not figure in Rafa Benitez's long-term plans.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

MICHAEL ESSIEN IS GHANA'S BEST

Michael Essien has been named Ghana Footballer of the Year after a media poll in Accra. Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari and Hearts' Laryea Kingston came second and third respectively.

 

Essien is a regular African Footballer of the Year finalist, has been sidelined since mid-year after picking up an injury while playing for Ghana against Libya in 2010 World Cup qualifier. His absence has been a major factor for Chelsea's inconsistent form lately.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

BOCA JUNIORS WINS APERTURA CHAMPIONSHIP

Boca Juniors have won the Argentine Apertura championship after finishing top of a three-way play-off by the slimmest of margins after losing 1-0 to rank outsiders Tigre in the final match. Boca, Tigre and San Lorenzo all finished the mini-league with three points from two games but Boca took the title on goal difference.

 

Boca had a goal difference of one, compared to zero for Tigre and minus one for San Lorenzo. The play-off was held after the three teams finished level on points after the regular championship, where goal difference is not used to decide the title. It was Boca's 23rd title under the various formats used since Argentine football turned professional in 1931.

 

INTECH2U   MAT KEPOH   TIME FOR LAUGH

UEFA TO PUNISH VIDIC

Nemanja Vidic will miss Manchester United's Champions League clash with Inter Milan at the San Siro after being sent off in the final of the Club World Cup against LDU Quito. The Serbian was shown a straight red card for elbowing Claudio Bieler in the second half of the Red Devils' 1-0 win on Sunday and under FIFA rules the subsequent suspension is carried over to the next match of the club's federation.

 

In this case that means the next match in a UEFA competition and rules Vidic out the European Champion's trip to Milan on February 24, 2009. A FIFA spokesman confirmed that he will get at least a one match ban. However, with FIFA still to ratify the exact punishment, Vidic could face up to a three match ban. That would rule the centre-back out of the entire Champions League tie with Inter and possibly the first leg of the quarter-final should United overcome Jose Mourinho's men.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD 

FABREGAS OUT FOUR MONTHS

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set to be sidelined until April with a knee injury. The Spaniard had to be substituted at half-time in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday following a challenge with Xabi Alonso.

 

The full extent of the damage has now been revealed, with Arsene Wenger confirming that he has a partial rupture of the medial knee ligament. Fabregas had only recently returned to fitness following a problem with the same knee and he will now miss most of the rest of the season. He will have to sit out a crucial period of the Premier League as well as Arsenal's UEFA Champions League tie against Roma.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

FERDINAND APPRECIATES SIR ALEX WORDS

Rio Ferdinand hopes a motivational team-talk from Sir Alex Ferguson will prove to be 'a defining point' in Manchester United's season. United lifted the Club World Cup on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Liga de Quito in Japan and Ferdinand admits Ferguson made the players aware of the significance of the game.

 

The centre-half revealed the United manager warned the Premier League and European champions that losing in the Club World Cup final would have a negative effect on their campaign.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD

EVERTON 0 - CHELSEA 0

Chelsea had John Terry sent off at Goodison Park but were able to hold Everton to a goalless draw. The Blues relinquish their 100 per cent away record and miss the opportunity to sit top of the Premier League table at Christmas, while the Toffees remain in the European hunt despite their failure to breach 10-men.

 

The hosts began the game in the more positive fashion, making a mockery of their failings on home turf this season. However, despite Phil Neville and Marouane Fellaini keeping Petr Cech on his toes, the Chelsea rearguard was rarely threatened.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA 

ARSENAL 1 - LIVERPOOL 1

Striker Robbie Keane dealt a fresh blow to Arsenal's fading title hopes as he secured a point for Barclays Premier League leaders Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal had striker Emmanuel Adebayor sent off in the second half, which hampered their hopes of finding a winner after Keane's goal had cancelled out Robin van Persie's strike.

 

Arsene Wenger's men went into the match eight points off the pace, and perhaps more significantly they were - and remain - out of the top four following Aston Villa's win at West Ham. Despite taking the lead through a fine strike from Van Persie after 24 minutes, it proved a false dawn as the Reds levelled before the break when Keane latched onto a long ball up-field and lashed in a thunderous shot.

 

Arsenal were forced to play the final 30 minutes with only 10 men after referee Howard Webb showed Adebayor his second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL   LIVERPOOL 

MAN UTD 1 - LDU QUITO 0

Ten man United clinched the world title in Japan. A second-half strike from Wayne Rooney handed Manchester United a deserved 1-0 victory over LDU Quito in the Fifa Club World Cup Final at the Yokohama Stadium. The UEFA Champions League holders dominated the first half but were unable to break the deadlock as goalkeeper Jose Cevallos was called into action on several occasions.

 

The Red Devils were dealt a setback four minutes after the interval when centre-back Nemanja Vidic was handed a straight red card by referee Ravshan Irmatov for catching Claudio Bieler with his elbow. South American club champions LDU Quito began to make their numerical advantage pay but they were undone on 73 minutes as Rooney smashed home the winner after he was teed up by Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

GAMBA OSAKA 3 - MAN UTD 5

Two goals from Wayne Rooney after a late introduction send Manchester United to the Club World Cup final meeting with LDU Quito on Sunday. Earlier, United had already established superiority over Gamba Osaka thanks to first-half headers from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney's arrival led to a frenzied spell of six goals in 18 minutes, the England man netting either side of a Darren Fletcher effort as the Red Devils kept spirited Gamba resistance at bay.

 

Gamba Osaka responded with Masato Yamazaki effort after the first 2 goals, but Rooney and Fletcher buried them further. The Japanese side tried another comeback with goals from Yasuhito Endo and Hideo Hashimoto, but time has really ran out of them.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

TIME IS RIGHT FOR ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL

Jose Reina is confident that his team will be able to steal 3 points from Arsenal as they travel to the Emirates Stadium. The Liverpool goalkeeper reckons the time is right for the Premier League leaders to clinch their first win at the Emirates Stadium as they look to extend their advantage at the summit to four points.

 

The Reds head into Sunday's game a point clear of Chelsea, who do not travel to Everton until Monday, and knowing a first win at Arsenal's new ground would open up a healthy cushion.

 

BOLA BOYZ   LIVERPOOL 

SCOLARI OKAY WITH FANS BOO

Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that supporters were entitled to boo the side after Chelsea dropped further points at Stamford Bridge and missed the chance to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

 

The 1-1 draw against West Ham means that Chelsea have already dropped 14 points at home, the same as the whole of last season, and has left Scolari admitting that he needs to bring about a rapid improvement.

 

BOLA BOYZ   CHELSEA 

LIVERPOOL DENY KEANE SALE ISSUE

Liverpool have issued a denial that Robbie Keane will be sold in the January transfer window, after former Anfield player Mark Lawrenson claimed the striker's future was in doubt. Lawrenson, who currently works as a TV pundit, told Irish radio station Today FM's The Last Word that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Keane could be set for a move in January.

 

The Guardian Liverpool later explained that Lawrenson's remarks are his interpretation of a private chat between the two of them. They do not accurately reflect Steven's opinion of Robbie Keane and they certainly do not tally with Steven's recollection of the conversation itself.

 

Last week 28-year-old Keane, who has scored just twice in the Premier League since his £20.3m move from Tottenham Hotspurs, dismissed claims that he would be leaving the club and insisted the goals would come.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL 

DECO WANTS TO IMPROVE HOME SHOW

Deco maintains Chelsea can work out their Stamford Bridge problems and end a run of poor home form. Despite their superb 100% away form which has yielded eight straight victories, Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have managed only three league wins at home.

 

Liverpool brought an amazing 86-match unbeaten league run to an end on October 26 and the Blues are without a domestic win at Stamford Bridge ever since. Portuguese midfielder Deco is convinced the squad will soon put the issue right.

 

BOLA BOYZ   CHELSEA 

HYYPIA BELIEVES TITLE WILL COME

Sami Hyypia insists Liverpool's recent wobble is not a direct result of added pressure placed on the side. The Reds continue to set the pace in the Premier League title race, but three draws in their last four games has allowed the chasing pack to remain hot on their heels.

 

Rafa Benitez will also be concerned by the fact that his troops are struggling to grind out results at Anfield. Goalless stalemates against West Ham and Stoke were followed by a 2-2 draw with Hull on Saturday, ensuring their lead over closest challengers Chelsea remains at only a solitary point.

 

Veteran centre-half Hyypia claims Liverpool remain on course to end their 19-year wait for a top-flight crown, but admits there are issues which need to be addressed ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal.

 

BOLA BOYZ   LIVERPOOL 

EVRA BANNED, ROONEY CLEARED

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will not face any disciplinary action over his apparent stamp on Aalborg's Kasper Risgard during a Champions League clash at Old Trafford last week. The pair tangled after a tackle and Rooney appeared to land on the AaB midfielder's chest in the aftermath but UEFA ruled any contact was accidental rather than malicious.

 

Meanwhile, Manchester United have decided not to appeal against Patrice Evra's four-match ban for a post-match fracas at Stamford Bridge last season. The French full-back was handed the punishment by the FA almost two weeks ago, stunning Sir Alex Ferguson.

 

However, after examination of the case, United have decided not to take the matter further. It had been believed that they had asked for transcripts of the FA's judgement. It appears unlikely Evra could win an appeal given he had already admitted he was at fault for the incident at Stamford Bridge involving Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

VIEIRA: WENGER NEED WARRIORS

Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal must address their lack of midfield bite if they are to challenge for honours. The former Gunners captain, now at Inter Milan, admits to being impressed by the club's free-flowing style when in possession, but feels they are often found wanting when put on the back foot.

 

With the days when he helped the club claim silverware on a regular basis long gone, the Frenchman concedes that the modern Arsenal are suffering the consequences of not possessing enough steel in vital areas. Vieira does not feel that Arsene Wenger needs to completely overhaul his squad in order to bring about the desired results, but admits that experienced heads are needed if the North London club are to fulfil their potential.

 

 

CHELSEA 1 - WEST HAM 1

Gianfranco Zola enjoyed a successful return to Stamford Bridge as his West Ham side held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. The ex-Chelsea striker, voted the club's best-ever player after a memorable seven-year spell with the Blues, inspired the Hammers to a resolute performance which prevented his former club climbing back to the top of the table.

 

Chelsea dominated possession throughout but the visitors were solid at the back and snatched a surprise lead through a 33rd-minute strike by Craig Bellamy. Didier Drogba replaced Michael Ballack at the break and top scorer Nicolas Anelka equalised within six minutes of the restart with his 100th Premier League goal.

 

BOLA BOYZ   CHELSEA

EL CLASSICO: BARCELONA 2 - REAL MADRID 0

Late goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi gave Barcelona a dramatic win over bitter rivals Real Madrid in a tense derby encounter at the Nou Camp. Madrid - in their first league match under new coach Juande Ramos - frustrated the league leaders for long periods and looked set to snatch a point after Iker Casillas saved Samuel Eto'o's penalty with 20 minutes remaining.

 

But the Cameroon frontman finally gave the Catalans the lead with seven minutes remaining and Lionel Messi smashed home a second in stoppage time to move Pep Guardiola's side 12 points ahead of their fierce rivals after 15 rounds of the championship.

 

LIVERPOOL 2 - HULL CITY 2

 

Premier League new boys, Hull City denied Liverpool from collecting a full 3 points with another accomplished away performance in a 2-2 draw at Anfield. The Tigers would have ended Liverpool's season-long unbeaten home record, if not because of Steven Gerrard.

 

Hull were two ahead through Paul McShane and a Jamie Carragher own goal before  Gerrard scored twice in eight minutes, taking his tally for the season to 11. Gerrard was among the players returning after being rested from the Champions League win over Eindhoven in midweek, along with Jose Reina, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL 

TOTTENHAM 0 - MAN UTD 0

Heurelho Gomes was the hero at White Hart Lane as he saved a last minute freekick that earned Tottenham Hotspurs a goalless draw against champions, Manchester United. The Brazilian produced a fingertip save to turn away a Giggs freekick that was going to creep in as United desperately searched for a winner to ensure they left for Club World Cup duty in happy mood.

 

It left the Red Devils rueing their failure to take advantage of second-half superiority and opened the door for Chelsea to surge clear in the Barclays Premier League title race by beating West Ham tomorrow. Dimitar Berbatov will have been particularly disappointed at his failure to make an impact, which just gave the Spurs fans more reason to cheer.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

MID'BORO 1 - ARSENAL 1

Former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere spoilt another Arsenal's chance to take home 3 points from Riverside Stadium. The ex-Arsenal forward scored the equaliser with a fine glancing header in the 29th minute.

 

Emmanuel Adebayor had earlier opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a header from captain Cesc Fabregas corner. Though, Arsenal displayed a very promising starts with efforts from Abou Diaby were denied by Ross Turnbull. Wenger sent in Nicklas Bendtner in the 82nd minutes but was not enough for the Gunners to bag the precious 3 points.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL 

FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST

 

Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite again to win another major honour after being included on the shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Year award. The Red Devil has been nominated alongside Lionel Messi, Xavi, Kaka and Fernando Torres.

 

Ronaldo scored 42 goals and scooped the Premier League title and European Cup with United last season whilst Torres and Xavi won Euro 2008 with Spain.  However, regular contenders Kaka and Messi didn't win any silverware in 2008.

 

The shortlist has been complied after coaches and team captains from around the world were asked to vote for their top choice and it is the first year five players, rather than three, have been named. The winner will be announced at a glitzy gala at the Zurich Opera House on January 12.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

RAUL LEADS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ALL TIME TOP SCORER

Real Madrid's Raul Gonzalez has created another record again by scoring his 66th UEFA Champions League career goal. His two goals in a 3.- 0 win over Zenit SP at Santiago Bernabeu helped the Spanish club to march on into the last 16.

 

The win was Real Madrid's first match under new manager, Juande Ramos. Holland's Arjen Robben scored the third goal of the match. For the record, Filippo Inzaghi is the next best in Champions League with 64 goals. And the AC Milan player is not in this season's competition.

 

VAN DER SAR SIGNED NEW DEAL

Edwin Van der Sar has signed a new deal with Manchester United which will keep him at the club until 2010. The Dutch keeper has agreed a one-year contract extension, an agreement which will see him clock up five years' service at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson certainly appears to have no intention of dropping the Dutchman, having expressed his delight at persuading the 38-year-old to commit his future to the club.

 

The veteran shot-stopper has been a revelation since arriving from Fulham in 2005, helping the Red Devils claim back-to-back Premier League titles, a League Cup success and the UEFA Champions League crown. He has also helped to bring stability to the troublesome keeping conundrum at United, with a number of his predecessors having failed to plug the sizeable void left by Peter Schmeichel's departure in 1999.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

GERRARD HOPES TO TIGHTEN GRIPS

 

Steven Gerrard feels that the Christmas period could prove pivotal to the club's title hopes. Liverpool currently lead the Premier League by just one point but will be hoping that a fairly favourable fixture list, a trip to Emirates Stadium aside will allow them to cement their position at the top.

 

Anything less than nine points from games against Hull, Bolton and Newcastle will be unacceptable to the Anfield faithful, and Gerrard knows that entering the New Year as league leaders will send out a message of intent to their rivals.

 

BOLA BOYZ   LIVERPOOL 

SIR ALEX EYES WORLD CROWN

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists the club will be doing their utmost to win the Fifa Club World Cup. The English and European champions will fly to Japan next week as they bid to claim the world crown.

 

Ferguson guided his side to the title in 1999 - when it was known as the InterContinental Cup and involved just a one of match between the European and South American champions.

 

Now the tournament sees a group phase before the final as the champions of every continent compete for the title in Japan. Despite the schedule coming in the middle of United's Premier League campaign, Ferguson has no plans to use an under-strength squad in the Far East.

BOLA BOYZ    MAN UTD 

AC MILAN WANTS AGGER

Adriano Galliani has revealed that AC Milan are keeping tabs on Liverpool defender Daniel Agger. The Danish centre-back, who moved to Anfield in 2006, has been in fine form this season.

 

Rafa Benitez recently rubbished reports suggesting Agger wants to leave Liverpool, although the 23-year-old has yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal. Milan have been monitoring the situation with interest and have now confirmed that Agger is one of their targets for the January transfer window.

BOLA BOYZ    LIVERPOOL 

FC PORTO 2 - ARSENAL 0

Arsenal slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Porto and finished second in the group before challenging in the last 16 of the Champions League. With confirmed qualification to the next stage, manager Arsene Wenger was confident enough to take a calculated gamble with his team selection against the Portuguese outfit, who had never lost here to an English side.

 

Bruno Alves opened the scoring with a header past Almunia. The visitors were soon further behind in the 54th minute. Fernando steals the ball from midfield and feed Lisandro for a smashing shot to the top right corner.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL  

MAN UTD 2 - AAB 2

Manchester United secured top spot in Group E after equalling a record of 19th  unbeaten Champions League game, even though victory over Aalborg eluded them at Old Trafford as the game finished 2-2.

 

Carlos Tevez scored his fifth goal in a week after just three minutes put the Red Devils on the driving seat. But an unexpected first-half response from the visitors left United trailing at the interval. Although Wayne Rooney levelled, the hosts could not find a winner.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

BABEL REQUESTED FOR LOAN MOVE

Ryan Babel revealed that he did ask Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez about a loan move to Ajax. However, despite having that turned down, the Reds boss gave him no assurances about a regular starting place. The young Dutchman scored in Liverpool's 3-1 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven amid his agent's claims he had tried to get a loan move back to Ajax.

 

But Liverpool have made it very clear Babel is going nowhere and must knuckle down to his role in the squad, having been unable to convince Benitez he should be a regular in the starting line-up. Ajax had been keen on the idea, but have been told there is no chance of such a move while Liverpool are fighting for the Premier League title.

BOLA BOYZ    LIVERPOOL 

REAL MADRID REMOVE SCHUSTER FOR RAMOS

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Juande Ramos has been handed a six-month contract at Real Madrid after the Spanish giants parted company with Bernd Schuster on Tuesday. Schuster's departure, described by the club as being by mutual consent, comes after a poor run of form which has seen the defending Spanish champions slip to fifth place in the Primera Liga, nine points behind arch-rivals Barcelona.

 

Ramos now becomes Real Madrid's 11th boss in the last 10 years. While the club have made it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, Real were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by minnows Real Union. A dejected Schuster seemed to have thrown in the towel following Sunday's 4-3 defeat at home to Sevilla (Madrid's 3rd defeat in their last four league fixtures) when he admitted his side were incapable of winning 'El Clasico' at Barcelona on Saturday.

 

Although Real Madrid have struggled this season Schuster enjoyed a wonderful first year at the Bernabeu, retaining the Primera Liga crown his predecessor Fabio Capello claimed in 2007.

CHELSEA 2 - CFR CLUJ 1

Chelsea qualified to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over CFR Cluj. Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou opened the scoring from close range for his fourth of the season. But, Yssouf Kone headed beyond Peter Cech into the top corner from Panin's cross for the equaliser.

 

In the 65th minute, Scolari sent Didier Drogba to replace Kalou, and he scored the winner to mark his comeback. However, Drogba's efforts were not enough for Chelsea to finish top of Group A after Roma defeated Bordeaux. Chelsea have only themselves to blame for finishing second. They squandered two chances to top the group, but Scolari insists he feels `zero pressure' as coach of Chelsea.

BOLA BOYZ   CHELSEA 

PSV EINDHOVEN 1 - LIVERPOOL 3

Liverpool had to come from behind against PSV Eindhoven to clinch top place in Group D. Boss Rafael Benitez rested Steven Gerrard and sent out a much-changed side against the Dutch champions and found themselves behind when Danko Lazovic struck after 36 minutes.

 

Dutchman Ryan Babel found an equaliser just before the break and from then on there was only ever going to be one winner. Albert Riera belted home a 30-yarder for the second before French youngster David Ngog added a third to ensure the night ended comfortably for the Reds.

 

Stephen Darby, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly all getting their first taste of Champions league football. Liverpool left out Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina with Robbie Keane recalled to play up front alongside Ngog. Babel was included on the wing while Lucas started in midfield.

BOLA BOYZ    LIVERPOOL 

RONALDO HAPPY AT OLD TRAFFORD

Newly-crowned Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is
loving life at Manchester United and hopes to collect many more awards
at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United winger was named as Kaka's successor in the
early hours of Tuesday morning and was presented with the trophy in a
televised ceremony.

Ronaldo, who was the subject of much speculation this summer over a
possible move to Real Madrid, was delighted to finally get his hands
on the Ballon d'Or and has vowed to fire his club to more success this
season.

NOW SCOLARI WANT ANOTHER STRIKER

Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will ask owner Roman Abramovich for
the cash to sign a striker in the January transfer window. Scolari has
only one fit striker for the Premier League game against Bolton
Wanderers with Didier Drogba suspended and Franco Di Santo sidelined
by a hamstring injury.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon has insisted Chelsea will do little, if
any, business when the window opens next month but Scolari has his
eyes on some much-needed firepower in attack.

ROSICKY OUT UNTIL MARCH

Arsenal have ruled midfielder Tomas Rosicky out of action until March
''at the earliest'' after the Czech star underwent surgery on the
problem in Germany a month ago.The Czech Republic international has
been out with a damaged hamstring tendon since January and has made a
slower than expected recovery, after originally being told his injury
would be cured in "days, not weeks".

Rosicky missed the European Championships for his country, with the
nature of the problem requiring multiple operations. He is due to
report back to Arsenal later this month but manager Arsene Wenger
admits it will be some time before the 27-year-old will be ready to
play again.

BARCELONA 4 - VALENCIA 0

Barcelona went six points clear at the top of La Liga after brushing aside the challenge of title hopefuls Valencia. A hat-trick from Thierry Henry and a third from Daniel Alves wrapped things up for Barca at the Camp Nou as they pulled further away from second placed Villarreal.

 

It was former Arsenal striker Henry who put Barcelona on their way to victory with two goals inside eight first half minutes. And Henry completed his hat-trick when substitute Bojan Krkic ghosted into the area and cut the ball back for the striker to tap home from close range.