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Ferguson drops Rooney hint

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney could be fit to face Montenegro in England’s Euro 2012 qualifier on October 12 (England 9/1 Euro 2012 outright).

The 24-year-old striker has been struggling with an ankle problem and aggravated the injury during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Bolton.

He was substituted just after the hour mark and Ferguson revealed that he would be out of action for at least three weeks, ruling him out of England’s third Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

However, speaking on United’s in-house TV station, MUTV, and on local radio the veteran tactician revealed that the former Everton man is progressing well and could be ready to return for Fabio Capello’s side in under two weeks’ time.

Rooney has struggled so far this term, with Ferguson admitting that tabloid reports about his private life have affected the talented hit-man, and he was left out of the United side that drew 3-3 with Rooney’s former club Everton back on September 11.

He also cut a peripheral figure at last summer’s World Cup in South Africa and failed to make the expected impact during England’s woeful campaign.

England, and Rooney in particular, are still trying to win back the England fans who have become less forgiving after seeing their heroes put in such abject displays last summer.

Two victories from their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers have gone some way to building a bridge back to the supporters but they will need to put in another improved display against Montenegro, who have also garnered six points from their opening two games in Group G.

The United manager revealed that Rooney was keen to play against Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light but he will not be in the squad as the boss is keen to make sure the injury is 100 per cent before a return to action (United 4/6 to beat Sunderland).

“Wayne trained yesterday and he wants to play tomorrow,” he told local radio station Key103. “But I have to take the view that this injury has been niggling away for a while and he kept on playing.

“I have to be dead sure that I am doing the right thing because Wayne has not been doing himself justice. I think in a week he will be fine. Obviously we don’t play in a week, so it is up to Fabio Capello whether he wants him to.”

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Redknapp dismisses Bale exit

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Tottenham Hotspur (10/3 to finish in the top four) boss Harry Redknapp has denied speculation that left-back Gareth Bale could be leaving the club for Real Madrid.

Newly-appointed Real manager Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move for the Wales international in the January transfer window.

The former Chelsea boss has been looking to bolster his defensive options at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole also being linked with a move to the Spanish giants.

However, Redknapp has insisted that he will not be letting Bale leave north London.

He said: “I read in the papers the other day that Gareth’s performances for Spurs have already caught the attention of other teams around the world – including Real Madrid  and their manager, a certain Jose Mourinho.

“Jose certainly knows a player when he sees one. But one thing is for sure. I am not letting Gareth go anywhere.

“Tottenham is a team on the up and we are building something at White Hart Lane,” he added.

Bale has had a strong start to the Premier League season, scoring three goals including one in the Champions League against Dutch side FC Twente.

The 21-year-old has developed into a great player for Spurs since he joined the North London club in 2007 from Southampton.

Initially Bale struggled to cope with life in the Premier League and had an astonishing run of not being part of a winning Spurs side.

However, the Welshman has improved greatly and Redknapp believes he is one of the best players in the top flight.

He said: “I do not make comparisons lightly but he and Ashley Cole are quite similar and that can only be a massive compliment to Gareth.

“My left-back at Tottenham has come through an amazing 12 months and matured into one of the best players in his position in the world.

“Just over a year ago, he had this awful jinx hanging over him where he had not played in a winning Spurs team,” he added.

Spurs will be hoping that Bale can continue his good form this season when they take on Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on Saturday (Tottenham Hotspur 20/21, draw 12/5, Aston Villa).

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Houllier confirms striker absence

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Aston Villa have confirmed that striker Gabriel Agbonlahor will miss the weekend’s game with Spurs (20/21 to win the clash) as he goes under the knife for a groin operation.

The 23-year-old Birmingham-born forward is set to have a minor operation on Monday after boss Gerard Houllier stated he had to leave training on Friday as the problem was “too painful” for him to continue or be considered for the game at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Villa (13/5 to win the game, draw 12/5) have had an up-and-down start to their season and the recent appointment of Houllier seems to have given them more consistency than they had under caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald.

Similarly, England striker Agbonlahor has had a frustrating opening to his campaign.A calf problem ruled him out of the opening three weeks of the Premier League season and he has yet to score this campaign.

The latest injury setback will be a huge blow to the pacey star, but the Villa backroom staff are hoping he can return to the first team for their clash with Chelsea on October 16. If this fails to happen they remain confident he will be back to face Sunderland a week later.

Agbonlahor, who has three caps for his country, will also miss England’s Euro 2012 qualifier (England 9/1 to win tournament) against Montenegro on October 12. Despite his poor form this season he may have been considered by Fabio Capello due to injuries to Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Bobby Zamora.

Villa manager Houllier confirmed: “Gabby will have a minor operation on Monday evening on his groin.

“I think the England squad is given on Monday and that has definitely ruled him out. He wouldn’t be able to play.

“It is not just a niggle, it is real pain and hopefully the operation will heal that.”

He added: “He could be available for the Chelsea game but, if not, definitely for the Sunderland game.”

The loss of Agbonlahor will be a blow to Houllier but he is able to welcome back Norwegian striker John Carew into the squad after the giant forward recovered from a back injury.

Irish defender Richard Dunne is also back in contention after a knee problem as Villa (11/1 to finish in the Premier League top four) look to get their first successive victories in the league since April of this year.

The experienced centre-back said earlier this week he would have “no complaints” if he were named on the bench at Spurs, as he was impressed by the “brilliant” partnership of James Collins and Carlos Cuellar in Villa’s win over Midlands rivals Wolves last weekend.

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Foxes sack Sousa

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Leicester City (16/1 to win promotion) have decided to sack their manager Paulo Sousa after just three months of the season.

The Foxes have struggled in the Championship this season and have failed to live up to their billing from before the campaign.

Leicester came close to winning promotion to the Premier League last season but were beaten by Cardiff City 4-3 in a thrilling Championship play-off semi-final.

The East Midlands club currently sit at the foot of the table with just five points from nine games.

Sousa took over the manager’s job in July after Nigel Pearson moved to Hull City (12/1 to win promotion) in the summer.

The sacking comes as a surprise after Leicester City owner Milan  Mandaric called for calm and support for the Portuguese manager.

However, a club statement said: “The decision has been taken as a result of the club’s poor run of results this season.

“The club would like to state that Paulo Sousa is a first-class individual, but that this decision has been taken in the best interests of the club and our ambitions to move up the Championship.

“The search for a new manager begins immediately and the club anticipates a quick appointment,” he added.

Former Foxes boss Martin O’Neill is believed to have held talks with the club and would be a popular appointment amongst supporters.

Ex-England manager Sven Goran Eriksson has also been linked with the Championship side as he looks to get back into management in England.

Sousa has admitted that he was surprised to be sacked so early into a new season.

He said: “To be sacked after being told that there was a long-term strategy at the club and after only nine games in charge is something that I find very surprising.”

Leicester have been on the end of some heavy defeats this season including a 6-1 thrashing by Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Goalkeeping coach Mike Stowell and coach Chris Powell have been put in charge of the club until a new manager has been appointed.

Leicester have two home fixtures coming up including a showdown with Hull City and Pearson at the Walkers Stadium.

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Roy attacks doom merchants

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Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is refusing to press the panic button over the Reds’ slow start to the season as he looks to guide them through the group stages of the Europa League (Liverpool 9/1 second favourites – Europa League Outright).

The Kop outfit take on Dutch side Utrecht on Thursday night knowing that their first chance to win silverware this term – the Carling Cup – has gone following the embarrassing home defeat to League Two Northampton in the third round (Utrecht 12/5, draw 12/5, Liverpool 11/10 – 90 Minutes).

Realistically, Liverpool are highly unlikely to mount a serious Premier League challenge after one win in their opening six games so it all comes down to Europe and the FA Cup – the last trophy the club lifted back in 2006.

But Hodgson is insistent that he will not write off any competition, with a top-four finish in the Premier League arguably their man aim.

“Our priorities have been to do the best in every competition,” said Hodgson ahead of the Utrecht game.

“Although these days I will be accused of not doing that because people will say the (weakened) team I played against Northampton was not the team to win the game.”

The former Fulham boss added: “There certainly is not the gloom that you would like to suggest.

“But at the same time I can’t say everyone is delighted with the start we have had because we are not.

“We would have liked to have been sitting near the top of the table with 12 or 14 points and we would have been happy as sand-boys.

“That’s what we wanted but you don’t always get what you want.”

Hodgson has refused to confirm whether or not star striker, but out of form, Fernando Torres will start in Holland, with the Reds entertaining Blackpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Captain Steven Gerrard did not travel as Hodgson takes the chance to rest the midfielder while defender Daniel Agger is out with a groin problem.

Agger is joined on the sidelines by Paul Konchesky (hamstring) and Fabio Aurelio (Achilles).

Liverpool got their Europa League campaign off to a winning start after beating Steaua Bucharest 4-1.

In contrast, Utrecht drew 0-0 in Italy against Napoli (Utrecht 0-0 Liverpool 8/1 – Correct Score).

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Vieira set to battle on

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Patrick Vieira admits that not playing regular first-team football at Manchester City is tough but he is determined to stay and fight for his place (City 7/10 – 90 minutes v Juventus).

The 34-year-old made the switch from Inter Milan to Eastlands during last season’s January transfer window but, with such a talented squad around him, has failed to secure regular first-team football.

The former Arsenal star has made just one appearance so far this term and scored the equaliser as City fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rover on September 11.

Despite a lack of playing time, the former France international is content with the way he is playing and hopes to force his way into the thoughts of City boss Roberto Mancini.

“I have been happy with my form since the start of season,” he said. “It is difficult when you play one game every month. I need to work harder than everyone else to show the manager can count on me.

“I just want to enjoy myself. I am involved in a fantastic challenge with this club and really want to be part of it.”

City welcome Italian giants Juventus to Eastlands on Thursday night in the Europa League, with the Serie A side currently struggling domestically.

The Old Lady have garnered just seven points from their first five games and no longer have the air if invincibility that they had under Marcello Lippi.

The Turin side only managed a draw with Lech Poznan in their opening Europa league match but Vieira believes his old team will join his present employers in the later stages of Europe’s second tier competition (Juve 7/4 to win Group A).

“I think they are going through a difficult period,” he added. “Maybe it is not the best Juventus side in the last few years but they are still a really competitive team.

“It will be difficult for us to find the space to play but we have players who can give them problems as well. Our strength is the squad. We can be competitive in every competition we are involved in.”

Whether Vieira gets the nod on Thursday night is open to question but defender Micah Richards could return to the side after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

Shaun Wright-Phillips is rated as doubtful with a knee problem while left-backs Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov are definitely out.

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Scotland turn to Mackie

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QPR striker Jamie Mackie’s impressive early-season form has earned the 25-year-old his first call-up to the Scotland squad ahead of their forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers (Scotland 11/2 – to Qualify).

The former Plymouth hitman, who was born in Dorking, has bagged eight goals in eight games since his summer switch from Home Park to Loftus Road, with the R’s yet to taste defeat in the Championship so far this term.

Mackie’s inclusion means there is no place for 17-cap Kris Boyd whose career has failed to kick on since he left Glasgow Rangers for struggling Middlesbrough during the close season.

Scotland boss Craig Levein insists Boyd will be back once he finds his form while the former Dundee United boss has also revealed Mackie has been on his radar since nailing his colours to Scotland’s mast in August.

Speaking in Motherwell, Levein said: “He has been watched on four separate occasions and each report has been excellent.

“We have been looking high and low to add to the existing pool that we can pick from.

“I believe his grandfather was born in Kilmarnock so he fits the criteria and I’m happy to have him on board.

“If you look at the strikers I have picked, I have picked players on form, that is basically it.

“I have had a chat with Kris and explained that to him.

“He is a top goalscorer and I have no doubt that once he hits a bit of form he will be back involved in the squad.”

There are recalls for keeper Craig Gordon, defender Gary Caldwell and striker Shaun Maloney.

The Scots travel to the Czech Republic for a clash in eight days before entertaining Spain at Hampden Park on October 12.

Scotland (16/1 Group Winners) top Group I on four points after making an unbeaten start to the qualification campaign against Lithuania (0-0) in Kaunas and at home to Liechtenstein (2-1).

Meanwhile, Barcelona ace Xavi, Arsenal midfielder and Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol have been ruled out for Spain who face Lithuania before making the trip to Hampden.

Scotland:
Goalkeepers: McGregor (Rangers), Gilks (Blackpool), Gordon (Sunderland)

Defenders: Hutton (Tottenham), Berra (Wolves), Broadfoot (Rangers), McManus (Middlesbrough), G Caldwell (Wigan), Weir (Rangers), Whittaker (Rangers)

Midfielders: Adam (Blackpool), Brown (Celtic), Dorrans (West Brom), McCulloch (Rangers), Fletcher (Manchester United), Morrison (West Brom), Robson (Middlesbrough), McEveley (Barnsley), Maloney (Celtic)

Forwards: Fletcher (Wolves), Iwelumo (Burnley), Mackie (QPR), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers).

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Ancelotti back for Arsenal clash

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected back in England for the Premier League home clash with Arsenal on Sunday following the death of his father (Blues 8/11 to win the game).

Ancelotti Snr passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 87 and his funeral will take place on Saturday in Italy which means his son will miss the build up to the weekend.

But the former AC Milan coach is set to be back in London when the Gunners make the short trip to Stamford Bridge.

A Chelsea statement read: “Carlo Ancelotti’s father Giuseppe passed away in Italy last night aged 87 with his son at his side.

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Carlo and his family. They are all in our thoughts at this time.

“The funeral will take place in Italy on Saturday. Carlo will return to London for Sunday’s match versus Arsenal.”

Blues striker Didier Drogba has already described Sunday’s game as one the Blues cannot afford to lose following last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City (Drogba 4/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

He told Sky Sports: “When I was playing in France, Arsenal was an example for us because there were all these French players who used to play in the French league and went abroad to play for Arsenal with a French manager.

“So to play against them for me means a lot.”

Drogba added: “I don’t think we can afford to lose a second game, especially against Arsenal

“People have to know, and we know, that we’re going to lose some games this season.

“But again, it’s always good to win, it’s always better to win.”

Arsenal also lost last weekend – 3-2 at home to promoted West Brom – but like the Blues they also bounced back in midweek in the Champions League (Gunners 10/1 – Champions League Outright).

Gunners understudy Lukasz Fabianski looks likely to keep his place in goal with Manuel Almunia struggling with an elbow problem.

The Pole was impressive against Partizan Belgrade during Tuesday night’s 3-1 win but will know he needs to back that display up if called on at the Bridge.

The 25-year-old said: “Overall, I am pleased with my performance.

“I am not talking about just saves, but reading the game, coming for crosses or playing with my feet.

“Every aspect of goalkeeping is important for me, so I am pleased with my performance in general.”

Fabianski added: “I am ready to play against Chelsea. I was always ready, so we will see.

“I was never really bothered by all the things said. I was always trying to focus on my job and my work.

“That is what I was always doing and that why I am grounded.”

With or without Fabianski, Arsenal are 18/5 for the away win.

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Nani eyes Euro run

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Manchester United winger Nani is hoping to continue his rich vein of form into tonight’s Champions League tie with Spanish side Valencia (Match Betting – Valencia 13/8, draw 23/10, United 13/8).

The Portugal international scored a fine individual goal against Bolton on Sunday as United twice battled back to secure a point and Nani believes he is starting to find his best form since his £17million move to Old Trafford in 2007.

“I feel more confident now than at any stage in my career,” said Nani. “I know I am at a very good moment in my career and my performances have been at a high level.

“I am doing well and am playing at an important level for my team.

“That is making me confident in every game and I hope to continue that.”

Misfiring striker Wayne Rooney will play no part at the Mestalla tonight as he has been ruled out for around three weeks with an ankle injury, meaning 23-year-old Nani could again be vital for United’s prospects of taking all three points (United 9/1 to win the Champions League).

Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Antonio Valencia (ankle) are both ruled out but midfielder Michael Carrick could play some part after recovering from an Achilles problem.

Defender Rio Ferdinand could return to partner Nemanja Vidic in defence after missing out on the trip to Bolton.  Boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he decided not to throw Ferdinand into action at the Reebok as he felt that fixture could have been a “physical challenge” but the veteran defender is in line to face Valencia.

Michael Owen grabbed the equaliser for United on Sunday and could be handed a place in the starting line-up in Rooney’s absence and as a reward for his efforts at the Reebok.  The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has now scored three goals in his last two appearances and Ferguson hinted Owen could be given the nod to face the La Liga side (Owen 13/2 to score the first goal in tonight’s game).

“Michael’s performances in training have been terrific,” Ferguson told Sky Sports. “I have said that since he joined us.

“The goals he has scored don’t go unnoticed either.

“He is an outstanding footballer, who has improved since he came to our club.”

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Wenger lauds ‘faultless’ Fabianksi

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Arsenal (10/1 in the Champions League Outright betting) maintained their 100 per cent start to their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win against 10-man Partizan Belgrade and Arsene Wenger singled out the often-derided Lukasz Fabianksi for a ‘faultless’ performance.

The Gunners, who made six changes from the side beaten by West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday, took control through goals from Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci, but Fabianski saved a penalty from Cleo, who had earlier equalised from the spot, to prevent a frantic finish.

The Poland international, recalled because of an injury to Manuel Almunia, also made a number of other good saves and earned the accolades from his boss.

“Fabianski had a good game, we have seen the player tonight who we see in training. He had a faultless game,” Wenger said.

“I know it is in him. He got it out in the game tonight and hopefully that will give him the belief and confidence he needs.

“I am confident he will come out as a great ‘keeper, I have always said that.

“We have to keep confidence in him and he needs to gain experience from games like this.”

Arsenal’s win on the back of the 6-0 thrashing of Braga means they now top Group H on goal difference, with Shakhtar Donetsk also making it two wins out of two with a 3-0 win in Portugal.

Attention for the Gunners now turns to a top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, and Wenger believes an immediate recovery from the disappointment of the home defeat to the Baggies has restored confidence to the players as they look to close the gap on the league leaders.

“For us it was important to win straight away after a big disappointment against West Brom,” Wenger added.

“It puts us in a good position confidence-wise, Sunday is a big, big game for us.

“I believe we will go there with a desire to do extremely well.”

Despite Fabianksi’s performance against the Serbians on Tuesday night, Wenger has refused to confirm that the 25-year-old will start against Chelsea (8/11 favourites in the match betting) – who ended their two-match losing streak with a 2-0 win over Marseille.

The French tactician, who did intimate that captain Cesc Fabregas may return, said of the goalkeeping situation: “At the moment Almunia is injured, we will have to see how his injury goes but at the moment it is too early to say.”

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