Wembley pitch needs sorted out, admit FA

The Football Association today accepted the much-maligned pitch at Wembley Stadium needs to be improved.

The debate over the surface has been rumbling ever since the new stadium was opened two years ago but it intensified over FA Cup semi-final weekend.

The turf proved problematic for Saturday's clash between Arsenal and Chelsea and again for yesterday's tie between Manchester United and Everton, with the top surface appearing spongy and giving way easily under players' feet.
Its harshest critics were the two losing managers. Arsene Wenger branded it 'a disaster' and 'laughable' while Sir Alex Ferguson said the soil looked 'dead' and withdrew three senior players from his starting line-up because of injury concerns ahead of the season's run-in.

The pitch has had to be re-laid five times in two years since the new £750million stadium opened. The standard of the turf even prompted the Australian Rugby Union to investigate whether it contributed to injuries to two Wallabies in an international against the Barbarians in November last year.

The FA confirmed the state of the pitch is a concern and said they are focusing on improving it for the numerous fixtures in the next two months.

'Whilst recent changes to the surface have seen improvements in player traction, we accept there are still further improvements to be made,' a statement from the governing body read.

'Wembley Stadium will continue to work hard to address these issues for our next matches.

'The grounds team has made continual improvements to the pitch since opening in 2007, however, the stadium's unique environment continues to prove challenging.'

Before the end of the season, the turf will have to withstand three Football League play-off finals plus the Blue Square Premier play-off final, the FA Cup final and the finals of the FA Trophy and Vase. England then play a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 10.

Aside from football, there is an AC/DC concert on June 26 and, in July, three Oasis dates and four Take That concerts.

It will be re-laid again for the Community Shield in August and the FA's statement added that 'this new pitch will be of a different composition and from a different turf nursery'.

David Saltman, formerly in charge of Millennium Stadium pitch and now the managing director of www.pitchcare.com, said Wembley will never be as good as a Premier League club's surface.

'This pitch is the most spotlighted pitch in country if not the world,' he told BBC Radio Five Live.

'The number of events on the grass and off it is staggering.

'One of the problems with Wembley and the Millennium is they're not just pitches for football.

'Managers such as Ferguson and Wenger are used to playing on pitches which are just prepared for football week in, week out and the levels are superb. The pitch is cut short and the players know what they are going to be going on to.

'At Wembley and the Millennium the pitches are turfed - they have to be because of the other events - so you're never going to have the same sort of perfect level you have with an in-situ pitch you get in the Premier League and the Championship.'

Premier League and FA Cup - Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

The candidates are Chelsea, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Stoke and Sunderland. They all won, but look at who they were playing. Tottenham beat a desperately poor Newcastle, City beat a desperately poor West Brom, Portsmouth beat a desperately poor Bolton, Stoke beat a desperately poor Blackburn and Sunderland beat a desperately poor Hull.

It has to be one of the FA Cup finalists but look at who Everton beat - Van der Sar, Neville, O’Shea, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Berbatov, Rooney. That’s the United team that didn’t start the game!

Through the process of elimination, the Hot team have to be Chelsea who beat a pretty good Arsenal team.
# Not Hot team

Basically all the losing teams, together with Middlesbrough who could only draw at home, are in the frame for this award.

The winner for me, by a mile is the Hull City team who went down at Sunderland to leave them with just one win in seventeen games.
# Hot keeper

To make a couple of fine penalty saves for your team is great for a keeper. To make them at Wembley to put your side through to an FA Cup final is even better. To do so against your old team, the World and European champions is just the icing on the cake.

There is no doubt that this week’s Hot keeper is Everton’s Tim Howard.
# Not Hot keeper

The good news for West Brom’s Scott Carson is that someone had an even worse game than him this week. It can’t be easy for a young keeper to step into a team and play in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. At least, I imagine it can’t be easy after watching the pretty poor efforts of Arsenal’s Lukasz Fabianski on Saturday!

The first goal beat him at his near post and the second goal…well, where on earth did he think he was going!?
# Hot defender

He’s had a great season and received England recognition. He has become one of the best defenders in the Premier League and yesterday, he struck home the penalty that took his team to Wembley.

Whilst Nemanja Vidic was absolutely immense for Manchester United, this award goes to Everton’s Phil Jagielka.
# Not Hot defender

Poor old Newcastle haven’t really had the type of reaction that many of us, including me, thought they would have to the appointment of Alan Shearer.

A defeat to Chelsea, a draw with Stoke and a pretty tame defeat yesterday at Tottenham has hardly been what Shearer must have been hoping for.

In amongst that performance yesterday was a particularly poor showing from one of this season’s signings, Ryan Taylor. The way he played sort of summed up Newcastle’s season so far. He was all over the place.
# Hot midfielder

I have been his biggest critic since he came to the Premier League, but I truly believe he has deserved it. Florent Malouda has been the biggest waste of money since Shevchenko or Alves…OK, there have been quite a few, but he has been rubbish!

All of a sudden, under Guus Hiddink, he has started to look like an international footballer. He scored Chelsea’s first goal on Saturday and had an all round good game. At last, we are beginning to see what Chelsea paid for.
# Not Hot midfielder

I love Paul Scholes. He is a true legend of the game and a true great. However, when he came on a substitute yesterday I was really pleased because I thought we might see a bit of quality that had been sadly missing from the game. The one thing you know about Scholsey is that he will just never give the ball away.

Yesterday, and against Porto in the first leg of their European tie, Paul did very little other than give the ball away. Form is temporary and class is permanent, so they say, but Scholesy is suffering a terrible blip in his form. He will always be a class act but I wonder if his days are numbered.
# Hot striker

He has had a very poor season by his standards and he has never been far away from controversy. Didier Drogba has looked like a shadow of his former self for much of this season.

He has become another player who seems to have blossomed under the guidance of Guus Hiddink and his performances against Liverpool in Europe and against Arsenal on Saturday, where he scored the winning goal, were right up there with his best.

When he is in form he is a frightening prospect for any defender. Nobody will fancy marking him between now and the end of the season.
# Not Hot striker

I am fed up with defending Dimitar Berbatov. He is a great player with a wonderful touch and outstanding vision.

He came on as a substitute yesterday and offered his team-mates absolutely nothing. He then took a penalty in the shoot out that must have been one of the worst penalties ever taken by a so-called international footballer.

Beckham stars for Milan on return from injury

AC Milan surged up to joint second in Serie A thanks to Filippo Inzaghi's hat-trick in a 5-1 home thrashing of lowly Torino on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's in-form side moved level with Juventus on 64 points but are still 10 behind leaders Inter Milan with just six games left in the season.

Stuttering Juve drew 1-1 at home with Inter on Saturday and Milan quickly made sure they took advantage, Inzaghi nodding in David Beckham's corner after 13 minutes.
Beckham, returning to the starting lineup after two games on the bench, caused havoc and Inzaghi soon flicked in another of his crosses with fourth-bottom Torino completely powerless.

Inzaghi, 35, converted Ronaldinho's pass in the second half before Kaka netted a penalty, Ivan Franceschini grabbed a consolation and Massimo Ambrosini finished off a good move.

Ancelotti, linked with Chelsea and Real Madrid, had been warned by club bosses that third place was the minimum requirement after limping in fifth last season.

Second spot now looks a distinct possibility with the San Siro meeting with Juve on May 10 especially important given head-to-head records separate teams on the same points.

Real target Liverpool star Alonso

Liverpool face a fight to hang on to their key central midfielder Xabi Alonso this summer, according to reports.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are due to hold their presidential elections soon and Florentino Perez is favourite to succeed.

Should he win, he has made Alonso his No.1 target, reports today's Daily Telegraph.
Although Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists the player is not for sale, the Spaniard has limited transfer funds available this summer and could be tempted to cash in on the player in order to boost his own spending kitty,

Alonso would fetch a price of around £20million.

Chelsea treble talk annoys Lampard

Frank Lampard last night attempted to banish all talk of a potential Chelsea trophy treble.

The England midfielder inspired the Blues to victory against Arsenal on Saturday to reach the FA Cup final with a 2-1 win at Wembley.

The Gunners had taken the lead in the 18th minute through Theo Walcott but Florent Malouda equalised for Chelsea, beating Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski at his near post.
Didier Drogba then smashed his eighth goal in nine games to seal the win late on and leave the Blues still in the hunt for success on three fronts.

Chelsea face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League and remain in the race for the Premier League title.

But midfielder Lampard insists talk of three trophies only adds to the pressure.

'I hate talk of a treble,' he said. 'When you talk about it the pressure gets even more so we must keep our heads down and take each game and competition as it comes and if we do that then we will have a chance.

'It will be very difficult to win three trophies but if we can win something it would be great.

'We are now in a position where we can be very successful. We must keep doing the good things - playing together and with spirit.

'We want to keep going and keep putting the pressure on. We want to win all our games as you never know what might happen.'

Wenger's Lukasz aid for Arsenal's blunderman

Arsene Wenger has defended rookie Lukasz Fabianski and claimed he will go on to become one of the world's best goalkeepers.

The Pole had a difficult evening at Wembley on his 24th birthday on Saturday, making a succession of mistakes before rushing out of his goal and gifting Chelsea's winner to Didier Drogba as the Gunners lost the FA Cup semi-final 2-1.

But Fabianski is set to deputise for No.1 Manuel Almunia at least until after the Champions League semi-final, first leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday week.
Wenger said: 'It would be unfair to put too much responsibility for this defeat on Fabianski.

'I do not want to speak too much about what he has done, I just want to see him recover because I firmly believe he will be one of the best keepers in the world.

'He has the talent. He is brave, he is intelligent and technically he is very good. He was not at his best, we have to accept that. It can happen to anyone, just as it did to [Chelsea's] Petr Cech on Tuesday.'

Robinho back on goal trail

Robinho re-ignited his Manchester City career with his first goal of the year as Mark Hughes' side edged West Brom nearer to the drop.

Brazil playmaker Robinho had not found the net since December 28 but opened the scoring at Eastlands yesterday after just 12 minutes.

And Hughes said: 'We are pleased Robby is back on the goal trail. It is his first in 2009 and important for him. As he has not been scoring, people have been highlighting that fact. But hopefully he will now go on a run again.'
Nedum Onuoha, Elano - with a penalty - and substitute Daniel Sturridge wrapped up City's win while Chris Brunt scored both for the Baggies.

And Hughes defended his decision to replace Elano late on. 'It was no reflection on his play,' he added.

Newcastle must win home games or we're down

ewcastle boss Alan Shearer has told his players they need to win their remaining three home games to save their season and stay in the Barclays Premier League.

After losing to Tottenham yesterday, with Darren Bent scoring the only goal of the game at White Hart Lane, Shearer's men are four points from safety with five matches left.
Three of those are at St James' Park, against Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Fulham - and Shearer believes maximum points from those clashes will ensure survival.
He said: 'We'll be expected to win those and we have to win those starting with next Monday against Portsmouth. My attention is now on that must-win game.'

Shearer was angry with his players for leaving it too late against Spurs before raising their game.

'I've just said to them, very pleased with the second half but give me an explanation why there's no urgency like that from minute one,' he said.

'We have our own ideas, our own theory as to why but we have to start games in the first minute like we finish them in the last 30 minutes.'

Another concern for Shearer is Steven Taylor, who was taken off at half-time with an ankle injury. That changed Newcastle's shape, as did Shearer's substitutions when he brought on Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka.

Martins provided an attacking spark and went close with two gilt-edged chances, while also having an effort chalked off for handball and a penalty shout turned down by referee Mark Halsey following a challenge by Jonathan Woodgate.

'I felt at the time it was a penalty,' Shearer said. 'That's three decisions we haven't got in three games.'

Redknapp targets Europe as Spurs win again

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry redknapp has set his sights on Europe after Sunday's

'It would be a good achievement, fantastic. It's not as important as staying up, that's all they were talking about.

'Mr Levy (chairman Daniel Levy) hadn't slept for weeks because he thought we were going to get relegated. I bet he's sleeping now.'

The win came at a price though and Spurs are waiting to find out the results of a scan after Michael Dawson injured his ankle in the first half.

'I'm not sure if it's ligaments or a fracture but it looks quite nasty,' Redknapp added.

Everton knock out United to reach FA Cup final

Sir Alex Ferguson's gamble backfired at Wembley yesterday as his shadow side lost their FA Cup semi-final on penalties to Everton.

United's hopes of an unprecedented five trophies in a season are over after the Scot left Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar and Ryan Giggs in Manchester and named four teenagers in a side shorn of eight first-team regulars.

But in a revelation which will embarrass the Football Association, Ferguson insisted his selection was down to the poor state of the Wembley pitch.
He said: 'When I saw the pitch in the Chelsea v Arsenal semi, what I didn't want was to go into extra-time with my strongest squad. It looked spongy and dead and difficult to move the ball quickly. So we had to go with the bold decision of playing the younger ones.'

Ferguson also felt referee Mike Riley may have been influenced by Everton counterpart David Moyes, who last week intimated Riley was possibly a United fan. The official denied Ferguson's side a penalty in the second half when Phil Jagielka brought down Danny Welbeck.

Ferguson added: 'I have no idea if that affected the decision but you never know. It may have. It can prey on a referee's mind.'

Moyes admitted he thought referee Riley got it wrong as well, adding: '"I thought it was a penalty kick too and if I'd have been the United manager I'd have been shouting for a penalty kick.'

Southgate eyes up shock

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is confident his side can pull off a shock result to get their survival campaign back on track.

The Teessiders saw two precious points slip from their grasp as they were held 0-0 at the Riverside Stadium by Fulham on Saturday and their next two fixtures are a trip Arsenal and then a home game against Manchester United.

But Southgate believes his side can produce a surprise similar to the one that saw them beat Liverpool 2-0 and said: "We have to win a game that we are not expected to in the next few - we said that prior to the game against Liverpool."
He added: "We have got players who can deliver, but for me when I look at the next two fixtures, there is no pressure on us in those two fixtures, although we understand the importance of them.

"The players have just got to go out and have a go at them and keep ourselves in there with a fighting chance, and there's no reason why we can't do that."

Southgate is realistic enough to know that points are more likely to be forthcoming from the club's final three fixtures, a potential winner-takes-all visit to Newcastle on May 11, Aston Villa's visit to Teesside the following weekend and the season's finale at West Ham.

But he remains convinced that the spirit and commitment his young squad has shown in the depths of an ongoing crisis means they still have a chance of staving off a fate which seemed inevitable before they dragged Hull back into the scrap.

Southgate said: "We will leave here thinking it was a game we needed to win, but we are not out of it.

"It might prove to be costly, but I don't think Saturday's performance is the reason why we are where we are by any means, and it won't be a performance that has cost us in the long run.

"The commitment shown, the way that we played, was commendable from everybody. I couldn't have ask any more of the players in the last two matches."

Gers still in title hunt

Rangers kept their title hopes alive with a 3-2 win over Hibernian which moved them back to within a point of Celtic at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Steven Whittaker's early opener was cancelled out by Steven Fletcher but goals from Andrius Velicka and Maurice Edu sealed a crucial win for the Ibrox side after John Rankin netted late on for the home side.

The pressure was on Rangers after Celtic had moved four points clear with a win over Aberdeen the previous day but Walter Smith's men responded positively to remain within touching distance of the champions.
The visitors enjoyed the best possible start to the game when they surged into the lead in style after just two minutes when the ball broke fortuitously for Whittaker just outside the box and he left goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski with no chance with a superb looping volley.

Hibs could have restored parity quickly when Colin Nish teed up a shot for Derek Riordan but his effort flashed just wide of the post, before Fletcher nodded over from close range.

But Hibs did level after 34 minutes. Lewis Stevenson found Fletcher in plenty of space with a cross from the left and the striker powered a header past Neil Alexander into the bottom corner of the net.

Rangers looked as though they were ready to make a change up front and throw Kenny Miller into the action when Velicka restored their lead early in the second half.

Whittaker turned provider with a long ball down the right and the Lithuanian gratefully collected before lashing home an angled drive with 53 minutes gone.

And any hopes of another comeback from the home side were dealt a blow when Rangers claimed their third of the day after 73 minutes. Miller came close to adding his name to the scoresheet when his close-range effort was blocked on the line by Sol Bamba but Edu was on hand to stab over the line from a couple of yards out.

Rankin then set up a tense finale to the game when he rifled home a thunderous shot from 25 yards with six minutes remaining - but Rangers held on for a much-needed victory.

Ipswich claim derby win

A Mexican masterclass from Giovani dos Santos ensured Ipswich saw off local rivals Norwich 3-2 to send the Canaries a step closer to relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship.

Bryan Gunn's visitors had forged ahead thanks to a fine header from David Mooney but Alan Quinn fired the home side level after an inspired touch from the on-loan Tottenham youngster sent him clear.

Giovani then converted a contentious second-half penalty to cap a performance of Premier League quality which illustrated why Spurs were willing to spend over £4million to bring him from Barcelona last summer. Substitute Jon Stead then hit a late third to confirm a costly defeat for Norwich, who grabbed a last-minute consolation through Sammy Clingan.

Norwich are a point adrift of safety with just two games remaining and could be left to rue the soft penalty decision for Giovani's goal if they find themselves in League One next season.

But the visitors started well and had already gone close through Alan Gow before they took a 16th-minute lead. Clingan whipped in a free-kick from the right and Mooney was left unmarked to send a fabulous header beyond Richard Wright and into the far corner from 15 yards.

They were pegged back in the 25th minute though as Pablo Counago turned Gary Doherty on the left touchline and fired a splendid crossfield ball to the edge of the area where Giovani showed real class to volley a deft lay-off perfectly into the run of Quinn. The midfielder did not have to break stride as he lashed home under the body of David Marshall with his left foot.

It appeared inevitable that Giovani would eventually create a third goal and he did so on the hour mark. After floating in off the wing he sent Kevin Lisbie clear with a beautiful pass and Marshall rushed out to narrow the angle. Lisbie hurdled the challenge and after waiting for an age referee Niall Swarbrick pointed to the spot.

Giovani stepped up and calmly rolled the penalty into the bottom corner to the delight of the home crowd.

Norwich poured forward in search of an equaliser but it was Stead who grabbed the goal in the 88th minute. Lisbie flicked on a long ball to send Stead clear and he showed admirable cool to side-foot past Marshall from eight yards.

Swarbrick then awarded the Canaries a penalty in stoppage time after Quinn appeared to climb on Alan Lee and Clingan fired home to ensure a nervy finale.

City see off Baggies

Robinho scored his first goal of the year to help Manchester City to a 4-2 victory that nudges West Brom closer to the Coca-Cola Championship.

He opened the scoring and Nedum Onouha extended their advantage in the first 20 minutes.

Chris Brunt scored a brace for West Brom before Elano (penalty) and substitute Daniel Sturridge secured the points.

More gloom for Toon

Newcastle and Alan Shearer were plunged closer to relegation after Darren Bent fired Tottenham to a 1-0 victory at White Hart Lane.

Bent struck after 24 minutes to leave Shearer without a win in his first three games as temporary manager, and he now has five games to keep his club in the Barclays Premier League.

Spurs enhanced their own hopes of qualifying for the Europa League but had Michael Dawson carried off with a serious-looking ankle injury.

The visitors' only shot of the first half, a tame effort from Kevin Nolan, came seconds before Bent's opener.

Heurelho Gomes saved Nolan's shot and hurled the ball out to Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Luka Modric took over and angled a pass towards Robbie Keane, which was cut out by Sebastien Bassong but fell to Bent, who finished at the second attempt from a tight angle after Steve Harper had saved his initial effort.

There were worrying scenes just after the half-hour mark when Dawson landed heavily and was carried off on a stretcher with his ankle strapped up. It looked serious and Harry Redknapp got up from the dug-out to console his centre-back.

The stoppage did not break Spurs' momentum and they were fortunate not to add a second when Modric's shot deflected off Bassong on the line for Harper to claim easily.

Shearer's response was to bring on Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, with Nolan and Andy Carroll making way. The two replacements joined Michael Owen in a three-man attack.

Martins had the ball in the net with a slick finish but Mark Halsey whistled for handball against the Nigeria striker.

Then Martins went over in the penalty area with seven minutes to go under a Jonathan Woodgate challenge, but Halsey waved play on.

Everton set up all Blue final

Tim Howard
Tim Howard
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard returned to haunt his old club with two crucial saves as Everton set up an FA Cup final meeting with Chelsea after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out at Wembley.

United had fielded a team of youngsters, but held their own during 120 goalless minutes.

In the end, though, it was the experience of Howard which came through in the shoot-out, saving from Dimitar Berbatov and United captain Rio Ferdinand.
Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck made their first appearances since the Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham in the same stadium seven weeks ago, while Rafael da Silva and Anderson were also included in what must have been one of the youngest starting line-ups United have ever selected.

Everton had a first-half penalty claim waved away by referee Mike Riley, whose appointment as replacement for Steve Bennett did not meet with the approval of Everton boss David Moyes. However, it was difficult to argue conclusively Rafael had fouled Steven Pienaar.

In sporadic bursts, United were at their free-flowing best. Yet Federico Macheda, who started brightly, and Welbeck were both guilty of rushing passes or shots.

The nearest Ferguson's team came was when Joleon Lescott deflected a Welbeck shot wide, Rafael supplying the cross.

After the interval, United were the better team. Park Ji-sung sent one shot skimming wide before Gibson tried his luck from long range with a dipping shot Howard saved without being able to hold.

The introduction of Berbatov at the start of extra-time, following the earlier arrivals of Patrice Evra and Paul Scholes, gave United a more recognisable look, although it was Tim Cahill who nearly broke the deadlock, Ben Foster making a fine feet-first save.

In truth though, a goal never looked like coming. And finally United saw their shoot-out luck run out, leaving Howard, Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright to celebrate a day they have waited for so long to enjoy.

Premier League and FA Cup predictions - Arsenal v Manchester United final

Arsenal are looking really good at the moment and had a fine win over Villarreal in the week. They have Fabregas, Adebayor, Walcott and Van Persie firing on all cylinders and going forward there are few who can match them.

At the back, however, with Almunia and Gallas missing, amongst others, things don’t look so good.

Chelsea had a much harder game in Europe in midweek but the relief of the outcome will have minimised the tiredness. They are six points ahead of Arsenal in the league and have identical home records.

There is so little between the teams but I just have a sneaking suspicion that this could be a tournament win at last for Arsene Wenger.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-1

Premier League
# Aston Villa v West Ham

Villa’s dreams of the champion’s league appear to be over but their alarming drop in form seems to have been overcome. They were desperately unlucky to lose 3-2 at Old Trafford and then produced a great comeback to get a draw with Everton last time out.

West Ham are nine points behind Villa but are well placed to take the last qualifying place for the Europa League. They have developed into a fine side under Gianfranco Zola and would give any side a decent game.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
# Middlesbrough v Fulham

Middlesbrough are still deep in trouble even though they did the unthinkable last week and actually won a game.

Fulham have only picked up two away wins all season but one of them was an impressive 3-1 win at Manchester City last time out. They are still looking to qualify for Europe and that is remarkable after they were many people’s favourites for the drop.

Roy Hodgson for manager of the season, anyone?

SoccerNews prediction: 0-2
# Portsmouth v Bolton

There is no doubt that Bolton are a little safer than Portsmouth but both sides are still looking for those last few precious points just to ensure Premier League football next season.

Portsmouth are only four points clear of the drop zone but if they win this one they will catch Bolton who are three points better off. In the end, there are probably three worse teams than both of these and they will both be safe.

I expect Pompey to be the happier later today.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0
# Stoke v Blackburn

Stoke six points above the relegation places and Blackburn four points above the relegation places. Two more teams looking nervously over their shoulders but who should just about be OK.

Blackburn have horrendous problems up front but the fighting qualities of their boss Sam Allardyce have rubbed off on their players.

Stoke are true battlers as well. This game won’t be for the feint hearted!

SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
# Sunderland v Hull

Yet another game between two nervous teams. The only difference with this one is that I am far from being convinced that these two teams will be safe.

Both teams are on a very poor run of form and I can’t help but feel that the loser of this game will be in serious trouble. On the basis that it is difficult to see where Hull can win a game, I expect Sunderland to just about nick this one.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-0

Sunday 19th April

FA Cup semi-final
# Everton v Manchester United

The news that Mike “penalty for Manchester United” Riley has been appointed as the referee for this game will have sent all sorts of alarm bells through the ranks of players, staff and fans at Everton. As if playing against eleven men from Manchester United isn’t difficult enough!

Everton are in fine form and Manchester United aren’t. Having said that, there were signs of the old United returning in the win at Porto and the defence which has looked so fragile recently, looked so much better with Ferdinand back alongside Vidic.

I think this one will be close, but I expect United to still be chasing five trophies at the end of the game.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-2

Premier League
# Manchester City v West Brom

Ten wins at home, mid-table Manchester City against one win away, rock bottom West Brom. Tough one to predict!

City will be reeling from their UEFA Cup exit, but they should still have way too much for the Baggies who are looking more demoralised as the weeks pass.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0
# Tottenham v Newcastle

Who would have predicted that Tottenham would have been fighting for a place in Europe at this stage of the season? Like him or loathe him (Southampton fans) you have to agree that he has done a quite remarkable job in his few months at White Hart Lane.

Newcastle are still searching for the “Alan Shearer effect” which will save them from relegation. So far it has seen a defeat at home to Chelsea and a slightly fortuitous draw at Stoke. If it doesn’t appear in this game tomorrow, it could be goodbye to Newcastle.

Having said that, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Hull are still my favourites for the drop.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

Ferguson no fan of Wembley semis

Sir Alex Ferguson is not a fan of using Wembley as an FA Cup semi-final venue.

The Manchester United manager has never lost at this stage of the competition and is hoping to maintain his 100% record on Sunday when his team tackle Everton, but his memories of 1994 - when the Red Devils drew with Oldham at Wembley thanks to Mark Hughes' memorable last-gasp equaliser - are not particularly fond.

"The FA have obviously got to pay off Wembley, which is the reason the game is down there," said Ferguson. "With so many games there already you can understand why they utilise it for semi-finals as well. But it is hard when the final is there as well."

He added: "Getting to the final should be the reward and the incentive for every footballer in the game. At one stage you could only play at Wembley by reaching the FA Cup final.

"We didn't have play-offs or anything. It lost that real feeling of getting to the top of the tree by reaching Wembley."

Unquestionably, Villa Park stands out as Ferguson's favourite semi-final venue. It is where United have won five of their eight semi-finals under Ferguson's command, including the epic 1999 replay against Arsenal, settled by Ryan Giggs' wonder goal.

In addition, two replay wins against Oldham came at Manchester City's old ground Maine Road, with Newcastle beaten in an embarrassingly one-sided effort at the Millennium Stadium in 2005.

"I have always thought semi-final day at Villa Park was a fantastic occasion. The atmosphere is brilliant," said Ferguson.

"This will be the second time we have been to Wembley and I do remember that Oldham match was not a particularly good game. They don't have Manchester United's support and could not bring the numbers."

O'Neill quiet on Laursen future

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill will hold talks on Monday with crocked skipper Martin Laursen but will not make any any predictions about the centre-back's future.

The 30-year-old is back home in Denmark with his family after being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with the latest in a long line of knee setbacks.

O'Neill said: "Martin is still struggling. There are lots of things (speculation) flying around. I have given Martin some time to go back home and see the family. I will see him on Monday and will sit down and see where we go. I want to see what he is feeling."

He added: "He might need some corrective work done to the knee. We will see but don't let me go all doom and gloom at this minute.

"I will find out, see what he is feeling, see what he is thinking about, run it all through with the doctor obviously at the same time.

"He has got a lot to think about at the moment. He is obviously disappointed."

O'Neill added: "Don't ask me to make any long-term predictions or anything like that.

"I am not capable of doing that at this minute. When he comes back, we will see what Martin is thinking. It may necessitate work in similar vogue to what he did before but that takes time.

"But let me just say 'I'll see how he is, see what he is feeling' - and then by Wednesday or Thursday I'll give you a better idea."

Liverpool suspend Itandje

Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Charles Itandje has been suspended by the Barclays Premier League club for 14 days while his conduct during Wednesday's Hillsborough service is investigated.

Television cameras appeared to show the 26-year-old Frenchman laughing at the memorial service to remember the 96 people who died at the FA Cup semi-final clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989.

A Liverpool spokesman said in a statement on the club's official website: "Charles Itandje has now been officially suspended for 14 days by the club while we investigate his conduct during the Hillsborough Memorial Service."

His actions sparked local outrage, with hundreds of Liverpool supporters reportedly complaining about his behaviour on internet message boards.

Itandje was instructed by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez not to attend training on Friday.