Eden Hazard is reaching the incredible standards of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with his ‘dancing feet’, says Graeme Souness. The Chelsea star reached 100 Premier League appearances for the Blues at QPR on Sunday and has been lauded for his fine performances for Jose Mourinho’s side this season. Sky Sports pundit Souness believes Hazard, who has 35 goals and 25 assists in his century of Premier League games, will be named the PFA Player of the Year. Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a fine individual goal in Chelsea's 3-2 win against Hull in March . ‘He’s got dancing feet hasn’t he? When he runs with the ball it’s never more than nine inches away from his feet,’ Souness told Sky Sports. ‘So if you’re a defender, the minute you stick out a foot, he’s skipped past you,’ added Souness. ‘He’s got great feet and looks to be a strong boy too. If you look at him he’s all there, if he wants to stand up to challenges he definitely can.’ Having grown into an integral part of Chelsea’s attack, Souness compares the rapid Belgian with leading world stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Hazard warms up at Loftus Road ahead of the clash with QPR, his 100th Premier League game for Chelsea . Jose Mourinho believes that 'it shouldn't even be a debate' that Hazard should claim PFA Player of the Year . ‘The way he goes past players, he makes good players look ordinary. He’s a bit like Messi and Ronaldo in that when you see them go past people, you think “that’s bad defending”, but no it’s not not. These guys are just that good and Hazard is close to that category.’ ‘He certainly needs more goals for me but he’s one of the few players that gets you on the edge of your seat every time you watch him play,’ added Souness. ‘I still think there is much more to come from him in the future.’ Hazard controls the ball under pressure from Stoke midfielder Stephen Ireland at Stamford Bridge .

Chelsea star Eden Hazard made his 100th top-flight appearance at QPR . He's scored 35 league goals and assisted 25 times since signing in 2012 . Jose Mourinho insists Hazard must win PFA Player of the Year award .


Aljaz Bedene has won his first match since becoming a British citizen after the Slovenian-born player won in the opening round of qualifying for the Casablanca Open. Bedene, the 25-year-old who has lived in the United Kingdom for seven years and is now a citizen, claimed a 6-3 6-2 victory over Maxime Chazal of France on the clay in Morocco. Ranked 83rd in the world, Bedene is now the British number two behind Andy Murray, and described his first match as a British player as 'awesome'. Aljaz Bedene has won his first match since becoming a British citizen in Casablanca Open qualifying . 'It's taken a while to get to this, but it's awesome to see,' he said on Twitter. 'Happy to get the first match out of the way. Was solid to be fair and more to come which is always good. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks for all the support and love guys, I feel really lucky.' Bedene will now face either Michael Linzer of Austria or France's Maxime Texeira in the next round.

Aljaz Bedene wins first round of qualifying for Casablanca Open . Beats Frenchman Maxime Chazal in straight sets 6-3 6-2 in Morocco . Bedene is now British No 2 behind Andy Murray after switch .


It has long been a highlight of the racing calender - and the ladies of Liverpool certainly didn't disappoint  with fashion and drunken frolics once again taking centre stage. Trotting into Aintree in a collection of floral, flamboyant and eye-catching numbers, thousands of female race-goers displayed their indomitable spirit for the occasion. Clearly taking the 'Chanel-inspired' style guide to heart, many opted for outfits that wouldn't have been out of place at a wedding - whether as part of the bridal party or as the bride herself. Others seemed to have taken heed of the sunshine and instead sported full-skirted looks bedecked with blooms in pastel shades of lemon, periwinkle and peach. Most, however, were intent on nothing more than enjoying the blissful weather with many opening proceedings with a mini bottle of champagne, quaffed with the help of a booze funnel. The occasion may have commenced with glamorous group photos and sunny selfies but as Ladies' Day rolled on, the hours of drinking appeared to take their toll, not only on the female race fans but their outfits as well. Wardrobe malfunctions hit many a low-cut dress and thigh-length frock and some even chose to flash their bottom for photographers, while others struggled to keep their composure on a wooden racehorse. As the mid-afternoon sun beamed over Aintree, balancing in high heels and platforms presented more of a challenge and race-goers were seen staggering around the grounds. It wasn't just the ladies who were making the most of the occasion. Aintree's gentlemen were also out in full force, with one group donning a particularly garish selection of suits.

Racing fans dressed in their finest outfits have arrived for Ladies' Day . Event is one of the most anticipated of the racing and fashion calender . Anxious to boost the image of event, today's theme was 'Chanel-inspired'


A football club chairman has warned of a new breed of hooliganism in the sport – from retired grandfathers who are trying to relive their youth and encourage violence on match days. Dave Doggett, the boss of League Two outfit Cambridge United, believes groups of up to 10 men - aged in their 50s and 60s - are trying to relive the 1980s by arranging fights with rivals prior to games. He said violence at matches has increased recently as the older men return to watching their team play in their retirement and fears there is a danger that they will try to encourage younger fans to join their 'gangs'. Scroll down for video . Dave Doggett, the chairman of Cambridge United, has warned of a new breed of hooliganism and believes groups of up to 10 men - aged in their 50s and 60s - are trying to relive the 1980s by arranging fights with rivals . Mr Doggett said violence at matches has increased recently as older men return to watching their team play in their retirement and fears there is a danger that they will try to encourage younger fans to join their 'gangs' Writing in his club's latest programme, Mr Doggett said: 'Unfortunately football clubs still attract an undesirable element of society that appear determined to ruin the enjoyment of real supporters of football clubs. 'Our promotion to the Football League appears to have encouraged our "risk" from the 1980s to come out of retirement. 'Many of them are grandparents trying to encourage the next generation to join their "gangs". 'It sounds pathetic but unfortunately it is reality. We are working closely with police. 'Hopefully the reality of the potential consequences will dissuade some of our younger supporters from becoming involved with these undesirables. 'Our football club is too important to so many to allow a few to ruin our great sport.' Peter Woor, a Cambridge United fan, said he had noticed that the hooliganism of the 1970s and 1980s still lingers in games against local rivals such as Southend United and Luton Town. He said: 'There's a tension and you feel threatened so I don't go to those places anymore. It's not worth it. 'Most places are fine though, but you still tend to go to away games and keep your colours hidden. 'I remember the 1970s and 1980s and it was horrendous and of course it's nothing like that but it's still a problem. 'These people must have something missing in their lives to want to do this. It's very sad.' Cambridge supporter Simon Dobbin, 42 (pictured with wife Nicole), remains in a medically-induced coma since being attacked after an away game to Southend on March 21. Police said he was an 'entirely innocent victim' Mr Doggett said older men were those causing violence. Pictured: Police with fans following reports of disorder outside Southend's Spread Eagle pub prior to the recent match between the Essex side and Cambridge . One Cambridge season ticket holder, who asked not to be named, said a group of about 30 fans regularly turn up to games looking for trouble afterwards. He said: 'They arrive after the game starts and then leave before it finishes to find a fight.' Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin, 42, remains in a medically-induced coma since being attacked after their game away to Southend on March 21. Essex Police said he was an 'entirely innocent victim' and believe he was set upon by a group of thugs intent on attacking the visiting Cambridge fans. Cambridgeshire Police said the force has also seen an increase in the 'severity and volume' of football-related disorder this season. Inspector Steve Kerridge said: 'We have seen an increase in football-related violence and disorder amongst a very small minority of people, both in Cambridge and other locations when the club has travelled. 'The tragic events recently leading to a serious injury in Southend have been reported widely and sicken us all. Mr Doggett said Cambridge United had noticed an increase in violence since the club was promoted to League Two last year. Pictured: Southend United's Barry Corr beats Richard Tait to the ball in last month's match . 'The club is working hard with us to ensure that those who use football as a vehicle for violence and disorder have no place in the terraces or association with Cambridge United.' He said police are using football banning orders, which impose 'stringent court-backed' restrictions on individuals. He added: 'The increase of risk activity both in severity and volume this season means regular consideration of this level of intervention is once again - and sadly - justified and necessary.' The warning comes as football chiefs across the country continue to promote the Kick It Out Season of Action campaign to promote respect within football.

Cambridge United chairman warning of rise of violence among older fans . Dave Doggett said grandfathers  in their 50s and 60s trying to arrange fights . He said violence has increased since club promoted to League Two in 2014 .


A daredevil risked life and limb for the opportunity to be named World’s Most Talented by jumping over a sports car that travelled towards him at 60mph. Alassan Gobitaca, known as Al the Jumper, is a Swedish Guinness World Record holder who has jumped over everything from a Lamborghini travelling at a speed of 80mph to a pair of moving motorbikes. In the clip, which features on interactive TV show World’s Most Talented, Gobitaca is recorded by co-host Laura Jackson successfully completing the jump. Alassan Gobitaca, known as Al the Jumper, is a Swedish Guinness World Record holder . His stunt driver, Hassan explains his thought process when approaching the stunt and states that he considers both the speed and position of his car. He then lines up before the daredevil and accelerates hard in the Opel Speedster so as to get to the desired speed before reaching Gobitaca. As Hassan approaches, people in the crowd wince but Gobitaca actually makes a move towards the speeding sports car. The people in the crowd grimace as the car approaches the daredevil but incredibly he runs towards it . Up and over! The daredevil leaps into the air and jumps over the car travelling at him at 60mph . He then effortlessly and rather athletically leaps into the air and the car  zooms past safely underneath him. An instant slow motion reply shows the height Gobitaca reaches and just how close the car comes to ploughing into him. The video concludes with the daredevil doing a little dance in celebration and the people in the crowd clapping and cheering. The daredevil effortlessly and athletically leaps into the air and the car zooms past safely underneath him . The daredevil lands and does a little dance in celebration before the presenter runs over to congratulate him . Hassan is then featured in his car making a hand gesture while coming to a stop – a look of relief is etched on his face. Finally the impressed presenter finishes recording the stunt from a tablet and runs over to greet and congratulate the daredevil.

Alassan Gobitaca, known as Al the Jumper, completed the stunt . Gobitaca has previously jumped a Lamborghini and a motorbike . The daredevil jumper is a Swedish Guinness World Record holder . Gobitaca represented Sweden in TV show World’s Most Talented .


Lewis Hamilton suggested Mercedes will be back in control for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel conjured one of the biggest surprises for many a Formula One season with the team's first victory for almost two years at the last race in Malaysia. Many people expected another dominant Mercedes campaign in the wake of last season's crushing success and thoroughly convincing win in the opening race in Australia. Lewis Hamilton was fastest in first practice for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix . The Mercedes driver, who leads the championship, set the pace as he bids to win his fourth race in China . Hamilton was over half-a-second clear of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in opening practice . 1. Lewis Hamilton  Mercedes 1:39.033 . 2. Nico Rosberg  Mercedes 1:39.574 . 3. Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1:40.157 . 4. Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1:40.661 . 5. Felipe Nasr  Sauber - Ferrari 1:41.012 . 6. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull - Renault 1:41.029 . 7. Daniil Kvyat  Red Bull - Renault 1:41.097 . 8. Carlos Sainz Jr Toro Rosso - Renault 1:41.112 . 9. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Mercedes 1:41.303 . 10. Felipe Massa  Williams-Mercedes 1:41.304 . 11. Pastor Maldonado  Lotus - Mercedes 1:41.335 . 12. Max Verstappen  Toro Rosso - Renault 1:41.575 . 13. Jenson Button McLaren 1:41.845 . 14. Marcus Ericsson  Sauber - Ferrari 1:41.918 . 15. Jolyon Palmer Lotus - Mercedes 1:41.967 . 16. Sergio Perez Force India - Mercedes 1:42.141 . 17. Fernando Alonso McLaren 1:42.161 . 18. Nico Hulkenberg  Force India - Mercedes 1:42.184 . 19. Will Stevens Marussia - Ferrari 1:45.379 . 20. Roberto Merhi  Marussia - Ferrari 1:46.443 . Even Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff suggested Ferrari's success was 'a wake-up call' to his organisation. Without doubt Mercedes responded in the first practice session ahead of the latest race at the Shanghai International Circuit, and none more so than reigning champion Hamilton. A three-times winner at this track, including last season, Hamilton finished 0.541secs clear of team-mate Nico Rosberg, with a best lap of one minute 39.033secs. None of their rivals even came close, with Vettel a further half a second adrift at 1:40.157secs, with his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen 1.6secs down on Hamilton. Valtteri Bottas was ninth in his Williams, over two seconds shy of Hamilton's best time . Jenson Button was within three seconds of Hamilton's lap and 13th in the first practice standings . Fresh from winning in Malaysia, Vettel was best of the rest in Shanghai behind the two Mercedes drivers . To underline Mercedes' supremacy and the gap to Raikkonen, from the Finn in fourth to Force India's Nico Hulkenberg in 18th, there was a difference of just 1.5secs. Behind Mercedes and Ferrari, the best of the rest was Felipe Nasr in his Sauber, with the Brazilian rookie 1.979secs off the pace, whilst Daniel Ricciardo finished 1.996secs down for Red Bull. No other driver came within two seconds of Hamilton, with Daniil Kvyat seventh for Red Bull, followed by Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz. The Williams duo of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa completed the top 10, 2.27secs adrift and split by a mere one thousandth of a second. As for McLaren, Jenson Button was 13th and Fernando Alonso 17th, with the latter 3.128secs behind Hamilton, with even Jolyon Palmer ahead of him on his debut for Lotus. Last year's GP2 champion, serving as reserve with Lotus this season, was 15th and 2.934secs down, with highly-experienced team-mate Pastor Maldonado only 0.6secs ahead. Manor pair Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi both enjoyed plenty of track time, completing 38 laps between them. For young British rookie Stevens his 18 laps were crucial as he had so far failed to take part in either qualifying session or race in Australia and Malaysia. Stevens finished 6.346secs behind Hamilton, with Merhi bringing up the rear another 1.1secs down.

Lewis Hamilton over half-a-second clear of team-mate Nico Rosberg . Sebastian Vettel was a further second adrift of the Mercedes pair . Jenson Button was 13th and Fernando Alonso 17th for McLaren .


Jordan Spieth will continue his quest for Masters glory when he tees off his third round at Augusta at 2:55pm local time (7:55pm BST) on Saturday. The 21-year-old American holds a five-shot lead at the half-way stage after a record 14 under par opening two rounds, and he will be joined in Saturday's final pairing by Charley Hoffman, who is on nine under par. Leading Brits Justin Rose and Paul Casey, both in a tie for third with Dustin Johnson on seven under par, will tee off at 2:45pm (7:45pm BST) and 2:35pm (7:35pm BST) respectively. Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, meanwhile, will be out a lot earlier in the day at Augusta as they both bid to make up ground on their 12-shot deficit to leader Spieth. The Northern Irishman will be on course at 12:45pm (5:45pm BST) with reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson. Woods, meanwhile, will be joined by Sergio Garcia when he tees off at 1:15pm (6:15pm BST) Scroll down for Saturday's full tee times. Halfway leader Jordan Spieth will step onto the Augusta course for this third round at 7:55pm UK time . Justin Rose will be in Saturday's penultimate pairing at 7:45pm UK time with Dustin Johnson . FULL THIRD ROUND TEE TIMES (BST) 3:05pm Steve Stricker . 3:15pm Lee Westwood (Eng), Anirban Lahiri (Ind) 3:25pm Matt Kuchar, Henrik Stenson (Swe) 3:35pm Sang-moon Bae (Kor), Cameron Tringale . 3:45pm Morgan Hoffmann, Jason Dufner . 3:55pm Darren Clarke (Nirl), Ian Poulter (Eng) 4:05pm Rickie Fowler, Vijay Singh (Fij) 4:15pm Jamie Donaldson (Wal), Jimmy Walker . 4:25pm Thongchai Jaidee (Tha), John Senden (Aus) 4:35pm Brooks Koepka, Graeme McDowell (Nirl) 4:55pm Chris Kirk, Hunter Mahan . 5:05pm Erik Compton, Bernd Wiesberger (Aut) 5:15pm Zach Johnson, Webb Simpson . 5:25pm Seung-yul Noh (Kor), Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) 5:35pm Ryan Palmer, Keegan Bradley . 5:45pm Bubba Watson, Rory McIlroy (Nirl) 5:55pm Jonas Blixt (Swe), Patrick Reed . 6:05pm Danny Willett (Eng), Russell Henley . 6:15pm Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia (Spa) 6:35pm Hideki Matsuyama (Jpn), Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 6:45pm Jason Day (Aus), Adam Scott (Aus) 6:55pm Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa), Mark O'Meara . 7:05pm Ryan Moore, Angel Cabrera (Arg) 7:15pm Kevin Streelman, Bill Haas . 7:25pm Ernie Els (Rsa), Kevin Na (Kor) 7:35pm Paul Casey (Eng), Phil Mickelson . 7:45pm Justin Rose (Eng), Dustin Johnson . 7:55pm Jordan Spieth, Charley Hoffman . (USA unless stated)

Jordan Spieth and Charley Hoffman to tee off at 7:55pm UK time . Justin Rose in  penultimate pairing at 7:45pm with Dustin Johnson . Paul Casey joined by Phil Mickelson at 7:35pm on Saturday . Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia tee off at 6:15pm . Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson commence at 5:45pm .


Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves made no secret of his passion for Formula One when visited and sampled the atmosphere at the Red Bull headquarters in Milton Keynes. Reeves, who has starred in blockbusters such as the Matrix trilogy, has been pictured at Grand Prix in the past and is a self-confessed petrolhead. The 50-year-old grilled Red Bull's chief technical officer Adrian Newey - who has been a part of ten world championship wins in the past - and checked out pit stops during his time at the factory with Sky Sports F1. Keanu Reeves chats to Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey at the headquarters in Milton Keynes . Petrolhead Reeves also checked out pitstops and more at the Red Bull factory with Sky Sports . And Reeves, who is also a director, producer, musician, and author, also said that his love for the sport comes partly from its similarity to the film business. He said: The whole thing is the most impressive thing. It reminds me of telling stories or making a film. All of the different parts -  costume, cinematographer, wardrobe, all of the fuel dynamics, the power plant, body design, construction. All of these kind of teams that go to people that go to an idea that goes to a passion going towards this one event is what's impressive. 'There's something great and human about it, everyone coming together for this thing. Despite Reeves' excitement at the factory, he conseded he was 'absolutely not' the key to catching Mercedes and Ferrari this season, while he admitted he was more of a bike lover. Talking about his early love for F1, he added: 'When I was a kid it was the classic thing where you see the cars on television. Loving the shape and sound of them, then as I was older it was the racing.' Reeves sat down with Natalie Pinkham and said Formula One was similar to the film business . The Matrix actor also tried out the Red Bull simulator during his trip . Watch this weekend’s coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 with news and updates at skysports.com/f1.

Keanu Reeves is a self-confessed petrolhead and visited Red Bull . Reeves says the whole process of Formula One is much like Hollywood . Red Bull currently preparing for Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai . CLICK HERE for all the latest Formula One news .


Fernando Alonso, whose youthful brilliance usurped even Michael Schumacher in the autumn of his career, considered a life beyond Formula One. This full-blooded driver, who has proved himself probably the best of his generation during 15 dazzling yet sometimes turbulent seasons, said McLaren would be his last team and that when he walks out of the paddock for ever he will barely take a backward glance. ‘I will close the loop on that part of my life,’ he said ahead of Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso says he will retire from Formula One once his deal with McLaren-Honda comes to an end . ‘I started with McLaren-Honda when I was three years old — a replica from my father; I will finish with McLaren-Honda, but the real one. That will be one third of my life. It will end with great experiences, great memories, great friendships, but normal life will start the day I retire. I don’t think I’ll become a driver manager or anything. After 15 or 16 or 17 years of Formula One it’s enough.’ Such are McLaren’s difficulties that Alonso may finish his career with two titles, a noble haul but fewer than his talents warrant — and fewer than anyone could have imagined when the Spaniard, then driving for Renault, denied Schumacher a record eighth crown in 2006. But Alonso, 33, is almost self-consciously happy about his lot despite leaving Ferrari to join McLaren, who are struggling for pace and reliability. Alonso left McLaren in 2007 after a bitter year but says he is glad to be back for the 2015 season . McLaren have struggled for pace - and with mechanical faults - during the first two Grand Prix of the season . ‘I was second in the championship with Ferrari three times and I didn’t want to be second for a fourth time,’ he said. ‘If they win the championship, I might have another opinion on leaving. I’ve been lucky to win championships and to win many grands prix, but now sometimes I feel happier and prouder doing the things we are doing now as a team than winning a trophy. ‘There are times when you arrive at a maturity and stage of mind that gives you different priorities in life.’ That was one of the great racers talking as he has never talked before. Alonso celebrates after winning the world championship with Renault in 2005 .

Fernando Alonso, 34, signed a three-year deal with McLaren this year . Spanish driver says this will be his last venture in Formula One . McLaren have struggled for pace in first two Grand Prix of the season . Alonso says he expects success will come -  it is just a 'matter of time'


Sergio Perez fears 'a very painful year' lies ahead if Force India's roll out of their upgraded car this season proves a dud. Build-time pressure over the winter resulted in the Silverstone-based marque starting the campaign with a car that is considerably off the pace. The additional knock-on effect means a delay in the introduction of the team's B-spec model, which is now not due to be unveiled until the Austrian Grand Prix in June. Sergio Perez walks through the paddock in Shanghai ahead of Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix . Perez locks his brakes on his way to 10th place finish in the Australian Grand Prix in March . The hope is Perez and team-mate Nico Hulkenberg will then finally be able to compete for points finishes, rather than crossing fingers a top-10 spot comes their way via reliability issues for their rivals. If performance is lacking, however, Perez fears the worst. 'We're hoping to make a big step forward,' said Perez. 'If we make that step then we can still have a good year as there will be plenty of races remaining, a lot of time to recover. 'But if we don't make the step we're hoping for then it's going to be a very painful year.' For the team and the Mexican, who was 10th in the season-opening race in Australia - where only 15 started and 11 finished - and 13th in Malaysia recently, the current struggles are already tough to endure. Perez fears for Force India's pace and was hounded by the equally troubled McLaren duo of Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button in the Malaysia Grand Prix near the back of the grid . Perez finished 13th at Sepang and admits Force India are relying on their June upgrade to come good . 'It is frustrating knowing we don't have a competitive car that can take us into the points on pure pace. It's really hard,' Perez added. 'It is also really hard to keep motivated. Going into a race, knowing it is going to be very hard without any advantage, is not the easiest for a driver. 'At the moment, on pure pace, it is quite difficult to make it into the points. We're quite far from the teams ahead of us. 'We are in a position where it's very easy to make mistakes, to lose the car as it is very difficult with degradation and stuff. 'From now on we are going to have hard races, but it is what it is at the moment. We have to be professional and do the job as if we are going to win the race. 'We're going to give 100 per cent and try to be there with whatever we have, to try to get into the points before we get the new package that can hopefully get us back into the points on pure pace.'

Sergio Perez admits Force India are relying on June upgrade to improve . Mexican fears very painful year if upgrade fails to raise competitiveness . Force India missed much of pre-season testing and are well off the pace .


Tony McCoy gave a bumper crowd what they were hoping for as he steered Jezki to a thumping victory in the Grade One Aintree Hurdle. Having been out of luck with his opening three rides – the closest he got was third place in the Betfred Bowl on Holywell – McCoy broke his duck on the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding. His task was made a little more straightforward than it might have been, as Arctic Fire – the favourite, ridden by Ruby Walsh – took a crashing fall at the final flight when poised to challenge Jezki. AP McCoy claimed victory in the Aintree Hurdles as he rode Jezki (right) to victory after Ruby Walsh, riding Arctic Fire (left, downed), fell at the final hurdle at this year's Grand National Festival on Thursday afternoon . McCoy was eventually was able to coast to the finish with a wide margin of victory after the fall . Ominously, screens were erected around Arctic Fire, who had finished runner-up on his last in the Champion Hurdle, but, thankfully, both horse and jockey got to their feet and, upon hearing that news, McCoy was able to savour the latest big victory of his glittering career. Jezki has been a model of consistency this winter and the retiring champion feels the gelding deserved this moment in the sun, as he beat Rock On Ruby by 13 lengths. ‘I was glad to see Ruby and Arctic Fire get up,’ said McCoy, who has been besieged by autograph hunters and well-wishers all afternoon. ‘I knew it was going to be a hard race and at the second last, I thought he might have me beat but 50 yards from the last hurdle, I was sticking in there. ‘My horse is bred to stay and he won over two-and-a-half miles at Fairyhouse. Whether he could have won had Arctic Fire stood up, I don’t know. But it would have been close.’ Arctic Fire takes a tumble at the final hurdle to allow Jezki to take the lead and take the win at Aintree . Walsh and his horse escaped without serious injury, although the Irishman pulled out of his last ride . McCoy, who will ride hot favourite Shutthefrontdoor in the Crabbie’s Grand National on Saturday, said: ‘I’m just trying to keep things as normal as possible and do my job. I can leave the worrying until after I walk out of here on Saturday night. ‘I would love to win the Grand National but I don’t want it to be my final ride. I really don’t want to retire but if I win the race, I will do retirement after that. Aintree is a great place and a meeting that I have always enjoyed.’ Of his other mounts, McCoy said: ‘Hargam (well beaten in the 4-Y-O Hurdle) was disappointing but Holywell ran well.’ The soon-to-retire 40-year-old from County Antrim has promised to call it quits if he wins the Grand National .

AP McCoy claimed his first win of this year's Grand National on Thursday . His ride, Jezki, won after Ruby Walsh's Arctic Fire fell at final hurdle . Both Walsh and Arctic Fire escaped without serious injury from the fall . It is  second time in month that Walsh has fallen after Annie Power tumble .


Harlequins have announced that fly-half Tim Swiel will return to the club next season on a full-time contract. Swiel, 21, spent four months on loan with Quins earlier this term before heading back to the Durban-based Sharks in South Africa. 'Tim made a real impact with us on loan earlier in the season and we are delighted that the Sharks have granted him his release to come back to us on a full-time basis,' Quins rugby director Conor O'Shea said. Tim Swiel will return to H . 'He is a young player with a huge amount of potential and also someone who showed mentally that he is able to cope with anything thrown at him.' Somerset-born Swiel made 10 appearances during his loan spell, featuring in the European Champions Cup, Aviva Premiership and LV= Cup.

Tim Swiel spent four months on loan at Harlequins earlier this season . The 23-year-old featured in the European Champions Cup and LV= Cup . The fly-half will return to the club on a full-time contract next season .


In a maneuver with ominous echoes of the Cold War, a Russian fighter jet 'aggressively' intercepted an American plane over Poland, the Pentagon claims. Filing an official complaint to Russia, the State Department alleges a U.S. RC-135U reconnaissance aircraft was flying near the Baltic Sea in international airspace when a Russian SU-27 Flanker cut into its path. Pentagon officials have slammed the move as 'unprofessional' and 'unsafe'. A Russian jet 'aggressively' intercepted a U.S. RC-135U plane (pictured) over Poland, the Pentagon claims . Spokesman Mark Wright told CNN the Russian jet performed 'aggressive maneuvers' at high speed in close proximity to the plane. He added that the State Department will consequently be filing a complaint to Russia 'through diplomatic channels'. Russia has rubbished claims it was a deliberate and aggressive interception. State news agency Sputnik reported that the jet was circling the plane to determine its tail number, as its transponder was switched off. The Russian SU-27 Flanker 'aggressively' cut into the American plane's path, the spokesman stated . The Pentagon and the U.S. European Command have dismissed the account. The incident occurred almost exactly a year after Pentagon officials accused a Russian fighter jet of purposely flying 100 feet in front of the nose of an American spy plane over the Sea of Okhotsk between Russia and Japan. In August last year, U.S. Air Force spy plane avoided a run-in with the Russian military over Swedish airspace.

U.S. RC-135U plane was flying near Poland when Russian jet 'cut across' Pentagon says Russian SU-27 Flanker made 'aggressive maneuvers' Russia insists they were trying to identify the plane by circling it .


Saracens flanker Jacques Burger has been cited for alleged foul play during last Sunday's European Champions Cup quarter-final game against Racing Metro in Paris. European Professional Club Rugby said that Burger is alleged to have struck Racing scrum-half Maxime Machenaud midway through the match at Stade Yves-du-Manoir, which Saracens won 12-11. The complaint was made by match citing commissioner Eugene Ryan. Jacques Burger (right) arrives on the scene as Maxime Machenaud (left) prepare to play a diving pass . Burger then catches Machenaud after the ball has gone but the player was low to the floor . Namibia international Burger, 31, will face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday. Welshman Simon Thomas has been appointed as independent judicial officer. World Rugby's low end punishment for such an offence is a two-week ban, with anything from eight weeks to 52 weeks at the top end. Saracens return to Aviva Premiership action against play-off rivals Leicester on Saturday, before tackling Champions Cup semi-final opponents Clermont Auvergne in Saint Etienne on April 18. Burger gets to grips with Racing Metro full back Brice Dulin during Saracens' dramatic victory . Marcelo Bosch celebrates after his last-gasp kick sent Saracens through to the Champions Cup semi-finals .

Saracens beat Racing Metro 12-11 to advance to Champions Cup semis . Racing were unhappy about a challenge on Maxime Machenaud . Saracens flanker Jacques Burger has been cited for the tackle .


Steven Finn believes pace does not matter in his quest to break back into England's Test squad. The Middlesex seamer admitted he finds it 'baffling' he faces criticism for not hitting the highly-prized 90mph mark, vowing to chase an England recall despite missing the West Indies tour. The 26-year-old was one of the few pluses of a dismal World Cup run, and is now intent on forcing his way into the reckoning for next summer's Test challenges against New Zealand and Australia. Finn, pictured at the Middlesex photo call ahead of the county season, has vowed to regain his England place . Finn hit back at those critics who say he should be hitting the 90mph mark with his bowling . 'The frustrating thing is that I've never been somebody who bowls 90 miles an hour for a whole day of cricket, that's simply never happened in my career,' said Finn. 'So it's frustrating when people say 'you've lost pace, you've lost this, you've lost that' when I haven't. 'Maybe I bowled the odd spell up above 90 that I'm working back towards, but consistently my paces have been the same as they have in the past. 'But because there are other bowlers in the world who are bowling 95 miles an hour consistently, it's like we're searching for that, and it's almost falling on my head. 'It's as though people are saying 'you're the guy who's done it for a few spells, so why aren't you doing it all the time?'. 'So it's frustrating that people keep talking about that, because if you're taking wickets, why does it matter if you're bowling 87 or 93 miles an hour. Finn celebrates a wicket during England's World Cup win over Scotland back in February . Finn, seen after taking five wickets in England's World Cup warm-up over India, was a high point of the tour . 'What does it matter? You're taking wickets. 'So that to me is baffling and it's silly to me, I find it stupid, but each to their own. 'Yes there might be a couple of extra miles an hour in there, as I've always been searching for. 'Ever since I was 20 and came into international cricket I've always been looking at how I am going to get better and make myself a member of the England team who is hard to be left out. 'And that's what I'm working back towards, and I certainly feel I'm on the way.' Watford-born Finn was sent home midway through England's disastrous Ashes tour that ended in 5-0 defeat early last year. The pace bowler wrestled with his action for months, but has since hit back to form, and is now confident he can reach new heights and resurrect his Test career. Coach Peter Moores overlooked Finn for the current three-Test West Indies tour, but has told the Middlesex star he remains in England's plans. Finn fixes the hair of team-mate Tim Murtagh as Middlesex posed for their traditional pre-season photograph . Finn shares a joke with Neil Dexter as the team convened at Lord's ahead of the new county campaign . 'I've been told I'm doing nothing wrong, but obviously to be left out of a tour obviously I am doing something wrong,' said Finn. 'So again, all I can do, and this is what they said to me, is to go and take wickets, enjoy playing for Middlesex, and 'you're very much in our thoughts'. 'It's reassuring for me to know that I've not been totally discarded as England cricketer because that would frustrate me and anger me deeply because I still feel I've got something to give to English cricket. 'I'm moving in the right direction, I feel like I'm there and that I can compete in international cricket, because I did this winter. 'And it's just about finding that extra little bit that's going to turn me from being a fringe player into someone who's in the team. 'That's where I was a couple of years ago, I'm not saying I'm looking to the past: I don't want to be the bowler I used to be, I want to be the bowler that I can be. 'And if I do that I think I've got a very good chance of being involved with England.'

Finn says it is 'baffling' he faces criticism for not hitting 90mph mark . Middlesex seamer was left out of England's tour of West Indies . This was despite being one of the team's better players at World Cup . 26-year-old will chase an England recall through good County form .


Sir Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas avoided being caught up in a major crash in the final kilometre of Scheldeprijs on Wednesday, but their Team Sky team-mate Elia Viviani was not so fortunate. The Italian, who was vying for position ahead of the expected sprint finish in the cobbled classic, hit the barriers in a crash which sent around 50 riders to the ground, and went to hospital for x-rays. Wiggins and Thomas were part of a strong Team Sky line-up in the race; Wiggins' penultimate outing for the team ahead of Sunday's Paris-Roubaix. Team Sky cyclist Elia Viviani lies on the ground following a major crash in the one-day Scheldeprijs race . Sports director Servais Knaven told Team Sky's website: 'Elia had a lot of pain in his arm and ribs, but that's all we know at the moment. It was fortunate that none of our other riders were involved. It was a nasty crash and everything had been going well for us before it. 'Obviously, it's a shame for Elia, but the rest of the guys are in good shape for Paris-Roubaix on Sunday.' After the crash, Katusha's Alexander Kristoff took the win with only 14 riders contesting the sprint. Sir Bradley Wiggins (left) and Geraint Thomas watch on prior to Wednesday's race in Belgium .

Sir Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas avoided the crash . But their Sky team-mate Elia Viviani was not so fortunate . Viviani hit the barriers in the final kilometre of the race .


Uncapped duo Shai Hope and Carlos Brathwaite have been included in a 14-man West Indies squad for the first Test against England. The islanders have cut six names from their first training camp under new coach Phil Simmons, who began work last week. Sheldon Cottrell, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Leon Johnson and Veerasammy Permaul have all been stood down for the opening game of the three-match series that starts in Antigua on Monday. Jason Holder, the West Indies one-day captain, takes his place in the Test squad to face England . Denesh Ramdin, seen here in action against England, will skipper the side for the three-Test series . But 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Hope and paceman Brathwaite have both been retained. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who played his 11th and last Test three years ago, has also been handed a recall. Denesh Ramdin will continue to skipper the side, with Kraigg Brathwaite as his deputy . D Ramdin (c), K Brathwaite (vc), S Benn, D Bishoo, J Blackwood, C Brathwaite, Da Bravo, S Chanderpaul, J Holder, S Hope, K Roach, M Samuels, D Smith, J Taylor.

Islanders have cut six names from squad for first training camp . Uncapped duo Hope and Brathwaite have made 14-man squad . First Test against England start in Antigua on Monday .


Cancer survivor Jonas Gutierrez will trigger a contract extension at Newcastle should he start the remaining seven matches of the campaign. The 31-year-old was the only United player to emerge with any credit in the wake of last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. It was Gutierrez’s first start for the Magpies in 20 months having twice beaten testicular cancer. The Argentine has said he will never forgive Newcastle for their handling of his illness after he was told to find a new club when he first returned from treatment in December, 2013. Jonas Gutierrez (left) will trigger contract extension  should he start the remaining seven matches . Gutierrez and Sebastian Larsson compete for the ball during the Wear-Tyne derby . But the midfielder is one of the very few players currently respected by a disgruntled fanbase who are threatening to boycott the next home match against Spurs. Before then Gutierrez is in line to start at Liverpool on Monday night, meaning he will be one game closer to winning a new contract at St James’ Park. The club’s hierarchy are unlikely to want to keep Gutierrez on their books next season, although head coach John Carver insists he will not be swayed by contract clauses when it comes to picking his strongest team. Adam Johnson  shakes hands with Gutierrez after the match between Sunderland and Newcastle . ‘I'm unaware of it (the clause),’ he said. ‘I like it that way as I make my judgement during the week on the training ground. ‘I pick a team on what I think will be the best team on the pitch. Sometimes you can get distracted. That (the clause) will not be in my mind.’ Gutierrez was the only Newcastle player to win applause from the club’s fans following the fifth straight Tyne-Wear derby defeat. Carver made a point of praising him afterwards and admits his recovery and return to top-flight action has come as a welcome surprise. Gutierrez shakes hands with current Newcastle United boss John Carver ahead of the Manchester United tie . ‘Everybody is delighted with how he has come back in and how he has progressed,’ said Carver. ‘He's fought and worked hard and done all the right things. ‘I don't think he ever thought he'd be playing as soon as he has done. I don't even think he thought he'd play again when you have an illness like Jonas had. ‘It must have been a proud moment for him, and for us as well, it was great to see him back out there.’ Ryan Giggs competes with Gutierrez during the match between Manchester United and Newcastle in 2011 . Manchester City player Carlos Tevez attempts an overhead kick against Gutierrez in 2012 .

Jonas Gutierrez could play his way to a new contract at Newcastle . The 31-year-old needs seven more starts to trigger contract extension . Gutierrez made his first start in 20 months in recent Sunderland defeat . Midfielder is one of very few players respected by a disgruntled fanbase .


Tim Sherwood has warned Tottenham Hotspur to keep pace with Harry Kane’s rapid rise or the England striker might one day be too big for the club. On the eve of taking Aston Villa to White Hart Lane, Sherwood insisted his former club must improve at a similar rate or risk losing their academy star. Kane was handed his first Premier League start for Spurs by Sherwood 12 months ago and has taken the top-flight by storm this season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions. He penned a new five-and-a-half year contract at Spurs in February before scoring 78 seconds into his England debut last month. Tim Sherwood believes Tottenham need to keep pace with Harry Kane's progression or risk losing him . Kane has scored 29 goals so far this season and also netted on his England debut in March . Villa striker Christian Benteke scored a hat trick in the 3-3 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday . ‘I wouldn’t want to put a price on him, they wouldn’t want to sell,’ said Sherwood. ‘He’d be a commodity now for the club, he has earned that right through his performances this season. ‘He needs to continue to do that for a number of seasons and perhaps he will be outgrowing that football club. ‘Not at the moment, he has a long way to go before he outgrows a club the size of Tottenham. For their sake they need to keep hold of him. ‘I have communicated with him since I’ve left, just to wish him well when he’s played for England and congratulate him on his call-ups.’ Sherwood joked that he would be the first to try to tempt Kane away from Spurs by bidding in the summer but said the form of Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor would keep out the 21-year-old. ‘With Christian banging the goals in and Gabby playing like he is I haven’t got room for Harry!’ he laughed. Benteke has scored seven goals in his last five games and has a decision to make on his future once the season is over. Two years ago he handed in a transfer request to try to get a move to Tottenham and Sherwood admitted there was interest. He said it would be his dream to partner Benteke and Kane together. ‘I’d want them both,’ he said when asked which striker he would choose. Sherwood also praised the form of Benteke's strike partner, Gabriel Agbonlahor (right) Sherwood believes Benteke's upturn in form is a result of improved service for the Belgium striker . Benteke will look to continue his scoring form for Villa when they take on Tottenham and Kane on Saturday . Sherwood said Benteke’s improved form, having only scored three times before Villa sacked Paul Lambert, was down to the medicine of greater service. ‘Do you think he was starved of service? It’s like a little bit of medicine. If people keep throwing it down your throat all of a sudden you feel better and you feel more about yourself and that’s where I think he is now. ‘He knows if he gets chances he’ll score. He’s just proved that. He’s a prolific goalscorer, he’s a one in two striker.’

Harry Kane has 29 goals for Tottenham this season and played for England . Tim Sherwood says Tottenham may lose him if they don't improve as fast . Sherwood said Christian Benteke has found form through greater service .


Sam Allardyce has outlined his ambitions to qualify for the Europa League next season by ensuring that West Ham finish first in the Premier League Fair Play Table. The top three nations in UEFA's rankings qualify for the competition, with England currently sitting third behind the Republic of Ireland and Netherlands. At present, the Hammers sit first in the Premier League rankings with 999 points - eight ahead of second-placed Burnley. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has outlined his ambition to qualify for the Europa League next season . The 60-year-old wants his side to do so via Fair Play - with the club currently first in the Premier League . P: Games played, R/Y: Red & yellow cards, P/P: Positive play, R/O: Respect towards opponent, R/R: Respect towards referee, B/O: Behaviour of officials, PTS: Points, AVG: Average. How the Premier League Fair Play Table looks up to March 31 . And the lure of hosting European games in the club's final season at Upton Park, before their move to the Olympic Stadium, is an opportunity that Allardyce believes shouldn't be sniffed at. 'Based on what we’re being told, we have a really good chance of qualifying for the Europa League by finishing top of the Fair Play League,' the 60-year-old told the Evening Stanard. 'I believe Burnley are our nearest rivals but we’ve apparently been top all season. 'The criteria includes your disciplinary record but that’s not all. Crowd behaviour, respect to match officials and your team’s approach to games - the type of football you play, chances you create, how entertaining you are - also play a part as well. 'Things can change in the last few games but the experience of European competition should be everyone’s dream, particularly in what should be a momentous final season at the Boleyn Ground. 'Whether you enter via the front or back door doesn’t matter. The record books will say you qualified for Europe in 2015-16.' Hammers will be playing at Upton Park for the last time next season before they move to the Olympic Stadium . A computer generated image of how the Olympic Stadium will look once West Ham move there in 2016 . Teams are judged on the following criteria: . Yellow and red cards . If no cards are shown the score will be 10. Every yellow card will deduct this total by one. A red card will cost a team three points in the ranking. If the red card is the result of a second yellow card the deductions of the second yellow card will be ignored. But if a player gets a direct red card after he got a yellow card earlier, the yellow card will be counted as a deduction. This score could become negative. Positive play . E.g. attacking tactics, acceleration of the game, efforts to gain time, and continued pursuit of goals. A team can score a maximum of 10 points and a minimum of 1 point. Respect to the opponent . E.g. returning the ball to the opponent at a throw-in, helping an injured opponent: maximum five points, minimum one point. Respect to the referee . Maximum five points, minimum one point. Behaviour of the team officials . Maximum five points, minimum one point. Behaviour of the fans . Maximum five points, minimum one point.

England sit third in UEFA's Respect Fair Play ranking at present . West Ham sit first in the Premier League rankings with 999 points . Hammers are eight points ahead of second-placed Burnley as of March 31 .


Defiant Stuart McCall on Thursday night urged Rangers to show an immediate response to the first defeat of his tenure and maintain belief in their promotion push. The Ibrox side crashed to a second Championship defeat of the season at Palmerston as Derek Lyle, Gavin Reilly and a Lee Wallace own goal gave Queen of the South’s play-off hopes a massive boost. But McCall is adamant that confidence will not be dented by the scale of the loss and he expects his players to bounce back in Sunday’s home meeting with Raith Rovers. Stuart McCall  urged Rangers to show an immediate response to the first defeat of his tenure . The Ibrox side crashed to a second Championship defeat of the season at Palmerston . ‘We’ve already spoken about going into the play-offs with good momentum,’ said McCall. ‘Tonight is a set-back but we’ve got to make sure on Sunday that we don’t have another set-back or then it can become a problem. ‘We will be fully focused on Sunday and we will be looking for the three points. ‘There will be no confidence factor come Sunday — I can assure you of that. Sometimes you get beat and you just have to hold your hands up and give credit to the opposition. ‘I was pleased with certain things leading up to their first goal. I thought we were doing well. ‘I said to the lads that we will put a line under it. Yeah, we know we weren’t good tonight but we will be good on Sunday.’ Rangers remain third in the table — behind Hibernian on goal difference but with a game in hand — after what was their biggest-ever loss to Queens. ‘Fair play to them,’ said McCall, who expects Cammy Bell to be fit to face Raith after a minor knee injury. ‘They were clinical when they had their chances. New manager McCall (right) suffered his first defeat since taking charge of the Ibrox club . Striker Derek Lyle points to the skies after putting Queen of the South in the lead at Palmerston Park . Lewis Kidd celebrates after doubling Queen of the South's lead at the start of the second half . ‘We controlled large parts of the first half but they got a lot of good blocks in. It’s about scoring goals and they got the first one. ‘Then we lost a goal that was really poor defending straight from the kick-off. Then you are chasing the game and that suited them with their pace on the counter attack. ‘We had some chances in the second half but we never really did enough. We weren’t good enough to win the game but we move on. ‘I’ve said it before and I will say it again, there will be ups and downs between now and the end of the season. It’s how we react to it, and Sunday can’ t come quickly enough for me.’ Jubilant Queen of the South boss James Fowler was thrilled with a result that saw his team leapfrog Falkirk into that crucial fourth place in the Championship standings. ‘We were backs to the wall a wee bit in the first half,’ admitted Fowler. ‘But we managed to cope with that. We got the goal and then getting another one so early in the second half was great. ‘All the players were great and we are pushing hard.’

Rangers lost 3-0 against Queen of the South on Thursday night . Stuart McCall: 'We’ve got to make sure on Sunday that we don’t have another set-back or then it can become a problem' McCall is adamant confidence will not be dented by the 3-0 defeat .


Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Sunderland's home clash with Crystal Palace... Sunderland vs Crystal Palace (Stadium of Light) Team news . Sunderland . Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson is suspended for Crystal Palace's Barclays Premier League trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Sweden international will sit out the next two games after reaching 10 bookings for the campaign during Sunday's 1-0 derby victory over Newcastle. Seb Larsson gestures to Sunderland fans during the Black Cats win over Newcastle last Sunday . Jack Rodwell will return to the squad after a hamstring problem, while fellow midfielder Will Buckley was included among the substitutes against the Magpies following his recovery from a knee problem. However, defender Wes Brown (knee) and midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini (ankle) are still missing. Provisional squad: Pantilimon, Mannone, Reveillere, Van Aanholt, Jones, O'Shea, Vergini, Coates, Cattermole, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Johnson, Alvarez, Gomez, Fletcher, Defoe, Wickham, Graham. Crystal Palace . Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Sunderland. Mile Jedinak is likely to return after his four-match suspension if Ledley does not make it, but the Australia captain could be included anyway. Joe Ledley applauds the Crystal Palace fans following their 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Monday . Strikers Marouane Chamakh and Fraizer Campbell (hamstring) and midfielder Jordon Mutch (thigh) remain out. Provisional squad: Speroni, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly, Ledley, Zaha, Puncheon, McArthur, Bolasie, Murray, Jedinak, Hangeland, Sanogo, Hennessey, Gayle, Ameobi, Boateng, Souare, Mariappa. Kick-off: Saturday, 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . Sunderland 13/8 . Draw 9/4 . Crystal Palace 17/10 . Referee: Anthony Taylor . Managers: Dick Advocaat (Sunderland), Alan Pardew (Crystal Palace) Head-to-head league record: Sunderland wins 10, draws 10, Crystal Palace wins 11 . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Sunderland have only scored more than twice in two Premier League games this season and one of them came in their 3-1 win at Palace in November. Wes Brown scored his sixth Premier League own goal in the reverse fixture in November. Only two players (Richard Dunne 10 & Jamie Carragher 7) have scored more in Premier League history. Jermain Defoe’s three Sunderland goals have come between the 34th and 45th minute. Defoe has scored three of Sunderland’s last four Premier League goals but first of those came in January. Jordi Gomez and Steven Fletcher were on target when Sunderland won 3-1 at Crystal Palace earlier this term . If the Premier League only counted games since Alan Pardew took over as Palace manager then the Eagles would be fifth, only two points behind Chelsea. Glenn Murray has scored Palace’s opening goal in four of their last six games. Crystal Palace have kept only one clean sheet under Alan Pardew (in 11 PL games). Palace are looking to win four league games in a row for the first time since winning five in succession last April. Crystal Palace have gained 18 points from losing positions this season, a seasonal high in the Premier League. Only WBA (23) have conceded more home goals than Sunderland (22) this season.

Seb Larsson banned for Sunderland following yellow card vs Newcastle . Jack Rodwell will return for Black Cats following hamstring injury . Joe Ledley to be given chance by Crystal Palace to prove fitness . Mile Jedinak set to be included for Eagles following four-match ban .


Barcelona attacker Neymar has the skills to pay the bills and his latest Instagram offering certainly proves that. The scantily dressed Brazilian ace proves that his footballing brain never stops as he shows off an array of skills out of hours. Dressed in just his shorts the former Santos man uses his quick feet to juggle the ball as a friend records the South American’s antics. Barcelona ace Neymar has the skills to pay the bills and his latest Instagram offering certainly proves that . The Brazilian shows his footballing brain never stops as he practiced his skills with a friend . The former Santos ace showed off his skills ahead of Barcelona's trip to Sevilla on Saturday . Neymar will be hoping to impress on pitch as Barcelona look to extend their lead at the top of La Liga . Neymar will be hoping to show off some of that trickery when Barcelona travel to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium for their latest La Liga battle against Sevilla. Barcelona are currently four points clear at the top of the table with fierce rivals Real Madrid lagging behind in second. However, that lead could be put in danger as they take on a Sevilla side unbeaten at home all season as they themselves look to qualify for the Champions League. Neymar will be hoping to show off some of that trickery when Barcelona travel to face Sevilla . Neymar competes for the ball with Hugo Mallo of Celta Vigo during the La Liga match at Estadio Balaidos .

Brazilian Neymar took to Instagram to show off his skills to his followers . Quick-footed Barcelona attacker impressed for the filming camera . Neymar will be hoping to show off that trickery away against Sevilla . Barcelona currently sit four points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top .


Vincent Nogueira scored in stoppage time and Philadelphia beat New York City FC 2-1 for the Union's first Major League Soccer victory of the season on Saturday. NYC goalkeeper Josh Saunders collided with Conor Casey inside the 6-yard box defending a cross and Nogueira toe-poked it home in the 92nd minute. Zach Pfeffer started the scoring in the 27th minute for Philadelphia. Sebastien Le Toux beat his defender, dribbled to the goal-line and fed it across to Pfeffer. David Villa scores from close range to round off a classy New York City goal, but couldn't prevent a defeat . Villa started the move with a back-heel before tapping in the rebound after his team-mate's shot was saved . Former Spain international David Villa equalized in the 55th minute for City, reacting first to a rebound off debutant goalkeeper John McCarthy to tap the ball into an empty net. New York's Lloyd Sam scored in the 90th minute to rescue a 2-2 draw for the Red Bulls at high-flying DC United. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid blocked Sacha Kljestan's free kick, but the ball squirted away and Sam beat his defender to the loose ball for the equalizer. Perry Kitchen gave United a 1-0 lead after heading Taylor Kemp's 26th-minute corner kick off the post and into the net. In the 67th minute, Chris Rolfe navigated through New York's defense and found Kitchen, who took one touch and drilled a shot for a 2-0 lead for the Eastern Conference leaders. New York answered a minute later when Damien Perrinelle headed in Felipe's corner kick for his first MLS goal. Sanna Nyassi scored in the 75th minute as San Jose beat MLS-leading Vancouver in a tempestuous match that saw both teams finish with 10 men. San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Sanna Nyassi scores the only goal in his team's win over Vancouver . Vancouver blocked the first two shot attempts of the sequence, and then Nyassi smashed the left-footed strike from near the penalty spot into the left corner of the goal for his first career goal with the Earthquakes. Pedro Morales and Adam Jahn both received red cards in the 88th minute for a brief altercation. Jahn went down, and Morales kicked at the ball near Jahn's midsection after the whistle. Jahn kicked back at Morales' shins in retaliation. Giles Barnes headed home Brad Davis' free kick in the 15th minute, ending Houston's 274-minute scoring drought, as the Dynamo beat the Montreal Impact 3-0. Ricardo Clark doubled the lead for Houston in the 72nd minute and Rob Lovejoy capped the scoring in the 80th as the Dynamo won for the first time in 5 games, despite Montreal controlling possession for most of the contest. Elsewhere, New England played to a scoreless draw with Columbus, as did Real Salt Lake at Sporting Kansas City. The Houston Dynamo players celebrate with Giles Barnes after he scored in a 3-0 win over Montreal Impact .

Vincent Nogueira nets stoppage-time winner for Union . New York Red Bulls draw with DC United thanks to Lloyd Sam equaliser . Table-topping Vancouver Whitecaps lose to San Jose Earthquakes .


Bastia president Pierre-Marie Geronimi has called for French League (LFP) president Frederic Thiriez to step down after he did not come down to the pitch to shake the players' hands ahead of Saturday's League Cup final. 'If you want to be president of a League with 41 clubs instead of 42, you must go,' Geronimi told RMC radio on Sunday. 'What happened last night [Saturday] is unacceptable. Sporting [Bastia] demands that he goes.' French League president Frederic Thiriez (right) has been asked to resign by Bastia president Pierre-Marie Geronimi . The Bastia players look dejected after their League Cup final defeat to Paris Saint Germain on Saturday . Thiago Silva (centre) holds the trophy aloft after PSG beat Bastia 4-0 in the Stade de France in Paris . Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice and opened the scoring from the spot in the first half . Bastia lost 4-0 to Paris St Germain, who claimed their fifth League Cup trophy with doubles by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani. In 2012, Thiriez did not hand Bastia their Ligue 2 champions' trophy. Edinson Cavani was also among the scoring, and netted a brace for his side in their convincing victory .

French League president Frederic Thiriez did not shake players hands ahead of the League Cup final . Bastia lost 4-0 to PSG thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani . In 2012, Thiriez did not hand Bastia their Ligue 2 champions' trophy . Saturday's win led the Parisian club to lift their fifth League Cup trophy .


Palermo defender Roberto Vitiello hopes the Sicilian outfit can improve its dismal form on the road starting on Sunday at Udinese. The Islanders have not tasted victory away from home since November 2 when they won 2-0 at AC Milan. Mired in a three-game losing streak following last weekend's 2-1 defeat at home to Milan, Palermo are in 11th place and feeling a sense of urgency to turn things around. Roberto Vitiello (left) feels his side need to start winning away from home and ending their poor record . 'We need to keep working hard in order to defend our Serie A status as soon as possible,' Vitiello said to the Italian press. 'We are disappointed not to have collected anything from our last three league games. 'But we must bounce back. Sunday's game at Udinese is important and we will give our all to clinch our second win on the road this season in Friuli.' Palermo, coached by Giuseppe Iachini, have picked up just two points in their last six league games. Udinese are 13th in the standings and one point adrift of Palermo. Mattia Destro (right) fights for the ball with Vitiello during the Italian Serie A football match Palermo vs Milan . After falling victim to bottom-side Parma in midweek, the Friuli side are vulnerable in their own stadium. Udinese have not won in their last four games and coach Andrea Stramaccioni is desperate for a positive reaction from his players. 'Against Parma, we had the wrong approach to the game,' he said. 'My players underestimated Parma and we paid the price. 'We lacked determination and didn't take a shot on goal. 'Now we must turn the page immediately and show against Palermo, the real Udinese.' Udinese were beaten by bottom-side Udinese last time out as they slip closer to the relegation zone . Udinese have struggled to deliver at home and have mustered just one win in their last nine games at Friuli stadium. The hosts must overcome the absence of defender Ivan Piris and midfielder Giampiero Pinzi, both serving a one-match ban. Palermo are without midfielder Edgar Barreto, who is sidelined for three weeks with a muscular injury. Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala, who is Palermo's top scorer with 13 goals, will lead the Rossaneri's attack on Sunday with Franco Vazquez playing in support. Highly-coveted forward Paulo Dybala will lead the line for Palermo as they look to pick up three points .

Palermo defender Roberto Vitiello must improve their poor away record . The Italian side have failed to win on the road since November 2 . Udinese are also a team in danger of relegation and lost to Parma recently . They boast a less than impressive home record, winning one in nine .


Cristiano Ronaldo was splashed across every Spanish sports paper on Monday after scoring five goals in one game for the first time in his illustrious career. The Real Madrid star was in unstoppable form as Carlo Ancelotti's men beat struggling Granada 9-1 to keep their title hopes alive on Sunday. The front page of AS featured a beaming Ronaldo with 'Cristiano' listed five times while Marca and A Bola featured similar front pages of the smiling Portugal international. Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals as Real Madrid beat Granada 9-1 on Sunday to keep their title hopes alive . Ronaldo's five-goal haul included an eight-minute hat-trick, while Karim Benzema netted a brace and Gareth Bale also got on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, league leaders Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo 1-0 courtesy of Jeremy Mathieu's diving header. Mundo Deportivo's headline read 'Merci Mathieu' as the Frenchman's goal maintained the Catalans' four-point lead at the top. French defender Jeremy Mathieu scored a diving header as league leaders Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 1-0 .

Cristiano Ronaldo scored five as Real Madrid defeated Granada 9-1 . Karim Benzema scored a brace while Gareth Bale also found the net . Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 1-0 courtesy of Jeremy Mathieu's diving header .


There was poetic symmetry in Glenn Murray's humbling of Vincent Kompany at Selhurst Park on Monday night. Ten years ago this month, the Crystal Palace striker humiliated another of the world's best defenders, World Cup and Champions League winner Gerard Pique. Sure, Pique was just 18 at the time and playing for Manchester United's reserves but he, like Kompany, is all too aware of Murray's talents after the Cumbrian scored a hat-trick against him in Carlisle colours. Glenn Murray jumps for joy after putting Crystal Palace 1-0 up against Manchester City on Monday night . Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique once conceded three against Murray in a reserve match in 2005 . Their careers have taken wholly different paths in the last decade but after a man-of-the-match display which all but ended the Premier League champions' title defence in a match viewed by millions around the world, Murray now gets a little taste of the limelight that Pique has basked in at Barcelona for years. His poachers' effort on Monday was his fifth goal in his last five games. Murray now boasts the fifth-best goals-per-minute ratio in Europe's top five leagues. He may lack pace but Murray's speed of thought is rapid and you will struggle to find a frontman in the land with a better ability to win the ball in the air, bring others in to play and generally unsettle defenders. Just look at how troubled the vastly experienced and physically powerfully Manchester City pair of Kompany and Martin Demichelis were on Monday night. Much of Murray's success comes from his cunning, a nous to win duels and subtly influence referees no doubt enhanced by years playing at the lower levels. Murray holds off a challenge from Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany . Kompany looks inconsolable at the end of the game after Manchester City were beaten 2-1 . And we're not just talking Leagues One and Two here, where Murray first began to shine with Rochdale and Brighton. Before then he had turned out in non-league for Workington, Barrow, Carlisle and even had a spell at Wilmington Hammerheads in America’s third tier. Footballers just don't take that sort of path to the top anymore, but there is no doubt Murray, now 31, deserves his chance. His telepathic understanding with flying wingers Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie brought him 30 goals in 2012-13 and with it Crystal Palace's promotion. Cruelly, he ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in the play-off semi-final victory over Brighton that year and missed the majority of last season recovering. He had notched up 14 appearances by the end of the campaign, mostly off the bench, but looked a shadow of his former self under Tony Pulis, with the exception of a typically bullying display in Liverpool's famous implosion at Selhurst last May. Murray celebrates scoring at Old Trafford as Palace beat Manchester United in December 2011 . Murray scores against Manchester City for Brighton in the League Cup back in September 2008 . Despite his rugged style Murray, like most players, needs a proverbial arm around the shoulder to produce his best - something Alan Pardew has undoubtedly afforded him and that Neil Warnock before him emphatically failed to do. Pardew's predecessor shipped Murray out on loan to Reading to make room in his squad for Kevin Doyle, a striker who had scored just three goals in 23 games in League One for Wolves the season before. How foolish that move looks now. Pardew, in contrast, immediately reinstalled Murray in the Palace side and gave him a new contract to the end of next season when he took over in January. His faith has been rewarded with a rich vein of goalscoring form that gives Murray the best goals-per-minute ratio of anyone in the Premier League. Murray wheels away to celebrate as City's defenders appeal in vain for offside . The Cumbrian striker signed a new contract for Crystal Palace back in January . Only four players in Europe have a better ratio than Murray – though he has some way to go to catch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. One thing is for sure though, Kompany will certainly be glad to see the back of him, as was Pique 10 years ago.

Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Monday night . Glenn Murray netted his fifth goal in five games to open the scoring . Murray now has best goals-per-minute ratio of anyone in Premier League .


Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing a midfield selection conundrum for Wednesday's La Liga match across town at Rayo Vallecano as the European champions look to keep up the pressure on leaders Barcelona. Second-placed Real, who hammered Granada 9-1 on Sunday with Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo netting his first five-goal haul, are four points behind Barca, who host Almeria earlier on Wednesday, with nine games left. Barring last-minute injuries, Ancelotti will have both Isco and James Rodriguez available for the first time in two months since James broke a bone in his foot and must decide which of the two playmakers joins Toni Kroos and Luka Modric across the centre. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma ahead of Wednesday's match with Rayo . Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals in Real Madrid's 9-1 rout of Granada on Sunday . Ronaldo's five-star performance is hailed in the Monday edition of the Spanish sports daily AS . 'The man in the bag' ran the headline on the front cover of Monday's edition of Marca . Real Madrid are four points behind Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title . Isco, a Spain international who was suspended for the Granada game, performed well first during Modric's lengthy injury lay-off and then during the absence of James and has become a huge favourite with the Real fans. Ancelotti, by contrast, has been whistled by some sections of the Bernabeu crowd as Real stumbled since the turn of the year and if he drops Isco and the team stutter again the Italian could be in for a torrid time. James returned to action against Granada and Ancelotti praised him after the game, suggesting he favours the Colombian, who joined from Monaco for a fee of £63m in the close season. James Rodriguez returned to the Real Madrid team during the match with Granada after two months out . Isco (left), seen here with Luka Modric in training last week, is also set to return to action soon . 'He played very well, it didn't look as though he hadn't played for two months,' Ancelotti said. 'He showed his quality, his intensity and his ability to keep possession. He is a very direct player and always shows great vision and awareness.' After edging Celta Vigo 1-0 on Sunday, Barca will be looking for a more convincing performance at home to struggling Almeria, who sacked coach Juan Ignacio Martinez after Saturday's 4-1 home defeat by Levante. Barca's Argentina forward Lionel Messi, in particular, will be keen to get back among the goals after failing to score in his last three outings in all competitions. Ronaldo leapfrogged Messi to the top of La Liga's scoring chart with Sunday's five and has 36, with Messi, who holds the record for a single season of 50, on 32. Lionel Messi will be hoping to return to scoring form when Barcelona play Almeria on Wednesday . Jeremy Mathieu (right) scored Barcelona's winner at Celta Vigo on Sunday night .

Real Madrid return to action at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night . They kept up the pressure on Barcelona with a 9-1 thrashing of Granada . Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals in the Bernabeu rout . Carlo Ancelotti now faces a selection poser ahead of Rayo visit . Isco and James Rodriguez are both fit and available again . Barcelona, four points clear, host Almeria on Wednesday night .


Club legend and assistant coach Fernando Hierro believes Real Madrid are capable of winning a second consecutive Champions League - as it's in the Spanish sides DNA. Carlo Ancelotti's men meet city rivals Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals, in what will be a re-run of last year's final. Hierro is confident that the players in the current squad will be able to emulate the successes of previous Real sides. Fernando Hierro believes that Real Madrid can win the Champions League for a second successive season . He told the UEFA website: 'I think the current squad can go on a successful European run like we did in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 'They are strong and confident and they won a very close Champions League final last time. 'Every record is there just to be broken. Everyone is pessimistic now because no club has won back to back Champions Leagues, but I think we are a really powerful team with a great coach leading us. 'The urge to be champions of Europe is in the club's DNA.' Gareth Bale (centre) celebrates after giving his side the lead in last year's Champions League final . Hierro won the Champions League three times as captain during his playing career at the Bernabeu .

Fernando Hierro reckons Real Madrid can win the Champions League again . The club legend believes winning the trophy is in the club's genes . Carlo Ancelotti's men face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals . CLICK HERE for all the latest Real Madrid news .


Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale treated himself to a Sunday evening BBQ after his earlier exploits had helped Los Blancos on their way to a sensational victory. The Welsh wizard was in fine form for his country during the international break, scoring twice and assisting another in an impressive win victory in Israel. And the former Tottenham Hotspur certainly kept that impressive run going as he opened the scoring in Real Madrid’s impressive 9-1 victory against Granada. Gareth Bale Tweeted: ‘Unbelievable result this afternoon, great team performance. Now for a BBQ.’ Gareth Bale rounds Granada goalkeeper Oier Olazabal to open the scoring during the La Liga . The Welsh winger knocks the ball in from a tight angle as he looks to silence his critics at the Bernabeu . Bale scored for Wales away on international duty and kept up his scoring form with a goal against Granada . The 25-year-old took to Twitter after the victory to show off his sunny Sunday supper following the win. Bale Tweeted: ‘Unbelievable result this afternoon, great team performance. Now for a BBQ.’ His goal in the 25th minute may have got the ball rolling at the Bernabeu Stadium, but it was Ronaldo who carried on its momentum. Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals against Granada on Sunday to help Real Madrid to a thumping 9-1 win at the Bernabeu . The Portuguese international but in a display that was deemed impressive, even by his standards, as he put five goals past goalkeeper Oier Olazabal. That five-goal haul included and eight-minute hat-trick and helped keep the pressure on current La Liga leaders Barcelona. Ronaldo's five goals included an eight-minute first-half hat-trick as the visitors were comfortably swept aside . Real Madrid bounced back from their El Clasico defeat by Barcelona with a thumping win on Easter Sunday . The scorebard displaying the favourable result for Real Madrid at the end of the match at the Bernabeu .

Welsh Wizard Gareth Bale opened the scoring in Sunday's stunning win . Real Madrid put nine goals past Granada to keep pressure on Barcelona . Bale treated himself to a BBQ in the Spanish sun following victory . Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals in the sensational team performance .


Lazio coach Stefano Pioli is excited about the enthusiasm in his squad but has told his players to keep their feet on the ground ahead of Sunday's home game against Empoli. The Biancoceleste are riding a seven-game winning streak in Serie A and won 1-0 at Napoli on Wednesday to reach their eighth Coppa Italia final. Senad Lulic's late goal gave Lazio a 2-1 aggregate win and set up a meeting with Juventus in the final on June 7 in Rome. Lazio manager Stefano Pioli expressed his pride in his squad but said there is still a lot of work to be done . Lazio's Senad Lulic (right) scores a late winner against Napoli to secure a place in the Coppa Italia final . The Biancoceleste players celebrate reaching the club's eighth Coppa Italia final on Wednesday evening . 'My team handed in a great performance at Napoli and it wasn't easy to win there,' Pioli said to the Italian press. 'I have fantastic players, who are united and willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team. 'We have achieved an important objective in reaching the final but we have won nothing yet. 'Compliments are lovely, but we are only halfway there.' The Biancoceleste won 3-1 at Cagliari last weekend to remain third in the standings. The top three sides at the end of the season will qualify for the Champions League. Lazio are one point adrift of city rivals Roma with nine games remaining. Arsenal and Liverpool target Felipe Anderson (centre) tussles for the ball with Napoli's Walter Gargano . Felipe Anderson (right) was watched by Manchester United representatives during Wednesday's semi-final . 'We want to continue our good run in Serie A,' Pioli said. 'We want to aim for the maximum this season and that is to win every single game.' Pioli will have to make some changes to the side with defender Dusan Basta and midfielder Mauricio both suspended, while goalkeeper Federico Marchetti will miss this weekend's game after fracturing his nose in midweek. Etrit Berisha will replace Marchetti in goal. Empoli travel to the Italian capital looking to clinch only their second win on the road this season. The Tuscan outfit fell 2-0 at Juventus on Saturday to see their eight-match unbeaten run halted. Empoli, coached by Maurizio Sarri, are 14th in the standings, 11 points clear of the drop zone. Sarri will have all of his players available, with the exception of injured striker Simone Verdi.

Stefano Pioli is enjoying the success but remains focused on results . Pioli's men reached their eighth Coppa Italia final with a win over Napoli . Third-placed Lazio are a point behind Roma in second with nine Serie A games remaining .


Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is braced for a ferocious derby clash at Old Trafford this weekend. The fading Barclays Premier League champions take on Manchester United on Sunday having unexpectedly fallen behind their arch-rivals in the table. For most of the season City, if not looking like mounting the strongest of title defences, at least seemed destined for a top-two finish. Manuel Pellegrini is relishing the prospect of taking on Manchester United with Manchester City on Sunday . David Silva (centre) leaves the pitch looking despondent after City's 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Monday . Sergio Aguero (centre) is blocked out by Damien Delaney (left) and James McArthur of Palace . That is now far from certain following a dramatic slump in fortunes while United, ordinary for much of the campaign, appear to have clicked into gear in the last month. With just a point separating them in third and fourth, the stage is set for a battle of high intensity. Pellegrini said: 'It is difficult to have a more intense match than you have in the Premier League every week but of course you add a little bit more for a derby of the city. Both teams want to win. 'It is important to be the winning team in the city - that gives an extra plus for the game, not only intensity is better but quality. 'Both teams have very good players and both managers like to play an attacking system so I hope (for a good game for) the fans, for whom you play, and after that I hope we can win.' City have held the edge over United in recent contests and could register a fifth successive derby win for the first time in their history with victory this weekend. A win would also see them become the first club to beat United five times in a row in the Premier League. United had the last laugh over City after the first of their current sequence of derby wins by winning the league in 2013 but since then the blues have had the bragging rights. Pellegrini said: 'I think that they have a lot of respect for our team because last year it was the team that dominated not only the derby but I think we dominated also the Premier League. It is not easy for a team. 'In the last three years we won two and in the other we were runner-up. This year we have been runner-up the whole year. 'We have to play seven games more and we will see what happens at the end of the season and in which position we will stay, but I think for them, they must try to beat the team that has been better in the last few years.' City are likely to come up against an altogether different opponent than the Crystal Palace side that frustrated them last Monday. Louis van Gaal's United have been fluid of late, winning impressively against Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa to take their run of victories to five. Facing a side that is not inclined to sit back could suit City but Pellegrini is dismissive of suggestions that might make it easier than in their most recent away losses at Palace and Burnley. The Chilean said: 'You never know but I don't think it will be easy. It will be different. 'United are a big team that like to play - especially with Van Gaal. He's always an attacking manager. We hope we will see a good game. 'We have a different problem, we have to make sure we don't make mistakes because they have important and technically very good players.' Despite a wretched run of just four league wins in 11 games since pulling level at the top with Chelsea on New Year's Day, Pellegrini maintains all possibilities remain open to his side. City boss Pellegrini remains positive about City's achievements this season despite dropping down to fourth . Vincent Kompany is an injury doubt for Manchester City's clash against Manchester United on Sunday . 'I never think in a negative way,' said the 61-year-old, who will await the outcome of a fitness test on captain Vincent Kompany's hamstring injury. 'I don't think of one, two or three points difference when you have to play seven games. 'When you have mathematical options in football you must never give up and always believe you can do it.'

Manchester City are in fourth, a point behind rivals Manchester United . City were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace on Monday and face United Sunday . Manuel Pellegrini ready to battle for three points to move above United .


Sam Allardyce responded to David Sullivan’s analysis that West Ham have been ‘exceedingly disappointing’ by telling the co-owner not to judge his team on their form in 2015 alone. West Ham have picked up just 11 points in the Barclays Premier League since the turn of the year but Allardyce feels the season as a whole has been a success. The club have already beaten last year’s total by two points with seven games to spare, as was demanded of Allardyce at the beginning of the season. Sam Allardyce (centre) has told West Ham co-owner David Sullivan not judge his side on 2015's results . Sullivan was asked by whufctv.com what he made of the season so far, and was brief in his answer: ‘The last 12 games have been exceedingly disappointing.’ Reminded that Sullivan was unhappy with West Ham’s form during his press conference, Allardyce said: ‘Is he really? In my position the game of football is about reality. The reality is, is it all about results or is it about performances? ‘The reality is, like everywhere you go, people talk about how you play. Do you play like this? Do you play like that? Sullivan (left) seen here with David Gold admitted the last 12 gamaes have been 'exceedingly disappointing' ‘The bottom line is the game is about winning games of football. We haven’t won enough. We’re all disappointed in the last few results. I have to keep emphasising results because performances have been right up there. This season has always been very exciting. ‘I think we can get carried away and start alluding to what this season has been just by a few games. The overall season where we are has been terrific.’ Allardyce has Enner Valencia available for selection against Stoke City on Saturday following a bizarre toe injury suffered at home, and could use his forward in the starting line-up. Enner Valencia (left) is back in contention for West Ham following his bizarre toe injury he suffered .

Sam Allardyce has told David Sullivan to not judge his side on 2015 form . The  co-owner described recent form as #exceedingly disappointing' Enner Valencia returns to the West Ham set-up following a toe injury . CLICK HERE for all the latest West Ham news .


Manchester United defender Chris Smalling took a trip down memory lane as the 25-year-old went back to his old judo club. Photos of the visit, during which he presented some members with replica United jerseys, were posted on the International Judo Federation's official Twitter account alongside a flashback picture of Smalling as a youngster. The England international, who only made the decision to join the social networking site on Friday, excelled at the martial art as a teen and was even named national champion for his age group, before football took precedence at 15. The International Judo Federation shares pictures of Chris Smalling taking the time to visit his old club . Smalling was a gifted martial artist and was at one stage named national judo champion for his age group . The Manchester United defender presents some replica jerseys to some of the members of the club . Smalling began his footballing career with minnows Maidstone United in Kent, before a string of impressive performances saw him snapped up by then Premier League side Fulham in 2008. After only a handful appearances for the Cottagers, his talent was clear and Smalling signed for Manchester United one year later. It has been a remarkable rise for the former Chatham Grammar School student, who if football had not worked out, was set to study Business Management at Loughborough University, having gained a decent set of A-Levels. Smalling will be hoping to make manager Louis van Gaal's starting line up for the crunch clash with local rivals Manchester City this weekend, as United aim to finish the league campaign in the top-four. Smalling (right) trains with his United team-mates at the Aon training complex ahead of this weekend's game . Smalling (right) heads the ball ahead of Manchester City striker Stefan Jovetic (left) earlier on this season .

Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has taken a trip to his old judo club . The International Judo Federation shared photos of the visit on Twitter . Before deciding on a career in football, Smalling was a talented martial artist and named national judo champion as a teenager . He has experienced a meteoric rise from his days playing for non-league Maidstone United to turning out for The Red Devils now .


Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Manchester United's home clash with Manchester City... Manchester United vs Manchester City (Old Trafford) Team news . Manchester United . Manchester United have Chris Smalling back in contention after illness but Luke Shaw will not feature after a hamstring injury and fellow defender Jonny Evans is banned. Striker Robin Van Persie will not be risked after ankle trouble, while midfielder Andreas Pereira is on Brazil Under 20 duty. Manchester United's Chris Smalling looks on as Danny Welbeck of Arsenal shoots to score in an FA Cup quarter-final. Smalling could feature for the Red Devils in the Manchester derby . Manchester City . Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful for Sunday's derby against Manchester United with a hamstring injury. Kompany felt the muscle tighten during Monday's Barclays Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace and will undergo a fitness test. Vincent Kompany gestures during Manchester City's 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace on Monday . Strikers Wilfried Bony (ankle/knee) and Stevan Jovetic are also out, as is defender Dedryck Boyata (knee). Provisional squad: Hart, Caballero, Sagna, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Clichy, Navas, Milner, Nasri, Silva, Toure, Fernando, Fernandinho, Lampard, Dzeko, Aguero. Kick-off: Sunday, 4pm - Sky Sports 1 . Odds (subject to change): . Manchester United 8/5 . Draw 23/10 . Manchester City 17/10 . Referee: Mark Clattenbug . Managers: Louis van Gaal (Manchester United), Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City) Head-to-head league record: Manchester United wins 59, draws 49, Manchester City wins 43 . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Manchester United have lost their last four league games against Manchester City; they’ve never lost five in a row. Sergio Aguero has scored four goals in his last three Premier League matches against Manchester United. The Red Devils have shipped 11 goals in their last three home clashes against City (L3). All four of Edin Dzeko’s Premier League goals against United have arrived at Old Trafford. Only three of Wayne Rooney’s eight PL goals against Manchester City have come at Old Trafford. Indeed, his last three against the Citizens have arrived at the Etihad. Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal as Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 in November . Manchester City could become the first side in PL history to record five consecutive victories against Manchester United. No Manchester City manager has lost four successive Premier League away games since Stuart Pearce in September 2006. Sergio Aguero has not scored in any of his last six competitive appearances for Man City. Aguero has been stuck on 69 Premier League goals (level with Luis Suarez and Kevin Nolan) since February 21. Last weekend Ander Herrera became the 15th Spaniard to score two-plus goals in a Premier League game. Juan Mata has four, while City’s David Silva and Jesus Navas have three and one respectively.

Chris Smalling in contention but Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans out . Robin van Persie will not be risked by Manchester United . Vincent Kompany a doubt for Manchester City with hamstring injury . Wilfried Bony, Stevan Jovetic and Dedryck Boyata will be absent for City .


Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for QPR's home clash with Chelsea... Queens Park Rangers vs Chelsea (Loftus Road) Team news . QPR . QPR will not welcome back any of their injured players in time to face west London rivals Chelsea on Sunday. Defender Richard Dunne (knee) is close to a return but will not be considered with fellow centre-back Rio Ferdinand also absent for the Barclays Premier League match with an unspecified knock. QPR will be without experienced defender Richard Dunne for the west London derby at home to Chelsea . Manager Chris Ramsey may have to look to make changes having played twice in four days but Yun Suk-young (concussion) is still out alongside Eduardo Vargas, Leroy Fer and Alejandro Faurlin (all knee). Provisional squad: Green, Isla, Onuoha, Caulker, Hill, Phillips, Sandro, Barton, Kranjcar, Austin, Zamora, Hoilett, Grego-Cox, McCarthy, Henry, Doughty, Sutherland. Chelsea . Chelsea are without Diego Costa for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash at QPR following the striker's hamstring injury. Cesc Fabregas will play with a mask to protect his broken nose and will start alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield despite the influential pair being one booking away from a suspension. Diego Costa was forced off injured for Chelsea in their 2-1 win over Stoke last weekend . Midfielder John Obi Mikel is fit again following a knee injury. Provisional squad: Courtois, Cech, Ivanovic, Luis, Fabregas, Zouma, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard, Drogba, Mikel, Remy, Matic, Willian, Cuadrado, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Blackman, Loftus-Cheek. Kick-off: Sunday, 1.30pm - Sky Sports 1 . Odds (subject to change): . QPR 7/1 . Draw 4/1 . Chelsea 4/11 . Referee: Andre Marriner . Managers: Chris Ramsey (QPR), Jose Mourinho (Chelsea) Head-to-head league record: QPR wins 13, draws 16, Chelsea wins 16 . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) QPR have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four Premier League matches at home to Chelsea (W2 D1 L1). Chelsea have conceded in six of their last seven games against Rangers in the top-flight (W3 D2 L2). QPR have lost 49 Premier Leaue home games. Eden Hazard should make his 100th Premier League appearance in this game. Hazard has scored nine out of nine PL penalties - the joint most of any player with a 100 per cent record (along with Dimitar Berbatov). Chelsea have led in 12 of their 15 Premier League away games this season. Chelsea players celebrate after Eden Hazard (second left) scored the winning goal from the penalty spot when the Blues defeated QPR 2-1 at Stamford Bridge back in November . Chelsea have opened the scoring in a leagu-high 24 of their 30 Premier League games this season. Chelsea have scored exactly 99 goals in all competitions this season. Diego Costa’s longest spell of consecutive appearances in the Premier League is eight games. Charlie Austin has been involved in 55 per cent of QPR’s 38 goals this season (17 goals, four assists).

Richard Dunne and Rio Ferdinand remain out for Queens Park Rangers . Yun Suk-young also absent with concussion for west London derby . Chelsea without Diego Costa due to hamstring injury . Cesc Fabregas will play with protective face mask for the Blues .