Fergie: It was a mistake

Sir Alex Ferguson rues his missed opportunity to bring goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar to Old Trafford back in 1999.

Van der Sar has been an ever-present in a United defence looking to record an unprecedented 12th successive Premier League clean sheet when they tackle Everton at Old Trafford.

It seems hard to imagine now but three-and-a-half years ago, before Van der Sar moved north from Fulham in a bargain £2million deal, United's goalkeeping was seen as their weak link.

After Peter Schmeichel left the club almost a dozen goalkeepers had been tried, from French World Cup winner Fabien Barthez to Italian Massimo Taibi, and none of them had proved successful.

In the end Ferguson returned to the man he first identified at Schmeichel's replacement.

"I do reflect on 1999 even more now, there is no doubt about that." said the United chief.

"It was a mistake.

"I did want Edwin but by that time (chief executive) Martin Edwards had done a deal with Mark Bosnich. It was too late to get out of it and Edwin went to Juventus instead.

"But all through 2005 we were assessing where we should be going with the goalkeeping positions.

"We got information on all the goalkeepers who were a possibility and Van der Sar's name came up all the time so we didn't hesitate."

Having lost out once, Ferguson's perseverance has been rewarded with a series of outstanding performances that have allowed United to regain the dominance they enjoyed when Van der Sar came to their attention.

And because the former Ajax goalkeeper has kept himself in peak condition, United are benefiting to a far greater extent than many people imagined.

"Edwin has brought an incredible knowledge and patience to the back four," added Ferguson.

"His use of the ball is fantastic and he has all the technical parts of the goalkeeping position, plus his experience as well, you have a fantastic performer.

"When you look at this run of clean sheets, Edwin has been the key figure.

"He might be in the twilight of his career but he is in the form of his life."

So good in fact, Van der Sar has already signed a one-year contract extension that will take him to the summer of 2010.

The player himself has hinted he will be ready to call time on his stellar career by that point; Ferguson is not so sure.

"At his age I am sure he could go on," said the United boss.

"We are playing it that way, so he has got another season just now and we will see what happens after that."

BPL Team News and Stats

Here is the complete team news and statistics for all of this weekend's action in the Barclays Premier League.

Saturday, 31January 2009

Arsenal (5) v West Ham (8)

Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre (thigh) could be out for three more weeks, while Kolo Toure is pressing for a start after being on the bench at Everton. Striker Eduardo is building up his match fitness, while Theo Walcott (shoulder), captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) are out.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola must decide whether to change a winning side, with new signing Savio Nsereko pushing for a start after coming off the bench in midweek. Midfielder Kieron Dyer (muscle), striker Dean Ashton (ankle) and defender Danny Gabbidon (groin) are out.

Last season: Arsenal 2 West Ham 0, West Ham 0 Arsenal 1

Last five league matches: Arsenal D W W W D; West Ham W W D W W

Top scorers: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) 13; Carlton Cole (West Ham) 10

Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)

Aston Villa (4) v Wigan (7)

Striker John Carew returns to the Villa squad after nearly three months out with a back problem. Fellow forward Emile Heskey will make his home debut against his former club, Craig Gardner should be fit after ankle trouble but Marlon Harewood (foot) is injured and Ashley Young is still banned.

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland missed the midweek draw with former club Liverpool because of a back injury and manager Steve Bruce will make a late decision on whether to select him. Winger Antonio Valencia remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Last season: Aston Villa 0 Wigan 2, Wigan 1 Aston Villa 2

Last five league matches: Aston Villa D W W W W; Wigan W W L L D

Top scorers: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) 10; Amr Zaki (Wigan) 11

Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire)

Bolton (14) v Tottenham (13)

Bolton captain Kevin Nolan has joined Newcastle, while striker Johan Elmander, defenders Joey O'Brien and Nicky Hunt and midfielder Gavin McCann all remain sidelined through injury.

New Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios could make his debut, goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is likely to win his second start, while defender Pascal Chimbonda looks set for his first appearance back in a Spurs shirt after rejoining from Sunderland. Aaron Lennon (groin) is expected to be fit, fellow midfielder Jermaine Jenas is also closing in on a return after a calf problem but Alan Hutton (foot) is sidelined.

Last season: Tottenham 1 Bolton 1, Bolton 1 Tottenham 1

Last five league matches: Bolton L L L L D; Tottenham D L L D W

Top scorers: Kevin Davies & Matthew Taylor (Bolton) 6; Roman Pavlyuchenko (Tottenham) 14

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

Fulham (11) v Portsmouth (15)

Cottagers defender Leon Andreasen has joined Hanover 96 for family reasons, while defender Chris Baird is out with flu. Striker Diomansy Kamara (knee) has returned to light training and could be back in first-team action within a month.

The suspended Nadir Belhadj joins injured midfielders Niko Kranjcar (groin), Papa Bouba Diop (knee), Richard Hughes (hamstring) and Marc Wilson (hip) on the sidelines for Pompey. Captain Sol Campbell (hip) will be given time to prove his fitness. Boss Tony Adams is set to recall Armand Traore and Younes Kaboul but is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation.

Last season: Portsmouth 0 Fulham 1, Fulham 0 Portsmouth 2

Last five league matches: Fulham W D D L L; Portsmouth L L L D L

Top scorers: Andrew Johnson (Fulham) 7; Peter Crouch (Portsmouth) 13

Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)

Hull (10) v West Brom (20)

Hull striker Daniel Cousin is rated only 50-50 because of a knee injury. Midfielder Jimmy Bullard is set to make his first start despite missing training on Friday as the club carefully manage his past knee problems. Matt Duke is set to continue in goal ahead of Boaz Myhill but Nick Barmby (calf), Anthony Gardner (thigh) and George Boateng (knee) are out.

West Brom have fitness concerns over all six of their centre-halves - Pele and Ryan Donk may have to play even though they are both suffering from groin problems. Jonas Olsson, Leon Barnett, Abdoulaye Meite and long-term casualty Neil Clement are all unavailable but left-back Paul Robinson can play after his red card against Manchester United was rescinded.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Hull L L L L L; West Brom L W L W L

Top scorers: Daniel Cousin & Geovanni (Hull) 6; Craig Beattie & Roman Bednar (West Brom) 6

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)

Man Utd (1) v Everton (6)

Wayne Rooney will return from his hamstring injury at West Ham. Patrice Evra and Nani could also return next Sunday, while manager Sir Alex Ferguson reports no fresh injury worries from the win at West Brom. Neither Wes Brown nor Rio Ferdinand have suffered any reaction to their comebacks while full-back Fabio is in contention.

Makeshift striker Tim Cahill injured his right foot against Arsenal and although X-rays have revealed only severe bruising and no break, he remains a doubt. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini injured a shin against the Gunners and manager David Moyes will not risk either player if there is any doubt.

Last season: Man Utd 2 Everton 1, Everton 0 Man Utd 1

Last five league matches: Man Utd W W W W W; Everton W W W D D

Top scorers: Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) 13; Tim Cahill (Everton) 6

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

Middlesbrough (18) v Blackburn (17)

Striker Marlon King is poised to make his home debut, partnering Afonso Alves in attack as Gareth Southgate reverts to a 4-4-2 formation after the midweek defeat at Chelsea. Didier Digard and Gary O'Neil are suspended while Andrew Taylor (ankle), Jeremie Aliadiere (foot) and Josh Walker (ankle) are ruled out because of injury.

El Hadji Diouf will have to wait another week to make his Blackburn debut after failing to complete his move from Sunderland ahead of the Premier League's noon deadline. Boss Sam Allardyce names a virtually unchanged squad, as David Dunn, Keith Treacy and Steven Reid are still injured.

Last season: Blackburn 1 Middlesbrough 1, Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn 2

Last five league matches: Middlesbrough L L D L L; Blackburn W D D W D

Top scorers: Afonso Alves (Middlesbrough) 7; Benni McCarthy (Blackburn) 9

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

Stoke (19) v Man City (9)

Ricardo Fuller, who has served a ban for slapping Stoke team-mate Andy Griffin, is set to start in place of Richard Cresswell. Liam Lawrence, who has not started a game since he sprained an ankle in September, may return on the right flank, with Amdy Faye set to step down. Griffin replaces Andy Wilkinson (foot) at right-back and Ibrahima Sonko is on stand-by for centre-back Abdoulaye Faye, who came off at Spurs with flu symptoms.

City are banking on Shaun Wright-Phillips and Pablo Zabaleta shrugging off minor knocks. Both came out of Wednesday's win over Newcastle complaining of soreness but manager Mark Hughes expects the pair to be available.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Stoke L L D L L; Man City L W D W W

Top scorers: James Beattie (Stoke) 13; Robinho (Man City) 12

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Sunday, 1 February 2009

Liverpool (3) v Chelsea (2)

Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera are expected to return to Liverpool's starting line-up, while Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres - withdrawn during the draw at Wigan with boss Rafael Benitez claiming they were tired - are expected to revive their attacking partnership.

Chelsea will be without defender Ricardo Carvalho, who is still troubled by a hamstring strain. Winger Salomon Kalou should be fit after sustaining a minor knock against Middlesbrough in midweek but midfielders Michael Essien (knee) and Joe Cole (knee) are sidelined.

Last season: Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0, Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1

Last five league matches: Liverpool W W D D D; Chelsea W D L W W

Top scorers: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) 15; Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) 17

Referee: Mike Riley (Yorkshire)

Newcastle (16) v Sunderland (12)

Magpies new boy Kevin Nolan will partner suspension-free Nicky Butt in midfield. Goalkeeper Shay Given has been given permission to talk to Manchester City - although he would not have played as he undergoes treatment for a knee injury, while wantaway midfielder Charles N'Zogbia (ankle) would also have been missing. Obafemi Martins (hernia), Mark Viduka (Achilles) and Claudio Cacapa (knee) are close to returns, but Michael Owen (ankle), Joey Barton (foot), Danny Guthrie (hamstring), Shola Ameobi (knee), Habib Beye (ankle) and Tamas Kadar (broken leg) are out.

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia could be without midfielder Teemu Tainio, who is a major doubt with a knee injury sustained against Fulham. Defender Paul McShane is out with a hamstring problem but George McCartney should be fit after leaving the pitch with sore calves in midweek as he continued his comeback from a long injury lay-off. Kieran Richardson has recovered from an ankle injury but goalkeeper Craig Gordon is back in training following his long-term absence with an ankle problem, but is likely only to make the bench at best.

Last season: Newcastle 2 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1

Last five league matches: Newcastle L L D L L; Sunderland D L D L W

Top scorers: Michael Owen (Newcastle) 10; Djibril Cisse (Sunderland) 9

Referee: Howard Webb

Inter deny match-fixing claims

Inter Milan have strenuously denied allegations of match-fixing involving games towards the end of last season.

The club today responded to an article in the Il Giornale newspaper, which claimed to have acquired a report from the justice department to the Public Prosecutor's office questioning Inter's poor form towards the end of last season.

A statement on the Inter website read: "With regard to the impudent and misleading title that appeared on the front page of today's Il Giornale newspaper, reporting a declaration that was never made, FC Internazionale Milano confirms that, as stated by the Public Prosecutor's office in Milan, there is no investigation into the 2007/08 championship or Inter.

"The club will take any necessary legal proceedings to protect its image."

The Public Prosecutor's Office also denied the allegations, releasing a brief statement which read: "The office would like to confirm that no inquiry was ever made regarding the 2007/08 season and, in particular, Inter."

Inter were runaway leaders in Serie A at one point last season, 1o points clear of the chasing pack, but a loss of form towards the end of the campaign saw them go into the final game only one point ahead of Roma.

The Nerazzurri clung on to take the title by three points.

Inter president Massimo Moratti slammed the allegations against his club.

"It's a joke," he said. "It's already been denied by the Public Prosecutor's office and so there's no need for my denial."

Predict The Aussie Open Winner

Sunday’s Australian Open final pits Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal. Who will win? We’d like your view.

Federer is aiming for the fourteenth Grand Slam of his career to equal Pete Sampras' haul, and a fourth Australian Open; whilst Nadal is trying to justify his world number one ranking with his first Grand Slam win Down Under.

To add a little spice, you can vote on Predict the Winner HERE, and stand to win great prizes from Thai Airways! Maybe this will help you.

Roger Federer:
The Swiss Master is a highly versatile player who performs well on all surfaces. Federer volleys with ease and is an excellent baseliner, fundamentally sound to the point that he can play precise groundstrokes from both wings.

Rafael Nadal:
Meanwhile, Rafa is armed with a well-angled topspin heavy stroke, a strong two-handed backhand, lateral speed and agility, and a preference to play from deep. The Spaniard relies on his south paw, athletic ability and tenacity to bully his opponents into submission.

espnstar.com says: NADAL
Nadal is a headache for Federer as his left-handed forehands direct almost all traffic to the Swiss Master's single-hand backhand. Although Federer has a fundamentally sound backhand slice, it is inadequate to deal with the Gladiator's berserker barrage. Look for Nadal to wear down Federer into an unforced error and try to capitalize on the Swiss' mistakes.

Federer will try up the tempo on the faster Rod Laver Arena surface and execute a volley-oriented strategy for the win.

The Spaniard currently holds a 12-6 advantage over Federer, and a perfect four out of four in their matchups in 2008.

Think you know better? Vote now...

Proteas gun for top rank at the WACA

South Africa might have won the ODI series against Australia but the number one team spot will still be up for grabs at the WACA.

When the Proteas entered the ODI series without their charismatic skipper Graeme Smith, not one critic gave them a chance against a brilliant Aussie batting-line up. But with what they have done now, tomorrow's game becomes crucial because that will decide which team would take top honours in the ICC cricket rankings.

The South African side though would miss the services of their of top pacers Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn who have been rested after a epic tour, while back from injury Nathan Bracken and Micheal Clarke would further brace the Australian side. The replacement in the Australian side to accomodate these two should be Cameron White and Shaun Tait.

Van Jaarsveld handed SA chance

For the South Africans, the rest to the senior pacers would mean that the two left-arm fast men Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe will be making their ODI debuts after appearing in one of the Twenty20 internationals. Jacques Kallis might also be rested but that would depend upon Van Jaarsveld's fitness.

The Aussies have been given rollicking starts by David Warner and Shaun Marsh and the Kangaroos would be hoping of another good show from the openers. Marsh has been the top scorer of the series from either side picking up 213 runs.

For the Proteas, this would be a new look side but still the way Johan Botha has led the side, writing this team off would be at your own perils.

The track at WACA should be another belter with good and predictable bounce, thereby promising oodles of runs to both sides.

Pace duo to make debut for SA

This match is very important considering the return Test and ODI series begins in a month and hence so team would look to give the final advantage to the other.would be very important and neither side would want to give the other one

Teams

Australia: Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Cameron White.

South Africa: Johan Botha, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, AB DeVilliers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Albie Morkel, Morne MOrkel, Makhaya Ntini, Wayne Parnell, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Vaughan Van Jaarsveld, Graeme Smith.

Record broken in Kenya defeat

Zimbabwe hit their highest-ever one-day international total on the way to a 151-run win over Kenya.

With their victory, Zimbabwe have a 2-0 lead in their five-match series against Kenya.

Led by a career-best 90 from Stuart Matsikenyeri the tourists reached 351 for seven at the Mombassa Sports Club, which surpassed their previous best 340 for two against Namibia at the 2003 World Cup.

Matsikenyeri fell just short of his first ODI century when he was trapped lbw by Collins Obuya in the 42nd over to end a 95-ball innings that included eight fours and a six.

Matsikenyeri's dismissal brought Elton Chigumbura to the crease, and after he hit a quickfire 79 in the opening match, the all-rounder again dominated the home attack, clubbing 68 from just 29 balls to ensure Zimbabwe passed 300 for the second game running.

Kenya were never in the hunt after Zimbabwe's impressive batting display and were bowled out for 200 in 45.1 overs.

Kenya captain Steve Tikolo (56) top scored for the hosts, the 37-year-old veteran registering the 22nd ODI fifty of his long career.

Spinner Keith Dabengwa was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers taking two for 21 from 5.1 overs.

Zimbabwe will be aiming to wrap up the series on Saturday when the action moves to Nairobi for the final three games.

Teams

Zimbabwe: H Masakadza, V Sibanda, S Matsikenyari, T Mupariwa, E Chigumbura, F Mutizwa, KM Damengwa, RW Price, P Utseya, AG Cremer, MN Waller.

Kenya: MA Ouma, S Waters, A Obanda, SO Tikolo, CO Obuya, JK Kamande, TM Odoyo, HA Varaiya, N Odhiambo, KO Otieno, PJ Ongondo.

Wenger: Tim is very intelligent

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger feels that Tim Cahill is no longer a 'makeshift striker' after his recent displays for Everton.

The Australian scored his 100th career goal, installed himself as Everton's top scorer this term in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal and won the praise of Emirates boss Wenger.

And Wenger also maintains that Everton are as big a threat to them in the battle for fourth spot as Aston Villa.

Wenger was full of praise for Everton. More than once he has left Goodison Park in the past moaning about his side being mugged and roughed up. Not this time.

Everton matched Arsenal's respected footballing qualities and deserved to win. A goal in the third minute of injury-time from Robin van Persie rescued the Gunners.

Since midfielder Cahill was switched up front in December at Manchester City when Everton had no fit strikers, he has been a revelation. Four goals in that nine-match spell underline that.

Cahill is now a fully paid up member of the strikers' union and is likely to stay there for the rest of the season with boss David Moyes failing in two attempts at loan signings - one being Alan Smith from Newcastle.

And Wenger said: "I have seen something that has underlined what I have always felt. Everton are as big a threat to us as Aston Villa.

"Everton are a very good side, and they are our rivals for a top four place just as much as Villa.

"They play with a fantastic spirit, and in Tim Cahill they have a player who is very intelligent, he always knows where to be.

"That is something that is hard to teach, but he always seems to be in the right place."

Moyes admits the chances of signing a loan striker are slim, explaining: "Unless something comes out of the blue, we won't be signing anyone.

"We have made enquires for two loan signings, and neither of them are going to happen.

"Both deals are dead and we expect to continue the season now with the squad we have got."

That means Cahill at the sharp end, with the 29-year-old even scaring his own mates.

Full-back Leighton Baines, who produced the cross for another Cahill headed goal said: "He is a menace, he's difficult to play against you and he's a rash all over you.

"Tim's a real nightmare. I have watched him of late and I would not want to be playing against him. He pops up with important goals and is a genius in the box.

"He's always in the right position and doesn't give defenders a minute's peace. He's as physical with defenders as they are with him, you just want him to go away."

Moyes said: "Tim is scoring like a striker, taking the knocks and working for the team.

"His goal was excellent. It was a great header, a fine cross and he is doing really well for us.

"He has overcome his injuries, and is getting to a very high level. Goalscoring is crucial, and he can do that from midfield and up front. That is what makes him a special talent.

"Tim was marvellous. He came off at the end with an injury, but it does not look too bad. A kick on the foot and he should be okay.

"But it's not just him. Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka were out of this world at the back. The standards they have set are so high, and it has to be.

"The standard of players we are facing just now it is tough. They did well twice against Fernando Torres, and this time faced two very good front men in Van Persie and (Emmanuel) Adebayor.

"One lapse at the end cost us. Now we have Manchester United next and then Liverpool again, so it won't get any easier for them."

The Scot added: "To be disappointed with only a draw against a team like Arsenal shows where we have come from and where we are at the moment.

"We are doing so well - but those two points dropped have hurt us. Had we won we would have been really close to Arsenal and nearer to Aston Villa.

"But we have dropped points to late goals now at Goodison Park to both those sides in recent weeks, and it has cost us.

Wenger added: "It was very important not to lose.

"We needed to keep Everton at a distance from us, and three points would have put them very close to us."