Sporting Gijon 1 - 6 Barcelona

By far Barça's best performance of the season saw them utterly stun Sporting with a thrilling win at El Molinón...

Barcelona came into the match with just one point from their opening two league matches, and they were desperate to kick start their campaign with a solid victory. There were brief glimpses of class in the 3-1 Champions League victory over Sporting in midweek, giving Pep Guardiola a degree of optimism that his players were beginning to find their stride.

Sporting, despite losing their opening two matches, have been slightly unlucky to do so, and fought valiantly in Seville on La Liga matchday two, before eventually succumbing to a 4-3 defeat.

Sporting started with the divisions’ top scorer Bilic up front on his own, while midfielder Sergio Busquets surprisingly kept his place for the Blaugrana ahead of Bojan. Thierry Henry missed out due to a throat infection, so Eto’o once more spearheaded the attack.

First Half

Barcelona began brightly, with Xavi (2’) bringing out a smart save from Sanchez, with the big keeper saving low at his near post with Eto’o lurking in the vicinity.

Bilic caused Abidal some brief concern early on, while at the other end Messi (12’) carved himself a glimpse of an opportunity, but Sanchez dealt with his effort from twenty yards comfortably.

The home fans then became incensed as Bilic (17’) went down heavily under a challenge from Busquets. Replays show Busquets clearly took the ball, and after some gesturing and eventually hobbling from the field, he unsurprisingly returned moments later moving freely.

To give some idea of the gulf in quality, Barca has spent around 90m Euros this summer, to Gijon’s mere 100,000. But for all the away sides’ early dominance of possession and slick interplay, Sporting did not become unnerved and stuck staunchly to their task of keeping their illustrious opponents at bay.

Then Barca raised the tempo.

Messi began marauding around with his usual menacing nature. He skipped past two defenders in the box but dragged his shot across goal. Still, he was moving through the gears and represented Barcelona’s purposeful opening.

This was highlighted moments later as the Argentinean scooped it wide to Iniesta, who’s beautiful first touch took the ball into his stride, but his shot was deflected inches wide for a corner. As the corner count mounted, it appeared to be a matter of time, and minutes later the deadlock was broken. Iniesta turned Sastre inside out before chipping the ball to a completely unmarked Xavi (27’), who nodded home from eight yards. It was too easy – and no more than Barcelona deserved.

Victor Valdes had become a spectator as the Catalan side camped in the home sides half. They smelled blood, and knew a second goal would end this match as a contest. It wasn’t long in coming. Xavi swung in yet another corner, Puyol leapt to head goalwards, and Eto’o (33’) used all of his striking instincts to nod home from underneath the crossbar. 2-0 after thirty three minutes, and the aforementioned gulf in quality was plain to see. Barca had turned a potentially tricky away fixture into a procession before half time.

Sporting enjoyed a spell of possession before half-time, but only because they were given time to do so by Barcelona. They did briefly rally when Diego Castro went down under a challenge from Marquez, but only a corner was given. Barca regained control, and but for a poor touch by Iniesta (44’) after he was played in by Messi, it would have been three. Half-time and no-one in El Molinon could argue with the scoreline.

Second Half

The second half began as the first had ended - Messi on the move. He skipped down the left, but seeing no support in the centre, jinked inside two, three, four then five defenders before striking a shot which deflected for a corner. Xavi swung the ball in, and the unfortunate Jorge (47’), headed past his own goalkeeper. 3-0 to the Blaugrana.

Game over? It should have been. But only minutes later, Gijon breathed new life into the contest as new signing Maldonado (50’) notched his first goal for the club. Bilic barged the ball into his path, and he slotted past Valdes from ten yards. The home fans went wild, and Barca once again showed their defensive frailties. You felt at this stage that a period of concerted pressure could give Puyol et al some serious problems.

But all hopes were extinguished soon after, as Gerard (56’) lunged in on Messi who had been clear on goal. A straight red card, and Gijon, who struggled to get near Barcelona with their full complement, now had to do it with ten men.

The match was over as a contest, with Gijon reshuffling to cope with the red card, and Barca happy to spray the ball around. Eto’o and Kieta had half chances, before Iniesta and that man Messi produced a picture-book fourth goal. The little Argentinean flicked a delicate pass through the Gijon defence and Iniesta (69’) burst through to dink the ball past the helpless Sanchez. Against ten men or not, some of Barcelona’s play was simply sublime and this was the goal that represented a real return of the understanding and awareness the players had showed so often under Frank Rijkaard.

You had to feel a little sorry for Sporting Gijon, and particularly for their fantastic supporters who continued to cheer on their side even as their opponents struck home goal after goal. They were a true credit to their club. The problem was that the Catalan side were always going to regain their rhythm at some point this season, and it was simply a case of who would be on the receiving end. Tonight, they clicked, and with Lionel Messi in this kind of imperious form, very few defences in the world will get anywhere near him. And five minutes from the end he got the goal his play deserved. Iniesta, who was also excellent tonight, crossed from the left, and the deflection on the cross took the ball into Messi’s(85’) path and he volleyed home from six yards.

But he wasn’t finished yet. Four minutes later Xavi chipped it to the penalty spot and Messi (89’) headed home powerfully. Both he and Barcelona were simply fantastic, and the rest of La Liga should take note of this master-class in attacking football. Barca are back.

REAL SPORTING DE GIJÓN 1-6 FC BARCELONA
0-1 Xavi 26'
0-2 Eto'o 32'
0-3 Jorge (og) 47'
1-3 Maldonado 50'
1-4 Iniesta 69'
1-5 Messi 85'
1-6 Messi 89'

Sporting (4-5-1): Sanchez; Sastre, Camara, Jorge, Canella; Matabuena (Michel 45’), Gerard, Diego Castro, Maldonado (Kike Mateo 62’), Carmello; Bilic (David Barral 58’)

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Dani Alves, Puyol, Marquez, Abidal; Busquets (Caceres 81’), Xavi, Kieta (Gudjohnsen 71’); Iniesta, Messi, Eto’o (Bojan 68’)

Booked: Camara (7’), Carmelo (40’)

Sent Off: Gerard (56’)

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Milan 4-1 Lazio

Kaka and Gianluca Zambrotta both scored stunning long-range goals as Milan got off the mark in Serie A with a crushing 4-1 win over Lazio at San Siro.

Team News

Milan came into this game knowing that they simply had to win otherwise they would fall six points or more behind Scudetto rivals Inter and Juventus. The Rossoneri, who were on zero points, were without the injured Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi, Tabare Viudez, Andrea Pirlo, and Philippe Senderos. Coach Carlo Ancelotti employed a 4-1-3-2 formation with Kaha supporting front pairing Alexandre Pato and Marco Borriello. Rino Gattuso returned in midfield following his recent injury layoff.

Visitors Lazio had been top-of-the-table, with six points out of six, until they were overtaken by Inter and Juve this afternoon. The Biancocelesti also had a few injuries, with Fabio Firmani, Simone Del Nero, Tommaso Rocchi and Ousmane Dabo sidelined. Coach Delio Rossi made just one change to the team who beat Sampdoria 2-0 with Matuzalem coming in for Mourad Meghni in midfield.

First Half

Lazio had a penalty shout within the first 20 seconds as Stefano Mauri went down under pressure from Gianluca Zambrotta, following a weak back pass by the latter, but the referee waved away the appeals. It was a fiery start and down the other end Massimo Ambrosini failed to get enough onto his header at the back post from Clarence Seedorf's cross.

On five minutes Milan put together a neat team move and Kaka crossed low for Borriello's flick-through-the-legs, but Juan Pablo Carrizo was well placed.

This was a warning of things to come as 90 seconds later Milan were ahead. There was a bit of luck involved as Seedorf tried to play a one-two on the edge of the area, and his pass rebounded off Cristian Ledesma to put him through on goal. The Dutchman's finish was emphatic as he thumped the ball past Carrizo and into the roof of the net.

Lazio tried to hit back and Goran Pandev got away from Kakha Kaladze, but Paolo Maldini made a crucial block on Mauro Zarate's snap-shot inside the area. Mauri then tested Abbiati from 25 yards as Lazio started to work their way into the game.

The capital side were looking more and more threatening, and on 25 minutes they silenced the San Siro with an equaliser. Inevitably it was Zarate who got the goal, as he beat the offside the trap on Pandev's pass and rifled home a clinical left footed finish past Abbiati.

It was an entertaining game and Milan immediately threatened to regain their lead as Pato cut inside his man from the right, and brought out a smart stop from Carrizo. Kaka then floated an inviting ball to the back post, and Borriello was close to getting his head to the ball.

Kaka burst into life on 31 minutes with a superb solo run past a number of defenders, but he couldn't find the finish and sliced the ball wide from the left angle.

A few minutes later Milan were back ahead courtesy of a contender for goal of the season. Zambrotta bombed forward and let fly from way out on the right, at least 35 yards, and the ball arrowed into the far top corner like a ballistic missile. It was a simply incredible strike from the Italy international.

Milan now went looking for the third, and on 40 minutes Kaka exchanged passed with Borriello before thrashing the ball a couple of feet over from the edge of the area.

Lazio had been quiet ever since Zarate's temporary equaliser, with Aleksandar Kolarov's two off-target free kicks the away side's only two remaining efforts as Milan went into the break 2-1 ahead.

Second Half

Into the second half and Lazio started strongly. Mauri was almost through on goal immediately, but he miscontrolled the ball and the danger passed. Zarate then curled a free kick over the bar.

However, it was Milan who extended their lead on 49 minutes. Jankulovski crossed from the left, and Pato darted in front of Rozenhal at the near post to head home.

Lazio refused to get downhearted, and Mauri asked for a penalty after clashing with Zambrotta in the box, but again the referee didn't want to know.

On 56 minutes Milan put together a fantastic move, and Kaka curled a beautiful effort towards the far post, but Carrizo flew across goal to push the ball away.

Moments later Kaka did indeed get his goal, and it was well worth waiting for. The Brazilian picked the ball up 30 yards out and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Milan were now turning on the style!

The home side continued to push forward, and could have grabbed a fifth on 74 minutes as Borriello raced through on goal, but Carrizo pulled off a fine save.

Down the other end Lazio had a great chance to pull a goal back as Pandev held off Ambrosini, but Abbiati produced a smart reaction stop.

Kaka had been electrifying all night long, and he went on another slalom run, only to see his finish deflected off target. Down the other end, Foggia shot weakly at Abbiati from 25 yards, as the game moved into the final few minutes.

In injury time Milan twice went close to a fifth as substitute Ronaldinho rattled the crossbar with a deflected effort, before Borriello headed inches wide.

It had been emphatic win for Milan, who answered their critics in the prefect way, and grabbed their first three points of the Serie A season at the third attempt.

Teams

Milan: Abbiati, Zambrotta, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski, Gattuso (Emerson 78), Seedorf (Flamini 63), Ambrosini, Kaka, Pato (Ronaldinho 70), Borriello

Lazio: Carrizo, Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Rozenhal, Kolarov, Matuzalem (Meghni 69), Ledesma, Brocchi (De Silvestri 78), Mauri (Foggia 62), Pandev, Zarate

Anthony Sormani

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Racing Santander 0-2 Real Madrid

Two fine strikes in the second half separated a counter-attacking Real Madrid side from a Racing outfit that couldn't quite come close enough to goal...



Despite a slow, defensive start, Real Madrid eventually ended up two goals to the good in the tough arena that is the Sardinero. While the hosts had no shortages of attack themselves - especially down the flank, the capital side in the end deserved their victory.

Racing made seven changes from the side that edges past Honka midweek in the UEFA Cup, the most notable absentees being Ezequiel Garay and Pedro Munitis. The latter, an ex-Madrid man, is out injured for six weeks, while Garay's disappearance presumably has to do with his being property of Real Madrid.

The blancos, meanwhile, surprisingly fielded Raúl, who had rumoured to be set for a benching. Gonzalo Higuaín also earned a start, while Arjen Robben and Rafael van der Vaart sat on the bench.

First Half

It took ten minutes for the first chance to present itself, Higuaín dribbling past left-back Christian before cutting the ball across goal. Raúl was ready and waiting, but Navas was able to hack it clear.

That should have signalled the start of a period of dominance for the blancos, but instead it took a further ten minutes for another decent chance to present itself, Guti cutting a free-kick back to de la Red, who forced a fingertip save from Toño.

Racing had found it hard to carve out chances due to Madrid's double pivot, but by running down the flanks they were able to create a few half-opportunities as the first period wore on. It took 37 minutes for them to really test Casillas, which Jonathan Pereira did with a sweet overhead kick.

Still, the half ended with difficulty for Madrid: Guti went over badly on his ankle and was stretchered off, with Rafael van der Vaart coming on as a replacement.

Overall it had been a largely cautious first period for both sides, and one in which a goalless outcome was probably appropriate.

Second Half

Bernd Schuster sent his team out in patient fashion for the second period, allowing Racing some time to try to come forward, dispossess, and attack.

In the end this was responsible for the opening goal - but it was for Madrid. Seizing the ball from a Racing set piece, Gonzalo Higuaín strode forward on the right, with Raúl and Rubén de la Red in support. The captain drew the approaching defence onto him, allowing Higuaín to slot the ball to de la Red, whose unmarked drive beat Toño for the opener.

Racing immediately tried to fight back, Luccin seeing his low drive deflected agonisingly wide, and Madrid began to look a little bit stretched, especially at the full-back positions.

However, direct chances were few and far between, with some last-gasp defending keeping the blancos safe.

In the end Van Nistelrooy belied his quiet status to chip in with a lovely second goal. Van der Vaart's through ball found the Dutchman in the area, and he toyed with Marcano before effortlessly looping a shot around Toño from twelve yards.

Racing substitute Tchité could have pulled one back seconds later as he headed goalwards from a corner, but Van der Vaart scooped the ball off the line.

Tchité, and corners in general, were causing Madrid no end of trouble, but as the clock ticked down Racing lost both energy and belief. Madrid did enough to win in quite unusual tactical fashion, and 2-0 it ended.

REAL RACING CLUB 0-0 REAL MADRID CF
0-1 De la Red 55'
0-2 Van Nistelrooy 74'

Racing: Toño; Pinillos, César Navas, Marcano, Christian; Valera (Tchité 66), Lacen (Luccin 58), Colsa, Serrano (Gonçalvez 79); Jonathan Pereira, Juanjo.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze; De la Red, Diarrà; Higuaín (Saviola 84), Guti (Van der Vaart 44), Raúl (Robben 69'); Van Nistelrooy.

Yellow Cards: Heinze 22', Higuaín 34', Cannavaro 41', de la Red 80', van der Vaart 88',

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Chelsea had to come from behind in the highly-anticipated clash between last season’s Premier League runners-up and reigning champions Manchester United, a match that ended in a 1-1 stalemate.



In a fast-paced clash at Stamford Bridge, the visitors took the lead in the 18th minute as Park Ji-Sung following up Petr Cech’s parry and slotted the ball home, before substitute Salomon Kalou headed his side level with 10 minutes remaining.

Sir Alex Ferguson surprisingly opted to drop Carlos Tevez to the bench, with the Argentinean joining Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the many attacking options the Premier League champions could call upon.

Similarly, Jonny Evans retained his place in the line-up ahead of Wes Brown, while Chelsea were dealt a major blow prior to kick off as Deco injured himself in the warm-up, meaning Michael Ballack had to step in to take the Portugal international’s place.

First Half

Both teams looked lively in the early exchanges, with the visitors belying suggestions that they would look to sit back and absorb the pressure as Darren Fletcher had an effort blocked and then fired wide early on.

The Red Devils went close to breaking the deadlock after ten minutes in an astonishing run of play. Cech’s clearance reached only as far as Dimitar Berbatov 40 yards out, and the Bulgarian’s volley found Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box. The England striker’s own volley then flew just wide in what would have been an extraordinary goal.

There was to be a further injury blow for The Blues as Ricardo Carvalho had to be replaced by Alex due to suspected ligament damage, and with the hosts having to reorganise themselves once again, United pushed on.

Nicolas Anelka’s wayward ball was collected by Berbatov, who in turn played in Rio Ferdinand of all people, and the defender’s subsequent effort required the full attentions of Cech who tipped it over.

The pressure finally paid off for Ferguson’s men, and it came courtesy of some fine link-up play between the blossoming Rooney-Berbatov partnership. Patrice Evra burst down the left, played the ball into the middle which saw the two Red Devils strikers bamboozle The Blues’ defence, and it was eventually played into the six yard box. While Berbatov’s initial effort was saved by Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper couldn’t keep hold of it, allowing Park to fire home the rebound.

The home side rallied in the hope of finding an equaliser, and they were almost gifted one as Gary Neville’s tame headed backpass towards Edwin van der Sar was collected by Florent Malouda, but the Frenchman’s shot was blocked by the visitor’s goalkeeper to hand his team-mate a reprieve.

However, the Dutch shot-stopper forced the Red Devils into a change of their own as he sustained an injury, with Ferguson having to call upon the services of Tomasz Kuszczak, and he was immediately required as he collected Frank Lampard’s blocked shot.

Chelsea were beginning to gain a foothold of processions, Alex being the next in line to shoot on goal from 25 yards out, and while the Brazilian’s effort was parried by the Poland international, Ferdinand was the first to the ball and he cleared.

The visitors had a glorious chance to extend their lead as Rooney picked up the ball on the right and played it to Berbatov’s feet, and all the Red Devils’ forward needed to do was find Park with a simple lay-off for a great opportunity. However, the Bulgaria hit-man played a sloppy ball behind the midfielder, and the chance went begging much to the fury of Ferguson on the touchline.

Second Half

As expected by the home crowd, Didier Drogba was introduced to proceedings just two minutes into the second half as Malouda made way, and he immediately made his presence felt with aerial battles against Evans and then Kuszczak.

United were still dangerous on the break and, as Chelsea committed men forward, it allowed Rooney to dispossess Mikel John Obi and burst forward in a move that eventually saw goalscorer Park fire well over from 20 yards.

Ferdinand was in imperious form as he cut out a dangerous ball from Joe Cole in a piece of defending that could quite easily have ended in an own goal, and shortly after Ronaldo was added to the game in a bold move by Ferguson – the visitors had three forwards in the game, despite their 1-0 lead.

Chelsea were still toiling and a superb interchange between Drogba and Ballack saw the latter play an inch-perfect ball over-the-top for Joe Cole to run onto, but his shot - in what was a guilt-edged chance to equalise - was straight at Kuszczak who collected it comfortably.

Anelka had another half-chance to volley his side level, but his connection with the ball from 12 yards was weak and the ball dribbled wide, and events took a turn for the worse as the Frenchman missed failed to convert an effort into the open goal.

Joe Cole, who was increasingly influential as the game progressed, got beyond Evra and played in a dangerous ball which evaded Kuszczak but Anelka, unmarked at the far post, unbelievably failed to find the net. Scolari had his head in his hands, and it was no surprise as another chance for Chelsea went begging.

The Premier League champions responded with an opportunity of their own which could have sealed the points, Ronaldo crossing in from the left towards Rooney at the back post, but the former Everton man could only find the side-netting.

Chelsea finally found a way through the stern United defence, but it was a goal that will have left Ferguson seething with his players. Kalou, introduced with 15 minutes to go, rose highest to meet a free-kick and head into the back of the Red Devils’ goal, despite the forward being surrounded by a host of opposing players.

After an initial lull following the equaliser, The Blues had a chance to seize the lead as Kalou’s shot was deflected just over by Neville after a rapid counter-attack, and then it was United’s turn to go close as Alex dived in superbly to block Fletcher’s goal-bound shot.

There were to be no further clear-cut chances for either side as the final minutes were played out, and as the final whistle was blown, both manager’s will have been satisfied with the point – Scolari after starting defeat in the face for so long in the game, and Ferguson having seen his players perform to a much higher standard after last weekend’s defeat.

Teams:

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho (Alex 12'), Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda (Didier Drogba 46'), Deco, Michael Ballack (Salomon Kalou 74), John Mikel Obi, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole. Substitutes (Not Used): Carlo Cudicini, Wayne Bridge, Paulo ferreira, Juliano Belletti.

Manchester United: Edwin van der Sar (Tomasz Kusczcak 32'), Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes (Cristiano Ronaldo 55'), Darren Fletcher, Park Ji-Sung (John O'Shea 75'), Owen Hargreaves, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Substitutes (Not Used): Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez, Nani

Goals

Chelsea: Kalou (80')

Manchester United: Park (18')

Will Wood

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Cagliari 0-1 Juventus

Amauri was the hero for Juventus for the second week running, grabbing the only goal of the game in Sardinia against basement-dwellers Cagliari.

Team News

Juventus were in good form coming into this game, having defeated both Udinese and Zenit St Petersburg in the last seven days. However they were suffering from something of an injury crisis as Cristiano Zanetti, Jonathan Zebina, Mauro Camoranesi, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet, the latter who requires an operation, were all sidelined.

Hasan Salihamidzic and Olof Mellberg came into the defence for Zdenek Grygera and Nicola Legrottaglie, while Marco Marchionni and Claudio Machisio started in midfield. Up-front Claudio Ranieri had little option but to pair Amauri with Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Cagliari are the undoubted favourites for relegation and were rooted at the bottom of the table with no points to their name. The Sardinians were minus the services of Michele Canini and Daniele Conti. Alessandro Matri and Joaquin Larrivey formed the forward pair.

First Half

Both sides made an aggressive start to the game. Juve had the ball in the back of the net after just two minutes through Amauri, but the goal was disallowed for an infringement by Iaquinta. Meanwhile, Davide Biondini screwed the ball wide for Cagliari from 20 yards.

Juventus had a new free kick taker in the absence of Del Piero, and Iaquinta rifled a daisycutter off target from 30 yards. Down the other end Matri headed over when well placed from a right wing free kick.

On 15 minutes Juve put together their best move of the match so far, finishing with Pavel Nedved's shot deflecting dangerously over. From one of the resulting corners Giorgio Chiellini directed a header over the bar.

Matri was looking bright for Cagliari in the early stages, and midway through the half he volleyed over the bar following a nice piece of skill. Cristian Molinaro then nearly put Juve in trouble with a suicidal ball across his own penalty area.

Juve were struggling to get a rhythm going, although the physical Amauri was winning everything in the air, and he nodded the ball down for Iaquinta, but the former Udinese man scuffed his half volley wide.

On the half-hour mark, the home side were close to taking the lead as Matri turned Salihamidzic inside out and fired in a vicious shot, but Gianluigi Buffon pulled off a superb reaction save.

Molinaro was having one of those regular bad days at left back, and he was caught sleeping on a quick throw-in, allowing Biondini to get in behind him and smash a shot dangerously wide of the far post.

Cagliari were now on top, but they were almost caught out on 37 minutes, as Amauri muscled his way free of his marker on a left wing cross, but he couldn't get enough on his header.

This was just a warning of things to come, as 90 seconds later Juve were ahead. Marchionni's cross was flicked on by Iaquinta, and Amauri reacted fastest to fire a snap-shot past Federico Marchetti.

Second Half

Both teams made changes at the break. Juventus' was enforced as Alex Manninger replaced the injured Buffon in goal for his Juventus debut. Meanwhile, Cagliari took off Larrivey for Italy Under-21 striker Robert Acquafresca.

Juve had an immediate chance less than 60 seconds into the second half, but Nedved failed to make decent contact when well placed on the edge of the area.

Iaquinta also didn't have his shooting boots on as Marchionni chipped a cross into the middle, but the World Cup winner hashed the ball over from 12 yards out. It was a decent opening.

There was a flash point just shy of the hour mark as Michele Fini caught Momo Sissoko in the face while he was on the floor, which led to an angry reaction from the Malian.

Ranieri decided to substitute Sissoko just seconds later, introducing last season's notorious flop Tiago Mendes. Fini was also sacrificed for Cagliari, with the Brazilian Jeda coming on.

Iaquinta executed a couple of bicycle kicks in quick succession, the second of which was absolutely sublime, but both efforts finished wide.

Acquafresca had his first attempt since his introduction, but it was Juve who looked the more likely to score again, and Diego Lopez had to clear from Nedved's dangerous cross shot.

The Czech veteran was having a good second half, and he hung a cross up for Amauri, who rose above his man but saw his header smartly plucked out of the top corner by Marchetti. Marchisio then scuffed the ball wide from the ensuing corner.

Ranieri made his final change of the afternoon on 74 minutes as Paolo De Ceglie came on for Under-21 colleague Marchisio. This pushed Nedved in-field to partner Tiago in the centre of midfield.

De Ceglie made an immediate impact as he thundered past two men, and laid the ball off to Amauri who sliced the ball wide from a promising position.

Amauri then won his umpteenth ball in the air, nodding across goal for Iaquinta, but Paolo Bianco made a crucial block.

Juve looked comfortable but on 83 minutes substitute Jeda unleashed a missile from 30 yards which Manninger did well to beat away.

Marchionni was looking for a second goal, and pushed the ball past his man before being denied by Marchetti in a one-on-one, but he was flagged offside so the action was irrelevant.

The outstanding Nedved then rolled back the years as he surged into space and smashed in a trademark 30-yard piledriver that knocked Marchetti backwards as he parried the ball away. Marchetti had a more comfortable save to make from Amauri seconds later.

In the penultimate minute there was drama, as Matri connected with a stunning volley inside the area, from a right wing cross, which had goal written all over it until Manninger performed a brilliant save to turn the ball around the post.

Juve survived to hold on for their third consecutive 1-0 win in all competitions, and they go top of the table alongside Inter, at least for a few hours until Lazio play Milan.

Teams

Cagliari: Marchetti, Pisano, Bianco, Lopez, Agostini, Biondini, Cossu, Parola (Lazzari 79), Fini (Jeda 61), Marti, Larrivey (Acquafresca 45)

Juventus: Buffon (Manninger 45), Salihamidzic, Chiellini, Mellberg, Molinaro, Marchionni, Sissoko (Tiago 59), Marchisio (De Ceglie 74), Nedved, Iaquinta, Amauri

Goals

Amauri 39 (J)

Anthony Sormani

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Manchester City comprehensively dismantled Portsmouth as they cruised to a 6- 0 victory over the FA Cup holders in a wholly one-sided affair at the City of Manchester stadium.

Brazilian Jo followed up his midweek brace with the opener, before captain Richard Dunne added a second shortly after.

On-song Stephen Ireland had a key role in the next two strikes, setting up Robinho for his second for the club and then Shaun Wright-Phillips to make it 4-0.

Youngster Ched Evans added a fifth before Gelson Fernandes added insult to injury to complete the rout.

First Half

Having been unveiled to the fans prior to kick-off having formally completed the takeover of City, Khaldoon Al Mubarak had little time to wait for the entertainment as Jo and Robinho linked up superbly to send the latter through in the opening minutes, and the subsequent shot forced David James to save at full stretch.

Wright-Phillips' persistent gallops down the right were causing havoc from the off, but it was the Brazilian duo up front for City that once again carved an opening after just 13 minutes, with Jo eventually collecting his team-mate's pass and rounding James before slotting his side in front.

It was two shortly after, with Elano's cross met by the head of Dunne who directed the ball into the open goal, sparking wild celebrations around the 29-year old on his birthday.

Peter Crouch had a glaring opportunity to bring his side back into the game as Glen Johnson snuck behind Dunne and cut the ball back, but the England international succeeded only in playing the ball wide of the post.

The visitors endeavoured to find a goal of their own, and Pablo Zabaleta had to be alert to block Sol Campbell's header on the line.

Second Half

So far, so comfortable for the hosts, and processions became even more favourable for them just ten minutes into the second half. Ireland played a clever chip over the head of Sylvain Distin into the path of Jo, and the forward fed Robinho who in turn curled the ball beyond James from 15 yards.

Another ten minutes passed and Ireland was on hand to set up a teammate once again, this time Wright-Phillips benefitting from his array of passing qualities as he collected a through ball and blasted the ball beyond the Pompey shot-stopper at his near post.

The onlooking crowd barely had chance to catch breath, and another sublime attacking move by the Eastlanders saw Robinho collect Elano's pass, play the ball inside to Wright-Phillips and the diminutive midfielder back-heeled into the path of Evans who did the rest. It was a lovely move, and Wright-Phillips contribution in particular caught the visiting defence flat-footed.

The icing was added to the proverbial cake as James made a hash of Javier Garrido's cross to conclude a humiliating afternoon for the veteran stopper. Fernandes was on-hand to knock the ball into the goal to cap off a marvellous afternoon for Mark Hughes, while Harry Redknapp will return to the south coast in furious spirits.

Will Wood

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Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal earned a battling point in Ukraine after going behind to a controversial penalty shortly after the hour, William Gallas getting his third goal in as many Champions Leagues games this season to ensure there was no major shock in Kiev.

After largely controlling the match for an hour but failing to convert some good chances, Bacary Sagna was somewhat harshly adjudged to have fouled Ognjen Vukojevic in the area, and Ismael Bangoura expertly slotted home the penalty to put Dynamo Kiev ahead in the 64^th minute.

The goal infused Kiev with energy and purpose, and for the next 15 minutes the Gunners were rocking. But they held on, regrouped and battled back into the game, getting their reward in the last five minutes when captain William Gallas slammed the ball into the roof of the net from almost under the bar to cap a period of sustained Arsenal pressure.

Alexandre Song replaced Emmanuel Eboue in the only change made by Arsene Wenger to the side that beat Blackburn Rovers 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. With Samir Nasri amd Mikael Silvestre both injured, Wenger named Mexico starlet Carlos Vela, Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey and 16-year-old Londoner Jack Wilshere on his bench.

Robin Van Persie won an early corner, and soon Theo Walcott's pace threatened as he chased a hopeful ball over the top and, with keeper Bogush making no move, Mykhalyk had to turn the ball behind for another corner. But Dynamo were showing an attacking threat of their own through Bangoura and Eremenko.

On 20 minutes, Emmanuel Adebayor had an excellent chance for Arsenal when Kiev gave the ball away cheaply, but the Togo striker put his shot wide. The two defences then began to enjoy the balance of power, before Bacary Sagna set up Van Persie, whose shot rippled the side-netting.

Then just before the break, Van Persie laid a neat back to Cesc Fabregas, but the Catalan didn’t quite catch it right, and it went straight down Stanislav Bogush’s throat for a key save.

The second-half began with an early scare for the Gunners, Roman Eremanko surging into the area and taking the ball past Gallas and firing in a low drive that crashed off the base of the near post as a grateful Manuel Almunia, hitherto largely unused, pounced on the loose ball.

Arsenal, though, were unhappy about the attack because Walcott was down injured at the time.

Walcott recovered, though, and burst through the middle, spreading the ball wide to van Persie - but with Adebayor yelling for it in the middle, the Dutchman blazed wide from a tight angle.

Fabregas tried a shot from 30 yards which Bogush gathered cleanly after the ball took a deflection and bounced just in front of the keeper.

But when Bangoura broke down the right for Kiev and crossed towards Vukojevic, both he and Sagna tumbled. It was a case of six of one and half-a-dozen of the other but the referee decided Sagna had committed a foul, and Bangoura coolly took full advantage.

Bangoura especially was energised by the goal, and he had the Arsenal defence stretched repeatedly as the London side withstood a tense few minutes. However, he ludicrously dived, and was promptly booked, to ruin a swift incisive passing move by Dynamo. Had he stayed on his feet he could have burst through and had a shot from the middle of the goal.

With Aliev orchestrating the midfield for Dynamo, the Gunners - who were certainly the better team in the first-half, were suddenly hanging on. Bangoura blasted another effort wide, and Clichy made a well-timed tackle on Vukoyevic as the Kiev man was about to shoot. Then Bangoura shot into the side-netting, before Arsenal recovered some poise and were getting back into it in the final ten minutes.

Adebayor went past Nesmachnyi on the right and produced a teasing cross, but Diakhate was calmness personified as he chested the ball back to his goalkeeper. Then an Arsenal corner was cleared two minutes from time, and Bangoura and Aliev had a chance to punish their visitors in a two-on-one break but made a hash of it.

It proved costly because Arsenal immediately equalised. Walcott broke away again down the right and his low dangerous cross to the far post found Gallas gratefully smashing it over the line from almost point-blank range.

So the game ended all-square, both sides having produced some incisive attacking football at pace. Had they both shown greater composure when chances presented themselves, the outcome could have been different. But Arsenal will feel justice was eventually done after the contentious penalty decision.

Dynamo Kiev: Bogush, Betao, Diakhate, Mykhalyk, Nesmachniy, Vukojevic, Yussuf, Yeremenko, Aliev, Ninkovic, Bangoura. Subs: Shovkovskiy, Ghioane, Morozyuk, Shatskikh, Kravets, Olexander Romanchuk, Asatiani

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Song Billong, Denilson, Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou, Bendtner, Eboue

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Juventus 1-0 Zenit

A 75th minute wonder goal from Alessandro Del Piero was enough to give Juventus a 1-0 victory over Zenit St Petersburg in a tight and at times drab Champions League Group H opener in Turin.

Team News

Juventus made their return to Europe’s premier club competition after two years in the Calciopoli-imposed wildnerness, and they were virtually at full strength, with only Jonathan Zebina and Cristiano Zanetti, who are by no-means first team players, out injured.

Claudio Ranieri made four changes from the team who beat Udinese 1-0 on Sunday, selecting Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet up-front, with Nicola Legrottaglie and Cristian Molinaro replacing Olof Mellberg and Paolo De Ceglie respectively in defence.

UEFA Cup and European Supercup champions Zenit were minus the services of midfielder Roman Shirokov, Turkish striker Fatih Tekke, as well as long-term absentee Nicolas Lombaerts.

There were no surprises in Dick Advocaat’s line-up as much admired offensive trio Andrei Arshavin, Danny and Pavel Pogrebnyak all started, with Anatoliy Tymoschuk anchoring the midfield.

First Half

Zenit made by far the better start and controlled the possession in the early stages. On 10 minutes they should have been ahead following a simply dreadful miss from Danny. Pogrebnyak got behind Zdenek Grygera down the right, and chipped a ball up to the far post for Alexander Anyukov, who nodded the ball down to Danny, but from just six yards out he somehow scuffed the ball wide when it was easier to score.

It took until the 14th minute for Juve to launch their first attack of note as Del Piero lost his man delightfully, and crossed for Trezeguet who glanced a header wide.

Del Piero was now finding his feet, and he left Tymoschuk for dead in the centre circle with some great quick feet before lifting the ball over for Trezeguet, who just couldn't take the ball down or else he would have been through.

Sissoko then had a shot from the edge of the area charged down, before Del Piero went on a mesmerising run inside the area, beating three men before being stopped by last man Sebastien Puygrenier.

On 25 minutes Juve were desperately close to taking the lead as Del Piero whipped in a free kick from the right, and Mauro Camoranesi nipped in to flick on a header, only to see it crash off the post and out of play.

Juve were improving but they then received a big blow just past the half-hour mark as Camoranesi was forced off injured, and had to be replaced by Hasan Salihamidzic.

Zenit tried to take immediate advantage of this as Danny volleyed over from 25 yards. There was an more dangerous moment soon after as Pogrebnyak got in behind Chiellini but his cross was headed away by Grygera.

Juve were disjointed again following the Camoranesi injury, and Zenit took control in midfield again, but in truth it had been a first half to forget about for the neutral, and indeed neither goalkeeper had been forced into a single save.

Second Half

Into the second half and Juve had the first attempt as Trezeguet rattled in a left-footed effort from 30 yards that sailed high over the bar. Chiellini then couldn't get his foot over the ball following a right-wing corner.

Yet it was Zenit who were looking the more dangerous, and Juve were forced into a spell of desperate defending before Denisov sliced the ball wide from the edge of the area.

Zenit were knocking on the door and on 55 minutes they missed their second glorious chance of the night as Arshavin put left back Radek Sirl clean through on goal, but Gianluigi Buffon made a superb stop to rescue his side.

Ranieri knew something had to be done and he made a second change, replacing the disappointing Molinaro with Paolo De Ceglie.

Juventus were disjointed, as they had been almost all night. There was also a distinct lack of pace or imagination in the team, and as the game entered the final quarter, if anyone looked like winning it certainly was Zenit.

However, on 73 minutes Juve could have gone ahead as Nedved fizzed in a free kick way out on the left, and Poulsen nodded the ball on, but Malafeev made a fine low save down to his left to push the ball away.

A few minutes later Juve finally broke the deadlock courtesy of an absolute wonder goal from Alessandro Del Piero. The legendary captain let fly with a dipping, swerving free kick from fully 30 yards that moved both left and right as it flew past Malafeev. It was a quite incredible strike!

Zenit tried to hit back, and with 10 minutes to go they were centimetres away from doing so as Denisov sidefooted the ball agonizingly wide of the far post from 20 yards out.

Substitute Alejandro Dominguez then tried to repeat Del Piero's trick but Buffon comfortably saved his long range shot.

Zenit pushed everyone forward for the equaliser, and Arshavin went on a winding run, beating two men before the colossal Chiellini saved the day with an expert tackle.

Amauri came on for Trezeguet in the closing minutes, and almost helped create a second goal for Del Piero but Juve managed to hold out as they earned a narrow win on their return to the Champions League.

Teams

Juventus: Buffon, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro (De Ceglie 56), Camoranesi (Salihamidzic 31), Poulsen, Sissoko, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet (Amauri 87)

Zenit: Malafeev, Anyukov, Krizanac, Puygrenier, Sirl, Denisov, Tymoschuk, Zyrianov (Dominguez 78), Arshavin, Danny, Pogrebnyak.

Goals

Del Piero 75 (J)


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Man Utd 0 Villarreal 0

The holders began the defence of their trophy with a goalless draw at Old Trafford against Villarreal. Cristiano Ronaldo made a second half comeback but even his presence was not enough to secure victory for the home side.

Much of the pre-match talk had surrounded the return of Ronaldo and sure enough the winger was to be found on the substitutes’ bench at the start of the evening.

On the field, however, the United side had an unfamiliar look. Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick were both missing through injury, and with Paul Scholes suspended, Fletcher, Nani, Park and Hargreaves made up an unfamiliar looking midfield.

Certainly the holders were missing the creativity of Ronaldo, Scholes and Giggs and chances were at a premium in an uneventful first half at Old Trafford.

A cautious start from both sides ensured the game failed to really spark initially with long range shots from first Evra and then Tevez the closest the home side came to breaking the deadlock in the early stages.

The visitors, on the other hand, seemed content to sit back and absorb the United pressure and offered little as an attacking threat.

Pires, on his return to Old Trafford, forced Van der Sar into a save just before the half hour mark but it was to be as close as Villarreal came in a quiet opening period.

The second half yielded little more joy for United and indeed it was Villarreal who should have opened the scoring on the hour mark.

Some excellent interplay from the visitors saw them patiently keep possession in the United area. The move ended with a low cross from Pires being converted by Franco, but agonisingly for the striker, his flick rebounded off the inside of the post and into the grateful arms of Van der Sar.

Ferguson’s patience with his side quickly evaporated and on came Anderson and Ronaldo, to a huge ovation, as the holders stepped up their search for the goal.

It took the Portuguese only five minutes to test Diego Lopez in the Villarreal goal. A quick break from Anderson and Tevez found the winger in the box but his shot was hit into the ground and allowed the goalkeeper the opportunity to save.

The arrival of the United number seven, however, certainly seemed to inspire the home side who upped the tempo. A fast flowing break saw Ronaldo feed Rooney and his cross reached Tevez but Diego Lopez just got a hand on his shot which allowed the covering Rodriguez to hook the ball off the line.

With ten minutes to go it was Ronaldo again. A Nani cross was whipped into the far post but the United talisman could only watch as his header flew just wide.

He then turned creator, a ferocious cross reached the far post where Evans was on hand but his header cannoned back off the post.

With Villarreal clearly tiring, United were dominant but even with the presence of Ronaldo they couldn’t quite find the opening and the visitors hung on for a point.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Nani, Hargreaves (Anderson, 62), Fletcher, Park (Ronaldo, 62), Rooney, Tevez (Giggs, 80).

Villarreal: Diego Lopez, Angel, Rodriguez, Godin, Capdevila, Cani (Cazorla, 46), Eguren, Edmilson, Pires (Ibagaza, 68), Fernandez, Franco (Llorente, 77).

Gill Clark

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What: Barclays Premier League
Who: Liverpool (2nd, 7pts) v Manchester United (9th, 4pts)
When: Saturday, 13th September, Kick-off: 12:45 BST
Where: Anfield, Liverpool

The Eighteenth Hole

Mark Hughes may like to think that his Manchester City side’s clash with Chelsea later on Saturday takes star billing in this weekend’s Premier League fixture list, but some 45,000 fans inside Anfield - plus, no doubt, a global TV audience of millions - will beg to differ when Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns again in a lunch-time showdown that will inevitably offer clues about this season‘s title race.

The ‘Clash of the Cash’ at Eastlands in the early evening will be a fascinating encounter for all sports of reasons, but few would accept that a meeting between the North-West’s two red-clad armies is no longer the main event. And while City and Chelsea may boss the richest sugar-daddies in the League, neither Liverpool nor United can be accused of penny-pinching, having this summer alone sunk more than £50 million between them into parting Tottenham from their strike-force.

United‘s deadline-day swoop for Dimitar Berbatov followed Liverpool‘s earlier capture of the Bulgarian‘s erstwhile scoring partner at White Hart Lane, Robbie Keane. Typically, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sought to lob a psychological doubt into the Liverpool camp by questioning the high price Rafa Benitez was prepared to pay for Keane, a player whose value he has previously implied is somewhat inflated. Fergie’s mischief-making with the press is unlikely to cut much ice at Anfield, where the only sensible response is to ram his words down his throat on the pitch, though that has proved to be easier said than done in recent seasons.

That’s underlined by the fact that United are chasing a sixth successive Premier League victory over their Merseyside rivals, and their third in a row at Anfield. Indeed, Liverpool have suffered more Premier League defeats (18), dropped more points (68) and conceded more goals (48) to Manchester United than to any other club.

Those statistics make painful reading for anyone associated with Liverpool, and one can only imagine what the ghosts of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley have made of the last 18 seasons. Eighteen, of course, is a highly evocative number in the context of battles between these two giants, separated by 33 miles of East Lancs Road or, if you prefer, M62 motorway.

For while Liverpool can still proudly boast more top-flight English titles - 18 - than any other club, they haven’t added to their haul since 1990. And with consecutive triumphs in the last two seasons, United have closed to within one title of their bitter rivals. When you consider that, at the time Kenny Dalglish’s Reds lifted the club’s 18^th title in 1990, United’s tally was a modest seven, the seismic nature of the power-shift in Lancashire can be graphically understood. If United successfully defend their title again this season, they will not only claim an unprecedented second hat-trick of championships, but also equal Liverpool’s record total of titles. That is a prospect almost too awful to contemplate for many Reds fans. Never has Liverpool’s quest for that elusive next title been more urgent.

Advantage Liverpool?

The good news for Liverpool is that they can go three points clear at the top of the table - for two hours at least - if they can achieve their tenth successive home league victory. To do so at United’s expense would be sweet indeed. United are down in ninth at the moment, partly because they’ve played a game fewer than all except Fulham, their clash wityh the Cottagers having been postponed while they went to Monaco for their ill-fated Super Cup defeat by Zenit St Petersburg.

But United were the only opponents who left Anfield with all three points last season - and Ferguson boasts an unbeaten record against Benitez of seven wins and one draw. Rafa’s one success was in an FA Cup fifth round tie in February 2006.

The context for this match is that both sides have been without most of their squads for ten days because of the international break - and that both will be seeking the boost to morale of a win to carry them into their first Champions League group matches next week.

Noises Off-Stage

Inevitably in the build-up to such a big game there have been plenty of comments, and some verbal sniping, from both camps. As noted, Fergie has queried the wisdom of Liverpool’s purchase of Robbie Keane, the Irishman shrugging off the slight by insisting football is a game of opinions - and adding that in his, John O’Shea should start every game for United. Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, reflecting on the bitter disappointment of last season’s home defeat by United, claimed that the game is worth much more than three points.

“If we beat Manchester United at home, we will have 10 points and much more confidence, but everyone will also be very, very happy.”

His team-mate Fabio Aurelio (famous among other things for the fact that his surname uses every available vowel), chipped in with: “We need to try and change the history. In recent years, it has been difficult against them, but we have a great opportunity to change that on Saturday.”

Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano, who recklessly got himself sent off during last season’s showdown between the teams at Old Trafford, reckons: "It’s a match we need to win if we want to compete for the title. We can do that and push for honours. The fans deserve it."

The trick, of course, is walking the walk as well as talking the talk, as Reds defender Jamie Carragher knows only too well. He admits United have been better than Liverpool in recent derbies, and told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I'm not a great believer in being lucky or unlucky. I'm a big believer in 'you get what you deserve'.

"United over the last few years have probably edged it with us and small details in football make a difference. That's why they've been better than us and that's something we need to liven up.”

Meanwhile, from Old Trafford, there have been some bullish noises too, including former United defender Gary Pallister saying Liverpool will again fail to contest the title this season. He insists the Reds cannot sustain a challenge over the course of the whole season. He even suggests that things could quickly go pear-shaped for Benitez if he a loser again at Anfield.

"I can't see them challenging this year. I thought they might put together a sustained challenge last year and they didn't manage to do so. I don't feel as though they can this year either," he told the Daily Star. “Under Benitez they've been playing for fourth spot. That's not good enough for Liverpool fans. They expect to be up there fighting for league championships - and that hasn't happened. It would have a big effect on their season if they lose. If they lose badly it would be even more damaging. To lose at home to one of your main rivals is a huge blow."

The current United players have been fairly muted about Liverpool. Berbatov has been insisting he’s not lazy; Ryan Giggs has been predicting the Bulgarian will be an instant success for United; and Wayne Rooney has been talking more about resurgent England than the Premiership this week, having ended his 11-month goal drought for the Three Lions with an impressive performance.

But the other significant off-stage noise surrounding this gamer could well come from Liverpool fans planning to protest against the clubs two American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks. Will that strike a chord among United fans who wanted nothing to do with the Glazer-buy-out of their club? It should do, but parochial enmity could well mean United fans mocking rather than sympathising with their Scouse rivals.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool have lost one of their last 16 games in all competitions - a 2-3 reverse at Stamford Bridge at the hands of Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final second leg. They are unbeaten in 10 Premier League matches, of which they’ve won seven and drawn three. Ironically, their last League defeat was a 3-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in March. And their last home defeat was also by United nine months ago. That 1-0 defeat, inflicted by a Carlos Tevez goal, was Liverpool’s only loss at Anfield in their last 24. But they’ve not not beaten a fellow 'Big Four' club in six attempts. This season, the Reds have beaten Sunderland away, Middlesbrough at home and drawn with Aston Villa away in the League, while squeezing through in extra-time against Standard Liege in a Champions League qualifier to secure entry to the lucrative group stage.

United’s last outing was that 2-1 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in the European Super Cup on 29th August. They’ve played only two Premier League fixtures to date, a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle United and a 1-09 win at Fratton Park against Portsmouth. They’ve won 10, drawn three and lost one of their last 14 Premier League games, collecting 10 points from the last 12 on offer since Chelsea beat the 2-1 away on 26th April. That was United’s first reverse in their last eight games against fellow 'Big Four' clubs.

Last Five Matches

Liverpool

31 Aug: Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool (EPL)

27 Aug: Liverpool 1-0 Standard Liege (CLQ)

23 Aug: Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough (EPL)

16 Aug: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (EPL)

13 Aug: Standard Liege 0-0 Liverpool (CLQ)

Manchester United

29 Aug: Man Utd 1-2 Zenit St Petersburg (N) (Super Cup)

25 Aug: Portsmouth 0-1 Man Utd (EPL)

17 Aug: Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle Utd (EPL)

10 Aug: Man Utd 0-0 Portsmouth (N) (Community Shield) (Utd won 3-1 on pens)

04 Aug: Peterborough Utd 0-2 Man Utd (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Benitez was given a major boost today when two of his key players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, were both declared fit to face United.

Gerrard missed England's 4-1 win in Croatia on Wednesday after undergoing a minor groin operation, and Torres has recovered from a hamstring tear, so both stars are included in Rafa’s squad after successfully completing Friday’s light training session.

"They are both much better," said Benitez. "They came through a full training session this morning. It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Albert Riera is in line to make his Liverpool debut after joining the club from Espanyol on transfer deadline day. But Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will miss the game after a long-haul flight back to Merseyside from international duty in South America. And both Sami Hyypia and Philipp Degen could miss out with hamstring and groin injuries, respectively.

Squad: Reina, Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Keane, Gerrard, Torres, Aurelio, Alonso, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Agger, Kuyt, Babel, Mascherano, Carragher, Ngog, Plessis, El Zhar, Skrtel, Riera.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossenaa, Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard, Riera, Keane, Torres.

Manchester United

The club’s expensive transfer deadline-day recruit, Dimitar Berbatov, will almost certainly make his debut for the club, despite his fitness levels having been questioned by United’s coaching staff following his arrival from Tottenham.

Ferguson had doubts about the fitness of three potentially key men, but has been boosted by the prospect of having the trio back in contention for United’s first Premier League game in almost three weeks.

Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick all now look likely to be fit and available to face Liverpool. Ferdinand missed England's 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday because of neck and back injuries, but recovered to play his part in the Three Lions’ resounding 4-1 thrashing of Croatia in Zagreb last night.

Giggs, 34, had been suffering with a hamstring problem but could be involved if he comes through a late fitness test. And Carrick is now expected to be available following an ankle injury.

But Cristiano Ronaldo and Owen Hargreaves are still undergoing treatment.

Squad: Van der Sar, Neville, Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Anderson, Berbatov, Rooney, Giggs, Park, Vidic, Carrick, Nani, Scholes, R. Da Silva, O’Shea, Evans, Fletcher, Tevez, Kuszczak.

Possible Starting XI: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

All eyes will inevitably be on former Tottenham strike partners Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, now on opposite sides and keen to prove t5hey were worth their respective big fees. Keane has appeared over-anxious so far for the Reds, so a more measure approach to this titanic struggle could pay dividends for him. Trying too hard is not an accusation Berbatov has often had directed at him, but he show more than his usual economy of movement oh his debut for United. Like Keane on moving to Anfield, Berba described his switch to Old Trafford as a ’dream’ (cue yawns). It may well be a dream move for Rooney, whose game has cried out for some time for the sort of vision, touch and guile that Berbatov can provide in the form of telling assists. On the other hand, Jamie Carragher will be at his most dogged and determined in trying to turn the tide in these North-West derbies, and will neither ask nor give a quarter to either United front man.

PREDICTION

Recent history points to United maintaining their hex on Liverpool, but then neither side have found anything like approaching top gear so far this season. This is the just the type of game to sort the men from the boys, the serious contenders from the mere hopefuls, though at this stage of the campaign no outcome will be decisive - and you’d still expect both sides to be in contention next April when the season moves towards its climax.

Their recent dominance over Liverpool means United may turn up at Anfield expecting to win, which could suit Liverpool. If United do win, they will have to halt a run: Liverpool have won their last nine home league games and are unbeaten at Anfield in the league this calendar year. Perhaps surprisingly, too, since February the Reds have been the best team in the Premier League with 13 wins, four draws and one defeat from 18 games. Meanwhile United have won only one of their four games so far this season during the regulation 90 minutes. And the last time Liverpool endured an eight-match winless streak against United in the league (1996-2000), they endede the sequence in the ninth meeting by winning 1-0 (and going on to do the double over United that season).

It’s also true that in none of the last eight clashes between these two sides have both teams got on the score-sheet - but that could change tomorrow with a scoring draw.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Graham Lister

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Inter Shortlist Five Big Names For 2009

According to Tuttosport, Inter Milan have shortlisted five big possible signings for next summer, and will immediately begin preparing the groundwork for their transfers.

The Nerazzurri this summer pulled off three major acquisitions, snapping up Sulley Muntari, Ricardo Quaresma and Amantino Mancini.

However, the purchases of the former two proved to be rather rushed, as Muntari only arrived after the failure to buy Chelsea’s Frank Lampard, while Quaresma’s deal was only sealed just hours before the closure of the transfer window.

Inter President Massimo Moratti wants to ensure that the transfer work next summer is more decisive, and has already drawn up a five-man shortlist on which the club will begin to work on.

The first of these is Benfica winger Angel Di Maria, who impressed hugely at the recent Olympics, scoring the winner for Argentina in their final win over Nigeria. Indeed, Sportmediaset claimed a few days ago that Inter have already agreed a deal with Benfica sporting director Rui Costa, which will see the talented player swap the Estadio Da Luz for San Siro next summer.

The second player on Inter’s shortlist is another Olympic star, Thiago Neves of Brazil. The midfielder recently joined Hamburg from Fluminense, but Inter are being tipped to go head-to-head with Milan for his signature next summer.

The third on Moratti’s hit-list is Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero, who is regarded as one of the world’s best young players. The Argentine has long been linked with the Nerazzurri, and indeed a few months ago the forward’s father-in-law to be Diego Maradona admitted that it was possible Aguero could end up at San Siro in the near future.

Two centre midfielders complete the shortlist. The first is Roma’s Alberto Aquilani, who Inter tentatively tried to sign this summer. The second is Napoli wonderkid Marek Hamsik, who is hugely admired by Inter boss Jose Mourinho, and who is tipped by many to develop into the best centre midfielder in Europe in the coming years.

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Inter coach Jose Mourinho believes that foreign investors who take over football clubs are only good if they show the same passion and enthusiasm as Roman Abramovic at Chelsea.

The former Blues coach spoke about the recent take over at Manchester City by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment.

Mourinho insists that he welcomes club take over’s but only if those who become new owners show real passion for the game.

“As a professional I am talking about Manchester City’s recent take over by the Arabs and my own experience with Roman Abramovic at Chelsea, I think that these investors should be welcome,” Mourinho told ANSA.

“However, I believe that they should only be welcome if they show great passion as well as the interests they have at first hand.

“I worked three years with Abramovic at Chelsea, everyone used to speak about the money but he had great passion.”

Meanwhile, Inter could only manage a 2-2 draw against Swiss side Lucerne on Friday night. The Nerazzurri went down 2-0 before new signing Ricardo Quaresma inspired them to a comeback on his debut.

Salvatore Landolina

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier with Andorra on Saturday evening with a back problem.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out by England boss Fabio Capello at the pre-match news conference ahead of the game at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.

It is expected that the former Leeds and West Ham defender will be fit for the Three Lions’ crunch game against Croatia next week, meaning that there is no reason to risk the Champions League winner against the part-time Andorra team.

"He is the only one in the squad who is not 100 percent fit,” Capello revealed to the press.

"But it is not a serious injury and I think he will be fit to face Croatia next week."

Ferdinand’s back ailment has prevented him from taking part in any training this week.

As a result of the player’s absence Joleon Lescott, Wesley Brown and Matthew Upson are all competing to partner captain John Terry at centre-back. The omission of Jonathan Woodgate now seems more puzzling however, after Capello revealed that he had expected Ferdinand to miss the game.

Ferdinand, who debuted for his nation in 1997, has 69 caps for his nation and has scored 2 international goals.

Chris Myson, Goal.com

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Arsenal and Spain midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has made it clear that he has no intentions of being part of Manchester City’s football and transfer revolution by joining them anytime in the near future.

Cesc has given a pre-emptive response to any future advances cash-filled Manchester City may make for him by declaring that he will never join the Eastlands club.

The 21 year old Arsenal man, back in Spain for his country’s World Cup qualifiers told Barcelona-based daily Sport bluntly: "It would be suicidal for my career at my 21 years of age to move to City. It would make no sense."

The Citizens, currently owned by Abu Dhabi United Group, have already been linked to a number of the world’s biggest and best players including Ruud van Nistlerooy, Fernando Torres, Kaká and Gianluigi Buffon.

KS Leong

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Spain’s goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas says that he does not hold any resentment towards Robinho after the Brazilian superstar decided to leave Real Madrid.

Robinho caused quite a ruckus at the Real Madrid camp during the summer when he made his now infamous public pleas to leave the Santiago Bernabéu.

He was eventually allowed to leave to sign for Manchester City but the club’s goalkeeper, Iker Casillas confessed that he does not have any ill-feelings towards the 24 year old.

“It is not something I am pre-occupied with because it’s all in the past. Every player decides on their own future and Robinho has chosen to leave Real Madrid,” the Spanish international captain revealed during La Selección’s press conference.

“I am grateful for what he has done for the team and I wish him all the best in Manchester City,” he added.

Casillas was then asked if Robinho’s exit coupled with the club’s failure to sign their intended targets, such as the player who was sitting next to him in the press call, David Villa, has disrupted the squad dynamics.

“I don’t think it has changed anything. And I do not believe that these players said no to Real Madrid.

“They all want to come but obviously, there are negotiations and it is necessary to come to an agreement first,” he theorized.

Real Madrid saw their jinx at the Riazor continue last weekend when they slumped to a 2-1 defeat. The league will resume next Saturday at the conclusion of the International break and Los Merengues will welcome newly promoted Numancia to the Bernabéu cauldron.

KS Leong

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Milan and Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta has taken a swipe at the English game, insisting that they have no right to criticise the Italians after the Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

Zambrotta has reignited the fiery slanging match between England and Italy after he was asked what he thought of an article published in The Times, which described Serie A as a “retirement home for old players,” and “a get rich quick scheme.”

The stopper has hit back with some tough words for the English.

“Retirement home? That’s all I need at 31,” joked Zambrotta.

“I have all the experience to be able to motivate myself.

“What makes me laugh is that the English are always the first to talk when they should be the last. Just look at them, they didn’t even qualify for Euro 2008.”

Certainties

The former Barcelona man then spoke about his new life at Milan following his return to Serie A and he insists that the game in Italy is always moving onwards and upwards.

“The impact of Milan is simple: they are a top club and well organised like Juventus,” added Zambro.

“I think the quality of Serie A has improved, but then you always have the same certainties like Maurizio Zamparini firing the coach after the first game.”

The Rossonero is currently on international duty with La Nazionale as he tries to help defend the World Cup trophy they won in 2006.

Italy have travelled to Lanarca to take on Cyprus on Saturday night in group 8 of the World Cup South Africa 2010 qualifying campaign.

Salvatore Landolina

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Nicola Legrottaglie has told Inter and the rest of Europe to watch out this season because Juventus are “tough cookies”.

The Bianconeri had a promising start to the season on Sunday night when, despite conceding a late equaliser at Fiorentina to draw 1-1, the signs were positive.

Legrottaglie himself had a fine game at centre back, and he has again been rewarded with a call-up to the Italy national team.

Speaking from the training base in Coverciano, the 31-year-old warned bitter rivals Inter, and the rest of Europe, that his club side will surprise many people this campaign.

“Juventus will never suffer against anyone, in fact the other teams will suffer when they face us because we'll be hard to beat,” he stated.

“We're tough cookies and Inter Milan will soon realize it!

“Juventus will surprise people in the Champions League too, especially if we go through the first group and we get to the knock-out stage"

The Old Lady were drawn in what many people are calling the ‘Group of Death’ in the first stage of Europe’s premier club competition. Spanish champions Real Madrid, UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg, and minnows BATE will all fight it out for qualification from Group H.

Gianni Wilson

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Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is so annoyed with the club’s poor start to the season, he has called an emergency meeting with Carlo Ancelotti and co to discuss the situation according to Il Corriere Dello Sport.

The Rossoneri got their Serie A campaign off to the worst possible start after they lost 2-1 at home to Bologna on Sunday.

Galliani is furious with the result and he has called in the coach and his staff in order to discuss the problems and get back on track.

It’s not the first time the chief has punched the table, he recently held a meeting with Ancelotti during pre-season after a number of poor performances.

It seems as if patience is running out at the top and the coach will need to be careful as he could soon be sent marching. Reports in Italy this morning have already claimed that Ancelotti may join Roma in 2009 and, should the poor results continue, it may even be sooner.

The Scudetto is the club’s number one objective this term and any further failures on the pitch could see Galliani tear up the coach’s contract.

Meanwhile, good news on the injury front as Kaka, Alessandro Nesta, Marco Borriello and Philippe Senderos are all making quick recoveries from various injuries.

Salvatore Landolina

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The Sun reports that Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is livid after top target Robinho signed for Manchester City...

The Blues had been odds-on to land the Brazilian superstar after he declared his desire to leave Real Madrid sign on at Stamford Bridge.

Los Merengues had accepted a £28.4million bid and the deal was all but complete when Chelsea's impatience effectively scuppered the transaction.

The London giants jumped the gun to disastrous effect when they began selling shirts emblazoned with Robinho's name through their online shop last week.

That was enough to tip the Spanish champions over the edge in what was already a tense negotiation process, and the initial deal fell through.

Scolari made no secret of his admiration for Robinho and singled out the 24-year-old as the one player he hoped to sign this summer after landing Deco from Barcelona.

The former Brazil coach attempted to play it cool, insisting it made no difference if he captured the ex-Santos prodigy or not, but Chelsea sources suggest otherwise.

“He is too professional to make a fuss but this is a blow,” an insider told The Sun.

Further fuelling Scolari's wrath is the fact Chelsea turned down the opportunity to land Robinho on deadline day.

Los Blancos had accepted a bid of £32.5million from newly cashed-up City and challenged the Blues to match it - but the Premier League powerhouses were not willing to stump up the extra £4million.

Hence, the Selecao star made his way to Eastlands instead in an English record transfer, while Scolari was left demanding answers from chief executive Peter Kenyon and owner Roman Abramovich.

The source added: “It’s no secret that Chelsea has paid a lot of money for players in the last few years.

“Some of those players have been successful and others not so.

“Felipe understands the budget has a limit but feels that he did not ask too much of the club.

“He bought Deco for £8million and made it clear how important Robinho was to his plans for the season.

“So he is entitled to feel let down that the club would not increase its offer by £4m to get the player.”

Cecil Braun

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Returning Genoa striker Diego Milito has admitted that he turned down Tottenham Hotspur to secure a move back to his old club...

Genoa recently completed the recapture of Diego Milito from Real Zaragoza in Spain. The prolific Argentinian had a very successful two year spell with the Rossoblu before his transfer to Spain, scoring 33 goals in 59 matches.

Milito, before boarding a plane that will take him to Italy where he is due to complete a medical for Genoa, has revealed that he turned down a move to London with Tottenham Hotspur in order to move to the Rossoblu. “Zaragoza was putting pressure on me to sign for Tottenham, but then Genoa came along and I jumped at the chance,” said Milito, adding, “I wanted the Rossoblu shirt at all costs.”

The Argentinian player is happy to be back in the Rossoblu colours saying, “This is my city; I'm coming home.” The player went on to provide more evidence of his happiness regarding his return to his former club in Italy. “I feel an immense joy and my family is also happy to be back to Genoa, where I have always done well and hoped to return to one day,” said the striker.

Milito gave the Genoa faithful cause for celebration saying, “To the people of Genoa, I say this, I will give my all for this shirt, because here I feel at home.” That must be music to the ears of Rossoblu fans.

Peter Pedroncelli

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