Juande Ramos endured fresh horrors as Tottenham crashed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke on Sunday.

Spurs sunk to their sixth defeat in eight games to stoke up the pressure on their Spanish manager, who left the Britannia Stadium pitch grim-faced.

It was the worst of matches for Tottenham and Ramos - a bitter defeat, two red cards and, not least, Croatian defender Vedran Corluka suffering a serious-looking head injury.

It started badly and rarely looked up for the visitors: Gareth Bale conceded a penalty and was red-carded 17 minutes into the game.

Danny Higginbotham scored from the spot and although Darren Bent equalised, Rory Delap grabbed the winner to leave Tottenham with two points from eight matches, their worst ever start to a season - worse still than 1912, the year the Titanic sunk, when they at least had three points from the opening eight games.

In the 24th minute Tottenham finally enjoyed a slice of good fortune. Hutton's shot was blocked with two Spurs players offside and the ball found its way through to Bent, who poked home from close range.

It was Delap who hit the equaliser seven minutes into the second half after Stoke - who had until then relied on direct tactics - finally put together a decent passing move.

The ball was worked through central midfield and then out to Sidibe on the right who struck a peach of a centre leaving Delap with a straightforward finish at the far post. And in the closing seconds substitute Michael Dawson rounded off Ramos' bad dream with another straight red card for a foot-up challenge on Sidibe.

Londoner Michael Turner emerged as the latest hero of Hull's remarkable Premier League season as his 51st-minute header at the KC Stadium proved enough to inflict more capital carnage.

Following stunning wins at Arsenal and Tottenham, the Lewisham-born Turner struck to sink Gianfranco Zola's ailing West Ham 1-0 and send the Tigers roaring back up to third place.

Confidence oozing from every pore, the home side deserved their latest win for their attacking intent and Phil Brown's men looked dangerous on the counter-attack right up to the final whistle.

The leaders' recorded the club's biggest win at Middlesbrough as the perfect away run in the league continues.

It was a scintillating burst of team-attacking play in the second half that built on a 1-0 half-time lead. That had been thanks to a Kalou goal and the Ivorian would go on to score again among another Belletti long-range special and goals from Lampard and Malouda.

That Chelsea were suffering an 'injury crisis' now looks laughable with the result coming on the back of the excellent home victory over Aston Villa although by kick off, the medical picture had brightened considerable from how it appeared midweek.

Chelsea did our best to get the early afternoon going by scoring.

Belletti was involved in the action twice, first spinning a ball out to Bridge and then shooting when the left-back's cross was only half-cleared beyond the far post.

There was a touch of good fortune when the ball ricocheted twice off red-shirted players but Kalou didn't care as he turned the ball in from just six yards out. There were 13 minutes on the clock.

Lampard was a couple of yards away from making it 2-0 on 23 minutes but he diverted Malouda's low ball into the six-yard box beyond the far post.The Blues contrived to give Middlesbrough a brief moment of hope in stoppage time at the end of the half but a stretching Terry and Cudicini restored calm. The game had not been overflowing with chances at the other end but the 1-0 score at the break still flattered Southgate's team as jeers greeted the half-time whistle.

First Belletti, who had not looked at all out of place when pushing forward, collected a Malouda pass in far-too-much space for Boro's safety. The shot from 30 yards couldn't have been more perfect, curling away from the keeper's reach and into the top corner.

Malouda was again involved in the third, a long pass to the Frenchman out on the right squared inside to Kalou who struck the target via a deflection off Wheater. 3-0 with 52 minutes gone.

Belletti skied a chance over after he was set-up by the in-form Kalou. Lampard then drove a shot straight at Turnball but he did not have to wait long to celebrate his move into the top 10 Chelsea appearance makers with a goal; typically surging into the box to meet Kalou's cross unmarked and head beyond the keeper's right arm.

That was the 63rd minute. Goal number five came on 66. Anelka cut in from the right, his shot was straight at Turnball but the keeper joined a day of dodgy home form by spilling it onto the post for Malouda to snap up a gift.

Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cudicini; Bosingwa, Alex, Terry (c), Bridge (Ferreira 64); Belletti; Kalou, Mikel, Lampard (Deco 72), Malouda; Anelka (Sinclair 78).
Scorers Kalou 13, 52, Belletti 50, Lampard 63, Malouda 66.

Middlesbrough (4-4-1-1): Turnbull; Grounds (J Johnson 54), Riggott, Wheater, Taylor; A Johnson (Alves 64) O'Neil, Shawky (Digard 64), Downing (c); Aliadière; Mido.
Booked O'Neil 26, Alves 76.

Juventus suffered their second straight defeat after going in front with a goal by Amauri at the San Paolo stadium of Naples, as strikes from Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi earned Napoli another impressive victory.

Around the quarter hour mark, the old Del Piero-Nedved connection conjured up a couple of chances for Juve, as first the captain played the ball back to the Golden Ball winner, who had a chance to shoot from the edge of the area, but his effort sailed high over the crossbar (14’).

A minute later, Nedved made a good run at the Napoli defence and played a sliding pass to Del Piero, but Santacroce cleared the danger with a fine tackle.

The first half-chance came in the 58th minute, when Maggio made a good run, beating two defenders and sending in a dangerous low cross inside the area, which Manninger cleared away with his feet.

Two minutes later, Juve had the ball in the net. It was a well taken strike by Amauri, who met a left-wing cross by Poulsen perfectly and volleyed it past Iezzo, making it 1-0 to the visitors in the 60th minute.

This goal made the match come alive, and it took only four minutes for the Azzurri to get an equaliser. Manuele Blasi received the ball on the right wing and sent in a cross that Hamsik, who hadn’t had a great match until that point, headed past a hapless Manninger (64’).

The match remained intense after this goal, but both sides played very cautiously as they seemed content with the 1-1 tie. However, a mistake by Juve defender Dario Knezevic allowed Napoli to take the lead out of nothing, as his clearence bounced to Lavezzi, who had no hesitation and pulled the trigger, making it 2-1 and turning the match on its head 11 minutes before full time.

With this victory Napoli momentarily leap to the top of the table with 14 points, while Juventus are 11th with 9 points.

Napoli (3-5-2): Iezzo; Santacroce, Cannavaro (63’ Aronica), Contini; Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik, Vitale (46’ Mannini); Zalayeta (68’ Denis), Lavezzi. Coach: Reja.

Juventus (4-4-2): Manninger; Grygera, Knezevic, Chiellini, Molinaro (82’ Giovinco); Salihamidzic, Poulsen (74’ Ekdal), Marchisio, Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero (70’ De Ceglie). Coach: Ranieri.

A last minute Gonzalo Higuain penalty gave Real Madrid a priceless 2-1 victory at the Vicente Calderon in the Madrid derby.

Much of the build-up to the match had been spent emphasizing the fact that Atleti had not beaten their bitter rivals at home for nine years. Could it get much worse? After approximately thirty-five seconds, Ruud Van Nistelrooy shattered the hopes and dreams of the Vicente Calderon faithful before they had found their seats, rifling a shot into the bottom corner from the left flank from about twenty-five yards. While it was a decent effort, Leo Franco should not have been beaten at his near post.

A stray elbow from Perea left Wesley Sneijder with a bleeding nose, and he was duly sent off. He had been booked before, but that was irrelevant as it was a straight red. Despite half time being imminent, Aguirre absolutely had to make a change, as he bought Antonio Lopez on for Raul Garcia to shore up the defence and limit the damage before the break. But just as things looked as though they couldn’t get crazier, they did. Ruud Van Nistelrooy executed a typically clumsy striker’s tackle on Maniche, and was sent off for his troubles. While it was undoubtedly a rash challenge, the forward could justifiably feel a bit hard done by the refereeing team, given the earlier disallowed goal as well.

With barely five minutes remaining, Pepe, who had arguably been the best player on the park, proved just how valuable he is to Real Madrid, executing a superb block to stop Aguero’s goal bound shot, after Cannavaro had slipped in the box. Schuster responded to the pressure by sending Royston Drenthe on for Raul, a move theoretically designed to strengthen the defence. It was Madrid’s attack, however, that almost sealed the deal, with Higuain and Van der Vaart forcing Leo Franco into yet another double save.

It appeared to be a costly miss, as the dramatic encounter took another twist at the beginning of stoppage time. Atleti won a free kick on the edge of the box, and they finally made one count, with half time substitute Simao firing the ball in, leaving Casillas helpless. The Portuguese was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration, but it was well worth it.

The celebrations were short-lived, however, as Atletico underwent yet another spectacular capitulation against their arch enemy. On ninety-five minutes, with less than a minute to go, Drenthe went down in the box after a challenge from Heitinga, and referee Clos Gomez pointed to the spot. Gonzalo Higuain stepped up and made no mistake under intense pressure, despite Leo Franco getting a hand to the shot.

It was a cruel but familiar ending for Atleti, whose fans will be wondering if they will ever see their team beat Real Madrid at the Calderon in their lifetime.

Atletico: Leo Franco – Ujfalusi (Luis Garcia 70), Heitinga, Perea, Pernia (Simao 45) – Raul Garcia (Antonio Lopez 37), Assuncao, Maniche, Banega – Aguero, Forlan

Real Madrid: Casillas – Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe, Marcelo – Gago, De La Red (Javi Garcia 78), Sneijder (Van der Vaart 68) – Higuain, Raul (Drenthe 84), Van Nistelrooy


Nothing could separate Espanyol and Villarreal as they played out a goalless draw on Saturday night.

Espanyol were really struggling to have any sort of impact against the joint leaders, whose forwards were causing Los Pericos’ back line all sorts of problems. On twenty-four minutes, the Yellow Submarines would have taken the lead, were it not for an excellent save from Carlos Kameni, who kept out Rossi’s goal bound shot.

The home team looked rejuvenated as they appeared for the second half, and it only took a minute for Tamudo to fashion some space in the box. Gonzalo Rodriguez, however, got his right foot to the ball just in time to clear the danger.

That sparked Villarreal back into life, and they resumed the ascendancy, with Espanyol resigned to playing on the counter. It was almost a contest between De La Pena and Rossi, with both players being the focus of their respective teams forays forward. Villarreal especially mounted countless attacks, but at the same time were not creating many great chances. Indeed, the closest they came was from set pieces, with Marcos Senna coming close on the hour mark.

With fifteen minutes to go, Pellegrini withdrew the impressive Rossi, tired after the international fixtures, and threw on Guille Franco. Immediately afterwards, Robert Pires forced a great save from Kameni, as Villarreal threw everything at their hosts. Meanwhile, the highly rated American teenager Jozy Altidore came on for Llorente, to form a new frontline for the last ten minutes.

Espanyol: Kameni – Sergio Sanchez, Jarque, Pareja, Beranger (Lacruz 88)– Roman (Angel 78), Hurtado, De La Pena – Nene, Luis Garcia (Coro 72), Tamudo

Villarreal: Diego Lopez – Javi Venta, Gonzalo, Godin, Capdevilla – Cani (Cazorla 64), Bruno, Senna, Pires – Llorente (Altidore 78), Rossi (Guille Franco 75)

Four second-half goals saw Manchester United claim victory over West Brom at Old Trafford. After a limp first half Wayne Rooney opened the scoring before playing in Cristiano Ronaldo for United’s second. Dimitar Berbatov and Nani then sealed the win for the champions.

Cristiano Ronaldo out on the left, fed Wayne Rooney a cute ball into the box. The England striker beat Olsson before cutting inside and finishing well past Carson.

However, referee Mark Halsey ruled the effort out, deeming Rooney to have pushed Olsson in the build up to the goal, much to the striker’s frustration. Released down the left flank by Ronaldo, Rooney homed in on goal, beating Donk before despatching a low shot inside Carson’s right hand post for a deserved goal.

Denied by Carson, Rooney then turned creator, receiving the ball from Fletcher before sliding the ball through to Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger sprinted clear before slipping the ball first time between Carson’s legs to double the home side’s lead.

The goals seemed to flatten West Brom who had held out for so long and within minutes of Ronaldo’s goal they had conceded once again.

Nani, who had replaced Park, crossed in from the left and with the Albion defenders standing off the ball it fell to Berbatov who instinctively stuck out a leg to prod it home from close range.

The Portuguese then got his name on the scoresheet in the last minute to add the gloss to a convincing victory. Berbatov released Rooney on the right and his low cross was converted at the far post by Nani for United's fourth.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva (Neville, 65), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (O’Shea, 36), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Giggs, Park (Nani, 69), Berbatov, Rooney.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison, Koren (Moore, 72), Borja Valero, Greening, Brunt, Bednar (Miller, 53).

Theo Walcott was introduced from the bench and late on managed to plunder a third goal for Arsenal after Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie cancelled out Leon Osman's opener.

Steven Pienaar made space on the left side of the Arsenal box and rolled an inviting ball across the Gunners' defensive line. Leon Osman met the ball with a sliding effort to give Manuel Almunia no chance.

Shortly after Almunia denied Yakubu a chance for 2-0, Samir Nasri equalised. His powerful drive from the edge of the box gave Tim Howard little chance in the Everton net.

Van Persie then flung a shot over the bar while off balance and Theo Walcott was beginning to come into his own. His threatening pace was making life uncomfortaable for a flat-footed Toffees' defence.

Arsenal went on top through the mid-portion of the second half, and were ahead with 20 minutes left in the tie. Adebayor declined the chance to shoot before prompting Fabregas who struck on target. His effort was repelled by Howard, who was helpless to prevent Van Persie plundering the rebound.

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Silvestre, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs: Fabianski, Diaby, Vela, Walcott, Ramsey, Gibbs, Hoyte.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Osman, Rodwell, Fellaini, Pienaar, Yakubu. Subs: Nash, Saha, Vaughan, Neville, Nuno Valente, Gosling, Wallace.


A Dirk Kuyt brace sandwiched by a Riera strike sunk Wigan's early efforts as despite taking the lead twice through Amr Zaki, it was Liverpool who emerged triumphant.

Amr Zaki took advantage of some confusion between Agger and Reina and the powerful Egyptian - likened to Alan Shearer - neatly slotted the ball home.

Liverpool begin to ease their way back into the game as the second half draws to a close and they finally find their equaliser when Agger - making amends for his earlier mistake that gifted Zaki a goal - set up Dirk Kuyt who smashed the ball into the net.

On the 44th minute Kirkland denies Kuyt a chance to give Liverpool the lead going into the break but only moments later Zaki scores an outrageous goal after good play from Valencia.

The home side were gifted a lifeline though as Valencia saw red for a second bookable offence as he lunged in on Alonso.

Then, five minutes later, the lively Riera capped his performance with a goal and for the first time in a Reds shirt he picked the ball out of the net and Liverpool looked good for their comeback.

Dirk Kuyt, often criticised for not scoring enough, sealed the win five minutes from time and the Latics, who had taken the lead twice, looked to go home empty handed.

Liverpool: Reina - Dossena; Agger; Carragher; Arbeloa - Riera; Gerrard; Alonso; Pennant - Kuyt; Keane.
Wigan: Kirkland - Scharner; Bramble; Melchiot; Figueroa - Valencia; Palacios; Cattermole; Kapo; Ridder - Zaki.

This is a preview on La Liga match day 7 that will be play on 18 and 19/10/08

Sat 18 Oct 2008 (all times local)
20:00 At. Madrid - R. Madrid
22:00 Espanyol - Villarreal

Sun 19 Oct
17:00 Valladolid - Recreativo
17:00 Malaga - Getafe
17:00 Betis - Mallorca
17:00 Sporting - Osasuna
17:00 Racing - Deportivo
17:00 Valencia - Numancia
19:00 Athletic - Barcelona
21:00 Almeria - Sevilla


The weekend begins in fitting fashion - with the capital derby. Certainly it lacks the prestige, and maybe even the edge, of the Clásico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, but it's still a major occasion.

Club symbols are particularly anxious to impress on an occasion like this, and just as Raúl will seek to grab victory for the blancos, the likes of Kun Agüero are looking to make a name for themselves for the hosts.

At present neither side is in the kind of league position that they expected and thus the stakes are even higher than usual.


Moving ahead to the late, late show at Montjuïc, Espanyol welcome pace-setters Villarreal to town for a clash of the European hopefuls.

The Yellow Submarine, of course, have plenty of continental action to contend with this season as they continue in the Champions League: their injury-hit squad, then, may not be in peak condition for this game.

Nonetheless they will hope to have enough in the tank to overcome an Espanyol outfit that, while doing well under new coach Tintin Márquez, remain only narrow favourites, if at all.

Real Valladolid - Recreativo de Huelva

Two possible relegation contenders go head to head as the Pucela welcome Recre to the heartlands.

The Pucela have in fact managed two wins so far - survival form, perhaps - but Recre's sole victory so far sees them in the relegation places.

Boss Zambrano has already been let go, of course - one of two casualties so far in the Liga - but whether or not Lucas Alcaraz can turn the visitors around remains to be seen.


Getafe let a two-goal lead slip against Almería in the previous round, yet they travel to Málaga in reasonably high spirits.

After starting last season badly they seem to have learned a lesson as they now sit top half after the first six games. What's more, they welcome Argentina goalkeeper Pato Abbondanzieri back from injury.

Málaga, meanwhile, have finally found their shooting boots of late, winning two games in a row to claw their way up from the depths of the table - can they keep the run going?


Basement boys Betis could potentially sound the death knell for coach Paco Chaparro if they fail to beat Mallorca at home.

The Seville giants sit dead last, having failed to win a single game so far, and defeat here could prove to be the last straw for the board.

As for the visitors, they may be changing theirs as an English consortium continues to try to gain control of the club. These are uncertain times both on and off the pitch for the Barralets.


Osasuna's trip to El Molinón is particular special for José Camacho, for "the sweaty one" is back in management months after his ill-fated tenure at Benfica came to a sorry end.

The former Real Madrid and Spain boss takes charge after Cuco Ziganda's sacking, and of course he'll be given a heated welcome by the Sporting faithful.

With just one win so far the rojiblancos are second bottom of the pile, and their leaky defence is doing them few favours.


It isn't a derby, but a battle of the north coast has a bit of spice to it nonetheless, especially as these teams have traded so many players over the last few years.

Both are UEFA Cup representatives this season, of course, and that will be at the back of their respective minds ahead of the start of the group stage.

In the Liga, though, even if we only look at home games, Racing are on the back foot going into this one. They have not won a single match against Depor at the Sardinero in the last eleven attempts!


Table-topping Valencia welcome newcomers Numancia for an intriguing clash on Sunday afternoon.

Unai Emery's side have started in absolutely amazing fashion; the young Basque miracle-worker has become the club's best ever debutant boss.

With four points Numancia are only out of the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference. The Soria side have been brave so far - but bravery isn't enough to stay up.


Next up a rejuvenated-looking Barcelona travel to San Mames for a tough test.

Still, with goals coming readily for Pep Guardiola's confident side - and just three points separating them from the top - the cauldron of the Basque country will hold no fear for them.

Joaquín Caparrós' side have lost as many games as they've won and drawn, meaning that a difficult season - one worse than last year's relative success - could be on the cards.


Finally high-flying Almería welcome injury-riddled Sevilla for something of an Andalucian derby.

By scraping that draw at Getafe in the last round Almería have retained their place in the Eurozone, but things ren't quite going their way in terms of picking up the wins.

Sevilla, for their part, are in third with 14 points, but if injuries keep taking their toll they could find themselves struggling.

This is this weekend for matchday 8 of BPL Previews.


Arsenal's physio's will be working overtime as six Gunners returned from international duty requiring treatment. Captain William Gallas has suffered a hamstring complaint, Bacary Sagna is sidelined due to a knee problem, Nicklas Bendtner has knocked his ankle, and all are likley to miss the hosting of Everton. There are also question marks over the availability of influential Spanish midfielder Francesc Fabregas who has broken his nose, Robin Van Persie who has muscular problems, and Johan Djourou who is concussed. Summer signing from competitive rivals Manchester United Mikael Silvestre may make his full debut after making a reserve appearance last week. The Gunners have picked up a miserable point in their last two games after losing to Hull City at home, and leaving Wearside with a draw when a rare - and late - Cesc Fabregas header levelled the scoreline at Sunderland. Everton have also been stuttering, but the news that David Moyes has signed a new five year deal - and the stability that this will bring to the side - may rejuvenate the Mersey side back to the places they have been pushing for in past seasons.

Arsenal's defence has come under a fair amount of flak this year, but in domestic competition they have conceded five goals from eight games. Perhaps it is the Gunners' attack that should come under fire. Yes, Emmanuel Adebayor has scored five this term, but he has only popped up in two games. Similarly Robin van Persie is yet to find his stride. These are supposedly the elder statesmen of a young team and the onus for goalscoring falls sqaurely on them. Should a team with ambitions of lifting aloft a Premier League crown really be struggling to score at Craven Cottage, at home to West Brom, at home to Hull City, and away at Sunderland? In this fixture four seasons ago Arsenal thrashed Everton 7-0 with goals coming from Van Persie, Pires, Vieira, Pires, Edu, Bergkamp, and Flamini. The Gunners need to refind that spirit that almost embodied the wins over Bolton and Blackburn earlier in the season.


National treasure Harry Redknapp recently stated that in order for Portsmouth to push onto the next level they need to play up off the field. The south coast side is often cited as having one of the worst training facilities in the league, yet 'Arry still manages to recruit great talent from all over the world. Despite winning an FA Cup last year Redknapp has insisted that the Hampshire club still lag behind the Aston Villa's of the Premier League. "Villa have unbelievable tradition, they won a European Cup. In my opinion, they are one of the big clubs in the country," Redknapp said earlier in the week. "There wouldn't be much between the two teams on the pitch. But we are still growing off the pitch." He's right. This is a tasty tie. Both teams are challenging for the same honours this season and aim to build on the success of last year, with silverware this year. How they got there though couldn't be more different. Redknapp tries to balance the books and is always wheelin', dealin', and lookin' for a bargain... even if it meant selling on for a few mill more a month or two later: RE David Nugent. The big money departure of Sulley Muntari funded the cost of Peter Crouch, and the cockney manager was priced out of a move for Shaun Wright Phillips who returned to his boyhood club Manchester City. Martin O'Neill on the other hand was gifted an almost infinite amount of cha ching to bring in James Milner; Carlos Cuellar; Luke Young; Nicky Shorey; Brad Guzan; Brad Friedel; Curtis Davies; and Steve Sidwell.

An interesting aspect of this match is the potential midfield clash that has been talked up by the aforementioned Sidwell who is eager to come against a brief former team-mate Lassana Diarra. O'Neill admitted splashing over £50million during the summer in order to have a squad with sufficient strength in depth to cope with a congested fixture list, and now that Sidwell is nearing full match fitness, the former Reading and Arsenal educated midfielder may receive a run out on home soil.



An on form Kevin Davies will be keen to add to his growing season tally of four goals by netting in the Lancashire derby and help the Trotters put an end to an eight year winless run over their north west rivals. Greater Manchester may be witness to a capacity crowd as ticket prices have decreased at the Reebok Stadium and the blue and white stripe visitors sold their ticket allocation with ease. Unlike Wenger and Scolari, Gary Megson can boast near enough a full strength squad, his opposite number for the day Paul Ince is set to welcome Paul Robinson back after the former England international missed the previous two league games due to a calf complaint. Roque Santa Cruz is also doubtful after the Paraguayan missed his nation's World Cup qualifiers after hobbling off the pitch at Ewood Park when Manchester United came to town. A scheduled conference today also bore bad news not only for the Rovers, but also for the Republic of Ireland as Stephen Reid requires surgery on his knee... his season is likely over.

Robinson travels to Bolton with cruel memories of relegation. Prior to the game he said: "It isn't an easy place to go and I remember getting relegated there with Leeds a few years ago... It is a local derby and it will be a tough game, but it is one we'll be looking to win."


After a summer of heavy investment Mackem manager Roy Keane believes Sunderland will no longer be seen as an easy three pointer. A draw with Arsenal in their last league game, a fixture that they looked to win after a Grant Leadbitter wonder goal but came unstuck in the dying minutes courtesy of a rare header from Francesc Fabregas, will have given them added confidence going into this trip to the capital city. They will have to make do without Kenwyne Jones and Nyron Nosworthy though as both are dining at the treatment table, but a strike force of Djibril Cisse and El Hadki Diouf will more than suffice for the Jones loss. Only two points and three positions separate the two sides and both have witnessed inconsistency at this level. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson welcomes back Andy Johnson from suspension and will lead the line in a stadium that witnessed six goals during the international break when England legends took on Republic of Ireland legends, the game finished three a piece but the former Lions triumphed on penalties.

Two players on the books at Sunderland: Steed Malbranque and David Healy, used to entertain the fans in west London and will be desperate for a run out to battle against their former club. They will have to get past Fulham's midfield schemer Jimmy Bullard first though as the 29-year old, who was recently called up to the England squad but did not feature, is determined for Fulham to return to winning ways (after a run of four losses on the spin). He said: "It's hard to take when you're playing well and losing... We have been playing well. After wins against Arsenal and Bolton we were flying. We played well in the next three games, better than the teams we were playing against perhaps, but not got the results. Our objective is to win [on Saturday] because there's no point playing well all season and losing."


Fernando Torres was inconsolable after returning from international duty injured as it meant he would not feature in the midweek Champions League clash against his former club Atletico Madrid. Prior to that fixture though Liverpool host Wigan Athletic. There have been predictions of an upset at Anfield as a strike partnership of Dirk Kuyt and a thus far misfiring Robbie Keane is seen to be largely ineffective. However, the Reds saw off the threat of Manchester United when the reigning double champions visited Anfield without key performers like Torres and Steven Gerrard, but their captain returns to club duty fresh from helping England defeat Belarus where he opened the Three Lions' account with an eye pleasing 31-yard drive. All eyes will be on Emile Heskey though, who is adjudged to be the man who is so beneficial to scouse striker Wayne Rooney's international career. The powerful forward is enjoying an international renaissance under Italian tactician Fabio Capello and has even been linked with a return to Liverpool, such is the extent of his current adulation. Heskey even said: "When you are performing well speculation will come around. A move to Liverpool would be lovely. Who knows what will happen. Let’s see how it goes." Star Latic Amr Zaki though may miss out of the Merseyside visit as he was forced to withdraw from Egypt's World Cup qualifier with Djibouti because of a calf injury.


Prior to any 2008-09 Premier League ball being hit most fans would view this as a home banker. But the visiting Baggies have already amassed 10 points from seven matches and gave Arsenal a run for their money on the first game of the new season. They bring a good crowd with them too, and during the Emirates clash it was the midlanders who provided the most vocal support, and outsung the almost shell-shocked Gunners, despite the Arsenal securing the win. In fact, Samir Nasri's early strike at Ashburton Grove remains the only away goal West Brom have conceded away from home in the league, and their form guide is to be admired having won four out of their last five games. United's midfield though may be boosted by the timely recoveries of over £30million worth of talent. Both Michael Carrick and even Owen Hargreaves - who has sufferered a persistent tendinitis problem - may play their way into contention providing they pass late fitness tests. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson may have one eye on the midweek Champions League Battle of Britain tie with Glasgow giants Celtic, and so veteran winger Ryan Giggs may flank the Red Devils midfield. The Welshman has recently talked up his game, citing his summer studies and acquiring the Uefa Pro (A) licence as a great help in giving him a greater understanding of the game and believes it will improve him as a player despite being in the midst of his twilight days. Should United not kill off Brom's hopes by netting an early goal then the visitors may push on for a win as they have never, in the history of the Premier League, managed back to back away victories. Should they claim they claim the three points then they will cement their finest start to a top flight season (in it's modern format), and the result would cause even more cloud cover on what was supposed to be a sunny and cheerful times for troubled Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed his injury worries are easing after announcing that John Terry will return to captain the side at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

At a time when international football and injuries are high on the agenda, it is partially good news that greets Chelsea fans ahead of our first trip to the north east this season.

The centre-half, who missed England's qualifying games against Kazakhstan and Belarus, has been passed fit for the visit to the Riverside Stadium, however Michael Ballack will be out for up to three weeks.

'I had 19 players for training [this morning], all those players are in good condition. John has recovered very well, and is in good condition,' Scolari said, before commenting on some of his other casualties.

'Deco is not ready 100 per cent but is better than the last two weeks. He will travel with me and I will see tomorrow what happens in the game.'

Scolari ruled out Joe and Ashley Cole, while rating Petr Cech as a 'maybe'.

On Ballack, who was injured in midweek playing for Germany, he showed he was taking adversity in his stride: 'Ballack is out for maybe two or three weeks. I am not angry, I am happy because what happened is a test for me that I am a good coach,' he began.

'I need to change and improve, play other players, motivate some players, putting players in who have not played, it is good for me and my work. It is not difficult for me.

'When the players are in their national team they need to play and give their life for the national team. Out of the national team, give their life for the club. They are there to make the best for their national team. If you are injured you are injured. I don't see any time in my life a coach put an injured player on the pitch.'

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has suggested the international calendar should change to prevent injuries affecting clubs. With experience on both sides, Scolari explained that talks had taken place.

'We discussed this when I was with Portugal. I was in many meetings with Fifa and Uefa and we discussed this. There we gave to the board opinions about the qualification, but if they don't change, what can I do?

'It is not only one club that loses when the national teams play. All the clubs, lose players, we need to accept this.'

With attention turned away from the dramas of the international stage, and on to the weekend's forthcoming action, Scolari explained that despite the run of injuries, he feels he has a side capable of winning.

'I want to win and the players want to win. If the players travel now to draw, I assure many players will not travel. They want to win and we play tomorrow to win. I have a very good, strong team for tomorrow. I have six or seven injuries but I have 24 players, it is very good,' he said.