Alan Shearer : Newcastle could be relegated

Alan Shearer fears Newcastle could be heading for the Championship.

The Mapgies suffered their SEVENTH successive loss as they went down 3-2 to Swansea at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Despite their woeful run of form, they are five points clear of rivals Sunderland, who sit 18th in the Premier League, with four games to go.

But Shearer believes his old club may not pick up another point this season and is warning their top-flight status is under serious threat.

"Have no doubts about it - Newcastle are now in real danger of going down," Shearer wrote in his column in The Sun.

"I didn't think so until Saturday but after that performance I can't actually say with any certainty that we will get another point this season."

The 44-year-old lays the blame firmly on the players, lamenting their attitude and expressed sympathy for head coach John Carver as he tries to get more from them.

He added: "Carver himself has been getting some stick. But he loves the club and I know he is hurting.

"Why don't the Newcastle players start taking some responsibility? Because right now they are an embarrassment."

Shearer has been impressed by Aston Villa's resurgence, Leicester's remarkable four-game winning streak and feels Hull will be buoyed by their win over Palace at the weekend.

He feels all those sides can overhaul the Magpies and just questioned if Sunderland can get the points they need to drag Newcastle deeper into the mire.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal stars make up PFA Premier League Team of the Year

Six Chelsea players have been named in the Professional Footballers' Association Premier League team of the year.

Jose Mourinho's men are on the brink of a first title since 2010 and their dominance over the past nine months was highlighted by a cluster of blue shirts in the XI announced by the PFA on Sunday.

The entire back four started the season as Blues players, with centre-back pairing John Terry and Gary Cahill joined by Branislav Ivanovic and Ryan Bertrand, the latter of whom signed permanently for Southampton in February having joined on loan last summer.

Eden Hazard, favourite for the main individual award after a superb season in which he has notched 18 goals for the Stamford Bridge outfit, was in midfield along with club colleague Nemanja Matic, Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez.

Tottenham forward Harry Kane - tipped to be crowned young player of the year at London's Grosvenor Hotel later on Sunday - was the only English attacking player, chosen up front alongside Chelsea's 19-goal striker Diego Costa.

You can see the full XI below…

PFA Premier League Team of the Year:

Goalkeeper: David De Gea (Manchester United)
Right-back: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Left-back: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
Centre-back: John Terry (Chelsea)
Centre-back: Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Central midfield: Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Central midfield: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Right wing: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Left wing: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Striker: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Chelsea's Eden Hazard crowned PFA Player of the Year

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard was named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year on Sunday.

The 24-year-old won the vote of his peers after a stunning season in which he has netted 18 goals across all competitions to help Chelsea claim Capital One Cup gloryand put them on the brink of a first Premier League title since 2010.

"I'm very happy," said the Belgian, after picking up his prize at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

"One day I want to be the best and what I did this season is play very well, Chelsea played very well.

"I don't know if I deserve to win but it is good for me. It is good, it is better to be voted by the players - they know everything about football. This is good. I'm very happy."

Hazard was also named in the PFA Premier League team of the year - for the third time in his three seasons in England.

He was one of six Blues players in the XI, along with captain John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa

Tottenham's Harry Kane was the only English attacking player in the team of the season and also took home the 2014/15 Young Player of the Year award.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise to stardom, scoring 30 goals for Spurs in all competitions this term despite not being given a regular starting slot until November.

He helped Mauricio Pochettino's men to the Capital One Cup final, and also scored 79 seconds into his senior England debut as a substitute in the 4-0 European Championship qualifying victory over Lithuania at Wembley last month.

Here are the winners from Sunday night's Professional Footballers' Association awards event:

PFA Player of the Year: Eden Hazard, Chelsea (2nd Harry Kane, Tottenham, 3rd, David De Gea, Manchester United)

PFA Young Player of the Year: Harry Kane, Tottenham (2nd Eden Hazard, Chelsea, 3rd Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool)

PFA Merit award: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool and Frank Lampard, Manchester City

PFA Women's Player of the Year: Ji So-yun, Chelsea Ladies

PFA Women's Young Player of the Year: Leah Williamson, Arsenal Ladies

Premier League round-up: Leicester out of the bottom three with fourth straight win

 

The great escape is well and truly on for Leicester City after a fourth straight win lifted them out of the Premier League’s bottom three.
Nigel Pearson’s men looked destined for the drop having sat at the foot of the table for most of the season, but a crucial 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Burnley sees the Foxes rise one point clear of the drop.
It was a cruel result on the struggling Clarets, who remain rock bottom of the table, as they conceded the game’s only goal just moments after they missed a chance to go in front from the penalty spot.
Matt Taylor was the culprit, the former West Ham man slamming his shot against the post after he was needlessly fouled in the box by Paul Konchesky, and Leicester immediately went on the counter and unbelievably found the net, though through fortunate circumstances.
Marc Albrighton’s cross was turned goalwards by veteran Burnley defender Michael Duff, and it would have been an own goal if not for the hunger of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, who raced in to stab the ball home on the line.
And the Foxes were indebted to the reactions of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for a vital three points, as he pulled off two stunning stops to save his side.
Hull are also a point above the drop, joining Leicester on 31 points, with a deserved 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
The Tigers had a handful of decent chances before finally finding the net through Dame N'Doye’s scrappy strike.
Palace later seemed to have rescued a draw only for on-loan striker Yaya Sanogo’s goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up, and N'Doye made the points certain for the visitors with a thumping low strike in stoppage-time.
Sunderland dropped down to fill Leicester’s place in the drop zone following 1-1 draw at Stoke, the Potters coming back to equalise through another Charlie Adam belter after Connor Wickham handed the Black Cats an early lead.
And Queens Park Rangers remain in the bottom-three following a frustrating goalless stalemate with London derby rivals West Ham, with Chris Ramsey’s Super Hoops missing a penalty and having a goal disallowed.
Charlie Austin was the man to miss from the spot, Hammers shot-stopper Adrian saving his third consecutive penalty from the striker’s tame effort.
West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell then had an outstanding effort tipped onto the bar by Rob Green, before Richard Dunne bundled the ball in the net but had it swiftly chalked off for a foul on Adrian.
Newcastle are creeping ever closer to the relegation battle after the Magpies slumped to their seventh consecutive defeat, this time beaten 3-2 by an in-form Swansea.
Ayoze Perez put the Toon in front on 20 minutes following some shocking Swansea defending, but the Welsh outfit found themselves level at the break through Nelson Oliveira’s header, with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s strike putting them in front minutes into the second half.
Jack Cork then tapped in from close-range to score a vital third, as Siem de Jong’s late goal threatened to spark a comeback.
Finally, Liverpool moved up to fifth but ultimately missed their chance to close in on a top four spot after playing out a tepid 0-0 draw at West Brom.
Brendan Rodgers will wonder how his dominant side failed to score, with Mario Balotelli having multiple efforts blocked while Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson were both denied by Baggies keeper Boaz Myhill.
Youngster Jordon Ibe also hit the bar with a powerful close-range effort in the second half, but the Reds will be travelling home frustrated after being held by Tony Pulis’ stubborn side.

Championship round-up: PROMOTED! Watford secure Premier League return

Watford secured promotion to the Premier League after Middlesbrough and Norwich failed to win in a dramatic afternoon of Championship action.
Having comfortably beaten Brighton 2-0 in the day’s early kick-off to rise to the league summit, the Hornets needed their rivals to slip up to guarantee an automatic promotion place.
And, in a topsy turvy clash at Craven Cottage, a ten-man Boro found themselves on the wrong side of a crazy finale as Fulham ran out 4-3 winners, thanks to Ross McCormack’s hat-trick and a Michael Turner header, to end their fears of relegation.
Garcia Martinez scored with two minutes to go for the visitors to give them hope of pipping Watford to an automatic promotion spot, but McCormack scored his third and Fulham's fourth in stoppage time to thwart their efforts.
Adam Reach and Daniel Ayala scored Boro’s other goals, who also had George Friend sent off for preventing a goal scoring opportunity.
Boro now sit third on 84 points, with fourth placed Norwich City a point behind after drawing 1-1 against Rotherham United at the New York stadium.
Jordan Bowery scored from an Adam Hamill cross with five minutes to go to rescue a point for the struggling Millers, after Gary Hooper opened the scoring for the Canaries, who were reduced to ten men in the first half when Lewis Grabban was sent off for allegedly punching an opponent.
Bournemouth face Bolton Wanderers at the Goldsands stadium on Monday night to complete the battle for automatic promotion.
Meanwhile, Derby came from 3-1 down to secure a much needed point against Millwall at the New Den.
A Lee Gregory hat-trick should have secured all three points for the Lions, but goals from Tom Ince, Chris Martin and a stunning volley from Jeff Hendrick with five minutes to go keeps the Rams’ play-off hopes alive, while keeping Millwall in the relegation zone, separating them from Rotherham by a point.
Ipswich Town all but secured a play-off place with a 2-1 win at home to Nottingham Forest.
Daryll Murphy rifled in his 25th goal this season before Christophe Berra’s own goal gave Forest a life line, but in-form Freddie Sears secured all three points for the Tractor Boys in the 82nd minute.
Goals from Alan Judge and James Tarkowski secured all three points for Brentford at Reading, as the Bees stay seventh, two points behind Derby.
Wolves join Brentford on 75 points after Benik Afobe’s first half header leaves Wigan a near impossible chance of survival.
Just two years after winning the FA Cup, the Latic's need Rotherham to lose their next two games to seal their fate. Afobe’s goal was his 13th in a Wolves shirt.
Leeds ended their run of five straight defeats as they took all three points in a 2-1 Yorkshire derby win at Hillsborough.
Steve Morison fired in the winner after Sheffield Wednesday keeper Keiren Westwood saved his initial shot. Charlie Taylor had equalised for Leeds after Chris Maguire's first-half penalty put the home side in front.
Two penalties from Eoin Doyle and a Joe Mason strike handed Cardiff a nervy 3-2 win at home to already relegated Blackpool.
Elsewhere, Lloyd Dyer’s 81st minute strike moved Birmingham to 80 points and level with opponents Charlton with a 1-0 win. The home side dominated the game and could have scored earlier, but David Cotterill’s effort bounced back off the post.
Finally, Huddersfield rescued a point at the John Smith’s Stadium as they drew 2-2 with Blackburn Rovers. Rudi Gestede scored his 21st goal of the season before strike partner Jordan Rhodes doubles the visitor’s lead.
A Jacob Butterfield free-kick and a Joe Lolley strike secured the point for the Yorkshire side

Mark - Eden Hazard WILL be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, says former Chelsea ace

Champions League semi-final draw - Barcelona play Bayern Munich while Real Madrid face Juventus

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola will return to former club Barcelona after the two European giants were drawn together in the Champions League semi-finals.

It will be the first time the ex-Barca boss has played against the team he played for and managed during his career.
Holders Real Madrid will take on Serie A side Juventus in the other semi-final, setting up the possibility of an El Clasico final in Berlin.
The first-leg clashes will take place on May 5/6, while the second legs will take place a week later.
There was an audible gasp at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon when Guardiola's Bayern side were drawn against the club with whom he achieved so much as both player and manager.
Guardiola's four-season spell at the Barca helm yielded 14 trophies, including two triumphs in the Champions League - something he will now look to deny them.
The eyes of the footballing world will be trained on the Nou Camp on May 6, when he leads Bayern out for the first leg of a tie which will decide who progresses to the Berlin finale.
"I knew it would happen sooner or later," Guardiola told the German media at a press conference.
"It's my first return to Barcelona, my home. I was there as player, I was there as coach.
"Of course it is special for me, for Thiago (Alcantara, who also left Barca for Bayern), for my staff. I am very happy that I can experience this.
"It is a nice game, but not easy. Believe me, Barcelona are the strongest!
"I'm happy for Luis Enrique. He's a great coach, a great guy, a great man. We will definitely try to play the final in our capital."
Guardiola and Enrique played alongside one another for many years at the Nou Camp, winning a host of medals together.
Now they will sit in opposite dugouts in a tie which Barca coach Enrique is understandably excited about.
"It's a special game because Guardiola is their coach," he told reporters at a press conference.
"It will be the first time he comes back to face the club. It will also be special for the players.
"We've played 10 matches in the Champions League and we've won nine. We'll be out to win both at home and away. Our approach is clear.
"Guardiola is the best because he's won so many titles, because of the way he did it, and because he's adapted to another country with a very difficult language and he's implanted his ideas."
As if Guardiola's return was not exciting enough, Friday's draw opens up the possibility of a first ever Barcelona v Real Madrid final.
Carlo Ancelotti's side overcame city rivals Atletico to secure a fifth successive semi-final appearance, where Juventus will look to halt their quest to become the first side to retain the Champions League.
The 'Old Lady' have the best record of all the semi-finalists, having progressed to the final on seven of their 10 appearances at this juncture.
"At this stage of the competition, all of the sides are difficult," former Juventus boss Ancelotti said.
"Juventus is a club that have a legendary history and it is returning to a semi-final after 12 years.
"They are having a very good season and have practically won the Italian league. That means they can focus more on the Champions League.
"We are confident that we can follow our dream, which is to reach another final after last year.
"We need Real Madrid to be at their best to win, we need the same side that played against Atletico, with the same enthusiasm and hope. We have a lot of confidence."

Cesc Fabregas chose Chelsea for titles! Jose Mourinho takes swipe at Arsenal ahead of big clash

Jose Mourinho has taken a cheeky swipe at Arsenal by claiming Cesc Fabregas opted to join Chelsea instead of return to his former club as he was ‘looking for titles’.
The Spaniard, who captained the Gunners in an eight-year spell, left fans of the north London club heartbroken when he moved to Chelsea last summer after three years at Barcelona.
Fabregas will return to the Emirates this Sunday for the first time since his departure in 2011 with Chelsea on the brink of Premier League title success.
The Blues are 10 points clear of the Gunners and a win for the visitors this weekend would mean three more points would secure the title, points which could come next Wednesday at Leicester.
And Mourinho, whose side have already won the League Cup this season, said the prospect of major success is what prompted Fabregas to move to Stamford Bridge.
"I know why he chose Chelsea," said the Portuguese. "I don't know why he didn't choose Arsenal.
"I can't speak about his time at Arsenal, the decision that made him leave, the decision that stopped him going back. I don't know if it was the manager's (Arsene Wenger's) or if it was his decision. I really don't know.
"I just know that we promised him we'd build a team very adapted to his style of play. That he was going to be an important player in our project.
"And that, normally, good projects always end with titles. He was looking for that. That's all I can say."
Fabregas is bracing himself for a hostile reception from Arsenal fans, but Mourinho insists that would be underserved given the service he gave the club.
The 27-year-old made more than 300 appearances for the Gunners, and the Blues boss said: "Frank Lampard played at Stamford Bridge (with Manchester City) without any kind of problem and with a good reception. I don't see a reason for Fabregas not to have the same at the Emirates.
"But, if he has some bad reactions, I think he's one of the players who is more than ready.
"He played in Barcelona with an Arsenal shirt. Why can't he play at the Emirates with a Chelsea shirt? I don't see a problem."
Fabregas and Diego Costa, who also joined last summer, have been key to Chelsea's title charge, with the playmaker laying on assists for the striker.
Costa could be fit for Sunday's match and displace Didier Drogba in the starting XI, while Loic Remy (calf) is definitely out.
"Didier for sure is good, is fine. Remy, not for sure. And Diego, let's make a decision tomorrow," Mourinho, said.
Dominic Solanke is in reserve, having missed Chelsea's under-21 team match on Thursday, and will be on the substitutes' bench as back-up to Drogba if Costa is not fit.

Juventus still hold hopes of landing Manchester United star

Juventus have not given up hope of signing Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata, according to reports in Italy.

talkSPORT told you back in January about the Italian champions' interest in the Spaniard, who has scored eight goals this season.

Juventus were told then that they had no chance of signing the 26-year-old, with manager Louis van Gaal seeing the former Chelsea man as an integral part of his plans.

However, according to Sky Italia, Juve have not given up hope of signing Mata and are to make a renewed approach this summer.

Boss Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly a huge fan of the Spain international and has asked the club's directors to enquire after his services.

Manchester United are said to still have no plans of parting with Mata, who they signed from Chelsea for £37.1m in January 2014.

Jose Mourinho rubbishes rumours Chelsea made transfer record bid for Japan forward

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has played down any links his side have with a move for FC Tokyo and Japan forward Yoshinori Muto.

The 22-year-old, who has recently graduated from university, is reportedly the subject of a £4m bid, an offer which would break the J-League's record fee, from the Blues.

Speculation has been increased with doubts concerning Diego Costa's possible long-term hamstring injury and Didier Drogba's contract ending in the summer.

But Mourinho insists there has been no offer: "I didn't make a bid. I don't think about players, I don't think about anything after our next match against QPR."

Chelsea have recently signed a new shirt sponsorship with Japanese-based company, Yokohama Rubber, but Mourinho stated that this would not play any part in transfer deals.

"This is a part of modern management, that you cannot close the door completely to commercial interests.

"But at the same time, a football club is a football club and only has space for good football players or good prospects.

"We would never bring in a player that is not good for Chelsea Football Club."

Newcastle 19-29 Bath: Visitors maintain Aviva Premiership title hopes with bonus point victory

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Bath kept alive their Aviva Premiership title bid with a gritty bonus point victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

George Ford delivered a masterclass at fly-half while Sam Burgess also impressed in his first match at flanker since switching codes as the visitors reduced the gap between themselves and leaders Northampton to six points.

Bath blew away Newcastle in the opening stages, scoring 15 points in as many minutes to assert their authority in the contest through tries from Ollie Devoto and Semesa Rokoduguni.

The home side then reduced the arrears with the score of the match through Sinoti Sinoti’s brilliant solo try on the touchline, but Anthony Watson increased Bath’s lead on the stroke of half time.

Bath lead 19-13 at the break and consolidated their advantage when Matt Banahan crossed the try line, securing a crucial bonus point for the visitors.

Penalties from Rory Clegg and Tom Catterick kept the hosts within touching distance in the second half, but the defeat keeps Newcastle second from bottom with three games remaining.

Tottenham without injured duo for Aston Villa clash, reveals Pochettino

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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that influential captain Hugo Lloris and defender Kyle Walker will miss the Premier League game against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Lloris has been sidelined since the end of March after picking up a knee injury during the 4-3 win over Leicester and was forced to miss the double header for France over the international break and the game against Burnley last weekend.

The France keeper has still not made a full recovery which means Michel Vorm will get another rare opportunity to play in the Premier League.

Walker sustained a foot injury during the 0-0 draw at Turf Moor last Sunday but should be able to start light training in the near future.

Pochettino said: "Walker and Hugo are out. Kyle has an injury on the top of his foot during the game with Burnley and has still not recovered.

"We hope next week he can start training on the grass but it's difficult to know the time he will be back in the group in normal training.

"Hugo is recovering and is still not training with the group. Maybe next week he can also start training."

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expecting a good reception for predecessor Tim Sherwood when he returns to White Hart Lane for the first time this weekend with Aston Villa.

Sherwood, who was only handed the Villa mantle in February, represented Spurs as a player and took caretaker charge in North London last season after Andre Villas Boas was sacked in December 2013.

Despite boasting the best win percentage of any Spurs’ manager in the Premier League era, he was relieved of his duties at the end of last season, and Pochettino believes his return will manifest good a reaction.

“I expect a very good reception because he is a manager that worked here and spent a lot of time here, as a player and as manager,” said the Argentine.

“He helped the academy to develop young talent and I hope he gets a very good reception from the supporters because I think he deserves that.”

Sherwood was heralded for his commitment to youth development during his brief tenure at White Hart Lane, handing league debuts for the likes of current Spurs mainstays Harry Kane and Nabil Bentaleb.

Pochettino holds a similar footballing philosophy and has continued Sherwood’s blueprint – something the current Spurs boss has recognised.

The 43-year-old said: "I think the legacy is to believe in the young talent and he shared the job with other people, like John McDermott (academy manager) and all the staff in the academy, Les Ferdinand, Chris Ramsey.

“I think that we share the same idea, we believe in the young talent. All people deserve some credit for the young players arriving in the first team."

Championship round-up: Bournemouth close on Premier League, Wigan edge towards relegation

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Bournemouth moved to within touching distance of Premier League football thanks to a gritty 2-0 victory at south coast rivals Brighton on Friday night.

After an uneventful first half, the Cherries went ahead in majestic fashion through Yann Kermorgant’s brilliant free kick 20 minutes from time.

Callum Wilson then turned Seagulls’ defender Greg Halford inside out before slotting past David Stockdale for his 21st goal in all competitions to make it 2-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Championship to four points.

Elsewhere, Wigan edged ever closer to relegation to League One in Gary Caldwell's first game in charge despite twice fighting back from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw with fellow strugglersFulham.

Ross McCormack opened the scoring for the hosts at Craven Cottage after just four minutes before Jermaine Pennant’s stunning free kick drew that Latics level.

Matt Smith curled home a brilliant strike from 30 yards to restore Fulham’s lead just before the break, but Jason Pearce prodded home from a second -half corner to ensure a share of the spoils.

The point means little to the visitors, who now sit eight points adrift of safety with just four games left, while Fulham allayed their own relegation fears by staying nine points clear of their opponents.

Wayne Rooney hoping to put a smile on Manchester United fans' faces with derby victory

Wayne Rooney wants to put a smile back on the faces of Manchester United fans by beating City when the sides meet in the 165th Manchester derby on Sunday.

The United and England captain has enjoyed himself against the current Premier League champions, scoring 11 goals down the years, including his incredible overhead kick winner in 2011.

A United victory at Old Trafford would ensure an unwanted record of five successive defeats to their arch rivals does not materialise, and Rooney is aware of the bragging rights at stake.

“We want to give United fans something to smile about when they go to work on Monday morning, we want them to be the ones to be able to give out the banter to Manchester City fans at work,” the 29-year-old told MUFCTV.
“I think it’s a very important game for Manchester United and Manchester City...for the fans and, for me, it’s a massive game of pride.”

Despite City’s recent dominance over their arch rivals, including a 1-0 victory at the Etihad in November, United go into the game as slight favourites with the sides boasting very contrasting recent form.
The Red Devils have won their last five league games and leapfrogged Manuel Pellegrini's side into third over the weekend as a result of City’s fourth consecutive away defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Louis Van Gaal has Robin Van Persie at his disposal after the Dutch striker’s return from injury, but the United boss is unlikely to change his front three of Rooney, Juan Mata and Ashley Young which has reaped so much recent success.

Louis van Gaal 'dreaming' of first Manchester derby victory

Tags:Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he has been dreaming of claiming his maiden Manchester derby victory this weekend.

City head to Old Trafford on Sunday having inflicted defeat on the Dutchman in his opening derby meeting, a 1-0 win in November, and the showdown offers more than just bragging rights for the victors.

United sit a point and a place above their rivals in third in the table with competition for eventual league standigns at stake, and van Gaal is aware of the euphoria the derby creates in Manchester.

“I dream of it, every player shall dream of the victory. I am not so often in the city, but when I am, the people are talking about the derby,” said the United boss.

“I like it. You play football for the fans and I hope we can give our fans the victory. All the players understand the meaning of a victory and I know it also."

A victory for the blue half of Manchester at the weekend would set a new record of five straight derby victories for City, but van Gaal says he is not concerned by Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s recent dominance.

He said: “That's not my history. What can I say? We have lost 1-0. That is my history, the last game we played against them and we had a red card in the 39th minute, I believe.

“In such games always you have to control your aggression and we did not do that then so I hope we have learned from that moment.''

City have struggled of late and United go into the game as slight favourites after a run of five successive league victories, but van Gaal believes form is irrelevant in derby fixtures.

“'Manchester City has lost several games, but I don't think that shall be a big influence in the game because it is a special game,” said the 63-year-old.

The Dutch manager has confirmed that striker Robin Van Persie is not fit enough to return to the squad, whilst left back Luke Shaw is also definitely out.

Former Australia star Richie Benaud dies aged 84

Richie Benaud, the beloved former Australia cricketer, journalist and broadcaster has died at the age of 84.

Benaud had been battling skin cancer and recovering from the after effects of a car accident suffered in 2013.

His long-term employer, Channel Nine posted on its Wide World of Sports Twitter feed: "The voice of cricket Richie Benaud has passed away at the age of 84. #RIPRichie and thank you for the memories."

The news arm of Cricket Australia, www.cricket.com.au, wrote: "An Australian Test great who nurtured a generations' love for the game with his commentary has passed away, aged 84

"After Don Bradman, there has been no Australian player more famous than Richie Benaud."

Raheem Sterling will only be happy if he's playing regularly, says Liverpool team-mate Sturridge

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge hopes team-mate Raheem Sterling will remain at the club and believes the 20-year-old will only be happy if he is playing regularly.

Sterling has put contract negotiations on hold until the end of the season after reportedly rejecting a new £100,000-a-week offer, although he insists the decision is not motivated by money.

The England international has been linked with a host of European heavyweights where he may not be guaranteed first-team football, and Sturridge feels that could be a defining factor when the contract saga concludes.

“I don’t know what Raheem wants to do but it is just important to be able to play regularly,” said the Reds’ striker.

“As long as he is playing regularly he will be happy – I don’t think it is anything to do with anything other than that and I hope he will stay at the club.”

Sturridge has experienced a similar dilemma before, having left Chelsea for Liverpool in January 2013 after being marginalised and deployed as a winger at Stamford Bridge.

“It is important to play games and gain experience so whatever decision he [Sterling] makes I am behind him 100 per cent," said the England striker

Sturridge formed a stunning partnership with Luis Suarez last season, scoring 24 league goals in a hugely profitable campaign, but this season has been badly curtailed by an injury that sidelined him for five months.

Since his return in January, Sturridge has acknowledged he has struggled to regain his sharpness with just four goals in 15 appearances and has received some criticism for his performances.

"It has taken time to get back into the groove. I have missed a lengthy time and gaining sharpness while playing games is not easy in a league like the Premier League - you can't ease yourself back in because the games are very fast," he added.

"It is the sharpness and fitness side of things. It takes a long time and that is the whole point of having a long pre-season.”

"I am looking forward to helping the team this season and towards next season I will be right back to where I was, because I would have had a pre-season I will be back to the sharpness and fitness levels I had before."

Chelsea move for top Premier League star coveted by Arsenal and Tottenham

Chelsea have joined Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for Morgan Schneiderlin, according to reports in France.

The midfielder very nearly left Southamptonlast summer as the south coast club endured an exodus of some of its top stars.

In the end the Frenchman stayed and his performances this season have helped Saints climb to within touching distance of a European spot.

However, Arsenal and Tottenham have not given up hope of signing the 25-year-old this summer and will battle out for his signature.

According to L'Equipe though, the north London duo will be joined in their pursuit by Premier League leaders Chelsea.
The Blues reportedly scouted the France international against Everton last week and are now weighing up a move for him.

Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City's season is 'not a disaster'

Tags:Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has reiterated his side’s disappointing season is ‘not a disaster.’

The current Premier League champions have waned in recent months as the defence of their title has floundered, epitomised by their defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

The loss left them nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea after a fourth successive away reverse, but Pellegrini remains in positive spirits despite the malaise.

“We hope we continue keeping the good things we are doing because we are not a disaster, we’re not a mess. We are doing a lot of things well,” said the Chilean.

“We must improve because we are not having the results we need but never in my way of thinking are we happy with a draw.”

City head into this weekend’s Manchester derby boasting a phenomenal recent record over United having won the last four encounters, including a 1-0 victory in November.

Another win on Sunday would set a new record for successive victories over their arch rivals, and Pellegrini is determined to establish an attacking approach.

“Never is a draw a good result. I understand we are not having the results that we need playing away – 2015 is not a good year for us – but before that we were the best team playing away,” said the 61-year-old.

City’s poor form has raised questions about Pellegrini’s future beyond the end of the season, butthe Chilean has refused to be concerned by any rumours.

He said: "I feel everyone supports me at the club, the players. I think the players are happy in the way we work and the way we play.

"I don't see any problems inside the club but you never know what will happen in August and at the end of the season.”

Club captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful for Sunday's match at Old Trafford after picking up a hamstring injury in Monday's defeat, whilst strikers Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic are definitely ruled out.