Football in England

Liverpool's ability to resurrect a campaign that is in danger of collapsing around them goes under the microscope when Manchester City visit Anfield today.  

Manchester City's expensively assembled squad get another chance to show they are serious contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League when they travel to Liverpool tomorrow. After losing five of their first 12 games, Liverpool are languishing in seventh place and are the most vulnerable of the so-called Big Four to losing their regular Champions League qualifying spot. Five straight draws mean that City only lead Liverpool by one point and one place, but victory at Anfield could lift City b

Gareth came back from the international with a little bit of soreness but it should not be a problem for the weekend   -Mark Hughes

 

HEREFORD United winger Marc Pugh has vowed to prove his worth to the man who kicked him into touch less than six months ago. Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson released Pugh in the summer with a year of his contract remaining. Now Pugh, who still lives in Shrewsbury, is Hereford's leading scorer and wants to line up against his former club in Tuesday's League Two derby at Edgar Street.

I had a really good time at Shrewsbury Town and it was a good experience   -Marc Pugh

 

OVER the years there have not been too many occasions when Sunderland supporters can boast to have had more players in the England squad than Arsenal. Last weekend, however, was one of those such occasions. When Darren Bent started against Brazil in Qatar to earn his fifth international cap for his country last Saturday, it was a proud moment for Wearside .  

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes insists goalkeeper Shay Given is strong enough to cope with his World Cup heartache. The Republic of Ireland number one led the protests towards referee Martin Hansson after Thierry Henry's blatant handball contributed to his side crashing out of their World Cup play-off with France on Wednesday night. The controversial manner of their exit has been in the headlines since but with club football returning at the weekend , normal service must be resumed.  

Wolves go to Stamford Bridge on Saturday at 3:00 for an unenviable first game after dropping into the relegation zone. In this two horse race Wolves are priced at 18/1 for success which gives a scary impression of the task in hand. Chelsea conceded a goal at home in their first match of the season but since that time have scored 26 without reply at home.  

CHADDERTON Bowling League lynchpin David Moore has been rewarded for over 25 years' service. David has held every office in the league's executive committee bar the presidency during a quarter of a decade's unbroken work behind the scenes. David (centre) is currently joint secretary of the league with Ray Jones (right) and also holds the treasurer's post.  

A RAPID start set Heyside on their way to a 9-1 win over Atherton Town reserves in the Manchester FA Amateur Cup. Two goals to the good inside 15 minutes, the Huddersfield and District League division four outfit had stretched their lead to 5-0 at the break. Heyside dominated the second half, before Atherton scored a consolation goal in the last minute.  

Cudicini was discharged from hospital on Friday, a week after undergoing surgery on his right wrist. He also had his pelvis realigned after crashing while riding a motorbike. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said: "I would think it would be the season he is out for. It will be a long job but he'll be back."

I would think it would be the season he is out for. It will be a long job but he'll be back.   -Harry Redknapp