Ferguson lashes out at Mancini

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson accused his City counterpart
Roberto Mancini of "haranguing" officials during their crucial clash
at the Etihad Stadium.
Ferguson watched his side outplayed in a 1-0 defeat and was left
unhappy with his side's efforts, as well as the behaviour of the
Italian manager.
The tension between the two boiled over on 76 minutes as they
exchanged heated views after Mancini had marched into the technical
area to complain when midfielder Nigel De Jong was booked for a tackle
on Danny Welbeck.
Ferguson said: "He refereed the game. He was out on that touchline the
whole game haranguing the referee, the fourth official and the
linesmen.
"The minute I come off the bench for a bad tackle by De Jong on
Welbeck, he was out again.
"He can't have it both ways. He's been complaining about referees this
season buthe won't be complaining tonight that's for sure."
But Mancini played down the spat and blamed the altercation on the
tension of the moment.
"I didn't speak with him. He turned towards me and said something,"
said the Italian. "For me it is no problem. I can understand.
"I didn't say anything against Ferguson. I only told the fourth
official it was a foul for us, not against. At that moment the tension
was high, but for me it's forgotten."

Sania-Rodionova in quarters of Estoril Open

Sania Mirza and her partner Anastasia Rodionova overcame a late
resistance from Eleni Daniiliidou and Andreja Klepac to progress to
the quarter-finals of the Estoril Open, here on Monday.
The second seeded Indo-Australia pair got the better of their unseeded
rivals 6-2 6-7(5) 10-5 in the opening round of the USD 220,000 clay
court event.
It took Sania and Rodionova one hour and 27 minutes to down the
Greek-Slovakian combination.
After dropping serve in the 11th game of the second set, Sania and
Rodionova broke back immediately to push the issue to a tie-breaker
butcould not stop their rivals from drawing parity in the match.
However, they did better in the match tie-breaker to seal the match.
Sania and Rodionova will now take on the winner of the other first
roundmatch between the pairs of Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino/ Anabel
Medina Garrigues and Lindsay Lee-Waters/Megan Moulton-Levy.
Rodionova had beaten Sania in the 2010 Commonwealth Games women`s singles final

Will do everything to win medal in London: Sushil

Star Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar today said he is determined to win
his second Olympic medal at the London event and will leave no stone
unturned to bring the laurel to the country.
Sushil won a gold medal the Olympic qualifying event in China recently
to book his berth in the London event.
Sushil had created history by becoming only the second Indian wrestler
to win an Olympic medal when he captured a bronze at the 2008 Beijing
Games.
"Once again, for the fans and the country, I will give it all to win
an Olympic medal," Sushil told PTI-Bhasha.
Sushil also dismissed concerns about his eye injury, which he
sustained while competing in China.
"There is nothing to worry. After some rest, it will be all right," he said.
Asked about his preparations, Sushil said," My coach is taking care of
it. I am watching the videos of all the wrestlers against whom I will
compete in London to make my strategy."
"From my side, I will leave no stone unturned. I will work hard, I
know the fans` wishes and love are with me."
Asked if he was under pressure to qualify for Olympics when he went to
China for the qualifying tournament, Sushil said,"I was not worried at
all. My preparation was full. There was no pressure."
Out of the 15-member Indian squad for the China event, only Sushil
could make the cut.
Sushil is only the fourth Indian wrestler to qualify for London
Gamesand will be compete in the quadrennial extravaganza for the third
successive time.
Amit Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt are the other two m,ale wrestlers to book a
ticket to London while Geeta is lone woman wrestler to do so, thus
far.
Indian wrestlers will have one last chance to qualify when they
compete in Helsinki from May 4.

Gambhir guides Kolkata to sixth win

Chennai, April 30: Skipper Gautam Gambhir struck his fourth
half-century of the season as he spear-headed Kolkata Knight Riders to
a five-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings with two balls to spare
in the Indian Premier League here Monday.
Gambhir's innings of 63 (52b, 6x4, 1x6) saw the Knight Riders easily
overhauled Super Kings' modest totalof 139 for five as the skipper
added 70 runs for the third wicket with Jacques Kallis (34) to take
the Knight Riders to their sixth win in 10 matches for a tally of 13.
The Super Kings for whom Suresh Raina (44) and skipper Mahendra Singh
Dhoni (34 not out) were the chief scorers, have themselves to blame
for their fifth defeat in 10 games as their batting failed to fire
despite the presence of Aussie import Michael Hussey and did not show
much discipline in bowling.
It was Gambhir all the way for the Knight Riders. He captained quite
brilliantly and then led the chase to break local hearts with yet
another strong performance. He kept his composure despite the early
loss of fellow-opener Brendon McCullum and anchored the innings.
There were moments in the chase, especially after Kallis' departure
when Gambhir seemed to be in a great hurry and was fortunate to
survive a couple of run out situations.
The Super Kings fought hard till the end as they picked up three more
wickets, including those of Manoj Tiwary (13), Gambhir and Yusuf
Pathan (12), but ultimately, had too few runs on the board as Knight
Riders romped home.
The fact that there were just eight boundaries and two sixes in the
entire Super Kings innings accurately reflected not so much the home
batsmen's poor form as the tight bowling by the Knight Riders.
The Super Kings innings never really gained any sort of momentum after
the early exit of in-form opener Francois du Plessis (3) and then
Hussey (18) drafted in just hours after flying in from the West Indies
after the Test series, was needlessly run out in the fifth over when
he looked to be in good touch.
Raina flickered briefly, albeit with some luck with a six off Brett
Lee being particularly outstanding, but he never really looked to be
in top form. His innings was a mix of good shots and chance but with
Dwayne Bravo going cheaply, and the runs drying up, the pressure
finally got to the southpaw who holed out in the deep in the 13th
over.
Thereafter, the innings dawdled along with even Dhoni unable to get
cracking and the season's expensive purchase Ravindra Jadeja
struggling, the pressure kept building.
Jadeja was soon out mistiming a big hit while Albie Morkel, who is
continued to be sent far too late in the innings, made no impact as
the Super Kings innings ended up on 139.

IP Chennai vs IP Kolkata, 41st match
April 30, 2012, IPL 2012, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
Umpires: B Bowden (NZ) and S Shamsuddin (IND) Third Umpire: S Tarapore (IND)
Match Referee: R Mahanama (SL) Match Result: IP Kolkata won by 5
wickets | Man of the Match: Debabrata Das
IP Kolkata : 140 / 5 in 19.4 overs (RR: 7.12)
IP Chennai : 139 / 5 in 20.0 overs (RR: 6.95) Target: 140 ( 20.0 ) Req. R/R:
Summary: IP Kolkata won by 5 wickets Toss : IP Chennai (Elected to Bat)
Batsmen R B 4s 6s SR
Bowlers O M R W Nb Wd Eco.
Debabrata Das * 11 4 2 0 275.00 R Ashwin * 3.4 0 22 2 0 1 6.00
Laxmi Shukla 0 0 0 0 0.00 Dwayne Bravo 4.0 0 27 2 0 0 6.75
Partnership: 4 runs, 0.1 overs, R/R: 24.00 Last 18 Balls: 1 1 1 1L 1 1
| W 4 2 1 2 1 | 2 . W 4
IP Chennai innings | IP Kolkata innings
IP Chennai innings Total: 139 / 5in 20.0 overs (Run Rate: 6.95)
Batsman
Runs
Balls
Fours
Sixes
SR FoW
Faf du Plessis c B McCullum b Lee 3 4 0 0 75.00 1-5 ( 1.4 ov. )
Michael Hussey run out (B Lee/ B McCullum) 18 19 2 0 94.74 2-32 ( 4.6 ov. )
Suresh Raina c Y Pathan b Kallis 44 34 4 1 129.41 4-88 ( 12.6 ov. )
Dwayne Bravo c I Abdulla b Kallis 12 12 0 1 100.00 3-74 ( 10.1 ov. )
MS Dhoni (c)(wk) not out 34 30 2 0 113.33
Ravindra Jadeja c D Das b Narine 9 13 0 0 69.23 5-118 ( 17.6 ov. )
Albie Morkel not out 13 8 0 0 162.50
S Badrinath
Yo Mahesh
R Ashwin
Shadab Jakati
Extras: ( 3 wd, 2 lb, 1 b, 0 nb, 0 p) Total: 139 / 5 in 20.0 overs
(Run Rate: 6.95)
Bowler
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
NoBall
Wide
Eco
Iqbal Abdulla 3.0 0 18 0 0 0 6.00
Brett Lee 4.0 0 34 1 0 0 8.50
Yusuf Pathan 1.0 0 10 0 0 1 10.00
Sunil Narine 4.0 0 24 1 0 0 6.00
Jacques Kallis 4.0 0 21 2 0 1 5.25
Rajat Bhatia 3.0 0 22 0 0 1 7.33
Laxmi Shukla 1.0 0 7 0 0 0 7.00
Go to Top
IP Kolkata innings Total: 140 / 5 in 19.4 overs (Run Rate: 7.12)
Batsman
Runs
Balls
Fours
Sixes
SR FoW
Gautam Gambhir (c) lbw b Bravo 63 52 6 1 121.15 4-124 ( 18.1 ov. )
B McCullum (wk) c S Jakati b Ashwin 2 8 0 0 25.00 1-14 ( 2.5 ov. )
Jacques Kallis c M Dhoni b Bravo 26 31 1 1 83.87 2-84 ( 12.3 ov. )
Manoj Tiwary c Y Mahesh b Morkel 13 13 1 0 100.00 3-112 ( 16.1 ov. )
Yusuf Pathan c F d Plessis b Ashwin 12 11 0 0 109.09 5-136 ( 19.3 ov. )
Debabrata Das not out 11 4 2 0 275.00
Laxmi Shukla not out 0 0 0 0 0.00
Rajat Bhatia
Sunil Narine
Brett Lee
Iqbal Abdulla
Extras: ( 8 wd, 4 lb, 0 b, 1 nb, 0 p) Total: 140 / 5 in 19.4 overs
(Run Rate: 7.12)
Bowler
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
NoBall
Wide
Eco
Shadab Jakati 2.0 0 17 0 0 0 8.50
Albie Morkel 4.0 0 24 1 1 4 6.00
R Ashwin 3.4 0 22 2 0 1 6.00
Yo Mahesh 1.0 0 11 0 0 2 11.00
Ravindra Jadeja 2.0 0 13 0 0 1 6.50
Dwayne Bravo 4.0 0 27 2 0 0 6.75
Suresh Raina 3.0 0 22 0 0 0 7.33

1Faf du Plessis3 (4)2( 6)Michael Hussey5 (10)2Michael Hussey16 (13)10(
7)Suresh Raina27 (20)3Suresh Raina28 (19)12( 12)Dwayne Bravo42
(31)4Suresh Raina6 (8)8( 9)MS Dhoni (c)(wk)14 (17)5MS Dhoni (c)(wk)19
(17)9( 13)Ravindra Jadeja30 (30)6MS Dhoni (c)(wk)7 (4)13( 8)Albie
Morkel21 (12)
Wagon wheel
IP Chennai Ist innings IP Kolkata Ist inningsFaf du PlessisMichael
HusseySuresh RainaDwayne BravoMS Dhoni (c)(wk)Ravindra JadejaAlbie
MorkelS BadrinathYo MaheshR AshwinShadab Jakati00002100Faf du
PlessisRuns: 3Balls: 44s: 06s: 0OffSide: 2OnSide: 1

Winning moments...

Vincent kompany exactly a goal machine...

Kompany takes City top Mancini's men win 1-0 at Etihad to hit United's title hopes

Manchester City returned to the top of the table on a famous night at
the Etihad Stadium as Vincent Kompany scored the only goal of thegame
against Manchester United.
The derby had been billed as perhaps the biggest game in Premier
League history and it was City who prevailed in an absorbing encounter
which came close to boiling over at times.
The crucial moment arrived on the stroke of half-time as Kompany
climbed highest in the area to beat Chris Smalling to a David Silva
corner and power his header past David de Gea.
Sir Alex Ferguson had opted for an experienced line-up but United
rarely threatened Joe Hart's goal and City looked likeliest to score
in the second half.
Another goal was not forthcoming and it was an agonising final few
minutes for the home fans as City held on to secure a potentially
decisive victory.
Roberto Mancini's men now lead thetitle race by virtue of their
superior goal difference, and it promises to be a fascinating
fortnight with two games left to play for each side.
Sluggish
Although the team sheets indicated Ferguson had adopted a cautious
approach and Mancini a more attack-minded one, in fact the opening
exchanges provided an alternate view.
With his midfield reinforced by the introduction of Park Ji-sung to a
Premier League starting line-up for the first-time since January,
Ferguson's side quickly got into their stride and looked capable of
carving out a decent opportunity or two.
However, Nani wasted their clearestopportunity when he ignored Phil
Jones' overlapping burst and let fly from 35 yards with a shot that
was hopelessly off-target.
City, meanwhile, began sluggishly, their midfield seemingly incapable
of stringing a succession of passes together with any regularity.
Samir Nasri was the man who sparked them into life with a coupleof
mazy dribbles as the hosts started to get near the byline, whichalways
gives defences cause for concern.
Sergio Aguero screwed a volley wide, then Pablo Zabaleta seized onan
opportunity he would have been better leaving for Nasri and his shot
rolled through to De Gea.
After all the hype, it was hardly a classic, although as the clock
ticked down towards half-time, the United camp presumably reflected
they were quite happy at that.
So, to go behind in stoppage time in such orthodox fashion would have
been particularly galling for the visitors.
De Gea's frailties under the high ballare well known by now. When
David Silva curled over the second of successive corners, a stronger,
more confident goalkeeper might have come to punch. Instead, he leftit
to his defenders.
Smalling, like Park, making his first start since January after Jonny
Evanswas ruled out through injury, momentarily lost Kompany on their
run from the edge of the box and was still marginally out of position
when the Belgian rose to power home from six yards.
It was a devastating goal for United to lose as there had been no
obvious indication they were likely to score.
Wayne Rooney looked particularly out of sorts, isolated up front and
generally unhappy with the buffeting he was receiving, which had only
drawn one yellow card for Kompany.
Momentum
The second half was only 12 minutes old when Ferguson offered his star
man some badly-needed support, replacing Park with Welbeck.
Immediately before the change, though, United might have found
themselves two down when De Gea came for a corner without getting near
it and Nasri ended up curling wide of the far post.
Even when the Red Devils did build some attacking momentum, their
final pass was either off-target or overhit, ensuring Hart was not
tested.
However, with his side well capableof grabbing a second, Mancini's
decision to replace Carlos Tevez with Nigel de Jong hinted at
containment, a very dangerous ploy against this particular set of
opponents.
Yaya Toure did thrash a long-range effort wide, his shot close enough
tohave De Gea scrambling across his goal.
And, in truth, United seemed to haveprecious few ideas about prising
their opponents open.
De Jong's foul on Welbeck brought ayellow card for the Dutchman and
sparked a furious touchline row between Ferguson and Mancini. Peace
was eventually restored but the visitors failed to feed off their
manager's fire.
Toure came agonisingly close to grabbing a second for the Blues and De
Gea made an excellent save to deny Gael Clichy.
And despite five minutes' stoppage time, the Blues cruised home, and
the songs of celebration began withCity two games from glory.

De Gea: Manchester United won’t park the bus against City

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea says  his side do not know
how to "park the bus" and will go for a win in Monday night's crunch
clash with bitter rivals Manchester City .

United enjoy a three-point lead over City at the top of the Premier
League with just three matches to play, but know a repeat of October's
6-1 Old Trafford humiliation at the Etihad Stadium will see their
advantage wiped out.

A draw would be enough to keep Sir Alex Ferguson's men in control, but
De Gea insists the idea of playing for a share of the spoils is not
even in their minds.

"We won't park the bus or try to get a point," he told Goal.com . "We
don't know how to do it and that would mean giving them the advantage
on the match.

"We are approaching this derby as a final because it really is, but we
have more chances than them. They need the victory and that's an extra
pressure they could resent on the pitch.

"I don't expect a crazy match but rather a tactical one. This is not a
knockout tie but a match in which a goal can give you the title, so we
have to remain calm.

"This is the match of the season and we are planning up to the most
minimal detail. We cannot fail."

United face a City side who have scored 12 goals in their last three
matches but, whilst he admits it will not be easy, De Gea is confident
the Red Devils will rise to the occasion.

"Man City are very dangerous, especially attacking," he added.

"Silva and Tevez have clicked and that makes them create many
dangerous chances. We have to stop those two if we won't want to
suffer on Monday.

"The ambiance will be electric and the fans will be against us but I
won't be affected.

"I have played at the Bernabeu, Camp Nou, Turkey, Greece and Italy. I
actually play better in these situations.

"My team-mates have been very motivated during this week's training
sessions. We know what we are fighting for and we know that we will
play a final tonight.

"We won't think about losing but it would obviously be very hard if we
finish the season without winning a title and after having the Premier
League title in the tips of our hands."

A record 20th Premier League title would be a remarkable achievement
considering United's shaky form during the first half of the season.

But since the turn of the year they have been relentless in their
pursuit of City, with De Gea gradually growing into the No.1 shirt and
playing a key role.
Everton's stunning late comeback at Old Trafford last Sunday has given
Roberto Mancini's men renewed hope, but De Gea insists United have not
grown complacent at the top.
"I think I have improved a lot since I arrived to England," he
continued. "My beginnings weren't very good or very easy but I feel a
lot better now. Even the coach says so.
"This season has had lots of comings and goings.
"City seemed to have their work donebut we were able to overcome them
and now it seems to be balanced. I always prefer to be leading than to
be trailing.
"These last points we have relinquished are not because of
overconfidence. There are no easy rivals in the Premier League and we
have suffered in the last few weeks.
"I hope we won't regret it at the end of the season."

BOA lifetime drug bans overturned

Sky Sports understands the BOA's lifetime ban on drug cheats has been
overturned by CAS
The British Olympic Association has lost its court case to retain its
lifetime ban for drugs cheats, according to reports.
The decision, set to be confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for
Sport today at 1500BST, means British sprinter Dwain Chambers and
cyclist David Millar will be available for selection for London 2012.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) brought a case against the BOA's
policy of imposing life suspensions for the Games, arguing that it
contravened their code.
Chambers, 34, received a life ban from the Olympics after testing
positive for a banned substance in 2003, and despite being off the
pace from the world's top stars, he remains GB's top 100m runner.
GB hurdler Andy Turner tweeted: "Make lifetime ban for drug cheats
worldwide or scrap it completely. The world won't follow Britain's
rules so I'm happy for Dwain."
On current form, Chambers should at least make the GB relay team and
team-mate and fellow-sprinter Marlon Devonish said: "I've got no
problem passing the baton to him or receiving it from him. People make
mistakes."
Cyclist Millar was suspended in 2004 for two years after testing
positive for the blood-boosting agent EPO.
The BOA confirmed on Sunday it had received the decision, but would
not reveal its contents.

Hodgson set for England talks...

The FA confirms Roy Hodgson will be interviewed for the England
manager's job today
Roy Hodgson will be interviewed for the England manager's job today
after the FA was granted permission to speak to him byWest Brom.
The FA has also confirmed that the 64-year-old Baggies boss is the
only man it has approached about succeeding Fabio Capello following
the Italian's exit in February, with no approach made to Tottenham
manager Harry Redknapp.
FA chairman David Bernstein said: "I'm grateful to all at West
Bromwich Albion fortheir co-operation in allowing us to approach Roy,
who I have since spoken with.
"Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to
make an appointment within the timescale we set out soon after Fabio
Capello's departure.
"Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my colleagues
before any further announcements can be made."
A West Brom statement read: "The club arein negotiations with Roy
about a new contract - his current deal ends 30 June andremain very
keen to bring these talks to a successful conclusion.
"However, Roy has expressed a desire to explore this opportunity."
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace added:"Roy is a proud Englishman and
we can understand why he wants to speak to the FA about this
highly-prestigious managerial position."
In a 36-year career, Hodgson has coached inEngland, Sweden, Denmark,
Norway, Switzerland and Italy, where he was twice in charge of
Internazionale.
He has also managed in Finland, the United Arab Emirates and
Switzerland, who he guided to the 1994 World Cup finals in the United
States.

A NEW INNINGS FOR SACHIN....

A fan's paean to Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is India's most-loved icon, and is worshipped by
millions for his amazing cricketingfeats. His fans think he's a god
who can do no wrong on field and off it.
Yet, the world's most feted cricketer is also somewhat of an enigma -
he is an inscrutable man, and has publicly stated that he is not
entirely comfortable with manic fan worship.
For all his outstanding records, Tendulkar has been a less than
inspiring leader on field, as his spottyrecord during a brief tenure
as the India captain showed. He also hardly speaks his mind on issues.
Seven years ago Sambit Bal, editor ofESPN Cricinfo, asked Tendulkar
why people felt he didn't take a stand on issues . "I have taken
stands before, but often whatever I say gets misinterpreted and
meanings are attached to it," the star replied. He didn't mention what
issue or stand he had taken up and continued: "I don't want to go into
specifics now, but I felt this is going to happen, so why get into
it?"
Mr Bal pressed on: But your voice carries a lot of weight. By speaking
out, you could make a difference? "If you know that whatever you say
willbecome a controversy, why get into itunnecessarily?" Tendulkar
replied."At least I feel, okay, there are people who are managing
those issues and my job, at least for the time being, is to play
cricket, so let me focus on that."
Uninspiring
So when news arrived last week thathe had accepted a nomination to the
upper house of India's parliament by what many believe is a
discredited and struggling ruling Congress party, many were
incredulous. Sanjay Manjrekar, a former team mate and one of the wiser
cricket commentators, said he was shocked."I never realised these sort
of things interested him. He is not one to express his views publicly
and this would be a real test for him. I hope he can make a difference
in the parliament."
Others have been harsher, blaming the Congress party for cynically
exploiting the icon to provide the nation with a pseudo feel-good
moment at a time when its fortunes have touched rock bottom and people
are feeling low.
It's entirely possible that Tendulkar has changed his views ever since
the interview seven years ago. It's also possible that he is ready to
step out of his comfort zone and face up to newer challenges and wants
to make his voice heard and count.
But he has squelched rumours about retirement and zealously told the
world recently that he plans to continue playing for a while - after
all, he is India's biggest brand, and with millions of advertising
dollars riding on him, he cannot be allowed to fade away with, say,
the quiet dignity of Rahul Dravid. Yet Tendulkar has not spoken on how
heplans to serve the parliament while remaining one of India's busiest
cricketers.
The history of such reputed nominated dignitaries to India's
parliament is largely uninspiring. At best, Tendulkar can make a
difference by finally speaking out on issues - the utter neglect of
other sports outside cricket and the thoughtlessly unrelenting
calendar for India's cricketers, which leads to early burn out of
talent. It is not going to be easy: cronyism dominates cricket, like
most things inIndia, and nobody, including TV commentators, dares
question the officialdom on anything.
At its worst, the god will become a mere mortal in a noisy, partisan,
squabbling parliament whose own reputation, many believe, is at a low
ebb. So has Tendulkar got his timing awfully wrong this time? Or as
analysts such as Jayaditya Gupta say, does he deserve the benefit of
doubt?

Manchester City and Manchester United face crunch derby

Manchester City and Manchester United face crunch derby
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Etihad Stadium Date: Monday, 30 April
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live; live text commentary
onBBC Sport website, highlights on Monday's Match of the Day, BBC One
2235 BST
Manchester City host rivals Manchester United on Monday night knowing
victory would give them the edge in the Premier League title race.
United travel to Etihad Stadium with a three-point lead over their
rivals, but have an inferior goal difference.
City kept the pressure on the leaders with a 2-0 win over Wolves last
weekend as United drew 4-4 with Everton.
Remaining league games
*. Manchester City: Manchester United (H), Newcastle (A), QPR (H)
*. Manchester United: Manchester City (A), Swansea (H), Sunderland (A)
Victory for City would put them level with Sir Alex Ferguson's men
with just two games remaining.
United have the edge in the head-to-heads, having won 67 of the 161
matches between the two clubs withCity coming out on top in 44.
However, the last time the two sides met in the league, City thumped
United 6-1 - the Red Devils' heaviest-ever Premier League defeat and
the first time they had conceded six goals at Old Trafford since 1930.
"This is the derby game of all derby games," said Ferguson. "It is our
city rivals and that makes everyone step up a notch in terms of
anticipation.
Did you know?
Manchester City have scored 87 goalsso far this season. That's their
highest total in the top flight since they netted 100 during the
1957-58 season
"Our fans will look upon it [a possible league win] as a special
onebecause they are our fans' most bitter rivals, there is no getting
awayfrom that. It means everything to thefans and I think going into
work on Tuesday morning will be the most important day of their lives
for both sets of supporters.
"People are brought up through theirgrandfathers, their great
grandfathers, their grandmothers to be what they are. You can't change
a family's traits. It is steeped in the blood of these supporters and
they will give everything to win this gameon Monday."
Hansen's verdict
Alan Hansen Football Analyst
"Sir Alex Ferguson wants that 20th title desperately by keeping City
at bay, while others may see Roberto Mancini's team going on to
dominatedomestically for years to come if they can get that first
Premier League under their belt. Has there ever been a bigger Premier
League game than this?"
Read Hansen's full verdict
With so much at stake, City manager Roberto Mancini is hoping that
this derby will pass peacefully.
"It is a football day and not war and, for this reason, I hope all
supporters will enjoy the game," said Mancini, who admitted he is
worried about the day.
"The United game is like a final and you can lose these games; you are
not playing against a small team."
While City's home record is favourable, with 21 wins in their last 22
matches in the top flight, the Blues have not scored at home against
United in the league for nearly five years.
But recent form suggests City are favourites. Roberto Mancini's men
have won their last three games, scoring 13 goals in the process.
United, meanwhile, have taken just four points from a possible nine,
which included losing a 4-2 lead to draw with Everton at Old Trafford.
But if United win and then triumph intheir two remaining games, they
willfinish with 92 points to equal their best Premier League tally,
achieved when they won the title in 1994.
City visit Newcastle next after the derby clash and then face QPR at
home, while United take on Swansea at Old Trafford before finishing
with a trip to Sunderland.

7-0 victory

 

Barcelona ensured that they suffered no hangover from their week from hell with a resounding 7-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.

It has been a harrowing eight days for the Catalans, who saw their Primera Division and Champions League hopes eliminated by Real Madrid and Chelsea, not to mention the announcement of coach Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of the season.

However, they responded in some style against the outmatched side from the capital, with two goals each from Lionel Messi and Pedro alongside strikes from Seydou Keita and Thiago Alcantara and an own goal by Roberto Correa reducing the gap to Madrid at the top of the league back to seven points.

The title may still be out of reach with only three games left to play, but Barca at least delayed the celebrations of their old foes to Wednesday with a smashing victory that saw them cross the 100-goal tally in the league, while Messi's 43rd league goal drew him level with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Pichichi race.

All eyes were on Guardiola in the dugout, and the soon to be ex-Barca coach rang the changes from midweek, with six players rested from the XI that featured against Chelsea.
The Catalans were desperate to put on a show for their coach and shell-shocked fans, and stormed into the lead just after a quarter of an hour. Alexis Sanchez was the architect, with his wonderful diagonal pass freeing Pedro on the right, who squared to Messi to guide home from a few yards out.
Rayo almost responded immediately after the restart, but Jose Pinto was alert to push away Diego Costa’s header from a free-kick at the far post.
The chance passed them by, and Barca were 2-0 up after 26 minutes. Keita sent Sanchez through on goal, and the Chilean’s finish from a tight angle was diverted into the net by Correa.
The visitors were dominant, finding holes in the Rayo midfield and defensive lines at will. However, they were indebted to Pinto once more just after half an hour, the stand-in keeper tipping away Roberto Trashorras’ free kick at full stretch.
Messi’s brilliance soon put the Catalans out of sight six minutes before the interval, the Argentine waltzing past multiple challenges on the edge of the box before slipping in Keita, who made no mistake from close range.
Barely a minute into the second-half, it was 4-0. Sanchez again did the hard work, as he broke free down the left before squaring to Messi inside the area. His finish bounced back off the crossbar, but Pedro was on hand to stroke home the rebound.
It should have been a fifth within minutes after Thiago was picked out in a great position inside the area, but the young midfielder put his effort the wrong side of the post.
The match was well and truly over, but Pinto was forced into another spectacular save with 20 minutes to go, getting fingertips to a powerful drive by Alhassane Bangoura.
Thiago added a fifth with just over 10 minutes to go, with a simple header from close range following great work out wide by substitute Dani Alves.
It was 6-0 after 87 minutes, Pedro side-footing coolly into the back of the net after getting on the end of a clever lifted pass from Messi.
Messi rounded off matters in injury time with powerful finish from a quintessential Barca team move, a goal that moves him on terms with Cristiano Ronaldo in the quest for the Pichichi.
Next up for Barca is a visit from Malaga, while Rayo visit Mallorca, with both matches taking place next Wednesday. Madrid though, can clinch the title with a win away to Athletic Bilbao on the same day.