Agent expects Borini stay

Fabio Borini is expected to stay in England despite being frozen out at Chelsea.

The 19-year-old Italian striker has been linked with a move back to his homeland after contract talks stalled in the summer.

He made eight appearances during the course of last season and despite some impressive form in the reserves, he is yet to feature this term.

The Under 21 international joined Chelsea from Bologna in 2007 and is out of contract in the summer.

Parma have been strongly linked with the youngster, who is currently recovering from shoulder surgery, while Lazio and Juventus are also thought to be monitoring the situation.

But his agent, Marco De Marchi, is confident he will earn a new deal in England, either from Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti or one of their Premier Legaue rivals.

"At this time Fabio's just thinking about his rehabilitation from injury," he told calciomercato.com.

"The boy is disappointed by the behaviour of Chelsea, which put him out of the squad despite the excellent things he did last season.

"Parma are interested in Borini but it's not only them. That's normal for a player of the Under-21 national team, who has experience at international level and is out of contract in 2011.

"Ancelotti has great respect for him, and this affects a lot. He would return with pleasure to Italy but it is not necessary yet.

"The boy grew up in England and he loves English football. We will evaluate the offers that will come but I wouldn't be surprised if he stays in the Premier League."

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Murphy backing Reds boss Roy

Fulham playmaker Danny Murphy believes Roy Hodgson will be a success at Liverpool providing he is given the time at the helm.

The experienced tactician left the Cottagers for Anfield in the summer after guiding the West Londoners away from the drop zone and into Europe.

Hodgson replaced long-serving boss Rafa Benitez and while Reds fans initially welcomed the change, they are unhappy at the club's indifferent campaign to date.

The ex-Fulham manager is under pressure to turn around the club's fortunes and Murphy believes that if he has more than one season to stamp his authority then fans will be rewarded.

Murphy spent seven years as a player with the Merseysiders so knows the expectations at Anfield and he is backing Hodgson to bring success to the club.

"If I was a betting man, I would guarantee they are going to finish in the top four," said Murphy.

"The club is in a bit of a predicament, but you couldn't ask for a more humble gentleman to deal with that.

"The dilemma for me came when I was getting calls from people at Liverpool asking me about Roy. I knew I could say nothing and they would still probably employ him.

"But I was praising him because that's what he deserves, being honest and knowing that it would probably help them decide he was the right man.

"I didn't want to see him go, but football success generally means that people move on.

"The great thing for him was that he got to manage one of the great teams in Europe and Liverpool got one of the best coaches around.

"I hear positive sounds coming out of the club about him. The people up there don't suffer fools.

"You will get a more successful Liverpool there this season, but the fans are realistic at the moment about what's achievable.

"Roy wants to be a success and success for Liverpool is competing with Manchester United and Chelsea.

"He might need a bit longer than one season to do that, but he will bring them closer. I don't think the fans expect them to win the Premier League this season - they are more realistic than that.

"I think some stability, getting back into the Champions League and getting extra money in is what's needed. Roy will do that. He's a winner."

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Doumbia reveals Blues dream

CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia has admitted he would love to play in the Premier League and Chelsea are his favourite team.

The 22-year-old only joined CSKA from Swiss side Young Boys in January but he admits he is struggling to adjust to life in the Russian capital.

He is therefore keen to secure a switch elsewhere and has made it clear that his preferred destination would be Stamford Bridge.

Seydou, who was part of the Ivory Coast squad at this summer's World Cup, has always been a follower of English football.

And a move to the Blues would see him link up with compatriots Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou.

"Chelsea have been my favourite team since I was a kid," Seydou, who is reportedly valued at around £5million by CSKA, said in The Sun.

"It's my dream to play in England - Moscow is too cold for me."

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Mancini thrilled with top spot

Roberto Mancini expressed his delight after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Juventus to finish top of the Europa League's Group A.

Jo's late equaliser ensured City were group winners ahead of Lech Poznan, which means they are seeded for Friday's draw for the last 32 and will avoid the clubs coming into the competition from the Champions League.

Mancini made nine changes and Nicolo Giannetti opened the scoring for the hosts in Turin on the stroke of half-time.

Lech were set to claim top spot as they were leading Red Bull Salzburg but the Blues battled back in the second half, with Jo atoning for an early miss by producing a cool finish from Adam Johnson's through-ball.

"I am very happy because we wanted this," Mancini said. "It was very important to finish top of the group.

"We have a chance to go all the way, but it is important to have a good draw for the next round, and after that we will see.

"Juventus have a good team, and we started very well. It was strange to concede the goal, but we played well, and for me this is important.

"I did not expect to play against such a strong Juventus team. Our players showed good character, and we hope to carry on like this. But in the end I think we deserved a draw, minimum."

It was Jo's second goal of the competition and third overall this season, and Mancini was pleased for a player who once seemed surplus to requirements at Eastlands.

City signed the Brazil international from CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2008 but the 23-year-old failed to live up to his £18million price-tag and went on loan to Everton and Galatasaray before returning in pre-season and earning a place in Mancini's plans.

"I have known Jo for five years," said the former Inter Milan boss.

"He played against Inter in the Champions League and scored two goals. He was young, but he was a good player, and he is still a good player.

"He played the last two games for us and did not score. But he has done very well, so I am pleased he has scored tonight."

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Bruce eyes Europe bid

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes his team are ready to challenge for a place in Europe.

Bruce's side could go fifth if they beat Bolton on Saturday after the Black Cats enjoyed a fine start to their Premier League campaign.

And the manager believes if his players can maintain their impressive form that could propel them into continental competition next year.

"I would say we have the nucleus of Sunderland's best squad for a long time," said Bruce. "But it is important that we keep improving.

"We haven't had the players here to handle the levels of expectation since the (Niall) Quinn and (Kevin) Phillips days.

"Our players have to overcome the big ground and big crowd. Being at a club like this comes with expectation and it comes very quickly.

"Bolton have been in this division for 10 years, while this club has been down three times in that space of time and in two of those seasons we finished with 19 and 15 points in the Premier League.

"How and why I just do not know. Even Blackpool and Wigan give it a go."

Sunderland endured a difficult campaign last season and flirted with a relegation battle before pulling away into mid-table safety.

But Bruce has assembled a team that is competing at the right end of the division this time out, aided by big money signings like Asamoah Gyan.

The 49-year-old reckons the next four weeks will be crucial to any European tilt, although he is confident Sunderland's time has now arrived.

"It is enough to get in the Premier League for most clubs and to survive, but not here," Bruce explained.

"That level of expectation is strange because there has not been much success in the North East over the years, but it is there because the area loves its football.

"It is everything to them. Whether can we can make a push for Europe, the next six weeks will tell us.

"The January period usually sorts out where you'll be. Those four games will be a huge part of where we will finish up. Can we get to the top 10 and compete for Europe? Why not?"

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Capello's City link rejected

England boss Fabio Capello has no plans to take over at Manchester City or Inter Milan, his representative has said.

Rumours had circulated that the Three Lions manager was wanted by the Eastlands outfit should they decide to part company with Roberto Mancini.

And reports coming out of Italy suggested the 64-year-old, who is due to remain with England until 2012, could replace under-pressure Inter boss Rafa Benitez.

However, Capello's son and manager, Pierfilippo, insists the suggestions are nonsense and promptly scotched the conjecture.

"I honestly don't believe he would sign an agreement with anyone without asking me about it," Pierfilippo told The Sun.

"I will be really honest and open with you. I know nothing about my father joining a club in Italy, in England or anywhere else and I speak with Fabio every day.

"And I do not believe he has agreed any secret deal with any club. He is not the kind of man who would make an agreement like that. If anything was happening, I would know.

"But I have not had a single call or any contact with whatsoever with anyone. And if someone had contacted my father then he would call me."

Capello is currently contracted to his Three Lions hot seat until 2012, when his £6million-a-year deal will expire.

The Italian had come under fire for his team's lacklustre performance in the World Cup in South Africa over summer.

But he clung onto his job, and his representative says his father is happy to continue managing England and has given no indication that he wants to secure an early exit.

He added: "If he was interested he would ask me to make contact with the FA and find out if he could leave right away, at the end of the season, in the next six months or in a year.

"That's the first thing he would do - and he has not done that yet. He would call me and say 'I have been called by say the New York Red Bulls and they are offering me £50million a year, how can I make that happen.

"Can you call the FA and see if I can terminate my contract, and see if they will agree to that?' But that's just fantasy. The truth is he has a contract with the FA until 2012."

Asked about his father's future following his England reign, Pierfilippo said: "That's a question I can't answer, that's a question for the future, that's a question for 2012.

"But I can tell you the smart money is on my father going nowhere."

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Almunia to decide fate

Arsene Wenger says Manuel Almunia will decide whether he remains at Arsenal, insisting the goalkeeper must fight for his place at the club.

Almunia has been out of the Gunners team since September after injuring his elbow against West Brom when saving a Chris Brunt penalty.

His absence has led to speculation the Spaniard could be on his way out of Emirates Stadium, with Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny now regarded to be ahead of him in the pecking order.

Almunia has been ruled out for another three weeks after sustaining a further injury training with the reserves as Malaga and Atletico Madrid reportedly circle.

Wenger says the rumours will have no bearing on the 33-year-old's future, but maintained that his keeper must accept the competition in his ranks.

"I will listen to Manuel Almunia only," the Arsenal manager said. "We are in a fantastic job, but the core of our job is to fight to be competitive and to fight for your place.

"Nobody can be where we are in such a privileged job and think 'it is a shame we have to compete for our places'. That is the least we can do.

"I am surprised every time a player has to fight for his position that you think straight away he has to leave."

Wenger tried to sign Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer in the summer and is also said to be keen on Manchester City's Shay Given and Middlesbrough's Jason Steele, according to reports.

But after Szczesny made his top flight debut against Manchester United on Monday, the Frenchman is content with the options at his disposal - meaning Almunia has two strong contestants vying for his slot.

Wenger added: "We want three goalkeepers at the top level and you have seen on Monday night we had Wojciech who made his debut in the Premier League and we had Fabianski on the bench.

"If something happens to one you need three world-class goalkeepers."

Arsenal were overtaken by United after the 1-0 reverse at Old Trafford and return to Premier League duty with a home clash against Stoke.

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Jenas won't rush back

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas will not risk another setback by rushing his return from injury.

The England international has been struggling with a calf complaint of late, with the knock originally sustained during a UEFA Champions League clash with Werder Bremen in November.

In a desperate bid to return to the side, having forced his way back into Harry Redknapp's plans, he further inflamed the problem by figuring in another continental clash against FC Twente.

He was forced to limp out of the fixture in Holland, consigning him to another spell on the sidelines.

Jenas is aware that he must take every precaution to avoid suffering a similar fate again, but is happy with the progress being made in his rehabilitation.

"It's been coming on well, I've been running for the last three or four days," he told Sky Sports News.

"The problem before was that I probably rushed it a bit too much. The squad had been pretty stretched over a busy period so I was hoping I could help out but pushed it a bit too far."

It had been suggested that Jenas could be back in contention for Spurs' trip to Blackpool On Sunday, but he feels the clash at Bloomfield Road may come 'too soon'.

He joked: "I don't know. I think it might be a game too soon. Hopefully it will get called off, then I will have another week."

Jenas is keen to get back out on the field as Tottenham continue to make impressive progress at home and abroad.

One of the driving forces behind their success this season has been Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart, who Jenas admits has been a revelation since being snapped up from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day.

"It's surprising how well he has fitted into the group, it's like he's been here three, four, five years. He is a top lad as well," he said.

"In terms of his performances, what he has done speaks for itself. The experience he brings from playing in international football and in European football has really helped us, especially at some stages of the Champions League.

"He gives us something different. We have got out and out pace on the wings with (Gareth) Bale and (Aaron) Lennon. Rafa can play from the right sometimes and drift in or he can play off the front and link between the midfield and forwards, so he does give us something different."

Blackpool v Tottenham 1st Goalscorer: Van Der Vaart, R. 9/2

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Mancini set for Tevez talks

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed he is due to speak to Carlos Tevez on Friday after the striker handed in a transfer request.

The City skipper's request was promptly rejected by the club, with whom the Argentinian star is under contract until 2014.

The 26-year-old then responded by saying relationships with 'certain executives' at the club have broken down beyond repair and made it clear he wants to move on even though City turned down his transfer request.

Tevez returned to training in England earlier this week following a short break in Tenerife and did not travel with the rest of the squad to Turin for Thursday's Europa League game with Juventus, although City had already qualified for the knock-out stage.

Mancini spoke after the 1-1 draw and, ahead of the talks, the Blues boss indicated he would be willing to play Tevez in Monday's home game against Everton.

"When I arrive at the training ground, I will speak with Carlos," said Mancini.

"Will he play on Monday? Yes, why not?

"He has trained with us since Tuesday, and he doesn't have a problem."

Tevez is City's top scorer this season with 10 goals from 16 games and last term claimed a 29-goal haul in his first season at the club.

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McLeish keen to keep Larsson

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is ready to make an improved contract offer to midfielder Seb Larsson.

The Sweden international has been linked with a £2million move to rivals Stoke when the January transfer window opens.

Potters chairman Peter Coates revealed the club's interest in signing the player, whose deal expires at the end of the season.

However, McLeish hopes the 25-year-old former Arsenal man will still be a Blues player at the start of February.

And the St Andrews club have been in touch with Stoke to warn them over their conduct.

The Scot said: "Peter maybe doesn't know the rules. We'll forgive him on this occasion. I'm sure he will have been aware of them by yesterday (Thursday).

"Julia Shelton, our club secretary, would be on to that. She has been in the game a long time."

Despite Larsson's agent making it clear Birmingham's opening offer wasn't good enough, McLeish is hopeful he will commit to a new deal, confirming a fresh offer is imminent.

"I think it's being prepared as we speak!" he added. "Then it will be up to Seb.

"We will have to see whether he accepts it or not, or if there is any further negotiation. We'd like to keep Seb. We don't like young guys like Seb walking away on free transfers.

"He's a good asset and he's had a good season so far.

"But he's got to put it to one side and concentrate on his game."

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Fletcher looking to dominate

Darren Fletcher believes Manchester United must start dominating games if they are to be successful this season.

With a key game against Chelsea on Sunday fast approaching, the Scottish midfielder believes his United team must start to finish teams off to guarantee three points.

A Wayne Rooney penalty miss set up a nervous finish on Monday, with the Reds holding on to a slender 1-0 lead over Arsenal at Old Trafford to take them back to the top of the table.

Fletcher believes that United should be looking to go on and finish games off, calling for a return to the ruthless domination witnessed during November's 7-1 destruction of Blackburn Rovers.

"We need to be seeing teams off," Fletcher told the Daily Star.

"There are times when we have played well and ended up drawing.

"We might have played fantastic for 85 minutes but lost the victory because of two late goals.

"Some games have seen us show character and fight back for draws against the likes of Bolton and Aston Villa, so in that respect, it has been stop-start."

Chelsea v Man. Utd To Score 2+ Goals: Man. Utd 5/2

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Wenger wants Shawcross respect

Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal fans not to target Ryan Shawcross when they face Stoke this weekend.

Shawcross is set to face the Gunners for the first time since his challenge resulted in midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffering a double leg fracture during the Premier League game at the Britannia Stadium in February.

Ramsey has now recovered full fitness and is currently on loan at Championship side Nottingham Forest.

Shawcross, though, can still expect a rough reception from the home supporters - although Potters boss Tony Pulis laughed off suggestions the player will be provided with his own personal security into and out of the ground.

In the immediate aftermath of the match at the Britannia Stadium, Wenger labelled Shawcross' challenge as "horrendous" and highlighted similar incidents against his players, Abou Diaby and Eduardo.

However, Wenger insists with Ramsey now on the road back to full fitness, it is time to draw a line under the saga and he insists Shawcross will not need extra protection at the Emirates on Saturday.

Asked whether Shawcross would need extra protection at the weekend, Wenger said: "I can reassure you that will not be needed. What happened in the past, happened in the past.

"We have come out on that - I don't think there is any need to add any fuel on it and just focus on playing football as we always do and respecting our opponents.

"What is important is we want to see a football game where both teams play good football.

"It is Arsenal against Stoke. Every game is different and it is a new start.

"We do not have any preconceived ideas before the game happens on any individual.

"We want to win the game, focus on it and respect our opponent as we always do."

Shawcross was distraught following the incident, and has sent messages of support to Ramsey.

Wenger reflected: "It is only Ramsey who can forgive Ryan Shawcross for what happened to him. I cannot forgive. I have not that power.

"If you were the manager of Aaron Ramsey, who is 18 and has two bones broken in his leg, you cannot say you are not upset, it is absolutely normal you are upset.

"I gave my feelings at the moment, what we were focused on after that was to get Ramsey back to playing again, what he is just starting to do now.

"We care about Aaron Ramsey and his career. We did not focus on Shawcross, that is why I don't feel there is any need to talk about that."

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Pulis - More fouls from Gunners

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has hit out at Arsenal's disciplinary record ahead of their Premier League meeting at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Pulis feels the Potters are unfairly tagged as being a physical side, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger going as far as to accuse them of using 'rugby' tactics earlier in the season.

The build-up to the match has been dominated by the debate over Ryan Shawcross who will be making his first appearance in North London since the tackle which broke Aaron Ramsey's leg at the Britannia Staduim in February.

But Pulis has highlighted the fact that Arsenal actually have a worse disciplinary record than his men as he seeks to see one of the stereotypes about his side changed.

"People have perceptions and you struggle to change those sometimes," he said.

"We go into a game here where Arsenal have more red and yellow cards and have committed more fouls, yet you speak to the layman and it's 'Bad old Stoke going to the Emirates'. But the facts don't back up that story."

Pulis also suggested that Wenger is a man under pressure, with the Gunners having failed to secure any silverware since their FA Cup triumph against Manchester United in 2005.

"If they don't win anything this season he will be devastated," said Pulis. "I think Arsene Wenger is under quite a bit of pressure because there hasn't been a trophy won for five years or so. There's enormous pressure on him."

Wenger, who has said that only Ramsey can forgive Shawcross for his tackle in February's encounter, agreed that statistically his side have been worse offenders on the disciplinary front than Stoke, although he does not agree with how cards have been handed out to his players.

"He's right. We've got more yellow cards," said the Frenchman. "It's surprising about our yellow cards. Like the other night (against Manchester United) we picked up yellow cards but I thought it was a fair game."

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Hodgson coy on Gerrard

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson admits he is uncertain whether captain Steven Gerrard will be fit enough to feature against Fulham on Saturday.

The Reds host Mark Hughes' team at Anfield on the back of a frustrating week which saw them fire blanks against Utrecht in the Europe League on Wednesday.

And Hodgson is doubtful as to whether his talismanic captain will play any part in his squad, with Gerrard still nursing a hamstring injury sustained on England duty in November.

Hodgson was due to hand striker Fernando Torres a start against the Dutch outfit in midweek, but withdrew the Spaniard at the last minute.

And the 63-year-old is likely to show similar caution when deciding on Gerrard, saying: "He is training hard, he trains every day and there are no days off for Steven.

"He is desperate to get back but, with my recent history of saying things and not getting them right, I should be extremely cagey and say I have no idea if he will be there or not.

"There will be no more bold statements from me on any player, at least for the foreseeable future."

Hodgson has been accused of being too reserved when it comes to throwing players back into the fray after taking counsel from his medical staff.

But the Anfield chief, facing his former club for the first time at the weekend, says he would prefer to send his players into battle rawer than his experts would like.

"Whenever we, old fashioned football coaches that we are, see a player bombing up and down in straight lines, running without any problems and looking as fit as a fiddle we immediately think he can be thrust into the next game," he added.

"They are a bit more scientific in their approach."

Defender Daniel Agger is also unlikely to make an appearance on Saturday as the Dane continues to struggle with a calf problem.

Hodgson had hoped to have his centre-back enforced available, however that goal looks to have been too optimistic.

"Agger is slightly behind Steven (in terms of fitness) but not far," said the manager.

"I was given a prediction for him but I'm not going to tell you because it might turn out to be wrong and I'll get the blame for it."

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Rovers deny Diego enquiry

Maradona is 8/1 to be named new Blackburn manager. Bet now.

Blackburn's owners have denied Argentina legend Diego Maradona is set to replace Sam Allardyce at Ewood Park.

Venky's Group chairwoman Anuradha Desai admitted earlier this week that the Indian owners had given some thought to hiring Maradona after sacking Allardyce.

However, the poultry giants have now distanced themselves from a possible move for the 50-year-old former World Cup winner, with Steve Kean being appointed as caretaker until the end of the season.

Desai clarified that a few months prior to the VH Group's takeover, her brother Balaji Rao was approached by a friend from South America who happens to know Diego Maradona and recommended his name.

And Desai told The Independent: "This is so something that, because we have offices everywhere, somebody spoke about but it is not true. There is no connection.

"This is something from before we got into the EPL (English Premier League) - he knows one of our friends, but nothing beyond that.

"He is not being considered, not now and forever in the future. I can assure you there is nothing we are having to do with Maradona."

Meanwhile, Desai has launched a scathing attack on former boss Allardyce for his dealings in the transfer market.

"This team should be capable of finishing fifth to seventh and it should not always be fighting for survival," she added.

"I don't think this team deserves that. In that, Sam didn't fit in.

"My father once told me that out of 10 decisions you must get at least seven right. You can get two or three wrong, we're not gods.

"But to get nine or 10 wrong is not good and things have been going wrong with transfers, that's a fact."

Desai also denied VH Group have an exclusive deal with global marketing firms Kentaro and SEM.

The company represents more than 150 professional footballers and clubs in Europe's top leagues, and top media personalities.

Kentaro could use Rovers as a way of introducing some of their top young foreign talent to the English game, but Desai has denied that will be the case.

"Kentaro are our main consultants but Sam had the final call. At no time would any decisions have been taken with respect to buying or selling players unless sanctioned by the manager," she said.

"But we didn't even get as far as discussing names with him. We certainly don't have an exclusive deal with Kentaro."

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Grant focused on table

Avram Grant has urged his West Ham troops to focus on improving their Premier League placing and not their Carling Cup semi-final.

The struggling Hammers booked their semi-final meeting with Birmingham with an emphatic 4-0 home success over Manchester United.

Despite their impressive cup run the club's league form continues to disappoint and they find themselves bottom with 17 games played.

Grant is looking forward to their Blues clash, but he recognises that things need to start improving results-wise in league action.

The former Portsmouth tactician knows the implications if things do not improve soon, although he has been pleased with his players' efforts.

"We now have a Carling Cup semi-final to look forward to in January, but we will not think about this again until the New Year," he said.

"We have a job to do in the league and this is all that is occupying my attention.

"The cup is a fantastic distraction, but nothing will get in the way of the task in hand. We need points and I am positive we will get them.

"Everyone has been putting in lots of effort on the training pitches and by that I include the coaching and backroom staff.

"No one is taking our position lightly and we are all upbeat for the future.

"We have an extremely positive atmosphere because of all the way we have been playing overall.

"We know the results will come soon enough."

West Ham v Birmingham - to qualify from semi finals To Qualify: West Ham Evens

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Lampard to face United

Chelsea star Frank Lampard is set to start Sunday's clash with Manchester United after coming through a practice match unscathed on Thursday.

Lampard completed what was a 60-minute game at the club's Cobham training ground, which involved players from the reserve and youth teams and he scored in the game

The England international made his return to the first-team with a brief substitute appearance against Tottenham last weekend.

Ancelotti revealed after the draw at Spurs that Lampard would start against United this weekend providing he suffered no reaction from the practice match and the midfielder is set to go straight into the starting XI.

Lampard has not started for Chelsea since August after undergoing hernia surgery and his return will be a massive boost for Carlo Ancelotti's side after an alarming dip in form.

Watch Chelsea take on Manchester United live on Sky Sports HD1 and 1 and in Sky Sports 3D from 3.30pm on Sunday.

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Hazard drops Arsenal hint

Lille winger Eden Hazard has revealed that he would consider joining Arsenal at the end of the season.

The 19-year-old is one of the hottest properties in Europe after some excellent performances for the Ligue 1 club, earning him high praise from French legend Zinedine Zidane.

Zidane has reportedly urged Real Madrid to step up their attempts to bring the Belgium international in at the Bernabeu, but they are likely to face competition from the Gunners.

Hazard has been impressed by the record of Arsene Wenger for bringing through promising youngsters to the highest level early in their careers, having had similar success with the likes of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.

He also claimed that he turned down the opportunity to move on in the summer, as he felt it was too early to make the switch.

"I could have gone last June, but I was not ready to make that big leap," he said.

"Recently the press have been writing about interest from Liverpool, and it is nice to hear your name being mentioned everywhere, especially with the best teams in the world.

"If I do leave at the end of the season, I don't want to go somewhere where I will be on the bench.

"I am young, not 20 until next month, and it will be difficult to break through in a team like Real, where (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Kaka are my competitors.

"But there are teams like Arsenal, where youngsters can grow more easily into the first team and make their mark.

"I will not leave for another French club, because, with 100 matches under my belt for Lille. I don't think I have to prove my qualities for a team in the same league."

Arsenal 2/7, Draw 9/2, Stoke 9/1

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Babel happier under Hodgson

Ryan Babel has revealed that he prefers Roy Hodgson's managerial methods to those of Rafa Benitez and would like to remain at Liverpool.

The Dutch striker has only shown glimpses of his undoubted potential since being brought to Anfield as a highly-rated youngster by Benitez in the summer of 2007.

He has regularly been linked with a move elsewhere after failing to establish himself as a permanent fixture in the starting XI, but there have been signs of progress under Hodgson this term.

Babel maintains that his future remains in the club's hands, although he wants to stay and show that he can be successful in the Premier League.

"It doesn't annoy me that I always get asked about my future. It is not up to me whether I see my future here, it is up to Liverpool," he said.

"This is my fourth season, so it is up to them what they do. I have one more year on my contract at the end of the season and I would like to stay.

"It has been frustrating here as a player but it has not changed my loyalty to the club.

"It is more about the manager. The club is fantastic but if a manager does not like you, it is between you and him."

Babel admits that he is finding life far more enjoyable under Hodgson, praising the current Reds boss for having a closer relationship with the players.

The former Ajax star, 23, also believes that Hodgson is getting the best out of him by playing him as a centre-forward rather than a winger.

"The club is amazing and there are still a lot of fans who believe in me, so that gives me a goal," he said.

"And things are different under Roy Hodgson. He does things differently. Maybe that suits me better.

"When he arrived, he was closer with the team - talking to players. Maybe that gives the players a boost to respond better.

"He is more involved day to day with the players. Under Rafa, the assistant managers took a lot of responsibility but that is different now.

"And it helps that I am playing in a more central role.

"That position suits me a bit better because you can use most of your energy up front. On the wing, you have to defend a bit more - and maybe that suits me less.

"The striker role, together with someone else, is pretty good for me. It is how I made my name.

"Maybe the fans have been judging me on a position that is not my best.

"I hope this country has not seen the best of me yet.

"The maximum games I have played in a row is four and it is difficult for every player to find that consistency if you are not playing every week."

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Coyle denies pitch rumours

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle insists his pre-match ritual of examining turf in the six-yard box before games is nothing new.
The Reebok tactician was spotted by television cameras before Sunday's 2-1 win over Blackburn kneeling in the goals at both ends.
It had been suggested the former Burnley boss had buried something under the goal line to bring his side good luck - something he refutes.
However, Coyle was simply examining the turf in the goalmouth to see what the effects of the recent cold snap were.
"I always do the same thing, three or four hours before a game, and walk the length of the pitch," Coyle told The Bolton News.
"I checked the turf in the goalmouth because it had been frosty just recently. So I'm not sure why people thought I'd buried something.
"Maybe there's some buried treasure there? I'd better go back and check."
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