Milan Takes Centre Stage For Weekend Drama

A top-of-table clash in Italy, derby games in north London and Istanbul, and dramatic encounters in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands are the pick of this weekend's fixtures.

Italy: AC Milan v Juventus (Saturday, 20.45)
Milan are a point clear of Juventus atop Serie A, though Saturday's visitors have a game in hand. With 48 goals in 24 games, the Rossoneri boast the best attacking record in their league, but are without 15-goal top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimović, who completes a three-game ban. Juve have Italy's most parsimonious defence, conceding just 14 times this season, and won 2-1 at Milan in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on 8 February. Thiago Silva, though, says the Rossoneri have been a different side since a 2-1 comeback victory at Udinese Calcio three days later. "In those last 25 minutes we rediscovered our will to win," he said. "The game against Juve is important, but now we know we can beat them."

Poland: WKS Śląsk Wrocław v Legia Warszawa (Sunday, 14.30)
Legia fans will get a first glimpse of new striker Nacho Novo as the third-ranked side take on Polish league leaders Śląsk, who are seeking a first title since 1977. The Warsaw outfit recently saw star players Maciej Rybus and Marcin Komorowski join Russian side FC Terek Grozny, but Novo has given them an exciting new option. "I could have stayed at Sporting Gijón but I did not want to just be on the bench," the 32-year-old told UEFA.com. "I heard a lot of good things about Legia. They have fanastic supporters, an amazing stadium and big ambitions. We are aiming for the title and I've come here to help them achieve it." Victory would take them within two points of Śląsk.

Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven v Feyenoord (Sunday, 14.30)
The Eredivisie is providing drama by the bucketload, with six teams still within five points of leaders PSV. Feyenoord are among them, and PSV will be relieved that John Guidetti – who has hit three hat-tricks in five games for the Rotterdam side – is suspended. AZ Alkmaar are level on points with PSV, and on Sunday meet sc Heerenveen, who go into the weekend two points adrift in third despite 5-1 losses to fellow contenders AFC Ajax, PSV and FC Twente this season. "This is a really top match, in which we can show where we stand," said Heerenveen coach Ron Jans.

England: Arsenal FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC (Sunday, 14.30)
The north London derby will have an extra edge as forward Emmanuel Adebayor returns to Arsenal in the colours of their arch-rivals. The 27-year-old hit 46 goals in 104 league appearances under Arsène Wenger but now finds himself as the focal point of Tottenham's attack, with ten league goals so far this term. The Gunners are fourth, ten points adrift of Spurs in third, but Johan Djourou says league positions will be irrelevant come kick-off. "When you play them, you forget the table – it is a battle and the best team will win," said the Arsenal defender. "They are in great shape but you have to forget that and go to war."

Germany: FC Bayern München v FC Schalke 04 (Sunday, 15.30)
The Bundesliga title is apparently destined for one of what has been dubbed the 'Fantastic Four' by the German media, and two of the quartet meet on Sunday as third-placed Bayern host a Schalke side one point behind them. "We are under extreme pressure in the Bundesliga," said Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger. "We were eight points clear at the top at one stage, now we are four adrift. The alarm bells are ringing." They will ring louder still after Wednesday's 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat by FC Basel 1893, though Schalke's legs may be heavier after taking 120 minutes to see off ten-man FC Viktoria Plzeň 24 hours later. Neither can afford to lose ground on VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.

Turkey: Galatasaray AŞ v Beşiktaş JK (Sunday, 18.00)
Six points clear of arch-rivals Fenerbahçe SK at the top of the table, Galatasaray may partner Milan Baroš and Necati Ateş up front against third-ranked Beşiktaş, with Johan Elmander's fitness in doubt. Baroš has scored five in six home games against the Black Eagles, and Fatih Terim's predicted 4-4-2 formation could be further fortified by the return of midfielder Yekta Kurtuluş after four months out. Beşiktaş are 11 points adrift of Galatasaray, and up against it: Carlos Carvalhal's side have Manuel Fernandes suspended, while left-back Tanju Kayhan is doubtful with a dislocated shoulder, and they played a UEFA Europa League game against SC Braga on Thursday, advancing to the last 16 despite a 1-0 defeat.

Potters Close To Topal Wipeout After Spanish Screamer

It was always likely to be a culture clash, a contrast in style and approach, and one moment of genuine high quality duly undid all Stoke’s honest toil at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis had hoped endeavour and fierce commitment might prevail, and his side wasted no time showing they were up for the fight in every sense of the word.

Twice in the opening 30 seconds, Valencia centre back Angel Dealbert was found  wanting under the high ball, as Stoke put him to the test and carved out an early chance that Jonathan Walters fired narrowly wide.

But class ultimately told, as Pulis feared it might, as Valencia midfielder Mehmet Topal  steadied himself 30 yards out and thundered a rising drive into the top corner for a  36th-minute breakthrough that will surely settle this Europa League last-32 tie.

Stoke will travel to the Mestalla Stadium next week believing they can still defy all expectation, but Spain’s third biggest city will have to witness an upset seldom matched in  magnitude for it to happen.

Ever the optimist, Pulis will argue it is not beyond his plucky side, but the evidence of this opening encounter stacks the odds against him.

Not only were Valencia compact in defence, the odd aerial scare apart, and slick moving forwards, their manager Unai Emery demonstrated a thoroughness in his preparations that suggests he will not allow complacency to creep in when the sides meet again.

Mindful of the way Stoke favour piling crosses and long throws into the opposition area, Emery dispensed with normal first-choice keeper Diego Alves and opted for Vicente Guaita on the strength of his ability for commanding his six-yard box.
It proved an inspired choice, as Guaita dealt effectively and efficiently with everything Stoke hurled his way, other than one early moment that left him bemused and disorientated.

It was Rory Delap’s first long throw, in the 14th minute, and Guaita appeared to change his mind about leaving his line at least twice, before flapping at thin air and heaving a sigh of relief as the ball bounced  agonisingly beyond Walters’ reach at the far post. By now, Valencia were beginning to weather the storm, and, after surviving penalty appeals for a 30th-minute push by Bruno Saltor on Peter Crouch, they dealt the decisive blow.

Stoke’s defence uncharacteristically failed to clear their lines, and they paid a heavy price, as Topal seized possession, took a couple of strides forward and unleashed a spectacular long-range shot which Asmir Begovic had no hope of reaching.

The atmosphere had been every bit as vibrant and noisy as Pulis had predicted, but for a moment or two, a raucous  Britannia Stadium fell silent.

The sight of a typical Crouch header being hooked away from the far post briefly roused the home support, but for all of Stoke’s valiant efforts, a second goal looked increasingly like materialising at the other end.

With the lightning quick Pablo Piatti darting past one lunging challenge after another,  Valencia were a handful on the break and almost put the tie beyond Stoke’s reach in the 71st minute, when Sofiane Feghouli cut in from the right and drilled a shot against the near post.

The delivery from the flanks, such a key element of Stoke’s attacking armoury, had fallen below normal standards, with Jermaine Pennant particularly culpable. The winger did at least provide a 74th-minute corner that Robert Huth volleyed over, stretching to reach the ball as it dropped to him 10 yards out.

It was too little too late, though, and not even the sight of chief tormentor Piatti  hobbling off with what looked like a hamstring injury could lift the home side’s spirits.

The game ended on a sour note after Dean Whitehead claimed he was saved from serious injury by his shinpad following a challenge by Tino Costa. ‘It was studs up and if I hadn’t been wearing shinpads it would have broken my leg,’ said the Stoke midfielder.

Stoke’s assistant manager Dave Kemp refused to throw in the towel. He said: ‘They scored a magnificent goal which puts us on the back foot, but the tie is still wide open and we are not out of it.’

Spain And Italy's Futsal Rivalry Is renewed In Thursday's Second Semi-final

Spain and Italy's futsal rivalry is renewed in Thursday's second semi-final and Azzurri captain Marcio Forte is "convinced that our path doesn't end" against the defending champions.

At UEFA Futsal EURO 2010 something almost unique occurred: Spain did not play Italy. That is put right this time around in Thursday's second semi-final in Zagreb.

Italy's quarter-final exit two years ago meant they did not face their great rivals in a major championship for the first time since 2001. Spain had defeated the Azzurri to win both EURO 2007 and the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Cup and prevailed in a dramatic 2008 global semi-final; by contrast Italy were the last team to beat La Furia Roja competitively over 40 minutes, in the EURO 2005 group stage. Two years previously they were also the most recent side to deny them the continental title with a last-four victory on their way to a home triumph.

While Group B winners Spain have had a flawless run to this stage, never scoring less than four, Italy were held by Russia before showing their quality in the 3-1 quarter-final success against Portugal. Captain Marcio Forte, who dedicated Tuesday's win to ill former ASD Montesilvano C/5 team-mate Alexandre Ghiotti, told UEFA.com: "I am absolutely convinced that our path doesn't end here – I've got the final in mind and want to try to qualify.

"Maybe few people believe in us. I'm sorry for them but the squad believes and I'm sure we will have a great performance against Spain. For sure, we will have half of the chances we had against Portugal, therefore we have to take advantage of the best ones."

Such efficiency will be needed by the Group C runners-up as Spain remain unbeaten over 40 minutes since José Venancio López became coach in 2007. He has huge respect for the Azzurri, however. "Against Portugal, Italy were far superior and they deserved to go through," he said.

"The great thing about Italy, apart from their quality, is their mentality. They really know how to compete well and they don’t have to play an exceptional game in order to win – that’s the most dangerous thing about them."

Spanish stalwart Kike sat out the second half against Ukraine in the group stage but will be fit on Thursday, with only Álvaro remaining sidelined with a calf injury. "We have to stay faithful to our style and do what we know best," Venancio López added. "We must maintain that style even though we are facing a semi-final against Italy."

LSU Team Somehow Managed to Sneak Back Into Game

As kickoff approaches, let’s look at a few of the key matchups. First, Arkansas junior quarterback Tyler Wilson will bring the SEC’s top-rated passing game (316.9 yards per game) against an LSU defense that ranks fifth nationally in pass defense (158.27 yards per game) and second in pass-efficiency defense. Four members of the LSU secondary have been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week this season.
But one part of that quartet, free safety Eric Reid, is considered doubtful for today’s game with a leg injury. (The best guess is that it’s a quad or hamstring issue, but Les Miles is renowned for his fibbing about injuries. He once described his approach as “honestly deceptive,” and somehow he said it with a straight face.) Miles says that backup Craig Loston will be fit to replace Reid despite missing the past few games with either a wrist injury, a concussion or both, depending on whom one believes. If Loston can’t go, little-used senior Derrick Bryant will get the first call. But the Tigers were worried enough by Reid’s absence when he went down last week against Ole Miss to take the redshirt off true freshman Ronald Martin in the 11th game of the season. Let’s just say that move wasn’t necessary to beat Ole Miss, which rolled over in a 52-3 shellacking, but with today and next week in mind.
Another intriguing matchup is LSU punter Brad Wing vs. Hogs returner Joe Adams. Wing, the freshman from Australia, is perhaps the nation’s only matinee-idol punter. That reputation comes largely from the fake-punt touchdown run he would have had against Florida if it weren't called back due to a taunting penalty. He also endeared himself to the LSU faithful (and earned some more punishment laps in practice) when CBS cameras caught him posing with some comely LSU fans when the Tigers played Tennessee -- while the game was still in progress. But there is substance behind Wing’s style. His 40 punts this season have been returned for a grand total (not average) of 6 yards, with 21 of the 40 downed inside the 20. He’s especially effective at pooch-punting, as the Australian Rules-trained booter drops the ball out of the sky around the 10-yard-line and more often than not into the waiting arms of LSU’s Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu or Ron Brooks.
Adams, meanwhile, leads the SEC and ranks third in the nation by averaging 16.2 yards per return, including a nation’s-best three touchdowns. If you haven’t seen his remarkable serpentine scoring return against Tennessee, get thee to YouTube. Expect Wing to do all he can to keep Adams from even getting a chance to return a punt. But if Adams does get his hands on one with some room to roam, watch out.

Football News Montreal Alouettes Expect Anthony Calvillo To Return In 2012

MONTREAL - Although their franchise player has yet to notify the organization whether he plans to continue playing in 2012, the Alouettes are moving ahead with the expectation Anthony Calvillo is returning and will be their starting quarterback.
And, although Calvillo will turn 40 during the season, the decision to return will be his, and his alone.
“It’s real simple, unless Anthony decides he doesn’t want to play or can’t play consistently, we expect him back, starting and playing every down,” general manager Jim Popp said. “Anthony Calvillo’s still the best player in the Canadian Football League - and I’m taking nothing away from (British Columbia pivot) Travis Lulay. In my book, A.C. was the MVP of this league the last two years and didn’t win it.
“A guy that has done what he has for our organization and can still play at that level, we want him as long as he can play and wants to play,” Popp added. “If you can play at a high level, it doesn’t matter your age.”
Provided Calvillo returns for a 19th CFL season - 15th with Montreal - it continues to appear it will be with a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Scott Milanovich, expected to depart, met with Toronto general manager Jim Barker on Tuesday at the Argonauts’ football operations office in Mississauga, Ont., and appears primed to become the team’s new head coach, replacing Barker. And, although Saskatchewan has permission to interview Milanovich, Roughriders GM Brendan Taman told The Gazette in an email Milanovich hasn’t returned his message.
Milanovich’s agent, Jack Reale, also is saying little at this point. “I haven’t been authorized to say anything,” he told The Gazette.
Calvillo, meanwhile, hasn’t returned messages left over two days by The Gazette and hasn’t told Popp anything either, although he met with team owner Robert Wetenhall before the Grey Cup. The two are expected to huddle again this week. The meetings are at Wetenhall’s request. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for Wetenhall to meet players socially, both during and after the season, before he returns to Florida for the winter.
Popp always has expected Calvillo to play at least one more season, as The Gazette first reported weeks ago. Calvillo signed a new two-year contract last winter, taking him through 2012.
Although there were certainly bumps along the road for him this season, Calvillo again produced numbers that would indicate he’s at the top, or near there, of his game. Calvillo, the East Division nominee as outstanding player, passed for a league-leading 5,251 yards. He tied with Lulay for most touchdowns (32) and was intercepted a league-low eight times - impressive, considering he attempted 654 passes, more than any of his peers. He also was named a CFLPA all-star by his peers.
But it wasn’t all rosy for Calvillo. He suffered a concussion and was knocked out during a game at Edmonton. His late interception potentially cost the team a win at Calgary, and he threw for only 63 yards against the Lions before being removed late in the third quarter. Calvillo fumbled nine times, losing five of them.
“We all want him back,” Popp said. “Either Anthony decides personally or we, as an organization, say his performance isn’t where it needs to be and it’s time for us to move on. And we’re not at that point.
“He gives us every opportunity, by his performance. He gives us a chance to win championships.”
The Als have been extremely blessed at the position since the franchise returned to Montreal in 1996, and have gone from one Hall of Fame quarterback, Tracy Ham, to another in Calvillo. Although Ham had a reduced role for the Als his final two seasons, partly because of injuries, he also saw the importance of developing his successor - something Calvillo has stated is equally as important.
“He won’t have a reduced role unless he wants it,” Popp said. “Some players become inconsistent as they age, but it’s not there with A.C. We’re in no hurry to move him out. He can do it and we’ve got trust in him.”
And, should the Als ever have to turn to his backup, Adrian McPherson, on a more consistent basis, Popp believes McPherson, heading into his fifth season with Montreal, has the requisite potential.
“I’ve seen what he can do. I don’t need to know more,” Popp said.