Some good news for Madrid fans as arch rivals Barcelona slumped to a 3-2 loss Osasuna yesterday forcing Barca coach Pep Guardiola to admit that his side is now at the mercy of Madrid and only a slip up from the capital club would give his team a lifeline.

Madrid could go 10 points clear at the top of the table should they win at home to Levante today an opportunity i am sure Mourinho would not want to miss.

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta remains confident coach Pep Guardiola will continue his successful spell at the helm.

However, he has confirmed the club have drawn up contingency plans should Guardiola decide to leave the Nou Camp.

Zubizarreta is optimistic it will not come to that despite the Catalans, who visit Osasuna on Saturday, trailing arch-rivals Real Madrid by seven points in the La Liga title race.

2-1 wins for United over Liverpool and Arsenal over Sunderland - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Here's a look at the weekend's biggest Premier League fixtures and the best bets to place this weekend.

Manchester United v Liverpool

All eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend when arch rivals Man United and Liverpool face off in what promises to be a fiery encounter (12.

It will be a hostile atmosphere when United take on arch rivals Liverpool this weekend, and Sir Alex's side are slightly odds-on at 1.91 with Paddy Power to come out on top in what promises to be a real hard fought battle.

The game sees Patrice Evra come face to face with Luis Suarez for the first time since the Liverpool striker was banned for eight games after racially abusing the United defender and the role of referee Phil Dowd will be crucial.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has tipped club teammate Steven Gerrard to lead England during this summer's Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

A dramatic sequence of events led to Chelsea skipper John Terry losing the Lions armband last Friday, which was followed by the resignation of manager Fabio Capello, who was upset at not being consulted by the FA over the captaincy row.

Spanish club Real Madrid has for the seventh consecutive year topped the football rich list this is according to auditing and financial advisory firm Deloite &Touche. Madrid posted a turnover of £433m for the 2010/2011 season to finish first ahead of arch rivals and fellow Spanish side Barcelona who came in second with revenues of £407m.

As the build up continues and gathers pace for the big game this Saturday against our hated arch-rivals, Liverpool, the team we love to hate and that too with a passion wherever you are in the globe,...
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The accolades keep coming for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona as they were yesterday named the Laureus team of the year. Here is what Barcelona President Sandro Rosell had to say after the award ceremony:

"The nominations of Abidal, Messi and the club are an honour, and it will help us keep on working and thinking about how to keep up this level in the future.

Manchester United's best chance of beating Chelsea - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

With the Manchester clubs tied on points at the top of the table and only Tottenham with an outside chance at the title, this year's Premier League is almost guaranteed to be Manchester-bound.

But it's not an easy road Manchester United still have City, Tottenham and Chelsea (this weekend) away, plus Liverpool home.

Stamford Bridge hasn't been a pay hunting ground in the league for United in recent years, but they look overpriced at 2.9 with Betfred to beat their arch rivals Chelsea and bag a vital three points to maintain their title challenge.

Having played Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in quick succession, and with Liverpool coming up again, United are now at a crucial stage of their season having hauled themselves level on points with Roberto Mancini's men at the top of the Premiership.

Despite winning 17 of the 20 La Liga fixtures played so far this season and opening up a 7 point lead over arch rivals Barcelona, Jose Mourinho is not a happy man at Real Madrid and he could leave the Spanish giants this summer for a return to the Premier League.

According to reports emerging from Madrid, Mourinho is 'sick and tired' of the constant power struggles within the club and is seriously considering a return to the EPL.

Benvenuto amici! Here's a perfect photo demonstrating the unglamorous side of football when you're on the pitch and it starts to rain. Believe us, it's absolutely horrible. Poor Claudio Ranieri had to stay on and watch as his Inter boys fought and sunk 0-1 to lowly Lecce at the Via del Mare stadium last night.

Kuyt was the Hero today with a 88th minute winner to put Liverpool into the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup. The game ended 2-1 and the result seemed so bitter sweet for Luis Suarez who watched had to watch on from the sidelines serving his 7th match ban after the racial incident against Evra in their last encounter.

Kuyt was the Hero today with a 88th minute winner to put Liverpool into the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup. The game ended 2-1 and the result seemed so bitter sweet for Luis Suarez who watched had to watch on from the sidelines serving his 7th match ban after the racial incident against Evra in their last encounter.

FA Cup Preview: United to finally beat Liverpool at Anfield - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Here's a look ahead at the biggest matches in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, along with top betting tips for each game.

Liverpool v Manchester United

No doubting the big game of this weekend's FA Cup fourth round action as Liverpool play host to arch rivals Manchester united in what promises to be an action packed and explosive encounter.

United have a whole host injuries going into their fourth round FA Cup game at Anfield against arch rivals Liverpool, and bookmakers are keen to take them as a result.

They are 2.88 shots with bet365 and without the injury worries that would look a massive price given that they knocked out Man City in the last round and come into this on the back of a win over Arsenall at the Emirates.

After Liverpool's fantastic achievement in beating Man City over two legs to reach the Carling Cup Final last Wednesday night, thanks to Craig Bellamy's goal.
It is now time to look towards beating the other half of Manchester in the form of the Red side of the City.
Our arch-rivals come to Anfield on Saturday afternoon in the fourth round of the FA Cup with it all to play for.

Very interesting reports emerging that are linking Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with Mourinho's job at Real Madrid. Though very flattering the possibilities of Wenger leaving Arsenal any time soon are almost zero!

However, the same cannot be said of Jose Mourinho. The 'special one' once again had a negative result against arch rivals Barcelona, this time going down 4-3 on aggregate after pulling 2 goals back to level the scoreline in their Copa Del Rey quarter final return fixture at the Nou Camp.

FC Barcelona eliminated arch-rivals Real Madrid from the 2011/12 Copa del Rey on Wednesday night with a 2-2 draw (4-3 on aggregate). The Catalans appeared to have matters sealed after...

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona were winners yesterday to ensure that their is no let up in the La Liga title race. However, despite the win, things are not looking too rosy for Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho.

Madrid fans were heard jeering Mourinho despite his side's 4-1 over Athletic Bilbao.

There was a time not so long ago, a Manchester United team travelling to North London only meant one thing, and that was to get one over arch rivals Arsenal for the title. Now, with Spurs knocking on everyone's doorstep, ...
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Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has urged his team-mates to put thoughts of cup showdowns with the two Manchester clubs to the back of their minds ahead of Saturday's trip to Bolton.
The Reds are just 90 minutes away from their first final in six years - and a first visit to Wembley since 1996 - as they hold a 1-0 lead going into Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at home to Manchester City.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that midfielder Jack Wilshere's rehabilitation process has finally reached the phase where he can take part in outdoor training sessions.

Wilshere's last competitive football match remains the Euro 2012 qualifier that he played for England against Switzerland in June last year.

Why United, City and Liverpool should get three points this weekend - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

With United traveling to Arsenal and Tottenham going north to Manchester City, there's a lot to look forward to this week.

Here's a look at the top betting tips and the best matches this weekend.

Arsenal are 2.8 shots with bet365 to beat get their revenge on arch rivals Man United when they...
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It has become something like a routine for this team - to go to the home of their arch-rivals and win in the most difficult circumstances. Guardiola's men has launched up many style of victroies over here - this one was also a bit different from teh other one. In this edition they decided to concede a lead at half time and then turned it completely over.

Wow what a comeback!! Espanyol scored three goals in four minutes to snatch a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at home to third-tier Mirandes in a King's Cup quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

Mirandes have been the Cinderella team of this years tournament, having already knocked out La Liga sides Villarreal and Racing Santander in the early rounds.

Real Madrid need a late winner from Jose Callejon to beat Real Mallorca and ensure they continued with their amazing streak that has seen them win 3 fixtures since their infamous 3-1 home loss to Barcelona.

Madrid do not seem like letting go of the top spot at least for now and though their arch rivals Barca are yet to play, a win for the Catalans will only bring them to within 5 points of Madrid.

Real Madrid need a late winner from Jose Callejon to beat Real Mallorca and ensure they continued with their amazing streak that has seen them win 3 fixtures since their infamous 3-1 home loss to Barcelona.

Madrid do not seem like letting go of the top spot at least for now and though their arch rivals Barca are yet to play, a win for the Catalans will only bring them to within 5 points of Madrid.

Avram Grant takes over at Serbian champions Partizan

Avram Grant has taken many pundits by surprise by joining Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade as coach from today.

With fifteen games played so far this season in the Jelen SuperLiga, Partizan have a ten point lead over arch rivals Crvena Zvezda and already look set to continue their recent dominance by winning a fifth consecutive title.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are expected to lose a number of key players this month as another of their brightest talents Angel Di Maria said to have welcomed offers from both Manchester United and Chelsea.

Along with Kaka and Esteban Granero, Di Maria is the third player who could possibly leave the Bernabeu this month.

Despite their 1-1 draw with local rivals Espanyol, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has refused to concede the La Liga title to their arch rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans now find themselves 5 points behind their arch rivals Madrid who top the standings with 43 points.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Guardiola was quoted as saying that it was still too early to give up on defending their title.

Wayne Rooney celebrates as Manchester United win at neighbours City

The FA Cup third round saw very few shocks this weekend but did see some interesting results and a bit of controversy along the way.

In the tie of the round cup holders Manchester City lost in the derby match against record holders Manchester United by three goals to two.

Honestly speaking this hastily-arranged fixture came as a surprise to me when I was told the "Uniform Duo" (SAFFC and Home United)be playing against each other at Jalan Besar on the New Year's eve.
John Wilkinson (left) skippered Protectors against his old clubAfter all, not all the teams have started their pre-season training and let alone if DPMM's status is officially confirmed despite the earlier report on Asean Football Federation website (AFF).

Will Manchester City still top the English league after Christmas?

While the rest of European football shuts down for a well-earned break at Christmas time there is no such luxury in the United Kingdom. It has long been a traditional within the Home Nations to continue over the festive period and this season will should see some interesting action.

Deportivo Quito are the new champions of Ecuador following their 2-0 aggregate victory over Emelec in the final of the domestic championship.

In order to qualify for the play-offs Deportivo won the second stage of the league, which was played from July to December, topping the table after 22 games with a four point margin over Barcelona de Guayaquil.

While Barcelona's Clásico win at Real Madrid captured headlines around the world, it was not the only significant result in Europe this weekend.

Spain
The Liga focus fell squarely on the Santiago Bernabéu this weekend as Barcelona injected fresh drama into the title race with a 3-1 comeback win at Madrid.

FC Barcelona will compete in this year's FIFA Club World Cup following a sensational UEFA Champions League triumph in 2011. The Catalans must first face AFC Asian Champions League winners Al Sadd before they can start dreaming of the possibility of winning the world crown for the second time in three years.

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is refusing to read too much into a 3-1 derby success over arch-rivals Real Madrid, with the title still up for grabs.

The reigning Primera Liga champions returned to the top of the table on Saturday as they picked up three priceless points at Santiago Bernabeu.

Kashiwa Reysol and Al Sadd have booked their semi-final places in the FIFA Club World Cup following hard fought victories over Monterrey CF and Esperance Tunis respectively.

Kashiwa, representing the host nation Japan as the 2011 J-League champions, needed a penalty shoot-out to get past North and Central American champions Monterrey after the two teams had played out a 1-1 draw.