What should have been a practice game is now a real fight thanks to the lacklustre performances by the second string in the previous two Champions League away games. But I'm confident we should get through to the next phase.

Interestingly though, I'm wondering if getting knocked out of the Champions League would be that bad!

In the Europa League last night Adam Johnson was excellent; again. Ask anyone who has watched the Prem this season what City lack and they'll say spark and creativity. Johnson is all spark and creativity, and not only that, he tracks back and harries far more than most wingers do.

Much has been said of Birmingham City's dramatic equalizer against Manchester United this evening. Sir Alex Ferguson has already weighed in on the topic, criticizing the officials for missing more than one infraction on the goal. The United boss believed that not only did Nikola Zigic foul Rio Ferdinand, but the Scot said the hand ball was clear.

I am being absolutely sincere when I tell you that this season, I believe the Carling cup to be a more important tournament than the FA cup, and over the next 400 words or so, I'll tell you for why...

Personally, I find both of the domestic cup tournaments now of equal significance, in that at the end of each tournament you have 1 cup that is decided in a final at Wembley.

Blues fans riot after derby win Birmingham's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in last night's Carling Cup clash was overshadowed by violent scenes at the end of the match. After the final whistle, Blues supporters stormed the pitch and threw missiles and flares at Villa fans. Police and the FA have both launched investigations into [.

Blues fans riot after derby win Birmingham's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in last night's Carling Cup clash was overshadowed by violent scenes at the end of the match. After the final whistle, Blues supporters stormed the pitch and threw missiles and flares at Villa fans. Police and the FA have both launched investigations into [.

Judging by the considerable hike in both steward and police presence at St. Andrews (over 500 West Midlands officers were drafted in for the occasion), it's pretty clear that the relevant authorities were envisaging a bit of a feisty affair between second city rivals Birmingham and Aston Villa in the Carling Cup last night – [.

That's Harry on the left, on the Lilywhite horse. Harry for England' is a frequently heard refrain lately given a timely boost by the FA chief Executive, Alex Horn, saying that he could well be on the not very long, long list. Personally I think it's unlikely. He's too outspoken in a Brian Clough sort of way.

While Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan have had their futures in the Premier League discussed in great detail in recent days, another American international is trying to find a home in England.

L.A. Galaxy forward Edson Buddle is currently on trial with Birmingham, and should he do well, he may be offered a deal in next month's transfer window.

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Time for an encore!?

Right now is 'make or break' time for Arsenal. The last match they played was against Man United, and they lost it. The tag of not being able to beat a big side is sticking for now, due to that.

Next game is against Chelsea. It shouldn't be cancelled, it's at home, and there won't be a better time to play them this season, not with their players coming back from long spells on the sidelines.

When Manchester United travel to St Andrews on Tuesday night it will be on the eight anniversary of the first meeting between the two clubs since Birmingham City's first ever season in the Premier...
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After beating Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford only a few days ago, tonight Manchester United will take on Birmingham City in the Premier League at St Andrew's. Birmingham haven't played a game for...
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Birmingham score a later 89th minute equaliser but that isn't enough to stop Man United from going top of the Premier League table. Darron Gibson came in to replace Ji-Sung Park was the only...
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming after Birmingham City grabbed a late equalizer this evening at St. Andrew's. Replays proved that there was a clear hand ball leading to Lee Bowyer's eventual equalizer, and the late goal meant another two dropped points for the Red Devils on their travels this season.

So were these another two points lost or a valuable one gained? It's worth remembering that this was the fourth time that United has failed to take full points from St Andrews in their last five...
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Lee Bowyer scored an 89th minute goal after the ball came loose to him following a goalmouth scramble. The only hitch - it seemed to come off a handball by Birmingham City's towering striker Nikola Zigic after he had fouled Rio Ferdinand. Both infractions were either not spotted or chosen to be ignored by referee Lee Mason.

1. Manchester City's owners will be sending a very nice hamper to 'Lee Bowyer c/o BCFC, St Andrew's'. Arguably the first time Bowyer's struck a blow on behalf of a group of Asian gentlemen. 2. OTP is disappointed with Everton fans. We were promised that if Tony Hibbert scored they would riot. He scores a [.

With the Premier League tighter than ever before there are a number of decent sides fighting it out at the wrong end of the division and desperately trying to avoid the dreaded drop. Let's have a look at some of the candidates who at the beginning of the season looked too good to go down...

Manchester United are just one game short of the seasons half way mark yet the old, old theory which stood the test of time in the days of two points for a win surprisingly seems to be holding. Win...
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30th December – There are so many stories published about Manchester United that it's impossible to keep up with all of them. Truly Reds does it's best to bring you the latest news but only so much...
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It's time for another competition and first off all I would like to thank the sponsor of this week's prize. It is the leading UK free casino and slot machines games site, Casino Wonga. Casino Wonga have a great range of free casino games such as blackjack, roulette, plus all the very latest online slot [.