Lazio

Sunday Evening, AC Milan will travel to the Stadio Olympico in Rome to take on European Hopefuls Lazio. Milan should approach the game with the Intention of continuing thier impressive form while attempting to challenge high flyers Inter and Juventus for the coveted Scudetto eluded from thier grasp since the 2003-04 Season.

Milan enter the game sitting in t,hird on 41 points in 21 games played. They will be looking to thier stars Kaka, Ronaldinho and most importantly Alexandre Pato, the young in form Brasilian striker has netted six times in his last eight  games.

But there's also Beckham who has found the net in two consecutive games since joining now to inspire the team and capitalise on Juve's recent slip-ups, take over the second slot in the table occupied by the Bianconeri who have 43 points in 22 games following thier 3-2 lost to Cagliari earlier today.

The Rossoneri will be hoping to cut the gap that stands between them and Inter's Mourinho a little bit with a convincing display tommorow. Captain Paolo Maldini is suspended for Milan on account of yellow cards. Ronaldinho is set to be handed a start after being left out of Carlo Ancelotti's plans in these last few games.

Milan have gattered seven points out of a possible nine in thier last three matchups which included a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina, a 4-1 thrumping of Bologna and the 1-1 draw againts Genoa in thier midweek match-up.

Milan's Probable Formation

 (4-3-2-1):Abbiati; Zambrotta, Favalli, Bonera, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kakà, Ronaldinho; Pato

MILANELLO - These are the 21 players called-up by Carlo Ancelotti for tomorrow evening’s clash against Lazio: Abbiati, Dida, Donnarumma, Antonini, Bonera, Darmian, Favalli, Jankulovski, Mattioni, Senderos, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Beckham, Emerson, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Kakà, Pato, Seedorf, Shevchenko, Ronaldinho.

Unavailable: Nesta, Gattuso, Kaladze, Borriello, Kalac, Cardacio.
Suspended: Flamini, Maldini.

On Lazio's Part this game couldn't come at a worst time, the team is in a slump and  finds itself sitting tenth in the table after a rather succesful and impressive start at the beginning of the season. Now Lazio finds its European Hopes hanging by a thread because of other sides like Roma, Genoa, Cagliari all in form and succesfully climbing up the table and preoccupying the European slots.

The team has only gannered 1 point out of a possible nine and its three last match ups which included a 1-1 draw againts Juventus, the 4-1 thrumping they recieved on the hands of Cagliari and a 3-1 lost againts Samdoria.

A victory is absolutely needed to at least hang on to thier European Ambitions, they will be looking to the ever present threat of Mauro Zarate who has experienced a lost of form of late, but the young sensational Argentine is very pacy, has pinpoint finishing and remains a huge threat. Him and Rocchi might cause a Maldini less Milan backline a lot of trouble tommorow.

Lazio's Probable Lineup.

(4-3-3): Muslera; De Silvestri, Siviglia, Cribari, Radu; Dabo, Ledesma, Meghni; Pandev, Zarate, Rocchi.

Players to Watch.

MILAN: Pato, a sensation this season in Serie A, the young striker has matured rather fast. his quick feet, and incredible pace is an an enormous torment to Serie A's defences. also With nine goals already to his name this season he is no slacker in front of goal. he will punish Lazio if given the chance.

David Beckham: The English man is proving that he is not in Milan simply for Marketing reasons, and is quickly making his presence felt with two consecutive goals in the league. he shows great commitment to the cause and has an incredible work rate on the pitch. Keep an eye on him with the Tug-of War between Milan and Galazy in regard to his future.

LAZIO: Mauro Zarate, that goal he scored againts Milan in September is engraved in my memory for some reason. just like Pato he is extremely talented and dangerous. For that reason alone he is my last player to watch tommorow.

Prediction: It will be close but at the End of the day Pato and Kaka will be to hard to handle for Lazio, 1-2 Milan.

If Juventus' match against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome needed any more importance, Inter Milan's shocking 3-1 loss to Atalanta opened the door for both sides to get three points closer to the Serie A leaders.

Many expected a high-scoring affair but it was more of a physical battle, with a total of seven yellow cards being shown.

The final scoreline read 1-1 as Juve now trail Inter by three and Lazio still remain in seventh place with 31 points.

JUVENTUS

A. Manninger: 6.0 - Misread Ledesma's free kick and you have think that Gigi Buffon would've had no problems handling it. But to his credit, he did well to shake the mistake off and was sound after that. Did very well controlling his box and coming off of his line to control loose balls.

O. Mellberg: 7.5 - Had his best game in a Juve uniform tonight. Scored the equalizer with a great header off of a Marchionni corner and was sound in the back despite playing in a less-than prefered right back position.

L. Ariaudo: 7.0 - A pretty good showing for the 19-year-old primavera defender in his Serie A debut. Was sound in the air, never really let anybody from Lazio get behind him, and his passing was crisp and accurate. Another solid bianconeri prospect for the future.

N. Legrottaglie: 7.5 - He needed to be at his best with two starters out and he did exactly that. He was solid as a rock in the back and led the makeshift backline. Banged a lose ball off the post with five minutes left that could've put Juve ahead 2-1.

C. Molinaro: 5.5 - It seems like it's always the same with Molinaro. He has improved quite a bit this season and you can notice it in his defending, but there's just something about him that makes Juve fans squirm. Did do well to shut down Mauro Zarate in the second half on a one-on-one opportunity but his tackle on the Argentine and subsequential booking will cause him to miss Saturday's match against Fiorentina.

M. Marchionni: 6.0 - Not one of his best matches. Did record the assist on Mellberg's goal in the first half, but didn't do much after that. His crossing was not effective at all. Having Mauro Camoranesi out of the lineup was really noticed tonight.

M. Sissoko: 6.5 - Was absent in the early goings of the game and it was part of the reason why Lazio got out to such a quick start. Got more involved in the second half and made a great run aad a great chance to put Juve ahead five minutes into the second half forcing a nice save out of Carrizo. Was booked with 10 minutes to go and, like Molinaro, will miss Saturday's game with Fiorentina.

C. Zanetti: 5.0 - Didn't do much of anything in his first Serie A start of the season. He was somewhat of a surprise starter considering how well Sissoko had been playing with Claudio Marchisio.

P. Nedved: 6.0 - Didn't seem to have any kind of speed down the flank today. Was more dangerous when he played a more central role in the midfield.

A. Del Piero: 6.0 - Never really made his mark on the game. Had no genuine scoring opportunities and on his only free kick he decided to cross it instead of trying to spin in another classic. Certainly a night to forget.

Amauri: 5.5 - Didn't trouble Carrizo at all today. Was completely absent for large periods of time and you could count on one hand how many scoring opportunities Juve's leading scorer had.

Subs

C. Marchisio: 5.5

S. Giovinco: 6.0

LAZIO

J. Carrizo: 6.5 - Was never really challenged by Juve's prolific striking duo of Del Piero and Amauri. Made a couple of easy saves and had no chance to stop Mellberg's header.

S. Lichsteiner: 6.5 - Very good showing down the right flank. He was very effective when he pushed forward and didn't allow Nedved to do much of anything on the wing tonight.

M. Diakhite': 6.0 - Other than failing to completely organize his defense and losing track of where Mellberg was on the tying goal, it was a good showing. His size and strength was part of the reason why Amauri barely did anything.

D. Rozehnal: 6.5 - Probably Lazio's best defender tonight. Shook off a rocky start to the match and improved as time went on.

S. Radu: 6.0 - Almost setup Pandev to open the scoring 11 minutes in and continued to do well after that. Was solid defensively and did well to get involved in the offense throughout the entire game.

O. Dabo: 5.5 - Did well to control the center of the park to neutralize Juve's attack. He completely outclassed Zanetti on the night but was the man who was supposed to mark Mellberg on the tying goal.

C. Ledesma: 6.5 - Scored Lazio's only goal and he has Manninger to thank for it. He was Lazio's creative force in the midfield and

M. Meghni: 6.0 - Did well tonight along with Ledesma in shutting down Juve's attack before it got started. Despite being taken off in the 63rd minute, there is reason to be happy with how he performed tonight.

G. Pandev: 6.0 - Coming off a hat trick last week, Pandev was certainly looking to continue his fine form. He got off to a hot start and seemed to be all over the place at times. Was easily the most dangerous striker in Lazio's trident attack.

T. Rocchi: 6.5 - The Lazio captain did well to lead his team tonight. Didn't have the best of luck with his personal scoring opportunities, but that's just how the game goes sometimes. Certainly can't be upset about the way he played tonight.

M. Zarate: 6.0 - He's usually one of the best players on the field but never really seemed to get things clicking today offensively. He was dangerous at times, but only manager a couple of long-range attempts. He was clearly upset when he was taken off for Foggia in the 73rd minute and shot some dirty looks towards the Lazio coaching staff.

Subs

C. Brocchi: 5.0

L. De Silvestri: 5.5

P. Foggia: 6.0

The final week of Serie A's first half offers another classic fixture as two of the hottest and highest scoring teams clash with Juventus traveling to Italy's capital to face Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juve are just four points behind Inter while Lazio stand in seventh place and are looking up at a crowded group vying for a spot to qualify for next season's Champions League and UEFA Cup.

JUVENTUS

If Claudio Ranieri wants to keep his team in the title hunt, he will have to get a little creative this week with his defensive alignment as he is missing a couple key components of his backline.

While Gianluigi Buffon has returned to the lineup, center back Giorgio Chiellini will miss the Sunday's trip to Rome due to a lingering injury. Because of Chiellini's absence, youth team player Lorenzo Ariaudo, who filled in for Chiellini Wednesday in Juve's 3-0 win against Catania in the Coppa Italia, will likely get his first Serie A start.

Ranieri will also be without right back Zdenek Grygera who is serving a one-game suspension following a yellow card the Czech international received during las weekend's match against Siena. Olof Mellberg looks set to take his pace on the right.

In the midfield, Juve welcome back Claudio Marchisio, who has been out the past few weeks. He be paired with Momo Sissoko and will look to put in a fine performance the day before he turns 23.

Mauro Camoranesi, like Chiellini, has failed to recover to full fitness and will again be out of the squad due to injury. However, Camoranesi's backup Marco Marchionni has been quite productive this season when called into action and will again look to make an impact on the right wing.

Unlike the defense, the attacking corps remains the same as it has been the entire season.

Captain Alessandro Del Piero and Amauri have been one of the most prolific striking tandems this season and will be a key to help support Ranieri's make-shift defense. The Tinkerman will likely be able to have Vincenzo Iaquinta at his disposal after the stirker has missed the past few weeks due to a leg injury.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Buffon, Molinaro, Legrottaglie, Ariaudo, Mellberg, Nedved, Marchisio, Sissoko, Marchionni, Del Piero, Amauri

LAZIO

After being the best team in Serie A the first month of the season, the Biancocelesti have come back to earth a little bit and are on the outside looking in of a chance to play for European football.

The Aquilotti have put a Dec. 6 3-0 trashing against Inter behind them have collected the maximum amount of points in the past three games.

But to win this weekend, Lazio  will have to put struggles at the Olimpico behind them. They have only claimed five wins in nine games in Rome this season this season and have not beaten Juve the past three times and five out of the past six at home.

The key to Lazio's form this season can be attributed to their talented trident. Goran Pandev, Mauro Zarate, and Tommaso Rocchi have worked wonders for manager Dello Rossi. Both Zarate and Pandev have recorded eight goals this season and will look to lead the offense against Juve.

However, while Lazip's offense is one of the best in Italy, the same cannot be said about their defense.

Lazio sport the highest goals against average of any team competing for a spot in Europe and with Amauri and Del Piero leading one of Serie A's top attacks and continuing to improve their connection every week, goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo could quite possibly be a busy man Sunday.

Injuries will not effect Lazio as much as they have with Juve. Midfielder Christian Manfredini will be out this weekend but Sebastiano Siviglia and Stephan Lichtsteiner look set to be at full fitness and allow Rossi to field a strong side as they look to slow down the Juventus Scudetto push.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Carrizo, De Silvestri, Diakite, Rozenhal, Radu, Dabo, Ledesma, Meghni, Pandez, Zarate, Rocchi

Siena 1 - Inter Milan 2 (Serie A, December 20, 2008) Inter moved ahead when Maicon ran across the near post from a corner to steer home the opener. But Siena hit back when Houssine Kharja connected with a Del Grosso cross.

And that is the way it stayed until seven minutes from time, when Maicon scored the crucial second to give the Nerazzurri all three points, the Brazilian collected the ball (offside?) and lifted a shot over the onrushing Gianluca Curci. Inter move nine points clear of Juventus at the top.

Lazio 1 - Palermo 0 (Serie A, December 20, 2008) Lazio picked up their first win in five games against ten-man Palermo thanks to Tommaso Rocchi’s second half strike.

Rimini 1 - Albinoleffe 1 (Serie B, December 20, 2008) Albinoleffe opened the scoring, Madonna pounced on a defensive error and beat the goalkeeper with a half-volley. Less than a minute later Vantaggiato placed his left-foot angled drive into the corner to secure a point apiece.

Modena 0 - Bari 2 (Serie B, December 20, 2008) Barreto converted a penalty and then set up Caputo’s strike late on, but in between the two Bolano was dismissed.

Empoli 1 - Mantova 1 (Serie B, December 20, 2008) Vannucchi put Empoli under pressure when he saw red in the first half and moments later Corona gave Mantova the lead. Sub Saudati equalised for the hosts, rising above the crowd to nod in the equaliser 11 minutes from time.

Piacenza 1 - Pisa 0 (Serie B, December 20, 2008) Guzman netted the winner with a perfect free-kick.

Salernitana 1 - Ascoli 2 (Serie B, December 20, 2008) Soncin converted am early penalty and Cani made it 2-nil soon after with a precise header. Gerardi scored a consolation.

Livorno 3 - Sassuolo 2 (Serie B, December 20, 2008)

Ac Milan was left out last night of the tournament for the Coppa Italia in the cruelest possible manner, after a brilliant last-gasp comeback from Lazio saw them turning the fate of a match which the Romans were losing 1-0 three minutes before the end of the official time.

Playing with 10 men after the 65' dismissal of Emerson (twice booked), Milan fought their way to capitalize on one of the several occasions they had through the means of Shevchenko (77'), who scored from outside the penalty area with a masterful left-foot strike and showed he still has gunpowder in his boots, if we dare to doubt him.

And that was the end of good news for the Rossoneri. 

In the 87th minute, Favalli brought down Pandev within the penalty area, granting an inopportune penalty—which allowed Zárate to score to level the match (1-1).

Five minutes later, in the first of the two supplementary extra-periods (92') and with the thwarted Rossoneri struggling to react, Pandev took profit of this and of the incapacity of Milan's defense to carry out an effective clearance, scoring the second of the night for Lazio after a sequence of rebounds within Milan's penalty area.

Milan tried it out in the supplementary time—notably with a free kick from Ronaldinho which hit the post—but they were visibly affected by the late blow and the numerical handicap, and showed a lack of ideas.

In fact, Lazio went very close to a third goal by the time the final whistle was blown.

The victory sent Lazio to quarterfinals, where they will face in January the winner of the match between Fiorentina and Torino.

What can we say about Milan? Again they lost a match that seemed as already won. Again, in the final instants. Again, in their own stadium, before the eyes of their own supporters, and being one of those matches that leave you morally wounded.

Again, old vices seemed to have aroused within the squad, as they failed to show more grip and determination toward the end of the game, didn’t work enough to secure the advantage, and then left the rival took away a victory that would have choked recent criticism for their latest results.

Instead of that, they are now one step closer to the edge of the abyss, and it seems that the time has come for Milan players to grit their teeth and learn to suffer well, if they are to contend for the two other options they still have available to fight for in the season: Scudetto and UEFA Cup.

The good: Pandev (9) Great performance from the Macedonian. Generated the penalty which leaded to the first goal, and scored himself the second with a great volley after being first denied by Dida.

The bad: Emerson (3) Ingenuously provoked his dismissal after being booked twice in less than seven minutes, the last booking resulting from an unnecessary challenge over Ledesma.

The ugly: Favalli (4) Overall was not a bad match for Milan’s veteran defender, but his late imprudence inevitably rendered him the villain of the night.    

Coming into the game AS Roma had a massive 14-point gap to city rivals SS Lazio, whose amazing season has seen them fighting at the Italian summit. Despite both clubs vast differences in form, it counted for nothing coming into a derby as fierce as the Derby della Capitalé.

Roma should count themselves lucky getting away with maximum points. Julio Baptista bagged a brace with his clinical header and handed the team their long awaiting turnaround as the club sailed up to twelfth place after the derby win—whereas Lazio on dropped to fifth spot.

First half

The first half got off with a slow couple of minutes as both teams cautiously measured one another. It didn’t take long before the nasty challenges began, however, as both Tonetto and Ledesma managed to pick up cards for each side within the opening five minutes.

It took a quarter of an hour before the real chances started dropping in. Zarate, standing in a suspicious offside position, received the ball from Pandev but his shot hit the side netting. Lazio’s chance was closely followed by one for Roma as Vucinic’s diving header was denied by Carrizo.

Ten minutes later Zarate had another chance to give Lazio the lead but his downward header missed the target. The forward then received yet another golden opportunity to put his side one up after the rounding two players and firing off a shot that was intercepted by Doni.

Half chances were created by both sides for the remainder of the opening half but it was the visiting side that was closest to taking the lead in what ended with a scoreless deadlock at half time.

Second half

The second half got off to a firing start as Baptista gave the Giallorossi the lead in the 50th minute. The Brazilian met Totti’s impeccable cross and put his header past a diving Carizzo in the Biancocelesti goal.

Lazio were tantalizingly close to an equalizer through Zarate, but the forward’s header was tipped over the crossbar by Doni.

Both Radu and Lichtsteiner managed to get booked minutes before Rosse made the evening’s first substitution after an hour’s play as under-achieving Mauri left the field for Meghni.

In the following minutes Ledesma got his marching orders after his second booking, leaving Lazio to fight with one man down. Despite being one man short, it was Lazio that created the chances as the team pushed hard for a leveller.

A booking for Perrotta with fifteen minutes left to play give way to a double substitution from Spalletti the Roma tactician, as Totti made space for Menez and Panucci left the pitch for Cassetti.

Menez had an instant opportunity to kill off the derby as he had a one-on-one with Carizzo, but the Argentine goalkeeper managed to save the shot. Cassetti on the other hand accidentally slipped the ball away to Rocchi and forced another save out of Doni.

In the 80th minute Rossi made his remaining substitutions and brought on both Dabo and Inzaghi in favor of Brocchi and Rocchi.

Roma were by now protecting their 1-0 lead with ten men behind the ball but that didn’t keep Inzaghi from trying with a header.

Perrotta was shown a red card with five minutes left after first showing his studs to Lichtsteiner. The red card prompted Spalletti to make his final substitution for the evening as he brought on Taddei to replace Vucinic.

Lazio brought all eleven players forward in the dying minutes as they were desperately trying for an equalizer, but Lichtsteiner's free header went over the crossbar and so did Lazio’s last chance.

ROMA-LAZIO 1-0

GOALS: 50’ Baptista

Booked: Tonetto, Perrotta 2x (R), Lichtsteiner, Radu, Ledesma 2x (L)

Sent off: Ledesma 66’, Perrotta 86’

Roma (4-3-1-2): Doni; Panucci (77’ Cassetti), Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; Perrotta, De Rossi, Brighi; Baptista; Vucinic (89’ Taddei), Totti (75’ Menez). Coach: Spalletti.

Lazio (4-3-3): Carrizo; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Rozenhal, Radu; Brocchi (81’ Dabo), Ledesma, Mauri (59’ Meghni); Pandev, Rocchi (84’ Inga's), Zarate. Coach: Rossi.

Stadio Olimpico will be boiling this Sunday as Lazio and Roma go head-to-head in the Eternal City for the season’s first Derby della Capitale.

Things look a little different this season. High flying Lazio are 14 points ahead of their struggling city rivals, who are frighteningly close to the relegation zone. Is the balance of power shifting in Rome?

The fierce rivalry between the teams makes this fixture one of the most anticipated games in Italy as more than the bragging rights are at stake. Never mind the Scudetto, beating the rivals is the foremost priority for all Romanisti and Laziali.

The formbook goes out the window on nights like these and all three points are up for grabs. The winners will be the team that shows the most character on Sunday.

Emotions steer the path and honor is at stake—in other words, it’s personal.

 

ROMA

Disastrous is the way to describe Roma this season. Ten goals produced and eighteen conceded. Totti was back in the scoresheet on Roma’s last outing against Bologna, but unfortunately—so was Cicinho.

After the impressive win over Chelsea in the midweek Champions League clash, three points looked likely on their following trip to Bologna as their long-awaited turnaround seemed to be in the cards.

Cicinho’s unfortunate own goal in the stoppages saved Mihajlovic's debut but the Giallorossi remained in 17th place in the league—only one point shy of the relegation spots.

De Rossi is ready for the derby despite having picked up a wrist injury in training on Thursday. The defensive midfielder has been one of the few bright spots in Roma thus far and his participation against Lazio is one of most importance for Spalletti.

Cicinho, Taddei, Baptista, and Okaka all failed to take part of Thurday’s training and remain uncertain for Sunday night’s derby.

Goalkeeper Doni sustained a head injury against Bologna, but the Brazilian is out of danger and is expected to start against Lazio. Playmaker David Pizarro is sitting out his suspension and Aquilani is ruled out due to a thigh injury.

Roma can make amends with a win against Lazio and get the mentality boost they so desperately need whereas a defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals would not only be a devastating blow to the club but also make life extremely difficult for the players.

Possible Starting XI: (4-4-2) – Doni; Panucci, Juan, Mexes, Cassetti; Perrotta, De Rossi, Brighi, Menez; Vucinic, Totti

 

LAZIO

Lazio managed to pick up their third consecutive win on their trip to Siena and confidence will be high. An astonishing fact is that Lazio has collected more points now than when they reached the halfway mark last season.

Their renewed team spirit has been the key to their impressive start and the Biancocelesti are sitting proudly in fourth place.

Mauro Zarate scored his seventh goal of the season against Siena with a free kick Del Piero would have been proud of. Rossi can largely thank their hitman for the club’s impressive offense, as Lazio are the team having scored the most amounts of goals thus far.

The first half of the game against Siena looked anything but promising, but after Rocchi came on after the half time mark Lazio got down to business. Zarate’s free kick stunner was followed by a double from Rocchi and the Biancocelesti returned home with three new points.

Lazio don’t have too many injury worries as only Firmani, Matuzalem, and Manfredini look to miss out on the derby action.

Rossi is to employ a trident attack consisting of Zarate, Rocchi, and Pandev according to recent reports as Lazio look to be pegging the league’s best offense against one of the league’s worst defense.

A positive result in the derby will be the icing on the cake for what already looks to be a very promising season for the blue side of the capital.

Possible Starting XI: (4-3-3) – Carrizo; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Rozehnal, Radu; Dabo, Ledesma, Brocchi; Pandev, Rocchi, Zarate

Lady luck seems to favour AC Milan a lot nowadays. At the height of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, Milan and Juventus were charged with bribing the referees to win league matches. Reggina, Fiorentina, and Lazio were also charged.

What looked like straight relegation for both Italian giants, it turned out to be a few points' deduction for Milan, while Juventus was downsized to Serie B, although charges that were levelled against Juventus were same as those of Milan.

Juventus' appeals fell on deaf ears. Even the points deducted against Milan were the least although no charges were dropped.

What's more? They were also allowed to play in the Champions League.

The Italian media criticised the decision making of the Italian FA, and many experts thought that Milan did not deserve to be in Europe's best league. But, Milan won that year's Champions League against all odds, after having a woeful season in Serie A. Kaka was praised for his playmaking skills, and was heaped with awards.

Now, in 2008, the situation is pretty much the same. CSKA Sofia, a side that has qualified for the Champions League, was asked by the Bulgarian FA to quit this year's tournament participation due to financial problems.

What this does to the Champions League is that Milan is now qualified to get a back door entry. This is quite similar to when Denmark got entry in Euro 1992, and won it.

According to the UEFA coefficient, Milan is the highest ranked unqualified team. And if CSKA Sofia doesn't come up with a solution soon, then Milan will be gifted a spot in next year's Champions League.

The other team that could get an entry if Milan doesn't is RC Lens from the French Ligue 1.

So, it remains to be seen if Milan gets lucky, and places in next year's UEFA Champions League. If they do, I expect them to at least make it to the last four.

Barcelona have made back up keeper Jose Manuel Pinto’s loan move permanent. The Catalans have paid Celta Vigo half a million Euros or three hundred and ninety five thousand pounds for their new third choice shot stopper. (Marca)

Palermo have signed Fiorentina’s former Lazio midfielder Fabio Liverani on a three year deal, the Sicilian club have confirmed. (Sky Sports News)

Fenerbahce are in talks with Newcastle’s Turkish International Emre about returning to Istanbul for four million. Emre started his career with Fenerbahce’s arch rivals Galatastaray.

Rennes, Lens and Portsmouth are all interested in signing Liverpool back up keeper Charles Itandje. (The Sun)

Jose Mourinho is almost certain to take over at Inter Milan after Roberto Mancini’s sacking by the Italian club. Ironically the former Leicester and Italy International is now favourite to take over at the “Special Ones’” old club Chelsea. (The Guardian)

Fiorentina Viola have signed AC Milan’s Italy international striker Alberto Gilardino. (The Guardian)

Lyon will sign Nice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to replace the departing Gregory Coupet, who is expected to leave the Stade Gerrland this summer. (L’Equipe)

Ernesto Valverde, who resigned from Espanyol a few days ago, has been appointed Olympiakos manager on a three year contract worth four million Euros. (The Guardian)

Sam Morrowhas become the first managerial casualty of the MLS season after the FC Dallas manager was sacked last night after the club’s after the Texan clubs disappointing start to the season. (ESPN)

Former Argentina Manager Jose Pekermanhas resigned from his position as manager of Mexican outfit Toluca for family reasons. (ESPN)

Chelsea could appoint AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti as their new head coach, and then exploit his relationship with star playerKaka with a fifty million pound bid for the Brazilian superstar. (Daily Star)

Barcelona claim that Arsenal’s Belarus Captain Alexander Hleb has agreed to join them for next season, Yaya Touregoing the other way as part of the deal. The Catalans are also reportively interested in Tottenham’s Dimitar Berbartov and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Although no deal for either of the front men can be made until Samuel Eto’o leaves. (Daily Star)

Reading’s Ivory Coast midfielder Emerse Fae is close to a return to France with Nice close to acquiring the player on loan with a view to a permanent two point four million pound move. The player was previously fined two weeks wages for refusing to play for the club’s reserves back in April (The Times)

Crystal Palace are facing a real war to keep hold of some of their star players. Teenage superstar John Bostock is on the verge of signing for Tottenham and fellow midfielder Ben Watson is being chased by Derby, Nottingham Forrest, Bolton, and Middlesbrough. QPR have already had a one and a quarter million pound bid turned from the eagles. (The Times)

Rangers are interested in Le Mans left back Jean Calve, and Monaco left back Jeremy Berthod. (Various)

Portsmouth are interested in Trinidad and Tobago international eighteen year old midfielder Khaleem Hyland, who will play against England on Sunday. (The Times)

Sunderland are planning a swoop for Aston Villa’s Scotland midfielder Shaun Maloney with a four million pound bid (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham will bid for twelve million pound rated Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozofrom Benfica. (Daily Mirror)

Derby, Reading and Coventry are all in the race to sign Swansea’s Dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde this summer. (Derby Evening Standard)

Plymouth Argyle and Aberdeen will fight it out for Leicester’s former Republic of Ireland full back Alan Maybury. (Daily Record)

Cardiff City want to sign Manchester City’s young Welsh midfielder Ched Evans on loan this season. (South Wales Echo)

West Brom are considering making a move for Dundee’s highly rated midfielder Kevin McDonald. (Daily Record)

Swedish champions Djurgardens and Dundee United are bidding to take Ranger’s winger Alan Gowon loan for next season. The Tannadice club are also interested in taking Charlie Adamfrom Ibrox in a similar deal. (Various)

Celtic will rival Sunderland for the signing of Manchester city’s Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Ireland with a five million pound bid. (Daily Mirror)

Sources at three of the UK's biggest sporting news agencies have reported that, following a recent meeting between Sven-Goran Eriksson and Manchester City's owner Thaksin Shinawatra, the Citizens are set to axe their manager.

This season has seen a vast improvement at Man City, from last year's relegation-flirting four points from the drop zone to a club with genuine European ambitions. Some supporters earlier in the season were left watching in disbelief as their team challenged for the top spot.

This jump has been the work not only of Thaksin's chequebook, but the abilities of a manager with a proven track record at club (and, dare I say it, international) level. 

Sven has overseen a transformation of fortunes at Eastlands, taking over a club who had not scored at home since January 1st 2007 and turning them into a team who maintained a 100% home record from the start of the season until the 18th of December, an astonishing feat. They have also performed an almost unprecedented league double over their Manchester neighbours, winning 1-0 at home and 2-1 at Old Trafford, the first time this has been achieve since 1969/70.

Blending the new talent at his disposal and the existing core of the squad, he managed to coax one of the league's brightest new talents to England in Elano, as well as an extremely skillful and prolific winger in Martin Petrov. According to players and fans alike, Sven's first season can only be described as a great success.

Their form has dipped in recent weeks, but this loss of momentum is experienced by almost every club at some point in their league campaign. Their final standing still seems set to be much more comfortable than last year, with a healthy 23 points separating the blues from the drop. 

For the man who guided Lazio to only their second ever league title, winning a host of cups along the way, a champagne reception might have been expected in the boardroom rather than an unceremonious dismissal.

This act, more than anything, proves to the football fan just why certain businessmen with no knowledge of the national game should not be allowed anywhere near a football club. Thaksin Shinawatra risks alienating everyone associated with the club in one single move.

If Shinawatra does go ahead and fire the club's manager, he will not only be losing one of club management's current greats but the vast majority of Manchester City supporters.