Texas Businessman Ellis Short Buys Stake in Sunderland

Texas businessman Ellis Short bought a significant stake in Sunderland, the English Premier League told The Associated Press on Friday.

Short is co-founder of Dallas-based private equity group Lone Star Funds. In August, he acquired more than 30 percent of the consortium that owns the club in northeast England.

Premier League clubs Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa are also owned by Americans.

League spokesman Dan Johnson said Short has bought a stake above 30 percent. If he is deemed not suitable as an owner, he will have to take his investment below 30 percent. Britain's Daily Telegraph said Short is now the biggest shareholder.

"Sunderland AFC is unable to comment on any matters relating to the Drumaville Consortium or investment in the club except to thank them for their continued support," the club said.

The eight-person Drumaville company, chaired by former Sunderland striker Niall Quinn, bought Sunderland in 2006 for $18.4 million.

Members of the mainly Irish consortium contacted by the AP refused to comment, as did people connected with Short in the United States. Short has had no previous involvement in the sports industry.

Prosecutors in South Korea last year issued arrest warrants for Short on allegations of stock manipulation and tax evasion over the sale of Korea Exchange Bank to Lone Star Funds, of which he was vice chairman. No charges were brought.

Luiz Felipe Scolari Praises England Football

In an interview broadcast by Brazil's Globo TV on Sunday, Scolari praised the Premier League, saying the quality of English clubs puts it on a different level when compared to all other national leagues around the world.

"It is the best championship in the world right now, in all aspects," the Brazilian said.

Scolari said no other can match the Premier league when it comes to the clubs' structure and financial situation.

"All clubs are very well organized," he said.

Scolari also said he feels very comfortable coaching in England, and that he has adapted well to the country's language and way of life.

"All fears I had before are gone," he said.

The coach said he was not disappointed when Robinho failed to reach an agreement to play for Chelsea, saying it's "part of the profession." He said the Brazil striker may have been influenced by other people to skip Chelsea and accept the better financial offer from Man City.

"It's a situation that the coach or the club cannot control," Scolari said. "People around the athletes, sometimes for their own benefit, end up indicating a path that maybe is not the best for them."

In the interview, Scolari also said he does not discard the possibility of returning to the Brazilian national team, and that current coach Dunga should maintain his philosophy despite increased criticism from local media and fans after a series of disappointing results, which included a 0-0 draw against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier.

Scolari said he wants to coach for the next five years or so, and then maybe pick another career connected to football.

Barclays Premier League Results - Sun 28th September 2008

Sun 28th September 2008
Portsmouth	2-0	Tottenham	13:30			Report >
Wigan Athletic	2-1	Manchester City

Hull City Defeated Arsenal 2 - 1

Hull City registered their first historic win against Arsenal in a exciting Premier League Match. The win did really make them proud. Beating a team like Arsenal who is standing at the top of the points table, is something the entire team is going to cherish for a long time.

Fernando Torres Scored Twice to Give Liverpool 2-0 Victory over Everton

Everton 0-2 Liverpool

Fernando Torres scored twice to give Liverpool a deserved victory over Everton in the 208th Merseyside derby.

The first half had been a stalemate with few chances, but Torres struck twice in three minutes during the second period to maintain Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season.

Everton lost Tim Cahill late on when the Australian received a straight red card for a late tackle on Xabi Alonso.

Everton should have been ahead after 14 minutes when Tim Cahill failed to make decent contact with an Arteta corner from just six yards.

Joseph Yobo blocked a shot on the turn by Torres and Cahill saw a glancing header go wide at the other end.

Everton were content to commit just Ayegbeni Yakubu up front, with Mikel Arteta and Cahill attacking from deep. It meant that Liverpool had the majority of possession as Everton sat back and tried to hit them on the break.

After 26 minutes Joleon Lescott's cross was dropped by Jose Reina under minimal pressure from Fellaini, who spun to strike a fierce shot that Jamie Carragher somehow blocked on the line.

But referee Riley had spotted some sort of infringement, unseen by Everton eyes, and awarded a free-kick. The tempo had now risen a few notches, with Everton at last fired up.

Manchester United 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Manchester United gained their first Premier League home win of the season with a 2-0 defeat of Bolton that left their neighbours nursing a sense of injustice.

Cristiano Ronaldo's opener left a sour taste for the Trotters as referee Rob Styles gave the hosts a penalty after Jlloyd Samuel played the ball when he slid into Ronaldo just before the hour mark.

Substitute Wayne Rooney also found the net for the first time this season, curling home after exchanging passes with Ronaldo. Bolton boss Gary Megson will know his side were frustrating their hosts until Styles' intervention.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson started with Rooney on the bench and Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez up front, but - while Tevez and Berbatov tried hard - there was no sense of a partnership between them.

The only time they were involved in anything meaningful was when they helped set up Rio Ferdinand. But the centre-half bounced his half-volley straight at Jaaskelainen.

Bolton's Fabrice Muamba was presented with the best opportunity either side had to break the first-half deadlock. He ought to have forced Edwin van der Sar into a save when Gretar Rafn Steinsson's low cross rolled into his path after Ferdinand had slid in with Kevin Davies at the near post.

But from 10 yards, the England Under-21 international was so off target his shot nearly rolled out for a throw-in.

Ferguson must have felt a bit sheepish when Styles watched Samuel what looked a perfectly timed tackle on Ronaldo, then pointed to the spot. Ronaldo stepped up and sent Jaaskelainen the wrong way.

The introduction of Rooney and Paul Scholes came not long afterwards and Rooney curled a shot into the bottom corner after a neat exchange of passes with Ronaldo 13 minutes from time.

Barclays Premier League Results - Sat 27th September 2008

Sat 27th September 2008
Everton	0-2	Liverpool	12:45			Report >
Aston Villa	2-1	Sunderland	15:00			Report >
Fulham	1-2	West Ham Utd	15:00
Man Utd	2-0	Bolton	15:00
Middlesbrough	0-1	WBA	15:00
Newcastle	1-2	Blackburn	15:00			Report >
Stoke City	0-2	Chelsea

West Ham Chief Scott Duxbury could Face Premier League Inquiry

Duxbury has been accused of providing verbal reassurances to Graham Shear, Kia Joorabchian's solicitor, suggesting that the club would honour the third party agreement which was supposedly terminated so that the Argentine could continue playing.

The tribunal believes that the league would have suspended Tevez's registration as a West Ham player had they been aware of the conversations between Duxbury and Shear.

The league are well aware of the potential ramifications of the allegation, notably that, if substantiated, West Ham could stand accused of misleading them even after being fined £5.5 million for rule breaches by an independent disciplinary commission.

The Premier League expect to receive the tribunal's findings within the next 48 hours and will decide whether to take further action against Duxbury – or indeed West Ham – once they have digested the findings.

Having facilitated the independent arbitration panel, the Football Association are largely remaining out of the latest twist in the Tevez saga, arguing that it is for Lord Griffiths, the chairman of the tribunal, to decide if and when the judgment is publicly released.

West Ham are already fighting the case on two fronts, with the club set to appeal the tribunal's ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while also contesting the level of the £30.4 million compensation claim that Sheffield United are requesting.

They would surely also contest any further action against either themselves or Duxbury by the Premier League.

West Ham accept that they unilaterally terminated the third party agreements and that they had conversations with Joorabchian and Shear.

However, they would argue that it was always resolved to settle the matter at the end of the season – and probably out of court – which eventually happened when Joorabchian paid West Ham £2 million to release Tevez's registration and so eventually ensure his move to Manchester United.

West Ham have insisted that Duxbury’s position is not under review.

Chris Brunt and Abdoulaye Meiten of West Bromwich Albion Out for Weeks

Double blow for West Brom

West Bromwich Albion are set to be without Chris Brunt and Abdoulaye Meite for at least the next two weeks.

Brunt limped off in the defeat to Aston Villa with a hamstring problem and will be out for up to a month.

Meite, who arrived from Bolton Wanderers in the summer, suffered a recurrence of an old calf injury in the warm-up to the derby on Sunday.

"They both had scans yesterday," manager Tony Mowbray told the club's official website.

"Brunt has a grade one strain of his hamstring and will be out for three to four weeks.

EPL Dismisses Portsmouth Ownership by Arkadi Gaydamak Speculation

The English Premier League has dismissed suggestions that Portsmouth are effectively controlled by Arkadi Gaydamak, father of the club's owner Alexandre.

Newspaper reports in Israel had claimed that Israel-based Arkadi Gaydamak, the subject of an arrest warrant by French authorities, was effectively in charge at Fratton Park.

But the EPL said in a statement that it had no reason to question Alexandre Gaydamak's ownership of the club.

"In response to recent press speculation regarding the ownership of Portsmouth Football Club, the Premier League can confirm that it has re-examined the current position, found there to be no variance with information already on record and therefore is able to re-confirm that Alexandre Gaydamak is the ultimate beneficial owner of Portsmouth Football Club," the EPL said in a statement.

The question of Gaydamak senior being effectively in charge is an issue because the EPL requires that club owners and directs pass a "fit and proper persons" test.

Arkadi Gaydamak, the owner of Israeli champions Beitar Jerusalem, has been the subject of an arrest warrant by French authorities keen to question him in connection with allegedly illicit arms trading to Angola during the 1990s.

A Portsmouth spokesman had earlier dismissed suggestions that Alexandre Gaydamak was no more than a puppet of his father.

"We are a little surprised that this issue has come up again because Alexandre Gaydamak owns the club 100 percent and nothing has changed," the spokesman said.

Chelsea sign Midfielder Mineiro

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has bolstered his squad by signing Mineiro until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old, who has won 24 caps for Brazil, was a free agent having been released by Hertha Berlin at the end of last season.

Chelsea have been short of defensive midfield cover with Claude Makelele having left the club in the summer and Michael Essien sidelined with a serious knee injury.

"He is a player that I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months. I have one midfielder like him, (John Obi) Mikel," Scolari told the club's official website.

"So this week he will not play but maybe after 15 days to two weeks, he is ready to play normal games. He needs to play some games in the reserve team, and for me it is very good because I have one more player in this position. If not I have to put in (Juliano) Belletti or Paulo) Ferreira, or (Michael) Ballack, and they are not for this position. I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember Makelele, Mineiro is the same. Good positionally, a very good marker. He is a man that works for the other players and he is also a good man outside of the pitch."

Ricardo Carvalho Sidelined with Knee Problem

Ricardo Carvalho's knee injury could rule him out for up to a month of Chelsea's Barclays Premier League title challenge.

The 30-year-old suffered medial collateral ligament damage during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United and he was taken off in the 12th minute of the match at Stamford Bridge, with medical staff estimating the problem will lead to between three and four weeks on the sidelines.

Fellow Portugal international Deco also sustained a tear in his thigh during the warm-up and will be out for a fortnight.

The blow of losing Deco will be softened by the imminent arrival of Brazil midfielder Mineiro as a free agent. The 33-year-old will provide cover for John Obi Mikel in a holding role, with Michael Essien already out for six months.

Despite a solid performance from Alex after coming off the bench against United, it is Carvalho's loss that could be most significant for boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, such is the importance of the centre-back.

"He is a player that is very fast and he smells when the ball is coming," said Scolari. "He can read where the ball is going to be and go."

The former Porto defender could return after the next international break and could make the Champions League tie against Roma or the Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool if he takes the full month.

Hull City Signed Bolton Wanderers Midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos

Hull City have signed former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos. The 34-year-old Greek player scored 20 goals in 137 appearances for Bolton since signing from Olympiakos in May 2003.

However he has been without a club since leaving the Reebok during the summer. He had been training with Hull as a free agent and now joins Phil Brown's Barclays Premier League side on a permanent contract after agreeing personal terms. He has signed until the end of the season however that could be extended if the move works out.

He told the offical club web site: "I'm very, very pleased to be a Hull City player. My main target and my dream was to stay in England and to stay in the Premier League and Hull City have given me the chance to make my dream come true. I am not new to the Premier League. I have been playing in this division for the last five years with Bolton, but I have come to Hull City to make a new start and take another step in my career. I have ambitions and I have dreams. I want to help Hull City with all of the strength that I have."

The former Bolton midfielder admits the opportunity to work alongside Phil Brown once again was a major factor in his decision to move to East Yorkshire and he says he owes a debt of gratitude to Brown and City Chairman Paul Duffen.

"Myself and the gaffer have known each other ever since I arrived in England and we have a very good relationship. At this point, I would like to thank the gaffer and the chairman for offering me this deal. If those two were not here, maybe I wouldn't have signed. The Club is already high in the table and I wish for this place in the table to remain and maybe get better in the future. There is ambition here and a very nice, loud crowd. The team tries to play attractive football and that is one of the reasons I came here."

Barclyas Premier League Fixtures - 27th & 28th September 2008

Sat 27th September 2008
Everton	v	Liverpool	12:45
Fulham	v	West Ham Utd	15:00
Man Utd	v	Bolton	15:00
Middlesbrough	v	WBA	15:00
Newcastle	v	Blackburn	15:00
Stoke City	v	Chelsea	15:00
Arsenal	v	Hull City	17:30
Sun 28th September 2008
Portsmouth	v	Tottenham	13:30
Wigan Athletic	v	Manchester City	16:00

Barclays Premier League Results - Sun 21st September 2008

Sun 21st September 2008
WBA	1-2	Aston Villa	12:00			Report >
Chelsea	1-1	Man Utd	14:00			Report >
Hull City	2-2	Everton	15:00			Report >
Manchester City	6-0	Portsmouth	15:00			Report >
Tottenham	0-0	Wigan Athletic

Chelsea Ready to Sign Brazil Midfielder Mineiro

Chelsea are set to sign veteran Brazil midfielder Mineiro on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving German side Hertha Berlin at the end of last season.

Mineiro had been linked with Arsenal and Birmingham, but now looks set to seal a move to Stamford Bridge within 24 hours after agreeing terms.

"Mineiro is a player I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months and only Jon Mikel Obi is there for us," said Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Ghana midfielder Essien is out for around six months after suffering an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury while on World Cup qualifying duty.

Scolari will also be without Deco, who picked up a thigh injury in the warm-up before the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

Portuguese compatriot Ricardo Carvalho then damaged his knee during the game - and both will be assessed to determine the extent of the damage.

"He (Mineiro) won't play this week but maybe after 10 days he will play," Scolari added. He needs to play in the reserve team and needs some time but that is good for me because he gives me some options. We would miss Deco, it would not be good news. But it's hard to say at the moment (how bad the injury is)."

Chelsea Held Manchester United 1 - 1

English premiership giants Manchester United were held to a one all draw by Chelsea on Sunday at the Stamford Bridge. Salomon Kalou scored late and Chelsea salvaged a 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, stretching the Blues' home unbeaten streak in the league to 85 games.

Ji-Sung Park put United ahead in the 18th minute after Chelsea keeper Petr Cech fumbled Dimitar Berbatov's shot. But Chelsea were building up a head of steam and it was no surprise when they drew level with 10 minutes left.

United lost keeper Edwin van der Sar to injury in the first half and Chelsea took control of a disjointed game.

Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka wasted great chances before substitute Kalou headed in with ten minutes left.

It stretched Chelsea's unbeaten sequence in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge to 85 games, but Sir Alex Ferguson will be frustrated that his side failed to build on a perfect start and lost their way as the game went on.

Chelsea will be delighted and relieved with a point - but they should have claimed all three after dominating the second half.

United opted to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, where he was joined by Carlos Tevez as Berbatov and Wayne Rooney were paired up front.

Chelsea were forced into a reshuffle of their own when Deco injured a thigh in the warm-up, although they were hardly weakened by the subsequent inclusion of Michael Ballack.

It also keeps Luiz Felipe Scolari's men six points ahead of United in the early stages of the title race.

"We played with great tempo in the first 20 minutes - the real shame was that we didn't go for the jugular at 1-0 up.'' Ferguson said.

"We had control of the match at that point but we eased off and allowed them to get to half-time.''

Manchester City Dismantled Portsmouth 6 - 0

Swaggering Manchester City turned on the style with a devastating display of attacking football to crush Portsmouth at a buoyant Eastlands. Robinho produced another captivating display to inspire Manchester City to a thumping 6-0 win over Portsmouth here Sunday.

With Khaldoon Al Mubarak watching, City ran in six goals as Portsmouth were unable to cope with a hugely impressive attacking display from Mark Hughes's side. Jo, Richard Dunne, Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ched Evans and Gelson Fernandes each scored while David James, the Portsmouth goalkeeper, suffered a bad day at the office.

Robinho, making his second league appearance since joining from Real Madrid for a British record 32.5 million pounds, teed-up fellow Brazilian Jo to score his first goal in England's top-flight before finding the net himself.

City captain and Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne also got his name on the scoresheet before Shaun Wright-Phillips claimed his first goal since returning to the club for a second spell.

Substitute Ched Evans added to Portsmouth's embarrassment in the closing stages, the 19-year-old grabbing his first senior goal for the club. And there was still time for Gelson Fernandes, another substitute, to score.

Portsmouth, FA Cup winners in May, were expected to give Mark Hughes's side a stern test yet the south coast club were fortunate to escape a heavier defeat as City turned on the style with a display which suggests they could be top four contenders this season.

But it was Robinho's efforts which captivated the home fans at Eastlands.

As early as the third minute he forced former City keeper David James into a fine save before teeing-up Wright-Phillips to test the England international.

Portsmouth's nervous defence held out until the 13th minute when Robinho set Jo on his way, the former CSKA Moscow striker skipping past the advancing James before rolling the ball into the net with his left foot.

City doubled their advantage seven minutes later, Dunne tapping home his first Premier League goal since October 2006 after Elano's corner hit the bottom of the post.

Portsmouth created few chances yet former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch spurned a 28th minute opportunity to reduce the deficit after stabbing wide Glen Johnson's cross.

Sol Campbell thought he'd scored for the visitors in the closing stages of the first half but his header was hooked off the line by Pablo Zabaleta.

However, the second half belonged to the home side as Portsmouth conceded four more goals.

Robinho made it two league goals in as many appearances as he rounded off a delightful move involving the impressive Stephen Ireland and Jo by finding the net in the 56th minute.

Then Wright-Phillips sparked joyous scenes among City fans as he found the net for the first time since re-signing from Chelsea, the player beating James at the near post after a defence-splitting 68th minute pass by Ireland.

Pompey were shell-shocked yet their troubles were far from over. Evans, who had replaced Jo eight minutes earlier, made it 5-0 as he took advantage of more chaotic defending by the visitors in the 78th minute.

And five minutes later an error by James allowed Fernandes to wrap up a stunning victory for City.

Michael Chopra Earned Sunderland Three Points

Substitute Michael Chopra earned Sunderland all three points by scoring two goals in Sunderland's 2-0 derby victory over Middlesbrough in the Barclays Premier League.

The former Newcastle United striker came off the bench to slot home an 81st-minute shot, and then added a second in injury time to seal the win.

England winger Stewart Downing had fired a 75th-minute penalty over the bar to let the Wearsiders off the hook.

The midfielder, who thumped his last spot-kick against the bar, blasted over to give Sunderland the impetus to go on and win the spoils in front of a crowd of 38,388.

Gareth Southgate would have been the happier manager at the break having seen his side limit their hosts to a series of long-range efforts which never really troubled keeper Ross Turnbull, while at the same time forcing Craig Gordon to make two excellent saves.

Boro controlled much of the first half because they were able to dictate the pace in the middle of the park through Gary O'Neil and the excellent Didier Digard.

Indeed, it was not until Steed Malbranque started to come inside and pull the strings that the Wearsiders made an impression.

Southgate's men were even able to survive the loss of striker Mido to a groin injury in the warm-up as record signing Afonso Alves, originally reduced to the rank of substitute, was handed a late reprieve.

They would have taken the lead with 19 minutes gone had Gordon not reacted to smartly to Downing's snapshot after Alves' free-kick had been blocked into his path.

Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Fulham

Matt Derbyshire gave Paul Ince his first Barclays Premier League home win with an 84th-minute winner over Fulham.

The local hero completed a move started by fellow substitute and debutant Carlos Villanueva, whose magnificent through-ball was nodded into the striker's path by Roque Santa Cruz.

Andy Johnson was denied a fifth-minute opener for Fulham by a superb save from Paul Robinson, while Brett Emerton almost broke the deadlock for Rovers in the 39th minute but saw his left-foot effort hit the post.

Liverpool 0-0 Stoke City

Stoke City defended magnificently to claim an unlikely point in a goalless draw at Anfield against unbeaten Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard tried everything he knew to grab his 100th goal for the club as Liverpool poured waves of attacks against the newly-promoted Potters.

But despite constant pressure they could not break through a resilient Stoke defence.

Arsenal Top the Table with 3-1 Win Against Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers 1-3 Arsenal

Arsenal moved top of the table with a 3-1 win against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

Goals from Emmanuel Eboue, Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson sealed the victory.

However, the Gunners had to work hard for their win with Kevin Davies having initially made the breakthrough for Bolton.

Eboue grabbed the equaliser after an immense spell of pressure then Bendtner extended their lead before Denilson sealed victory.

Arsene Wenger saw his Arsenal side move to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a mix of breathtaking skill and a solid work ethic as they defeated Bolton 3-1.

It was just the result the Gunners manager craved with Liverpool being held to a draw and Chelsea not playing until Sunday.

Bolton, however, made a decent fist of it and went ahead through Kevin Davies.

Arsenal's response was swift and majestic. Emmanuel Eboue and Nicklas Bendtner turned the game on its head with two goals in two minutes.

Then Denilson secured the points late on after another decisive counter-attack.

Eboue's equaliser came after some intense pressure with Emmanuel Adebayor and Alex Song both hitting the post with their efforts.

It was Bolton who almost took the lead in the third minute with a wonderful piece of vision from captain Kevin Nolan.

He spotted Manuel Almunia marginally off his line and tried to chip him from 30 yards.

Gianfranco Zola Began his Reign as West Ham Manager in Style

West Ham United 3
Newcastle United 1

Scorer: Di Michele (7, 37)
Scorer: Etherington (52)
Scorer: Owen (66)

Attendance: 34743 FT (16:52)

Gianfranco Zola's reign as West Ham United manager got off to the perfect start as his fellow Italian David Di Michele hit a brace to help see off Newcastle United 3-1 at Upton Park.

The former Chelsea star officially took up his duties on Monday - and the Hammers responded to record a third home successive win.

Di Michele, on a season loan from Torino, set them on their way with a deflected effort after just eight minutes and then added another before half-time.

Matthew Etherington made it 3-0 before England striker Michael Owen salvaged a consolation for the visitors.

It was a positive start by the hosts, who had won both of their opening home matches under former manager Alan Curbishley.

Di Michele skipped clear off the offside trap and into the left side of the penalty area. However, Shay Given stood up at his near post to make the save.

The Italian then got lucky after eight minutes when he cut inside from the right and shot from 20 yards - then wheeled away in celebration as the ball ricocheted off Steven Taylor and up over the keeper into the net.

"It means a lot to me and also the players," Zola said of his first victory. "It's a good result and the way that they got it is a great satisfaction. I am very pleased for them."

Barclays Premier League Results - Sat 20th September 2008

Sat 20th September 2008
Sunderland	2-0	Middlesbrough	12:45			Report >
Blackburn	1-0	Fulham	15:00			Report >
Liverpool	0-0	Stoke City	15:00			Report >
Arsenal West Ham Utd	3-1 3-1	Bolton Wanderers Newcastle	15:00 15:00			Report >
Mon 15th September 2008
Tottenham	1-2	Aston Villa

Dimitar Berbatov Fit for Premier League Clash Against Chelsea

The Bulgaria international picked up a knee injury during the defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend but has been passed fit for one of the early season's key Premier League fixtures.

The news will doubtless buoy Ferguson and the rest of the United squad who are under considerable pressure to secure a result at Stamford Bridge after a stumbling start to their Premier League season. Defeat for United will hand Chelsea a staggering nine-point advantage over their rivals, albeit having played a game more.

Berbatov, United's record summer signing, missed the Champions League 0-0 draw against Villarreal at Old Trafford but along with Cristiano Ronaldo, who came on as a substitute in midweek, gives Ferguson a wealth of attacking options.

Nevertheless, Ferguson faces a headache in defence with Nemanja Vidic suspended. Jonny Evans filled in against Villarreal and it remains to be seen if Ferguson opts to hand the Northern Irishman a second consecutive start.

Having commanded a transfer fee of £30.75 million, Berbatov's performance against Liverpool went some way to justifying United's dogged pursuit of the forward and Ferguson is keen to have him available for Sunday's fixture against Chelsea.

"I think he (Berbatov) has a good chance and hopefully he is fit," Ferguson said.

Meanwhile, Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has picked up an ankle injury that will keep him on the sidelines for six to eight weeks.

US Sports Tycoon Stan Kroenke Joins Arsenal Board

U.S. sports tycoon Stan Kroenke is to join the board of Arsenal as a non-executive director, the UK football club said on Friday as it announced full-year profits jumping on growing stadium and broadcast revenue.

The club said that Kroenke, owner of the U.S. Colorado Rapids soccer team, has confirmed he will not increase his shareholding above 30 percent in the next year.

Kroenke holds a 12.4 percent stake in Arsenal but says he is not interested in pursuing a full buyout.

The Premier League team has been the centre of takeover speculation since Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and London-based Fahrad Moshiri built a 24 percent stake in the club.

Arsenal board members owning about 46 percent of the club have jointly agreed not to sell their stakes in an effort to stave off a takoever. Kroenke is not part of this shareholder pact.

Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood said that Kroenke "brings with him a wealth of experience through his direct involvement in sports clubs in the U.S. and we expect to benefit from his commercial insights and knowledge."

The plus-listed company reported pretax profit for the year ended May 31 of 36.7 million pounds against an underlying pretax of 26.9 million pound the previous year. Turnover rose to 223 million pounds from 200.8 million, driven by a 50 percent rise in broadcast income and a five percent rise in matchday income.

The club, which disappointed fans by finishing third last season, said Premier League TV contracts and its core business offset lower sales and its property development business. (Reporting by Lorraine Turner; Editing by David Cowell)

UEFA Champions League Results - Matchday 1

Matchday 1 - 17 September 2008

Group	Home		Away
E	Man. United	0-0	Villarreal
E	Celtic	0-0	AaB
F	FC Steaua Bucureşti	0-1	Bayern
F	Lyon	2-2	Fiorentina
G	Porto	3-1	Fenerbahçe
G	Dynamo Kyiv	1-1	Arsenal
H	Juventus	1-0	Zenit
H	Real Madrid	2-0	BATE

Manchester United and Arsenal Played Out Draws in their Champions League Ties

Captain William Gallas bundled in a late equaliser to make it 1-1 and rescue a point for Arsenal from their opening Champions League Group G match against Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine.

Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie, twice, and Cesc Fabregas all had good first-half chances for the Gunners, who still have yet to win a European tie in the former Soviet Union.

Kiev made them pay when Bacary Sagna was adjudged to have pushed over Ognjen Vukojevic and Ismael Bangoura scored a 64th-minute penalty - only for Gallas to net two minutes from time at close range.

The return of Cristiano Ronaldo as a second half sub saw Manchester United begin the defence of their crown with a 0-0 draw against Villarreal at Old Trafford.

United could come no closer than a late Jonny Evans diving header that bounced back off a post as their 12-match winning streak on home soil in the competition was brought to an end. The Yellow Submarines almost sank Sir Alex Ferguson's men altogether when Guille Franco hit the woodwork as well.

UEFA Champions League - Opening Matchday Results

UEFA Champions League Match Results on 16th September 2008

Matchday 1 - 16 September 2008

Group	Home			Away
A	Chelsea	4-0		Bordeaux
A	Roma	1-2		CFR
B	Panathinaikos	0-2		Internazionale
B	Bremen	0-0		Anorthosis
C	Basel	1-2		Shakhtar
C	Barcelona	3-1		Sporting
D	PSV	0-3		Atlético
D	Marseille	1-2		Liverpool

UEFA Champions League Opening Matchday Referees

Match Referees - Wednesday 17 September 2008

19:45 Manchester United FC – Villarreal - CF Wolfgang Stark (Germany)
19:45 Celtic FC – Aalborg BK - Matteo Simone Trefoloni (Italy)
21:45 FC Steaua Bucureşti – FC Bayern München - Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)
20:45 Olympique Lyonnais – ACF Fiorentina - Peter Fröjdfeldt (Sweden)
19:45 FC Porto – Fenerbahçe SK - Bertrand Layec (France)
21:45 FC Dynamo Kyiv – Arsenal FC - Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain)
20:45 Juventus – FC Zenit St. Petersburg - Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)
20.45 Real Madrid CF – FC Bate Borisov - Alain Hamer (Luxembourg)

UEFA Champions League Fixtures - Matchday 1, Wednesday, 17 September, 2008

Group	Home		Away
E	Man. United	20:45	Villarreal
E	Celtic	20:45	AaB
F	FC Steaua Bucureşti	20:45	Bayern
F	Lyon	20:45	Fiorentina
G	Porto	20:45	Fenerbahçe
G	Dynamo Kyiv	20:45	Arsenal
H	Juventus	20:45	Zenit
H	Real Madrid	20:45	BATE

UEFA Champions League Title Chase Kicks Off Today

This season's Uefa Champions League kicks off on September 16, with two English teams facing French opposition.

English Premier League club Chelsea and Spanish club Barcelona take centre stage when the Champions League group stage kicks off with eight matches today and eight matches on Wednesday.

Inter Milan and Liverpool are also in action while clubs from Romania and Cyprus make their debuts in Europe's premier club tournament.

Last season's runners-up Chelsea take on Bordeaux in Group A with manager Luiz Felipe Scolari hoping to mark his debut in the competition with a victory after an impressive start to his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Barcelona, who had to qualify for the group phase, host Sporting Lisbon in the Nou Camp in Group C.

Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan travel to Greece to play Panathinaikos while Liverpool are in action in Marseille where they won 4-0 last season to reach the last 16.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) to Air English Premier League LIVE

Kenyans are strong supporters of English premier league

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Television will televise the English Premiership football matches starting Monday September 15, 2008.

The first match to be aired live will be between Tottenham Hotspurs and Aston Villa at 10.pm Kenyan time.

Weekend promises to be even more interesting for football lovers with soccer giants Arsenal up against Bolton wanderers

Arsenal is currently placed third with 9 points after thrashing Blackburn Rovers 4-0.Liverpool is second with Chelsea perched at the top.

Kenyans are great lovers of English football, which many have blamed for the decline in the national premier league.

But despite that, the local joints remain full each time there is an English match.

"We are so happy to hear that. Am a strong supporter of English football, and the fact that I will now watch the matches from the comfort of my house is the best news from KBC." said one fan

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Ready to Lift United?

CRISTIANO Ronaldo is ready to mount his white charger and come to United's early season rescue.

Last season his 32 league goals were hugely influential as United outscored the Premier League and became champions.

Without him as he recovered from his summer ankle surgery nobody has scored fewer than the Reds in the opening matches.

Three goals from three games sees United needing an urgent injection of attacking power.

The Portuguese winger could be back on Wednesday against Villarreal at Old Trafford as United open the defence of the Champions League.

If the clash with the Spaniards is too early then a comeback could come against Chelsea - the Premier side he last faced - at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.

And that second instalment of the back-to-back heavyweight clashes is a perfect pick-me-up following Saturday's disappointment surrender in the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool according to captain Rio Ferdinand.

Barclays Premier League Fixtures by Week

Saturday 20th September 2008
	Sunderland	v	Middlesbrough		12:45	Stadium of Light
	Blackburn Rovers	v	Fulham		15:00	Ewood Park
	Liverpool	v	Stoke City		15:00	Anfield
	West Ham United	v	Newcastle United		15:00	Boleyn Ground
	Bolton Wanderers	v	Arsenal		17:30	Reebok Stadium
Sunday 21st September 2008
	West Bromwich Albion	v	Aston Villa		12:00	The Hawthorns
	Chelsea	v	Manchester United		14:00	Stamford Bridge
	Hull City	v	Everton		15:00	Kingston Comms Stadium
	Manchester City	v	Portsmouth		15:00	City of Mcr. Stadium
	Tottenham Hotspur	v	Wigan Athletic		15:00	White Hart Lane