FA examines 'suspicious' betting

The Football Association has contacted all 22 Blue Square Bet South clubs after concerns over suspicious betting patterns in the division.

The governing body, along with the Gambling Commission, has appealed to the clubs for information about possible breaches of betting rules.

All clubs have been asked to remind players and officials of their responsibilities under the rules.

Sponsor Blue Square has suspended some betting markets for the division.

"Anyone with any information regarding possible breaches of these rules has been advised to come forward to The FA or to the Gambling Commission," said an FA statement.

The FA said it will not be making any further comment on this matter.

A spokesman for the league, which is in the sixth-tier of English football, added it was "inappropriate to make any comment at this stage of the investigation".

Alan Alger, spokesman for league sponsors Blue Square, said: "As always we will assist the authorities with their investigation."

Chelsea 3-1 Steaua Buch't (agg 3-2)

90:00 +4:32 Full time Full Time The referee brings the game to a close.

90:00 +3:18

Mihai Pintilii challenges Nascimento Ramires unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Mikel.

90:00 +2:18 Substitution Substitution Yossi Benayoun comes on in place of Eden Hazard.

90:00 +1:53

Cesar Azpilicueta fouled by Raul Rusescu, the ref awards a free kick. Petr Cech restarts play with the free kick.

89:24 Substitution Substitution Juan Mata goes off and Victor Moses comes on.

89:13

Fernando Torres is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Ciprian Tatarusanu restarts play with the free kick.

88:43

Juan Mata decides to take the corner short.

88:00

Juan Mata takes a short corner.

85:45 Penalty Penalty missed by Fernando Torres.

85:45

Penalty awarded for a foul by Alexandru Bourceanu on Eden Hazard.

83:18

A cross is delivered by Cesar Azpilicueta, clearance made by Alexandru Chipciu.

82:50 Substitution Substitution Rocha Adi replaces Cornel Rapa.

82:07

Iasmin Latovlevici has a drilled shot. Comfortable save by Petr Cech.

81:58

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Lukas Szukala by Fernando Torres. Free kick taken by Mihai Pintilii.

79:43

Free kick taken by Adrian Popa.

79:43 Booking Booking Ashley Cole receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.

79:42

Ashley Cole challenges Adrian Popa unfairly and gives away a free kick.

79:01

The referee blows for offside against Juan Mata. Free kick taken by Alexandru Bourceanu.

78:26

Effort from the edge of the box by Fernando Torres goes wide of the right-hand upright.

77:43 Substitution Substitution Cristian Tanase leaves the field to be replaced by Leandro Tatu.

77:27

Emboaba Oscar has an effort at goal from close range which goes wide right of the target.

77:13

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Eden Hazard from the left by-line.

74:30

Alexandru Chipciu concedes a free kick for a foul on Mikel. Eden Hazard restarts play with the free kick.

72:11

The ball is sent over by Cesar Azpilicueta, save by Ciprian Tatarusanu.

70:45

Assist on the goal came from Eden Hazard.

70:45 Goal scored Goal - Fernando Torres - Chelsea 3 - 1 S Buchar't Goal scored by Fernando Torres from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Chelsea 3 (3)-(2) 1 Steaua Bucuresti.

69:45

Unfair challenge on John Terry by Raul Rusescu results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Mikel.

69:11

Alexandru Bourceanu takes the free kick.

69:11 Booking Booking The referee books Mikel for unsporting behaviour.

68:59

Mikel gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Adrian Popa.

67:46

Mikel delivers the ball, clearance made by Vlad Chiriches.

67:32

Fernando Torres crosses the ball.

63:11

Eden Hazard fouled by Mihai Pintilii, the ref awards a free kick. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from David Luiz, save made by Ciprian Tatarusanu.

57:46

Assist on the goal came from Juan Mata.

57:46 Goal scored Goal - John Terry - Chelsea 2 - 1 S Buchar't John Terry grabs a headed goal from close range. Chelsea 2 (2)-(2) 1 Steaua Bucuresti.

61:04

Mikel fouled by Mihai Pintilii, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Mikel.

60:45

Alexandru Chipciu takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.

60:00

Eden Hazard takes a shot from 18 yards. Save by Ciprian Tatarusanu.

59:48

Inswinging corner taken by Juan Mata from the right by-line.

57:46

Juan Mata provided the assist for the goal.

57:46 Goal scored Goal - John Terry - Chelsea 2 - 1 S Buchar't Goal scored by John Terry from inside the six-yard box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Chelsea 2 (2)-(2) 1 Steaua Bucuresti.

57:08

Juan Mata crosses the ball,

57:08 Booking Booking Cornel Rapa shown a yellow card.

56:58

Eden Hazard fouled by Cornel Rapa, the ref awards a free kick.

55:19

Alexandru Bourceanu fouled by Nascimento Ramires, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Alexandru Bourceanu.

54:31

Cesar Azpilicueta crosses the ball, Vlad Chiriches manages to make a clearance.

48:43

Juan Mata takes the free kick.

48:43 Booking Booking The referee books Alexandru Bourceanu for unsporting behaviour.

48:38

Unfair challenge on Juan Mata by Alexandru Bourceanu results in a free kick.

45:40

Effort from 20 yards by Mikel. Vlad Chiriches gets a block in.

45:01

The game restarts for the second half.

45:00 +1:06 Half time Half Time The half-time whistle blows.

45:00 Goal scored Goal - Vlad Chiriches - Chelsea 1 - 1 S Buchar't Vlad Chiriches finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the six-yard box high into the middle of the goal. Chelsea 1 (1)-(2) 1 Steaua Bucuresti.

44:46

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Alexandru Bourceanu,

44:26

Corner taken by Alexandru Bourceanu from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Ashley Cole.

43:47

Outswinging corner taken by Alexandru Bourceanu, John Terry manages to make a clearance.

42:34

Cristian Tanase gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Emboaba Oscar. Free kick taken by Mikel.

40:15

Free kick awarded for a foul by Alexandru Bourceanu on Mikel. Free kick taken by David Luiz.

39:24

Eden Hazard takes a shot. Ciprian Tatarusanu makes a save. Mikel concedes a free kick for a foul on Cornel Rapa. Ciprian Tatarusanu takes the free kick.

37:12

Foul by John Terry on Raul Rusescu, free kick awarded. Alexandru Bourceanu takes the free kick.

36:36

Fernando Torres has an effort at goal from the edge of the box that misses to the right of the target.

36:06

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Juan Mata, Vlad Chiriches manages to make a clearance.

34:39

Corner taken by Emboaba Oscar, David Luiz takes a shot. Save by Ciprian Tatarusanu.

32:55

Nascimento Ramires provided the assist for the goal.

32:55 Goal scored Goal - Juan Mata - Chelsea 1 - 0 S Buchar't Goal scored by Juan Mata from close range to the bottom right corner of the goal. Chelsea 1 (1)-(1) 0 Steaua Bucuresti.

31:54

The ball is swung over by Iasmin Latovlevici, Petr Cech makes a save.

26:49

Juan Mata gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Vlad Chiriches. Direct free kick taken by Ciprian Tatarusanu.

24:14

Iasmin Latovlevici challenges Cesar Azpilicueta unfairly and gives away a free kick. John Terry takes the free kick.

23:43

Cornel Rapa sends in a cross.

22:14

Mikel takes a shot. Ciprian Tatarusanu makes a save. Short corner taken by Juan Mata from the right by-line. Mikel takes a shot from just outside the penalty area clears the crossbar.

22:02

The ball is swung over by Juan Mata, Cornel Rapa manages to make a clearance.

19:58

Cristian Tanase takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.

19:37

Corner taken by Iasmin Latovlevici from the left by-line played to the near post, David Luiz makes a clearance.

17:18

The ball is delivered by Adrian Popa.

15:45

Shot from long range by Alexandru Bourceanu misses to the right of the goal.

15:04

Iasmin Latovlevici challenges Juan Mata unfairly and gives away a free kick. Juan Mata has an effort direct from the free kick, comfortable save by Ciprian Tatarusanu.

14:05

Lukas Szukala challenges Fernando Torres unfairly and gives away a free kick. David Luiz takes the free kick.

13:31

The ball is sent over by Iasmin Latovlevici, save by Petr Cech.

12:33

Alexandru Bourceanu takes the outswinging corner, John Terry manages to make a clearance.

11:58

Raul Rusescu takes a shot. Save made by Petr Cech.

10:28

A cross is delivered by Emboaba Oscar, Lukas Szukala manages to make a clearance.

7:53

Nascimento Ramires gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Adrian Popa. Alexandru Bourceanu restarts play with the free kick.

4:45

The ball is sent over by Juan Mata.

2:41

The ball is swung over by Juan Mata.

0:15

Cesar Azpilicueta fouled by Cristian Tanase, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by John Terry.

0:00

The match has kicked off.

Cliftonville closing in on title

Cliftonville go to Glenavon on Saturday knowing victory in their next two matches will see them on the verge of a first title triumph since 1998.

Two wins would mean they would be at least 14 points clear of Crusaders - with six matches to go - before the title rivals clash on 25 March.

Cliftonville are at home to Ballymena on 23 March.

"It would be great to win the next two. It is all about getting results at this stage," said manager Tommy Breslin.

"There has not been any talk in the changing room about winning the title.

"But maybe, subconsciously, it has affected our form a bit.

"We struggled for long periods last week against Donegal Celtic and we need to improve on that.

"I can see from the performance that people are maybe getting a little bit anxious and uptight, but we will work on that.

"On the last couple of weeks our performances have not been what I wanted. We want to win playing good football."

Runaway leaders Cliftonville will be expected to win their seventh Premiership match in succession against a Glenavon side which has won just two away league fixtures all season.

Cliftonville would go 17 points clear with victory at Mourneview Park as second-placed Crusaders do not play until Monday night when they are at home to Linfield.

Elsewhere in the Premiership, the bottom two clash on Saturday in a crucial fixture. Home club Donegal Celtic are currently five points better off than bottom club Lisburn Distillery.

Whites boss Tim McCann, however, has been heartened by recent displays which include a draw at Linfield and victory over Glenavon.

"It was tough to lose to Crusaders on penalties on Tuesday, but again we did not lose in the 90 minutes," said McCann.

"I have told the players to keep believing in themselves.

"If they maintain the effort and the team spirit, they will get out of this and will be in the Premiership next season."

Danske Bank Irish Premiership

Saturday 16 March (15:00 GMT)

Donegal Celtic v Lisburn Distillery

Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine

Glenavon v Cliftonville

Glentoran v Ballinamallard United

Portadown v Ballymena United

VIDEO: Villas-Boas demands action on racism

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VIDEO: Pressley presses on with job

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Ferdinand recall surprises Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson says he was "as surprised as anyone" about Rio Ferdinand's recall into the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

But he stressed the 34-year-old will only be released after consultation with the Manchester United club doctor.

"I was as surprised as anyone when I heard," Ferguson said.

Since his exclusion from the England squad in June 2011, Ferdinand has made 51 league appearances since the start of the 2011-12 season - a stark contract to the 56 appearances in the three years previous.

"I need to speak to the [United] doctor because we prepare Ferdinand in a certain way and there are treatments he has to go through."

The United defender's last England appearance was in the 2-2 draw against Switzerland in June 2011.

But his England career had looked to be over after he was left out of the squad for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, with England manager Roy Hodgson citing "footballing reasons" for the omission.

"He has to make sure he is going to be OK in terms of the number of games he plays," Ferguson added.

"We have been doing that for two years and it has worked.

"We have to look at all these things before Rio decides [if he joins up]."

Rio Ferdinand scores for England at 2002 World Cup

Ferdinand, who has won 81 caps, has been in excellent form for United this season as they sit 12 points clear in the Premier League.

"The procedures have been the same all season which has given him fantastic performance levels when he's playing for us," said Ferguson.

"We have to consider that and Rio is considering that. We'll see what the outcome is."

England manager Hodgson revealed he had not told Ferdinand about his call-up on Thursday.

"I haven't spoken to Rio. I like to do my talking to players face to face," said Hodgson.

"The telephone sometimes is not the greatest of instruments, especially if you don't know people extremely well."

Hodgson also maintained there was no "sinister connection" for his omission until now and said he deserved the call-up on current form.

England play San Marino on Friday, 22 March, before travelling to Montenegro on Tuesday, 26 March in a game which could dictate who wins Group H.

Newcastle 1-0 Anzhi (agg 1-0)

90:00 +4:28 Full time Full Time The final whistle is blown by the referee.

90:00 +3:06

The assist for the goal came from Sylvain Marveaux.

90:00 +3:06 Goal scored Goal - Papiss Cisse - Newcastle 1 - 0 Anzhi Mak Papiss Cisse finds the back of the net with a headed goal from close range. Newcastle 1 (1)-(0) 0 Anzhi Makhachkala.

90:00 +0:28

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Sylvain Marveaux, save made by Vladimir Gabulov.

86:48

Handball decision goes against Jonas Gutierrez. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Mbark Boussoufa,

86:04

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Andrei Yeschenko by Steven Taylor. Vladimir Gabulov restarts play with the free kick.

85:21

Rob Elliot takes the free kick.

85:21 Booking Booking Yury Zhirkov is shown a yellow card.

85:09

Yury Zhirkov challenges Sylvain Marveaux unfairly and gives away a free kick.

83:14

Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Sylvain Marveaux.

82:06

Foul by Santos Ewerton on Papiss Cisse, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux from right wing, save by Vladimir Gabulov.

81:43

Samuel Eto'o takes a shot. Save made by Rob Elliot.

77:44

Cheick Tiote challenges Samuel Eto'o unfairly and gives away a free kick. Pinto Joao Carlos restarts play with the free kick.

75:30

Shot by Moussa Sissoko from outside the area goes high over the crossbar.

73:43 Substitution Substitution Oleg Shatov comes on in place of Lassana Diarra.

73:23

Effort on goal by Sylvain Marveaux from outside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the bar.

70:20

Free kick taken by Vladimir Gabulov.

70:20 Substitution Substitution Vurnon Anita leaves the field to be replaced by Adam Campbell.

70:20

Unfair challenge on Pinto Joao Carlos by Papiss Cisse results in a free kick.

68:07

Papiss Cisse is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Vladimir Gabulov.

65:13

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jonas Gutierrez on Andrei Yeschenko. Odil Ahmedov takes the direct free kick.

59:08

Free kick awarded for a foul by Cheick Tiote on Silva Jucilei. Silva Jucilei takes the direct free kick.

58:16

Shot from just outside the box by Samuel Eto'o goes over the bar.

56:09

Vladimir Gabulov restarts play with the free kick.

56:09 Booking Booking Vurnon Anita receives a yellow card.

55:59

Unfair challenge on Yury Zhirkov by Vurnon Anita results in a free kick.

54:24

Sylvain Marveaux takes the direct free kick.

54:24 Dismissal Dismissal Red card for Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez.

54:22

Foul by Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez on Massadio Haidara, free kick awarded.

52:26

Silva Jucilei challenges Vurnon Anita unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Cheick Tiote.

51:57

Steven Taylor takes a shot. Comfortable save by Vladimir Gabulov.

51:08

Foul by Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez on Sylvain Marveaux, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux.

47:23

Rob Elliot takes the direct free kick.

47:23 Booking Booking Booking for Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez for unsporting behaviour.

47:16

Foul by Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez on Cheick Tiote, free kick awarded.

46:21

Moussa Sissoko challenges Silva Jucilei unfairly and gives away a free kick. Santos Ewerton restarts play with the free kick.

45:44

Header from deep inside the penalty area by Moussa Sissoko goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

45:01

The referee starts the second half.

45:00 +1:00 Half time Half Time The ref blows to end the first period.

44:25

Davide Santon fouled by Mbark Boussoufa, the ref awards a free kick. Centre by Sylvain Marveaux, Header from deep inside the area by Steven Taylor goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

38:17

Unfair challenge on Sylvain Marveaux by Lassana Diarra results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Sylvain Marveaux.

37:29

Effort on goal by Odil Ahmedov from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the target.

35:51

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa takes the direct free kick.

35:51 Substitution Substitution Jonas Gutierrez replaces Yohan Cabaye.

35:51

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Taylor by Mbark Boussoufa.

33:19

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Davide Santon by Mbark Boussoufa. The free kick is delivered left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux from right wing, Silva Jucilei manages to make a clearance.

29:50

Free kick awarded for a foul by Cheick Tiote on Lassana Diarra. Mbark Boussoufa restarts play with the free kick.

29:21

Foul by Yohan Cabaye on Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez, free kick awarded. Mbark Boussoufa takes the free kick.

28:21

Papiss Cisse gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Pinto Joao Carlos. Pinto Joao Carlos takes the direct free kick.

27:19

Corner taken short by Mbark Boussoufa.

27:04

Silva Jucilei takes a shot. Blocked by Steven Taylor.

26:30

Massadio Haidara concedes a free kick for a foul on Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez. Pinto Joao Carlos takes the direct free kick.

24:00

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa fouled by Samuel Eto'o, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

22:57

Yohan Cabaye has an effort at goal. Blocked by Pinto Joao Carlos.

20:43

Moussa Sissoko challenges Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Mbark Boussoufa.

19:40

Yohan Cabaye takes a shot. Vladimir Gabulov makes a save.

19:01

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa fouled by Yury Zhirkov, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

18:46

Lassana Diarra takes a shot. Save by Rob Elliot.

17:48

Corner from right by-line taken by Mbark Boussoufa.

15:08

Shot from just outside the box by Yury Zhirkov misses to the right of the target.

11:58

Santos Ewerton concedes a free kick for a foul on Papiss Cisse. Cheick Tiote takes the direct free kick.

10:22

Sylvain Marveaux produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the target.

9:43

Unfair challenge on Odil Ahmedov by Cheick Tiote results in a free kick. Santos Ewerton restarts play with the free kick.

8:38

Foul by Yury Zhirkov on Sylvain Marveaux, free kick awarded. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Sylvain Marveaux.

7:28

Papiss Cisse produces a cross, save by Vladimir Gabulov.

4:39

Cheick Tiote concedes a free kick for a foul on Odil Ahmedov. Odil Ahmedov takes the direct free kick.

2:57

Effort from deep inside the area by Samuel Eto'o misses to the left of the target.

0:13

Vurnon Anita gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Odil Ahmedov. Andrei Yeschenko takes the free kick.

0:00

The game gets underway.

Lambert not thinking of relegation

Paul Lambert says struggling Aston Villa should not be "unduly worried" and he has not considered relegation.

Villa are three points above the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's home game with the Premier League's bottom club Queens Park Rangers.

But Villa boss Lambert insists he is looking up and not thinking about getting dragged into the bottom three.

"Other teams near the middle of the table could easily get sucked in," Lambert told BBC Sport.

Villa start the weekend sitting 17th in the league table, three points ahead of Wigan Athletic, who are directly below them.

However, Wigan have a game in hand while the Latics also boast a better goal difference than Villa.

"I've always been positive in my football and the way we've been playing lately I don't see why we should be unduly worried," added Lambert.

Aston Villa, who triumphed 2-1 at Reading last week, have not recorded back-to-back Premier League wins since May 2011 when they ended the season with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool after a 2-1 away success at Arsenal

"I don't talk about it [relegation], I just focus on the game ahead of us.

"We're in the mix with a lot of other teams but I've got belief we're going to be fine.

"You can't influence what has happened in the past," said Lambert. "You can only influence what happens now."

Having triumphed 2-1 at Reading last Saturday, Villa could pull six points clear of the relegation zone with victory over Queens Park Rangers.

But Harry Redknapp's side also go into the game with momentum following back-to-back wins over Southampton and Sunderland.

Lambert added: "There's still a long time to go after this game, so Saturday's result will not define anything."

Beckham-mania in Paris

25 February 2013 Last updated at 07:22 GMT

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Di Canio denies Reading job link

Paolo Di Canio has denied that his visit to the Madejski Stadium at the weekend was linked with the departure of Reading manager Brian McDermott.

The former Swindon boss was pictured in the directors' box at Reading during their 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.

His presence at the game prompted speculation he could be in line to replace McDermott.

"It was just a coincidence. I was there only to watch the game," Di Canio told BBC Sport.

Games: 95 Wins: 54 Draws: 18 Losses: 23 Win %: 57 McDermott was sacked as Reading manager on Tuesday after four successive Premier League defeats.

It is understood Reading have not made an approach for Di Canio.

The BBC Sport columnist would not be drawn on whether he was interested in the Reading vacancy but added: "It is my ambition to manage at the top level."

He has been watching a number of Premier League games since resigning as Swindon manager last month.

He was at Loftus Road for Queens Park Rangers' 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on 23 February, before watching Reading on Saturday.

"I was sat with Stuart Pearce at Reading and we had some discussions about the game," added Di Canio.

"I want to watch games at the top level and [the Madejski Stadium] was full of passion, so it was good to go there.

"Next time it could be Swansea or Southampton or Tottenham, I don't know, but this is what I am going to do for the next few weeks."

VIDEO: Hodgson backs Ferdinand recall

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Swansea v Arsenal

Venue: Liberty StadiumDate: Saturday, 16 MarchContinue reading the main story Swansea midfielder Leon Britton has made good progress in his recovery from a hip injury and could be fit.

Luke Moore should shake off a calf problem but Chico Flores (ankle) and Kemy Agustien (thigh) again miss out.

Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs will be rested for this game, having just returned from a thigh injury.

Nacho Monreal is available after being cup-tied against Bayern, while Thomas Vermaelen and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny could also return.

In the aftermath of the midweek events in Munich, Arsene Wenger described this match as "massive" for Arsenal. Quite simply that is because they have 10 games left to save their season.

They begin the weekend five points behind the top four, where the Frenchman has always led the Gunners in his 16 previous seasons at the club. To maintain that record, they will need all the spirit and togetherness of the performance in Germany.

The key could well be consistency, something that has often eluded them this season and irritated players, manager and supporters alike.

"Arsene Wenger is building up his side's trip to Wales as a massive game, and it is in context of the race for the top four. Now they are out of Europe, this might be the point where they kick on domestically to get back into the Champions League next year."

Wenger must have reflected on the win against Bayern with both pride and huge frustration. They proved how good they can be on their day, but have too often been victims of their own downfall, as was the case in their last league outing in the north London derby defeat.

This has to be the time to put together a run of victories and gain some momentum, and put some pressure on the teams above and around them. They have to cut out the errors and do all they can to stay in touch.

That's why the trip to the Liberty Stadium is so important to keep that belief alive. If they fail to win, just as they did there last season and at the Emirates earlier in this campaign, then the task could suddenly be a big one at the end of the weekend. Their margin for error is decreasing all the time.

As Arsenal face up to an eighth successive season without a trophy, they'll face a Swansea team still on a high after their first major honour.

Michael Laudrup's contract extension has further buoyed the atmosphere, and Swansea will attempt to win four successive top-flight home matches for the first time since John Toshack's side 31 years ago.

They've not only won more admirers this season but more points too, having already hit the 40-point target - just seven short of last season's entire total.

They'll play a part in the race for Champions League places with Spurs and Chelsea to play in the coming weeks, but for Arsenal 'must win' has never been more appropriate.

Head-to-head

Swansea beat Arsenal 3-2 in this fixture last season, and also won 2-0 at the Emirates in December. But Arsenal beat the Swans in the FA Cup in January, winning 1-0 in the replay after the sides had drawn 2-2 at the Liberty Stadium. In the three matches between these two teams this season, six of the seven goals have been scored in the last nine minutes.

Swansea

Swansea are looking for a fourth consecutive home win. They haven't lost at the Liberty Stadium since Norwich beat them 4-3 on 8 December. They last won four consecutive top-flight league home matches between December 1981 and March 1982 in the old Division One. Their home record is exactly the same as this stage last season (W6, D6, L2). They have scored eight fewer goals but conceded nine fewer. Swansea have led at half-time on five occasions this season - and have converted all five into victories. Spanish players have scored 20 goals for Swansea in the Premier League this season. One of those Spaniards, Michu, has scored three goals in three matches against Arsenal in all competitions this season.

Arsenal

Arsenal have won just one of their last four away games in the league. But they have conceded just 13 away goals in the top flight this season, the equal-fewest alongside Manchester City. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League matches that have followed a Champions League fixture since a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham in October 2011. Arsenal have won just three times in their 13 matches against top-half clubs this season. Theo Walcott turns 24 on the day of the game. Lukas Podolski has been substituted in 19 of his 21 league starts this season, more than any other Arsenal player.

VIDEO: Yankey volley wins Cyprus Cup for England

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Paterson back for Northern Ireland

Martin Paterson has ended his absence from the Northern Ireland squad and is included for the World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Israel.

The Burnley striker had asked for time away from the international scene as he attempted to regain full fitness following a series of injuries.

Northern Ireland, with three points from four Group F fixtures, are at home to Russia on Friday, 22 March.

Israel are then the visitors at Windsor Park on Tuesday, 26 March.

Michael O'Neill is searching for his first win as Northern Ireland boss and has overseen three consecutive draws in World Cup qualification.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill reveals his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Israel.

Russia are the only side to have beaten them, in the opening fixture , while they have yet to play Israel.

"Russia are are a top team, winning all four qualifiers without conceding a goal," said O'Neill.

"But it's a game where we have everything to gain - Russia will be strong favourites and that suits us.

"We were disappointed to draw our last two home games and we've a chance to make amends against Russia."

Striker Kyle Lafferty and midfielder Chris Baird miss the Russia match because of suspension but will be available to face Israel.

Paterson's availability is particularly important given Lafferty's absence from the first fixture and the injury-enforced absence of Dean Shiels , who hurt his knee playing for Rangers last weekend.

He will now compete with the likes of Billy McKay, who made his debut in the friendly draw against Malta last month, Will Grigg and Jamie Ward for a starting berth up front.

There are recalls, meanwhile, for experienced midfielders Sammy Clingan and Grant McCann.

Clingan captained the side in O'Neill's second match in charge but was dropped while he looked for a new club earlier this season.

He has since been picked up by Kilmarnock and will be in line to take up Baird's position in front of the back four, a role Alex Bruce will also be eyeing.

Peterborough's McCann, meanwhile, is back and veteran goalkeeper Roy Carroll returns after being excused from the Malta friendly.

Northern Ireland squad: Carroll (Olympiacos), Mannus (St Johnstone), McGovern (Falkirk), Hughes (Fulham), McGivern (Hibernian), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), D Lafferty (Burnley), Evans (Manchester United), Bruce (Hull), Davis (Southampton), Norwood (Huddersfield), McCann (Peterborough), McGinn (Aberdeen), Brunt (West Brom), Ferguson (Birmingham), Clingan (Kilmarnock), Little (Rangers), McCourt (Celtic), Grigg (Walsall), McKay (Inverness), Paterson (Burnley), Healy (Bury), Ward (Derby). Available for Israel only: K Lafferty (Sion), C Baird (Fulham)

VIDEO: Wenger's regrets at Arsenal exit

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Southampton v Liverpool

Venue: St Mary's StadiumDate: Saturday, 16 MarchContinue reading the main story Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino could have a full-strength squad.

Danny Fox (thigh) and Steven Davis (illness) are available after missing out last weekend, while January signing Vegard Forren is edging closer to his Saints debut.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has returned to training after a thigh strain and is set for a recall.

Midfielder Joe Allen will again feature despite being told he is facing shoulder surgery in the near future.

As events at Reading this week proved, the battle to stay in the Premier League is getting desperate for the teams involved.

Many compared Brian McDermott's departure with Southampton's decision to bring in Mauricio Pochettino at the expense of Nigel Adkins back in January.

The new Saints boss has a mixed record so far: one win, three draws and three defeats - although that victory was over champions Manchester City last month.

Southampton come into this match four points above third-from-bottom Wigan, while Liverpool, having beaten Tottenham 3-2 last weekend, have now scored 21 goals in their last seven Premier League fixtures.

"Liverpool are flying and there is no pressure on them whatsoever - their manager Brendan Rodgers is not saying that they are going to make the top four or anything like that, just things like his players are playing well and enjoying their football and seeing where it can take them."

As Steven Gerrard said this week, qualification for Europe has to be the target for Liverpool, and they will travel to Hampshire hopeful of repeating their victory over the Saints back in December.

It's about this time of year when you start to look at the remaining fixtures and try and guess how many points a team is likely to get. Liverpool will hope they get enough for at least a top-five finish; Southampton for 17th or above.

The Southampton manager will know all about Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian spent time on loan from Inter Milan playing under Pochettino at Espanyol last season and scored five goals for the Spanish club. The new Saints boss was reportedly keen to bring Coutinho to St Mary's in January.

No preview of a Liverpool fixture can leave out Luis Suarez: 16 goals in his last 16 appearances and a hat-trick in the Reds' last away match at Wigan means the Uruguayan will be eagerly anticipating this trip to another side battling to stay in the division.

Head-to-head

Liverpool won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Anfield in December courtesy of Daniel Agger's first-half header. Jonjo Shelvey and Luis Suarez also hit the woodwork. Southampton have won three of the four previous league meetings against Liverpool played at St Mary's, including the most recent encounter in January 2005. Liverpool's only win at St Mary's Stadium came in January 2002, with Emile Heskey scoring the game's only goal. All the goals in the last three Premier League encounters have been scored in the first half.

Southampton

Southampton have won only one of their last eight league games, seven of them under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Saints would be 17th in the table if the league had started on 21 January, the date of Pochettino's first game in charge. Only Wigan have accrued fewer points (five) against top-half sides than Southampton's nine. Their only win came against Manchester City five weeks ago. Saints have conceded 17 league goals in the 15 minutes immediately before half time - five more than any other club. They have also let in a league-high 28 first-half goals.

Liverpool

The Reds are unbeaten in their last three away matches. Liverpool are the eighth most clinical team in the Premier League this season (14%), up from last place in 2011-12 (9%). Brendan Rodgers's side have scored 12 goals in their last three league matches, and 21 over their last seven league fixtures. Luis Suarez has won four more penalties (nine in total) than any other Premier League player since he arrived in England. Suarez has had 141 attempts on goal in the Premier League this season, 27 more than any other player; 54 have been on target, 55 off target, 32 blocked.

VIDEO: Final Score 2 - Premiership round-up

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VIDEO: MOTD3 - Football's unwritten rules

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Inter Milan 4-1 Tottenham (agg 4-4)

120:00 +2:57

The match has ended.

119:13

Centre by Antonio Cassano, Andrea Ranocchia has a header from close range and clears the crossbar.

119:02

Short corner taken by Antonio Cassano from the left by-line.

118:01

Rodrigo Palacio crosses the ball, William Gallas manages to make a clearance.

115:08

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Antonio Cassano, Headed effort from the edge of the area by Andrea Ranocchia goes wide of the right-hand upright.

114:52

The ball is swung over by Rodrigo Palacio, clearance by Scott Parker.

114:16

Free kick taken by Guilherme Juan.

114:16 Booking Booking Booking for Emmanuel Adebayor for unsporting behaviour.

114:12

Unfair challenge on Walter Gargano by Emmanuel Adebayor results in a free kick.

113:32

Free kick taken by Lewis Holtby.

113:32 Booking Booking Guilherme Juan booked.

113:27

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Emmanuel Adebayor by Guilherme Juan.

112:34

Free kick awarded for a foul by Walter Gargano on Gylfi Sigurdsson. Direct free kick taken by Lewis Holtby.

109:07

Assist on the goal came from Antonio Cassano.

109:07 Goal scored Goal - Ricardo Alvarez - Int Milan 4 - 1 Tottenham Ricardo Alvarez finds the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Inter Milan 4 (4)-(4) 1 Tottenham.

109:05

The ball is swung over by Antonio Cassano,

107:57

Free kick awarded for a foul by Ricardo Alvarez on Jan Vertonghen. Free kick taken by William Gallas.

107:05 Substitution Substitution Andrea Ranocchia is brought on as a substitute for Moreira Jonathan.

105:46

Corner taken by Ricardo Alvarez from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Emmanuel Adebayor.

105:28

Effort from 25 yards by Antonio Cassano. Brilliant save by Brad Friedel.

105:01

Second half of extra-time has started.

105:00 +4:41

Rodrigo Palacio produces a cross, clearance made by William Gallas.

105:00 +2:54

Effort from 12 yards by Rodrigo Palacio. Save made by Brad Friedel. Short corner taken by Rodrigo Palacio from the right by-line. Shot by Moreira Jonathan from 18 yards. Save by Brad Friedel.

104:22

The ball is crossed by Guilherme Juan, save by Brad Friedel.

103:44

Corner taken by Antonio Cassano.

103:03 Substitution Substitution Steven Caulker joins the action as a substitute, replacing Kyle Naughton.

99:08

Unfair challenge on Scott Parker by Esteban Cambiasso results in a free kick. Kyle Walker takes the direct free kick.

97:51

The referee blows for offside against Walter Gargano. Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.

95:57 Goal scored Goal - Emmanuel Adebayor - Int Milan 3 - 1 Tottenham Emmanuel Adebayor gets on the score sheet with a goal from close range low into the middle of the goal. Inter Milan 3 (3)-(4) 1 Tottenham.

95:55

Effort from 20 yards by Mousa Dembele. Save made by Samir Handanovic.

95:36

Foul by Moreira Jonathan on Gylfi Sigurdsson, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Lewis Holtby.

92:48

Corner taken by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the right by-line, Header from close range by William Gallas misses to the right of the goal.

92:11

Corner from the left by-line taken by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Esteban Cambiasso makes a clearance.

91:38

Aaron Lennon takes a shot. Javier Zanetti gets a block in.

90:00 +3:34

The whistle goes to signal the end of normal time, with extra time looming.

90:00 +3:00

The official flags Lewis Holtby offside.

90:00 +1:40

Effort on goal by Esteban Cambiasso from inside the box misses to the right of the target.

88:56

Shot by Rodrigo Palacio from just outside the area goes over the net.

88:12

Ricardo Alvarez takes a shot. Brad Friedel makes a save.

84:38

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Rodrigo Palacio manages to make a clearance.

84:12

Shot by Kyle Naughton. Save made by Samir Handanovic.

83:27

Ricardo Alvarez takes the outswinging corner, Guilherme Juan takes a shot. Save made by Brad Friedel.

83:04

The ball is swung over by Rodrigo Palacio, Kyle Naughton makes a clearance.

81:10

William Gallas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Antonio Cassano. Free kick taken by Marco Benassi.

77:08 Substitution Substitution Marco Benassi comes on in place of Mateo Kovacic.

77:04 Booking Booking Lewis Holtby is shown a yellow card.

79:54

The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Guilherme Juan.

79:08

Corner taken by Antonio Cassano, William Gallas makes a clearance.

78:59

The ball is sent over by Antonio Cassano, blocked by Lewis Holtby.

78:04 Booking Booking Lewis Holtby is booked.

77:08

Free kick taken by Guilherme Juan.

77:08 Substitution Substitution Marco Benassi joins the action as a substitute, replacing Mateo Kovacic.

77:08 Booking Booking Kyle Walker is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.

77:01

Guilherme Juan fouled by Kyle Walker, the ref awards a free kick.

74:58 Goal scored Goal - William Gallas - Int Milan 3 - 0 Tottenham William Gallas puts the ball into his own goal from 6 yards. Inter Milan 3 (3)-(3) 0 Tottenham.

73:45

Unfair challenge on Javier Zanetti by Kyle Walker results in a free kick. Shot on goal comes in from Antonio Cassano from the free kick.

72:51

The ball is delivered by Lewis Holtby, clearance made by Cristian Chivu.

71:28

The referee blows for offside against Rodrigo Palacio. Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.

70:16 Substitution Substitution (Inter Milan) makes a substitution, with Ricardo Alvarez coming on for Fredy Guarin.

68:49

Jan Vertonghen restarts play with the free kick.

68:49 Substitution Substitution Aaron Lennon replaces Jake Livermore.

68:49

Gylfi Sigurdsson fouled by Moreira Jonathan, the ref awards a free kick.

67:54

Javier Zanetti takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.

67:16

The ball is delivered by Moreira Jonathan.

66:03

The offside flag is raised against Emmanuel Adebayor. Guilherme Juan takes the indirect free kick.

64:27

Antonio Cassano is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Brad Friedel.

64:11

Emmanuel Adebayor gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Cristian Chivu. Free kick taken by Mateo Kovacic.

63:52

Rodrigo Palacio delivers the ball, Brad Friedel makes a save.

63:09

The assistant referee flags for offside against Emmanuel Adebayor. Cristian Chivu takes the indirect free kick.

59:29

Jan Vertonghen gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Rodrigo Palacio. Centre by Antonio Cassano, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Esteban Cambiasso goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

57:56

Lewis Holtby concedes a free kick for a foul on Fredy Guarin. Free kick taken by Fredy Guarin.

56:59

Walter Gargano gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Scott Parker. Free kick taken by Kyle Naughton.

55:00

Direct free kick taken by Kyle Naughton.

55:00 Substitution Substitution Jermain Defoe goes off and Lewis Holtby comes on.

55:00

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Scott Parker by Walter Gargano.

51:37

Assist by Esteban Cambiasso.

51:37 Goal scored Goal - Rodrigo Palacio - Int Milan 2 - 0 Tottenham Rodrigo Palacio fires in a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Inter Milan 2 (2)-(3) 0 Tottenham.

51:00

Jan Vertonghen has an effort at goal from 12 yards.

47:58

Emmanuel Adebayor is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Guilherme Juan.

47:28

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jan Vertonghen by Fredy Guarin. William Gallas restarts play with the free kick.

45:55

The assistant referee signals for offside against Rodrigo Palacio. William Gallas takes the indirect free kick.

45:01

The game restarts for the second half.

45:00 +2:22 Half time Half Time The referee calls an end to the first half.

45:00 +1:50

Emmanuel Adebayor produces a left-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.

45:00 +1:33

Fredy Guarin gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on William Gallas. Brad Friedel restarts play with the free kick.

45:00 +0:59

Fredy Guarin takes a shot. Brilliant save by Brad Friedel.

45:00 +0:43

Handball decision goes against Emmanuel Adebayor. Cristian Chivu takes the free kick.

43:57

Rodrigo Palacio crosses the ball.

43:04 Booking Booking Brad Friedel goes into the referee's book for time wasting.

42:37

Shot by Fredy Guarin from outside the box goes high over the target.

39:48

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the left by-line, Samir Handanovic makes a brilliant save.

38:23

Scott Parker gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mateo Kovacic. Guilherme Juan restarts play with the free kick.

37:47

Rodrigo Palacio gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kyle Naughton. Brad Friedel takes the direct free kick.

35:43

Unfair challenge on Mousa Dembele by Esteban Cambiasso results in a free kick. Gylfi Sigurdsson crosses the ball, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Kyle Walker misses to the left of the goal.

34:07

Jermain Defoe crosses the ball, clearance by Guilherme Juan.

31:12

Moreira Jonathan is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.

29:55

Rodrigo Palacio is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Jan Vertonghen restarts play with the free kick.

28:47

Antonio Cassano takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Save made by Brad Friedel.

24:57

Rodrigo Palacio takes a shot.

24:21

Shot on goal by Emmanuel Adebayor from just inside the area clears the crossbar.

23:06

Emmanuel Adebayor is caught offside. Free kick taken by Walter Gargano.

21:57

Esteban Cambiasso takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Comfortable save by Brad Friedel.

21:44

Antonio Cassano fouled by Jake Livermore, the ref awards a free kick. Walter Gargano takes the direct free kick.

21:11

Shot by Gylfi Sigurdsson. Save made by Samir Handanovic.

20:19

The offside flag is raised against Antonio Cassano. Indirect free kick taken by William Gallas.

19:06

Assist by Rodrigo Palacio.

19:06 Goal scored Goal - Antonio Cassano - Int Milan 1 - 0 Tottenham Antonio Cassano finds the net with a headed goal from close in. Inter Milan 1 (1)-(3) 0 Tottenham.

17:53

Esteban Cambiasso fouled by Kyle Walker, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Esteban Cambiasso.

13:56

The official flags Jermain Defoe offside. Guilherme Juan takes the free kick.

13:21

Direct free kick taken by Jan Vertonghen.

13:21 Booking Booking Jake Livermore booked for time wasting.

13:02

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Scott Parker by Esteban Cambiasso.

12:37

Effort on goal by Antonio Cassano from 18 yards. Save made by Brad Friedel.

11:35

Gylfi Sigurdsson delivers the ball.

11:03

Corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the right by-line, clearance made by Rodrigo Palacio.

10:33

Jermain Defoe has an effort at goal from 20 yards. Blocked by Guilherme Juan.

9:39

Antonio Cassano is caught offside. Jan Vertonghen restarts play with the free kick.

4:34

Free kick awarded for a foul by Guilherme Juan on Kyle Naughton. Kyle Naughton takes the free kick.

1:05

Gylfi Sigurdsson fouled by Guilherme Juan, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from left wing, clearance made by Cristian Chivu.

0:00

The game begins.

Barnes ban extended to seven games

Brighton's Ashley Barnes will be banned for seven games after the Football Association gave him an additional three-match suspension for his sending off in Saturday's defeat at Bolton.

Barnes was sent off for violent conduct after he appeared to trip the referee.

The 23-year-old forward was found guilty of behaviour which "constituted an offence whereby the standard punishment...was clearly insufficient".

He was serving a four-game ban before the FA's additional punishment.

Barnes denied the FA charge, but a regulatory commission heard the case on Friday morning and found him guilty.

His original four-match ban had included an extra game for his second dismissal of the season.

The former Plymouth player missed the 2-1 defeat at Barnsley on Tuesday and will now only be available for Brighton's last three games of the Championship season.

Following injuries to Craig Mackail-Smith and Will Hoskins, Leonardo Ulloa is now Brighton's only recognised first-team striker.

Zenit eliminated by 10-man Basel

Russian side Zenit St Petersburg missed a late penalty as 10-man FC Basel knocked them out of the Europa League.

The Swiss team held a two-goal first-leg advantage, although Axel Witsel's 30th-minute header halved the deficit.

Basel had Marcelo Diaz sent off for two bookable offences, but Zenit failed to score again as Yann Sommer saved Roman Shirokov's 86th-minute spot-kick.

England: Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham

Italy: Lazio

Portugal: Benfica

Russia: Rubin Kazan

Switzerland: FC Basel

Turkey: Fenerbahce (pictured)

Quarter-final draw to be made on Friday.

Benfica, Chelsea, Fenerbahce, Lazio, Newcastle, Rubin Kazan and Tottenham also advanced into the quarter-finals.

Spurs beat Inter Milan 3-0 in the first leg at White Hart Lane last week but only scraped through on away goals, losing 4-1 in the San Siro after extra-time.

Chelsea lost 1-0 against Steaua Bucharest in the first leg but Fernando Torres's second goal in 20 games helped the Blues win 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to seal a 3-2 aggregate success.

There was drama at St James' Park as Papiss Cisse headed home in injury-time to give Newcastle a 1-0 aggregate win against Anzhi Makhachkala to make it three English teams in the last eight of the competition.

A hat-trick from Lazio's Libor Kozak helped the Italians to a 5-1 overall win against VfB Stuttgart, while Oscar Cardozo netted twice as Benfica won 3-2 at Bordeaux after a 1-0 first-leg victory.

Extra-time goals from Jose Rondon and Vladimir Dyadyun sealed a 2-0 triumph for Rubin Kazan over Levante after the first match had ended goalless.

Czech side Viktoria Plzen were playing their 16th game in the competition after battling through from the second qualifying round, but their run came to an end as Fenerbahce gained a 1-1 draw to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

England are the only country to have more than one team in Friday's quarter-final draw, with Italy, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland and Turkey having one apiece.

Benitez sure of Chelsea character

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez believes his team have the spirit to be a success this season despite their heavy fixture list.

Benitez's team progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Steaua Bucharest.

30 March v Southampton, away

1 April v Man United, home (FA Cup sixth round replay)

4 April v TBC, (Europa League quarter-final, first leg)

6 April v Sunderland, home *

11 April v TBC (Europa League quarter-final, second leg)

14 April v Tottenham, home, but could be an FA Cup semi-final tie

21 April v Liverpool, away

25 April - Potential Europa League semi-final, first leg

27 April v Swansea, home

2 May - Potential Europa League semi-final, second leg

4 May v Manchester United, home

Premier League unless otherwise stated

* - The Premier League game against Sunderland may be moved to Sunday, 7 April after Chelsea's Europa League progress

It means that after the international break they could play as many as 11 games between 30 March and 4 May.

"I prefer to have this problem because it means we're carrying on and competing," Benitez said.

The victory over Steaua, which saw Chelsea score the two second-half goals they needed to reach the last eight, followed them fighting back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 FA Cup quarter-final draw with Manchester United.

Benitez added: "The comeback against United we showed character, passion, commitment and quality and [the win over Steaua] was exactly the same.

"It was a great victory, a great game, against a good team. Everybody here on our side will be pleased because it was a great performance."

Fernando Torres scored the decisive goal against the Romanians for just his second in 20 matches but hit the bar with a late penalty.

Benitez is optimistic that the striker is finding form at the right time as his team enter the final two months of the season.

The interim manager added: "He has confidence now and he can take the responsibility. We are quite pleased because he was taking the responsibility.

"It's good. He scored and after he had more confidence and that is positive for the team and positive for him for the future. Hopefully it will be the first of a lot."

Chelsea host West Ham before the international break but then begin a hectic end to their season.

They have a Premier League game on 30 March and an FA Cup replay against Manchester United on 1 April.

If they defeat United, they will also have a semi-final against City on 13 or 14 April, which means they will have to reschedule their Premier League fixture against Spurs on 14 April.

If they lose to United, they will have six Premier League fixtures between 30 March and 4 May.

And if Benitez's team make it through their two-legged Europa League quarter-final, they will also have to play both legs of a semi-final, on 25 April and 2 May.

Barca face PSG in Champions League

Four-time winners Barcelona will face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid face Galatasaray, including Didier Drogba, while last year's finalists Bayern Munich meet Juventus and debutants Malaga take on Borussia Dortmund.

Ties will take place on 2-3 April and 9-10 April.

Malaga v Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid v Galatasaray

Paris St-Germain v Barcelona

Bayern Munich v Juventus

For the first time since 1996 there are no representatives from the Premier League in the last eight.

French side Paris St-Germain, with former England captain David Beckham in their ranks, appear in the last-eight for the first time since 1995 - when they defeated Barcelona over two legs before losing to AC Milan in the semi-finals.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho will be wary of the threat posed by his old Blues striker Drogba when the Spanish champions take on the Ivorian's new club Galatasaray.

Bayern Munich, who lost to Chelsea in last year's final, meet a Juventus team who are yet to be beaten in this season's competition.

Another unbeaten team, German champions Borussia Dortmund, travel to Spanish side Malaga in the opening leg for the first meeting between the teams in European competition.

Manchester United and Arsenal were knocked out in the round of 16, while Scottish representatives Celtic were eliminated by Juventus.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger responded to seeing his side lose out to Bayern Munich on away goals by saying it is a "massive wake-up call" that no English clubs made it through to the quarter-finals.

VIDEO: Ex-footballers need job help - Deane

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Pars blame group for deal collapse

Dunfermline say fans' consortium The Pars Community was "unable or unwilling to demonstrate" that it had the funds to buy owner Gavin Masterton's shares.

The group had set a deadline of 10:00 GMT on Friday for Masterton to agree to sell his shares but that passed without an agreement being struck.

It said it was "extremely upset at the outcome of its endeavours".

But Dunfermline maintain that "despite repeated requests" the consortium could not provide proof of £250,000 capital.

Continue reading the main story

“"TPC has worked tirelessly over many months now and is extremely upset at the outcome of its endeavours. ”

The Pars Community The Scottish First Division club has been served a winding-up order by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and has struggled to pay its players on time.

The Pars Community (TPC) wants Masterton, who is owed millions by the club, to stand aside, believing that he is an impediment to saving the troubled Fife outfit.

The group said on Friday afternoon: "TPC has worked tirelessly over many months now and is extremely upset at the outcome of its endeavours.

"We now wish the board of the club well as it seeks to find another solution to its present difficulties.

"The Pars Community has been unable to receive confirmation today from Mr Gavin Masterton's representative that its final, non-negotiable, proposal, made yesterday, was acceptable to Mr Masterton.

"Accordingly, discussions between TPC and Mr Masterton's representative have unfortunately now terminated."

Dunfermline say The Pars Community initially proposed "CHL [Charlestown Holdings Limited, owned by Masterton] and Masterton's shareholding in the club reducing to 10% in return for an investment of £500,000 of which £250,000 was to be underwritten by a group of named individuals and £250,000 was to be raised from supporters".

On top of that, it sought providers of loans to the club to write them down by 60%.

Further talks, claim Dunfermline, sought CHL to reduce its shareholding to zero and for the lenders to take an even greater hit than the 60%.

Dunfermline say they expected an agreement to be made on Friday, which would have kick-started a period of due diligence and "which would have led to the financial transparency they had been so urgently seeking and to verify if the proposed offer was a viable solution".

The club statement added: "However, despite repeated requests to demonstrate that the £250,000 of capital was available by the named supporters to deal with the HMRC issue [it issued a winding-up order for £134,000 in unpaid tax], the TPC were unable or unwilling to demonstrate such availability.

"This led the club to request the TPC to deposit such funds in an escrow account to be released to the club following completion of due diligence.

"At that point the TPC withdrew its offer and subsequently submitted a further proposal, but on significantly more onerous terms than their original one.

"DAFC and its representatives sought a meeting with TPC this afternoon to seek assurances, but the TPC declined this request and have now withdrawn their proposal.

"The Board of DAFC continues to explore all avenues to secure the future of our club as quickly as possible, we will update supporters of progress as soon as possible whilst respecting the financially sensitive nature of the negotiations."

The Pars Community states that it wants Dunfermline Athletic "to move from a model where wealthy or apparently wealthy men and their families run the club and then either pass away, lose interest or lose their money, to a supporters-run model that is becoming increasingly common throughout Britain and on the Continent".

Although discussions have ended the fans group says it "will not rest" until it achieves that objective.

Aston Villa v QPR

Venue: Villa ParkDate: Saturday, 16 MarchContinue reading the main story Aston Villa have no fresh injury concerns but Karim El Ahmadi (ankle) remains out and Fabian Delph completes a two-match ban.

Darren Bent is unlikely to be available after an ankle problem, while Chris Herd (foot) is out for the season.

QPR are boosted by the return to fitness of Julio Cesar and Adel Taarabt, while Armand Traore's calf strain will be assessed.

Bobby Zamora again looks set to play despite carrying hip and ankle knocks.

Seven years ago this month I watched Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth side lose 1-0 at Villa Park to leave them with what looked like an impossible task to avoid relegation. That defeat left them on just 18 points with only 10 games left. Redknapp was so shocked and angry after that game that he could hardly talk to the Match of the Day cameras afterwards.

"This is arguably the game of the week. Both of these sides had good wins last week and they will be looking to keep up that momentum heading into the international break.

"It's probably bigger for Rangers that they win this game, given that Villa are four points above them. From Villa's point of view it's more of a 'must not lose' than the 'must win' game that it is for QPR."

The following week Pedro Mendes scored his famous double against Manchester City and Pompey took an incredible 20 points from those last 10 games to stay up - one of the most unlikely escapes ever.

Have QPR just begun a similar run? Back-to-back wins over Southampton and Sunderland would suggest they might have done. When Redknapp took over at Loftus Road they had a pathetic four points, now they have 23 and a win at Villa could take them to within touching distance of a place outside the bottom three for the first time this season.

Rangers' fans will hope that comparisons with Portsmouth end there. The many millions Rangers spent in January has given them a chance, but the stakes are unbelievably high. The club faces massive and unsustainable losses if they don't stay up.

When they beat Portsmouth seven years ago, Villa fans were disgruntled, attendances were dipping and the manager was under intense pressure. So not much has changed, except that back in 2006 they were 14th in the table and now they are 17th and in extreme peril of relegation themselves.

Villa's win at Reading last weekend was huge. A win over QPR could arguably be even bigger but the last time they put together back-to-back Premier League wins was May 2011.

One recent financial report estimated that Aston Villa have the Premier League's seventh highest wage bill; have a think about who you reckon those big Villa earners are and then have a look to see how many of them are regulars in the team.

Paul Lambert has certainly been resolute in the opinion that his collection of kids has more chance of keeping him in a job than some of the more famous and well-remunerated members of his squad. It is the antithesis of Queens Park Rangers' policy. The next nine games will determine who is right.

Head-to-head

The two clubs have met 41 times in the league and never shared a goalless draw. The last three meetings have ended all-square, including the 1-1 draw at Loftus Road earlier this season when Jamie Mackie cancelled out Brett Holman's early strike for Villa in Harry Redknapp's first home game in charge. QPR have never won at Villa Park in the Premier League (D1, L5). The visitors last won in March 1992, when a Les Ferdinand strike secured a 1-0 win. Villa's last clean sheet against QPR was a 2-0 home win in November 1992 - the first Premier League meeting between the clubs. They have met 10 times since that date.

Aston Villa

Villa have won only one of their last seven league matches at Villa Park (W1, D1, L5). Paul Lambert's side have taken just 16 points from a possible 39 against sides in the bottom half of the table (W4, D5, L5), only Reading and opponents QPR (W2, D7, L4) have fewer (13 points). No team has scored fewer goals or conceded more in the second-half of games than Villa (13 scored, 36 conceded). Christian Benteke has scored six league goals in his last seven outings. Charles N'Zogbia could make the 200th league start of his career.

QPR

If the Premier League had started on 27 November (Harry Redknapp's first game), QPR would be 10th - five points above the relegation zone. Rangers have scored more than once in just five league matches this season, and two of those have come in their recent back-to-back victories. They have lost only one of five matches against the four clubs directly above them, taking six points from 15. The defeat was November's 3-1 loss at home to Southampton. QPR are yet to concede a penalty this season - a feat only leaders Manchester United can match. Loic Remy has scored three league goals in four starts for QPR.

Stoke v West Brom

Venue: Britannia StadiumDate: Saturday, 16 MarchContinue reading the main story Stoke winger Matthew Etherington could miss a third successive match with a back problem.

Cameron Jerome is unlikely to start after going off with a knee complaint against Newcastle last week, while Robert Huth completes a suspension.

West Brom striker Shane Long remains doubtful with the ankle injury that kept him out last weekend.

Steven Reid is also still struggling with a groin problem which kept him out of the same game against Swansea.

It's certainly not been a happy new year for Stoke City, and while it's not taken on annus horribilis proportions just yet, the need for a pick-me-up is increasing.

They ended 2012 on a 10-game unbeaten streak which left them just four points off European qualification, and with hopes high of a first top-10 finish in the Premier League. They've added just four points in 2013.

"Stoke were a bit unlucky to lose so late on against Newcastle last Sunday but they were beaten at home by West Ham the week before and some of their fans have been giving Potters boss Tony Pulis some stick.

"Those fans have got short memories, however, because they should remember how far they have come under Pulis in his time in charge."

Despite being on the top division's worst current run, there's no real threat of relegation but the Potters' feelings of disappointment and frustration is now palpable.

Last week's game at Newcastle has been typical of their recent woes. Despite leading with less than 20 minutes to go, they ultimately left with nothing, conceding a last-minute winner. It will be of scant consolation that even Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admitted Stoke hadn't deserved to lose.

Among a quintet of clubs on 33 points, they could end the weekend in 10th and looking upwards. Defeat would mean that some of their most pessimistic supporters may well begin to look the other way.

Even fortress Britannia has started to display some uncharacteristic signs of wear and tear - its usually impregnable defences have been breached by defeats to West Ham and Chelsea in the league and Manchester City in the FA Cup since the turn of the year.

West Brom will arrive there in the kind of position that Stoke will eye with enormous envy. Already through the magical 40-point barrier, they've never been out of the top half of the table this season.

Back in December in the midst of their own hot streak, Stoke emerged victorious at The Hawthorns, extending their recent record against the Baggies to nine wins from the last 12 meetings. What they would give to make it 10 from 13 this weekend.

Head-to-head

West Brom won this fixture 2-1 last season, with Graham Dorrans scoring a last-minute winner for the Baggies. The home side has failed to win any of the last six Premier League meetings, losing five times. These two clubs first met before the Football League was created, with West Brom winning 4-1 in the FA Cup fifth round in 1888.

Stoke

Stoke have lost seven of their last nine Premier League games, including their last three. They have won just one of their last 10 in the league and have the worst Premier League record in 2013, picking up four points from nine matches. Only bottom-of-the-table QPR (24) have scored fewer Premier League goals than Stoke (27) this season. Stoke have failed to score in 12 league matches this season, more than any other club in the division. Only one of their goals has come from outside of the penalty box. Only four teams have conceded fewer than Stoke's 35 goals in this season's Premier League, but the Potters have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 11 league matches. Peter Crouch has only scored once since September.

West Brom

West Brom have 43 points from 29 matches this season - their best record at this stage of a top-flight season since they had the equivalent of 51 points in 1980-81. They have lost four of their last five away matches in the league. The Baggies earned 21 points from their first 14 away games last season; in this campaign, they have earned 14 from 14. Romelu Lukaku has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League appearances. He is the top-scoring teenager in a single Premier League season since Michael Owen scored 18 for Liverpool in 1998-99. The Baggies are the only Premier League team yet to have an English goalscorer this season. The last Englishman to score for the club in the league was Liam Ridgewell, in the 3-0 home win over Blackburn in April 2012.

Kompany and Aguero close to return

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is confident Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero will return against Newcastle on 30 March.

City captain Kompany has been out since January with a calf problem.

Striker Aguero, 24, has not played since sustaining a knee injury in the 2-0 win over Chelsea on 24 February.

"Vincent is not in our plans for [Everton] but I think he will be ready for the Newcastle game, like Sergio," Mancini said.

Former Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has only managed nine Premier League goals this season after scoring 23 on the way to City winning the title in his first campaign in England.

"It is difficult. Vinny is a really important player for us and now it is 45 days he has been out. It is a big problem.

"Sergio is in Argentina but he will come back on Sunday."

The City manager has also denied speculation linking him with a move to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.

The Italian added: "It is cold here, I think St Petersburg is [colder]? It is absolutely not true."

Villas-Boas expects racism action

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas says he expects Uefa to take action against Inter Milan after their supporters appeared to racially abuse his players in the aggregate win at the San Siro.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored a crucial away goal to knock out Inter as Spurs reached the Europa League last eight.

"It was very, very easy to hear the chanting so I am sure that Uefa will act on it," said Villas-Boas.

"It's difficult for Inter because it is something that has happened before."

Tottenham lost the game 4-1 on the night, but Adebayor's goal in extra time meant the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate with Spurs winning on away goals.

Villas-Boas, a former coach at Inter under Jose Mourinho, added: "It doesn't mar the game but it is something that should have been avoided."

Inter have already been fined £43,000 (50,000 euros) by Serie A officials this season after their fans were found guilty of racially abusing former Inter players Mario Balotelli and Sulley Muntari, who now play for AC Milan, in the Milan derby last month.

England: Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy: Lazio

Portugal: Benfica

Russia: Rubin Kazan

Switzerland: FC Basel

Turkey: Fenerbahce

Quarter-final draw to be made on Friday.

Uefa has also fined Lazio on two separate occasions this season for their fans' behaviour, including racist chanting, during Europa League group matches against Spurs.

During Inter's win over Tottenham, monkey chants were reported with an inflatable banana also seen in the crowd.

Adebayor's 96th-minute extra-time goal came after Inter had dragged themselves back from a three-goal deficit in the first leg at White Hart Lane.

Antonio Cassano's first-half header was followed up by Rodrigo Palacio's strike and a William Gallas own-goal, but Adebayor's finish meant that Inter needed another two goals to progress, despite pulling one back through Ricardo Alvarez.

The result was Tottenham's first defeat in the Europa League this season, but they join Chelsea and Newcastle in the competition's quarter-finals.

Villas-Boas, who steered Porto to Europa League success in 2011, added: "The players have been magnificent to get us into the quarter finals.

"It's a valuable lesson for us tonight, but we have players who can make a difference in the important moments. We are happy to go through. The players kept fighting in extra time, showing they wanted it and we look forward to the draw."

VIDEO: Reading owner on club's philosophy

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VIDEO: Moyes will leave Everton - Savage

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Torres left out of Spain squad

Fernando Torres has been left out of the Spain squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France.

The 28-year-old Chelsea striker was omitted from recent friendlies against Panama and Uruguay but has made the squad for earlier World Cup qualifiers.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said: "Especially for strikers, inconsistency worries us and Fernando's inconsistency provoked a sense of insecurity in us."

Torres has scored 31 goals in 101 appearances for his country.

Chelsea

2012-13 - 17 (to 14 March)

2011-12 - 11

2010-11 - 1 (part season)

Liverpool

2010-11 - 9 (part season)

2009-10 - 22

2008-09 - 17

2007-08 - 33

Golden Boot winner as top-scorer in Spain's victorious Euro 2012 campaign last summer, he has 17 goals in all competitions for Chelsea this season. But he has not found the net in the Premier League in 2013 and scored only his third goal in 20 games as Chelsea beat Steaua Bucharest in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday.

He last appeared for Spain as a second-half substitute in the World Cup qualifier with France in Madrid in October.

Other high-profile absentees from Spain's squad include veteran defender Carles Puyol of Barcelona and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, whose injury sees Manchester United's David De Gea return to the squad in search of a first cap. Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes and Liverpool's Jose Reina are also in the squad.

Torres's club-mate Cesar Azpilicueta and Malaga midfielder Isco are both retained after making their international debuts last month against Uruguay.

There is still no place for Swansea's in-form striker Michu, however.

Spain squad to play Finland and France

Goalkeepers: Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Jose Reina (Liverpool), David de Gea (Man Utd)

Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Javi Garcia (Man City), Isco (Malaga)

Forwards : David Villa (Barcelona), David Silva (Man City), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Jesus Navas (Sevilla).

VIDEO: Three chairmen, one room

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VIDEO: Di Canio on West Ham and Reading

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Millwall bring in Chaplow & Easter

Millwall have completed the loan signings of Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow and Crystal Palace striker Jermaine Easter.

Both Chaplow, 28, and Easter, 31, join the Lions until the end of the season.

Chaplow is eligible to play in Millwall's FA Cup semi-final against Wigan next month, but Wales international Easter is cup-tied.

Easter had a previous loan spell at the New Den in 2008, when he scored one goal in six matches.

Chaplow has been restricted to six appearances for Saints this season, while Easter has scored twice in 11 games for Palace.

VIDEO: Motson on Gubba and the Berlin wall

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Everton v Man City

Venue: Goodison ParkDate: Saturday, 16 MarchContinue reading the main story Everton continue to be without first-choice goalkeeper Tim Howard (back) so Jan Mucha will again start.

John Heitinga is again expected to deputise for Phil Jagielka (ankle) at the heart of the defence.

Manchester City will again be with injured striker Sergio Aguero (knee) and captain Vincent Kompany, who will sit out his eighth successive match with an ongoing calf problem.

Jack Rodwell misses out against his former club with a hamstring injury.

David Moyes may have celebrated 11 years as Everton manager on Thursday but I'm sure the anniversary passed without much fanfare after a tough seven days.

Their capitulation to Wigan in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend was a real surprise. Many Evertonians, neutrals and plain old football romantics believed the Cup could provide a long-overdue trophy for Moyes and the club before he potentially walks off into the sunset at the end of his contract.

Instead, Everton's supporters have been left wondering what the future holds. Despite their encouraging start to the season, Everton have fallen well off the pace for Champions League qualification, and to confound matters Liverpool moved above them in the Premier League table for the first time this campaign last Sunday. It's a worrying time for the blue half of Merseyside.

"Everton had a disastrous result in the FA Cup against Wigan last week. Take nothing away from the Latics, who deserved their 3-0 win, but I think the crowd at Goodison Park were absolutely stunned by what happened. I get the impression that the manager, coaching staff and players were too.

"At the moment, it looks like the Toffees' season has lasted two months too long because they have run out of steam in some key positions and have not been able to freshen things up."

The Toffees may be glum but I'm sure Roberto Mancini's message to his Manchester City squad will be 'beware the wounded animal'. Mancini's City have never taken so much as a point off Everton on three previous trips to Goodison during the Italian's reign. In fact it's a miserly four points from a possible 21 for Mancini in his tussles against Moyes.

Last season, after City's 1-0 defeat away to the Toffees, Mancini shocked me in his post-match press conference when he candidly admitted to errors: "It's all my fault, I didn't prepare the team for this game properly" - effectively admitting that he underestimated Everton. I would envisage the City boss will have left no stone unturned on the training ground this time around.

Unlike the Toffees, City comfortably negotiated their way into the FA Cup semi-finals and have shown decent league form since regrouping after their own shock defeat by Southampton.

If City are to prolong any hopes of retaining their league title it's games like this they must win, especially when they kick-off before Manchester United and can apply some pressure.

Moyes, on the other hand, will simply be desperate to inspire his Everton side to more heroics against the champions and restore some bruised pride. Only then might he finally be able to consign one of the most difficult weeks of his Goodison Park tenure to the history books.

Head-to-head

Manchester City's only win in their last seven Premier League games against Everton came in September 2011, when Mario Balotelli and James Milner scored in a 2-0 home victory. Everton have won each of their last three home matches against City. It's 92 years since they last won four successive home matches in this fixture. The two clubs met on this date in the top-flight 101 years ago; City won 4-0 at their then-Hyde Road ground.

Everton

Everton's FA Cup defeat by Wigan last weekend was only their second home defeat in 17 matches in all competitions this season. Their other defeat came against Chelsea in December. The Toffees have only failed to score in four of their 28 league games this campaign; however, three of those have come in the last seven matches. David Moyes's side have conceded more headed goals (14) in the Premier League this season than any other club. Everton have drawn 12 of their league games, a joint-league high with Stoke and Norwich. If selected, Leon Osman will be making his 300th start in all competitions for Everton, while Nikica Jelavic will be appearing in his 50th match for the Toffees. He has scored 18 goals for the club.

Manchester City

Victory would provide Manchester City with their 1,800th win in league football. Manchester City have won their last two Premier League matches and kept clean sheets in them both. They have shut out the opposition in six of their last eight league matches, and kept a league-high 13 clean sheets in 28 games this season. Roberto Mancini's side have only dropped four points from winning positions this season, winning 14 games and drawing two. It's the equal-best record in the Premier League alongside Manchester United and Arsenal. City's only defeat in 13 meetings against top-half opposition came in December's Manchester derby against United (W7, D5, L1).

Saints hit with £20,000 FA fine

Southampton have been fined £20,000 by the Football Association after admitting a charge of failing to control their players.

The Saints were charged following unsavoury scenes during last Saturday's goalless draw at Norwich City.

Referee Mark Clattenburg was surrounded by Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino and his players at the final whistle after awarding Norwich a late penalty.

Norwich City 0-0 Southampton

Pochettino later said he regretted confronting Clattenburg.

A statement on the Football Association website said:  "The FA has today fined Southampton £20,000 after they admitted a charge of failing to control their players."

Clattenburg awarded the controversial penalty in injury-time after Luke Shaw was adjudged to have fouled Canaries striker Grant Holt.

But Saints goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved Holt's spot-kick to help earn his struggling side a point.

Pochettino admitted emotion got the better of him - with his side battling to secure their Premier League status.

"All managers have to set an example," the Argentine told BBC Radio Solent.

"It is hard to control your emotions in such a difficult and important game for us, especially when you concede a penalty against your own interests.

"At that time it is hard to control your emotions. We all thought it was not a penalty and an unjust call and we were all upset and angry at that moment."

When asked whether he regretted it, Pochettino replied: "In a way, yes.

"Nonetheless I approached him with full respect but perhaps I should have waited for him to come to the dugout. But still I approached him with full respect.

"I experience all games with a lot of intensity. I am fully aware of the club's situation and what is at stake in every single game. I'm dedicated to the job and I care about the club."

Ben Arfa may miss rest of season

Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa could miss the rest of the season as he looks set for surgery on a hamstring injury.

The France international, 26, returned from 12 weeks out in last week's goalless draw at Anzhi Makhachkala.

Ben Arfa has managed just 32 Premier League starts in his three seasons in England.

But after missing the subsequent two matches, he is facing another spell on the sidelines.

"I think he's going to need an operation on his hamstring, and it will probably leave him missing for the rest of the year," said manager Alan Pardew.

"[Next season is] the priority for him now because he's been a huge miss for us.

"He gives us that X-factor. Unfortunately for Hatem, that's the news that he didn't want to hear but as far as we are concerned, the team has responded well in his absence and hopefully, we do that until the end of the year."

Pardew insists that playing Ben Arfa in Moscow did not exacerbate the problem.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "That didn't have an impact on it. We felt prior to that game he had done everything he had wanted to do, the medical team gave me the full clearance, we'd done all the scans, he'd had two weeks recuperation and training."

Ben Arfa initially joined Newcastle on loan in August 2010 before completing a £2m permanent deal in January 2011.

The midfielder suffered a double leg break in October 2010.

Ban clubs for racist fans - Wenger

Arsene Wenger has suggested banning clubs who fail to punish racist fans, but said players should not walk off the pitch.

Inter Milan supporters appeared to racially abuse Tottenham players in the Europa League on Thursday.

"If you walk off, we have no game anymore," the Arsenal manager said.

“This trend of black players representing English clubs abroad being roundly abused in this way, needs to be dealt with”

Lord Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out "When losing, anybody could start racist chants. To ban them, or even to ban the clubs that do not punish their racist fans, is a better answer."

The debate regarding how to combat racism in football has been revisited after accusations towards Inter Milan supporters at the San Siro.

Inter have already been fined £43,000 (50,000 euros) by Serie A officials this season after their fans were found guilty of racially abusing AC Milan pair Mario Balotelli and Sulley Muntari in the Milan derby last month.

A friendly between AC Milan and Italian lower division club Pro Patria was suspended on 3 January after players walked off because of racist chants.

Uefa says it is aware of the reports of racist behaviour during the Inter and Spurs game, but will wait for the match report before deciding if there is a case to answer under their disciplinary procedures.

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel played in the match against Inter Milan but did not hear the alleged chants.

He said: "[Uefa] can do what they are doing and set up campaigns and things of this nature, but until certain countries want to set up their infrastructure and school systems, and they go inside the parents' heads and the households, things will not change."

In October 2012, Lazio were fined £32,500 following racist chanting at White Hart Lane a month previously, when Tottenham trio Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend were reportedly subjected to monkey chants.

The club were also fined £120,000 for the behaviour of their fans, including racist chanting, in Europa League games against Tottenham and Maribor in November and December respectively.

However, Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of the anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, thinks Uefa is not doing enough.

"This trend of black players representing English clubs abroad being roundly abused in this way, needs to be dealt with," said Ouseley.

"Again, it appears that the match officials have failed in their duty to protect the players under their watch."

And Football Association chairman David Bernstein said it was "unacceptable and concerning that clubs in Europe have had to endure recurrences of abuse this season".

He added: "I am sure Uefa will take appropriate action but it also reminds us of the need to work collectively across national and international football authorities to deal with this serious issue, as we are also doing in this country."

VIDEO: Archive: Ferdinand scores for England

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Coutinho is 'similar to Messi'

Venue: St Mary's StadiumDate: Saturday, 16 MarchLiverpool's Philippe Coutinho has similar qualities to Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, according to Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino.

On Saturday, the Saints host a Liverpool side likely to include the 20-year-old, who has impressed since moving from Inter Milan in January.

Pochettino coached the Brazilian for a time at Espanyol in Spain last season.

"As with most Brazilians, Philippe has a special magic in his feet," the Saints boss said.

Born: June 1992, Rio de Janeiro Height: 5ft 6ins Clubs: Vasco da Gama (2009-10), Inter Milan (2010-12), Espanyol (2012, loan) International: Won 2011 Under-20 World Cup; one Brazil cap (friendly v Iran, October 2010) "Aside from the magic that he has, he also has an amazing work rate and that makes us doubt whether he fits the mould of a typical Brazilian player or a European one because his work ethic is outstanding.

"What is important about him is he is a good lad, a good kid - a great, humble person."

And the Argentine coach, who tried to bring the player to St Mary's in January, placed him - potentially at least - in the company of fellow countryman and Barcelona legend Messi and Brazilian veteran Ronaldinho.

"I do think Coutinho has that same quality that Ronaldinho and Messi have, but he has much to prove yet," said Pochettino.

"What is really clear to me is that Coutinho is a really responsible player - really dedicated and responsible to his own players."

Coutinho has quickly settled into life at Anfield since his £8.5m switch, with Liverpool winning all three of the Premier League games he has started.

He has struck up a good partnership with Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, with the Brazilian calling his team-mate "phenomenal", but he admits the physicality of the Premier League has come as a surprise to him.

"It is very different here. In Brazil the game is very open, the defenders are not as tight with the attacker. I think this is the hardest thing here," Coutinho told the Liverpool website.

"Also the game is very quick - but I feel I can improve these things during training and improve my intensity. I have been doing some body building, too, so I can get more used to the physicality."

Coutinho worked under former Espanyol coach Pochettino during a loan spell last season, but the Saints boss was coy about his efforts to sign the midfielder in January.

"What has happened in the past, happened in the past," Pochettino said. "We can't change it or do anything about it. Actually, talking about it is not going to do anything positive either."

VIDEO: Pardew uses Rodgers scouting report

Venue: St James' ParkDate: Thursday 14 MarchKick-off: 20:05 GMTCoverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live and ESPN

VIDEO: Access all areas with Billy Davies

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VIDEO: Moussi dreams of Premier League

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Champions League's eight contenders

By Andy Brassell European football expert The draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League took place in Nyon on Friday.

For the first time since 1996 there will be no representatives from the Premier League in the last eight.

Nonetheless, with teams from five different nations still left in the competition this is perhaps the sort of cosmopolitan Champions League that Michel Platini dreamed of when he came to the Uefa presidency in 2007.

The remaining teams comprise a rich variety of styles and experience, and have made for some mouth-watering ties. Paris Saint-Germain face Barcelona, Malaga meet Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid play Galatasaray and Bayern Munich were drawn against Juventus.

BBC Sport profiles this year's quarter-finalists.

How they got here: It hasn't been the canter to the quarter-finals that many expected. Barca won the group despite a shock loss at Celtic, and another defeat in Milan in the last 16 looked as if it would be fatal. The 4-0 win over the Italians at the Camp Nou was thrilling, but offered evidence of the excellence and the flaws of Tito Vilanova's side in equal measure.

Founded: 1899 Stadium: Camp Nou President: Sandro Rosell Coach: Tito Vilanova (Jordi Roura is currently in charge while Vilanova recovers from throat cancer) European honours: European Cup (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011); European Cup Winners' Cup/Uefa Cup Winners' Cup (1979, 1982, 1989, 1997); Super Cup (1992, 1997, 2009, 2011) Domestic form: A record-breaking start saw Barca win 18 and draw one of their first 19 games. Even though successive defeats to Real Madrid (in the Copa del Rey semi-final and La Liga) were damaging, they remain 13 points clear of the champions at the table's summit.

Formation: Usually it's 4-3-3, though that sometimes becomes 3-4-3, as it did against Milan in the second leg. While Pep Guardiola's team used possession as a containment tactic as well as an attacking one, Vilanova's model are a little more aggressive - and therefore perhaps a touch more vulnerable to the counter.

One to watch: Jordi Alba. He came through La Masia as a winger, but was converted to a left-back under Unai Emery at Valencia, and returned as Spain's established choice in that position in 2012. As adroit in defence as attack, Alba has covered more ground than any other Barca player in this year's competition.

Champions League fact: When Barcelona beat Manchester United at Wembley in 2011, they became only the fourth club to win the trophy more than once in the same stadium after AC Milan, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

How they got here: It's been hard. After emerging from a tough group featuring Dortmund, Manchester City and Ajax, they squeezed past Manchester United in the first knockout round. The opening game with City has been their European season in microcosm - sporadically brilliant, but living dangerously.

Founded: 1902 Stadium: The Bernabeu Owner: Florentino Perez Coach: Jose Mourinho European honours: European Cup (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002); Uefa Cup (1985, 1986); Uefa Super Cup (2002) Domestic form : A slow start to the campaign quickly put a block on any aspirations of retaining their hard-won La Liga title, especially in light of Barcelona's stellar form. Jose Mourinho said in September he "didn't recognise" his team, but they have looked more themselves in the last two clasicos.

Formation: Mourinho's tried and tested 4-2-3-1 is their way, with the tendency to counter-attack. Yet there have been a few tweaks; Xabi Alonso remains deep in midfield but his partner Sami Khedira has more and more licence to make attacking inroads in central areas

One to watch: Raphael Varane. Having come through the excellent Lens academy, the 19-year-old centre-back joined in 2011. Jose Mourinho initially considered loaning him out, but after seeing him in training and practice matches changed his mind. Varane is powerful, fast and extremely cool under pressure.

Champions League fact: El Real won each of the first five editions of the trophy, but only two players played in all of the finals - Paco Gento and Alfredo Di Stefano, with the latter scoring in all five.

How they got here: Perhaps the least fancied of all the teams in the last 16, Malaga edged out Porto with an excellent second leg comeback against the experienced Porto. The Andalucians were - along with the Portuguese champions - the first team to qualify from the group, after just four games.

Founded: 1904 Stadium: La Rosaleda Owner: Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani Coach: Manuel Pellegrini European honours: Uefa Intertoto Cup (2002) Domestic form: Malaga are currently in the same fourth spot that got them into the Champions League - and again, it's almost by default, with a 13-point gap to Atletico Madrid in third, with Manuel Pellegrini's side drawing too many of their games.

Formation: Pellegrini is famously a fan of 4-4-2 and that's how Malaga usually line up. Coveted playmaker Isco cuts in from the left and Joaquin stretches the play on the right, with Jeremy Toulalan and Manuel Iturra holding the fort in the middle.

One to watch: Lucas Piazon. The teenage forward joined the club on loan from Chelsea in January and has made a swift impact. The Brazilian has good vision, passes well and works incredibly hard all over the pitch.

Champions League fact: In qualifying for the first time this season, Malaga became the third club from Andalucia to compete in the Champions League. Winger Joaquin has played in the competition for one of the others, Real Betis, as well as Valencia.

How they got here: In rather less style than they hoped, with a 2-0 home defeat in the second leg against Arsenal seeing them through on away goals. Bayern edged their group from a competitive Valencia side, after recovering from a shock defeat to BATE Borisov in their second outing.

Founded: 1900 Stadium: Allianz Arena President: Uli Hoeness Coach: Jupp Heynckes European honours: European Cup (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001); Uefa Cup/Uefa Europa League (1996); Uefa Cup Winners' Cup (1967) Domestic form: Imperious. Bayern are 20 points clear at the top of the table. They have scored 67 and conceded just 10 in their 25 Bundesliga games to date.

Formation: 4-2-3-1 is Bayern's default. The question is not how but who, such is the plethora of options available to coach Jupp Heynckes. The form of Mario Mandzukic and Thomas Mueller has been such that players of the stature of Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben must wait for their chance.

One to watch: Javi Martinez. Despite impressing at centre-back for Athletic Bilbao last season, the Spanish international has returned to his original midfield role for Bayern. The Bundesliga's record signing has the strength to win the ball and the craft to begin attacks as well.

Champions League fact: Bayern are the only side to have ever won the trophy after a replay. They beat Atletico Madrid 4-0 in 1974 after Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck's equaliser in the last minute of extra-time snatched a draw in the original final.

How they got here: Via the hardest route possible, frankly. Dortmund topped a group containing Premier League champions Manchester City, Real Madrid and Ajax, going unbeaten. They then removed dark horses Shakhtar Donetsk with a clinical display in the second leg in north-west Germany, winning 5-2 on aggregate.

Founded: 1909 Stadium: Westfalenstadion President: Reinhard Rauball Coach: Jurgen Klopp European honours: European Cup (1997); Uefa Cup Winners' Cup (1966) Domestic form: Having won the Bundesliga in successive years, Dortmund have taken their eye off the ball at home. They are second but lie an enormous 20 points behind Bayern Munich.

Formation: It's a fashionable 4-2-3-1, with Jakub Blaszczykowski, Mario Goetze and Marco Reus lining up behind lone front man Robert Lewandowski. The burgeoning synergy between Goetze and Reus is the focal point of many of Dortmund's attacks, and Goetze has even slipped into the false nine role when Lewandowski has been absent.

One to watch: Ilkay Gundogan. This 22-year-old central midfielder has become vital to Dortmund during his second season at the club. Mobile and an excellent passer, he was bought to nominally replace Nuri Sahin in 2011, and now keeps the former Liverpool loanee on the bench.

Champions League fact: When Dortmund beat Juventus in the 1997 final, current Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert became the first British player to win the trophy with a non-British side.

How they got here: The last 16 win over Celtic looked easier on paper than it was in reality, especially in the first leg at Celtic Park, but it was a breeze after a tough group stage. Antonio Conte's team emerged top and unbeaten from a group containing reigning champions Chelsea and stylish Shakhtar Donetsk.

Founded: 1897 Stadium: Juventus Stadium Owner: Agnelli family Coach: Antonio Conte European honours: European Cup (1985, 1996, pictured); Uefa Cup (1977, 1990, 1993); Uefa Cup Winners' Cup (1984); Uefa Intertoto Cup (1999); Uefa Super Cup (1984, 1996) Domestic form: After going unbeaten in the whole of last season, they've already lost four in this one, but their combination of their stamina and their rivals' failings see them nine points clear.

Formation: Juve's strength is in their adaptability. They usually use a 3-5-2 shape, but occasionally line up in a 4-1-3-2. Versatile defender Giorgio Chiellini is usually the key to facilitating the switch, though the preferred three-man defence gives wing-backs Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah the opportunity to join attacks.

One to watch: Paul Pogba. Many doubted the 19-year-old's wisdom in turning down a new contract at Old Trafford to head to Turin, but he has proved the naysayers wrong. The French midfielder is as stylish as he is strong, and has already scored a clutch of eye-catching goals for his new employers.

Champions League fact: Along with Bayern, Juventus hold the record for having lost the most European Cup/Champions League finals. They've been defeated in all but two of their seven appearances in the showpiece.

How they got here: The 3-2 aggregate win over Valencia in the last 16 was tighter than it should have been after an excellent first leg display in Spain. Carlo Ancelotti's team had already won five of their six group games to end with 15 points - the highest total of any team.

Founded: 1970 Stadium: Parc des Princes Owner: Qatar Investment Authority Coach: Carlo Ancelotti European honours: Uefa Cup Winners' Cup (1996); Uefa Intertoto Cup (2001) Domestic form: Currently Ligue 1 leaders by a five-point margin, PSG have frequently laboured to wins, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic deciding games with individual magic.

Formation: Ancelotti switched to 4-4-2 for the final Champions League group game with Porto, and have stuck with it since. The new shape now sees Lucas Moura provide pace on the right and Javier Pastore cut in and pick passes from the left.

Player to watch: Blaise Matuidi. This 25-year-old midfielder has improved exponentially under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, and has added a technical finesse to his physical power. In PSG's new system, he has even broken forward to score some vital goals this season.

Champions League fact: Ezequiel Lavezzi has five goals in this season's competition, leaving him just two goals short of the club's all-time Champions League top scorer - George Weah, all seven of which the Liberian legend scored in PSG's run to the 1994-95 semi-finals.

England's Champions League representative: Following Arsenal's exit from the Champions League on Wednesday, English interest might rest with David Beckham. If the midfielder, who joined the club in January, starts a game for PSG in the Champions League, it will be his first start since playing for AC Milan against Manchester United in 2010.

How they got here: By the skin of their teeth. Galatasaray don't know the meaning of the phrase 'easy route'. After a scratchy start to a group containing Manchester United, they have progressed to the quarter-finals on the back of three successive away wins. The last-16 victory at an in-form Schalke was undoubtedly the most impressive of the trio.

Founded: 1905 Stadium: Turk Telekom Arena Chairman: Unal Aysal Coach: Fatih Terim European honours: Uefa Cup (2000); Uefa Super Cup (2000) Domestic form: Like Juve, Galatasaray have found managing European and domestic commitments tricky. A draw and a defeat in their last two Super Lig games have seen their lead cut to four points.

Formation: Coach Fatih Terim is committed to an attack-minded game, so the arrival of Didier Drogba has not led to joint-Champions League top scorer Burak Yilmaz dropping out. They play together in a 4-1-3-2, with Wesley Sneijder tucked in behind. Felipe Melo, who played a more box-to-box role last season, has returned to sitting deep.

One to watch: Selcuk Inan. This 28-year-old midfielder has transformed Galatasaray in the centre of the park since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2011. An accomplished passer of the ball, Inan scores and creates plentifully and is a master at set-pieces.

Champions League fact: The furthest that Cimbom have reached in the competition is the 1989 semi-final, where they were soundly beaten by a Gheorghe Hagi-inspired Steaua Bucharest. Hagi joined Gala seven years later and led them to a UEFA Cup final win over Arsenal in 2000.