Wenger: No distractions please!

Manager Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal must stay focused on securing a "formidable" end to the current season.

All the talk this week has been about captain Cesc Fabregas leaving the club.

The Gunners captain is set to return after three months out with a serious knee injury for the visit of Manchester City on Saturday.

Even though the Spain international has been out of action, that has not stopped Barcelona president Joan Laporta once again declaring his wish to one day see the 21-year-old back at the Nou Camp, sparking speculation of a big-money summer transfer swoop for the central midfielder.

Leading scorer Robin van Persie - out on Saturday with a groin problem - and England forward Theo Walcott, who returns from a minor knee injury, have yet to have agree new deals with the Emirates Stadium club.

Much has been made of whether Arsenal are able to meet the expectation levels of their top men with silverware.

But as the Gunners, currently fourth in the Premier League, enter the defining period of the campaign - which includes a Champions League quarter-final with Villarreal and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley - Wenger has called for the players to keep their attentions firmly fixed on the job in hand.

"Our success depends on how well we focus on short-term and how intelligent we are to rule out all the long-term speculation," the Arsenal manager said.

"We have answered that question [on Fabregas] for five years now.

"What is important is that a player like Cesc can come back into the squad and help us be successful."

Wenger maintained: "What is important for us is not who stays in July or who goes, it is how much we focus on the next game.

"It is how well we deal with that kind of thing inside the club; that is more important than what people say.

"Any distraction would be a weakness from our side and a wrong excuse. We do not want that.

"We cannot influence what people say, or write or think.

"We can influence how much success we can achieve together.

"The period which is in front of us can be a formidable human experience for our players, and that is what I want it to be."

Emmanuel Adebayor is also back in contention following a successful return to action with Togo following a hamstring injury during the international break.

Although Eduardo (groin), Abou Diaby (thigh) and Samir Nasri (virus) are all set to miss out tomorrow, Nicklas Bendtner (knee) is expected to be fit.

Despite the mixed news in terms of selection, Wenger maintained: "There is only a key team. There are no key players.

"What I expect is a performance from the team and not of just one given player.

"We know the players will come back and need some time."

Wenger added: "We have eight games in 24 days and that means our success will be determined by the squad and not by any given player.

"We just focus to win any game with the players who are playing and not any individuals."

Arsenal have not lost in over 16 Premier League matches since they went down 3-0 at Eastlands in late November - and Wenger does not want all that effort thrown away.

"We have put ourselves in a very strong position because of the hard work we have done now," he said, "but it is the final part of the season where every single game becomes massively important, nearly a decider.

"We have to do as well as we can, and after you can accept every verdict."

Even though the Gunners have now clawed themselves back into the Champions League places as Aston Villa falter, Wenger's men remain 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester United - who have a game in hand - and six behind third-placed Chelsea.

Wenger accepted: "Unless Manchester United collapse completely, it would be a bit pretentious at the moment to say we are in it - but you never know.

"What is high in our mind is to get as close as possible to the teams who are at the top and then if something happens, not to have any regrets."


Fabregas cannot wait for his return to action.

Speaking in the official Arsenal programme for Saturday's clash with Manchester City, the Gunners captain said: "I feel good and I am available for selection, although I do not know what the extent of my involvement will be yet.

"During the past week I have felt really sharp - I do not know if I can cope with 90 minutes in my first game because I have not played competitively yet - but whether I start or am on the bench the good thing is that we cannot say I am injured anymore.

"I will be very happy because I will feel like a footballer again."

Hiddink: Please let me go

Guus Hiddink is adamant that even a Champions League and FA Cup double would make him extend his stay at Chelsea.

Hiddink is in temporary charge at Stamford Bridge and, despite reports claiming otherwise, has continually stressed he intends to resume sole charge of Russia in the summer.

The Dutchman has impressed at the helm since taking over from Luiz Felipe Scolari in February, and has booked an FA Cup semi-final meeting with Arsenal and a UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

With Chelsea's Premier League title hopes fading of late, it seems the two cup competitions are their most realistic paths to glory this campaign - in what would be a memorable double.

But while Hiddink would savour such a feat, he insists the glory would make no difference to his allegiance to Russia.

Hiddink said in the Evening Standard: "It would be a beautiful scenario to win both cups.

"In that case I will not walk away from Stamford Bridge in my mind, but I will have to literally walk away because I have my full-hearted obligations in Russia and that is not going to change if we win those two cups.

"There is an emotional attachment with the Russian Federation and the people I work with - it would not be a good thing to leave them."

He added: "I look at the upcoming games this month and I'm excited. I won the European Cup in 1988 with PSV as a young manager, but it would be a dream fulfilled to win it again near the end of my career with Chelsea.

"Everyone knows that going to Anfield is like a hurricane. The atmosphere doesn't worry me, it excites me."

Gerrard: Now for the title

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's string of new contracts will help in their bid for the coveted league title.

Skipper Gerrard agreed a two-year extension to his contract today, believed to be worth around £130,000 a week, which means he will be at the club until 2013.

Forward Dirk Kuyt also signed a two-year extension today, and he will stay at Anfield until 2012.

And with more deals to come for the Liverpool players, Gerrard claims it can only boost their challenge for honours.

He said: "This news has given me a boost and hopefully it will help us in our remaining games.

"We have got big matches to play, all of them cup finals as we have to win them all to stay in the title race and go all the way to Rome for the Champions League final."

He added: "It is a fantastic feeling to have agreed the deal. This is what I wanted, to see out the rest of my career with Liverpool.

"I have said all along that as long as the club wanted me then I would stay at Liverpool.

"I have been a fan all my life and it will be fantastic at the end of my career to look back and say I have been with Liverpool all the way through.

"The main priority is to be successful and I want to achieve success at the club I love. If we can win more trophies together then I will be really happy."

The King is ready for battle

Tottenham skipper Ledley King has put his England spat aside and is now focused on a push for European qualification.

The 28-year-old's recall to the England squad angered Spurs boss Harry Redknapp as his club captain suffers from a chronic knee condition that prevents him playing matches in quick succession.

His recall lasted approximately 40 hours before he was sent back to Spurs to prepare for the Barclays Premier League trip to Blackburn on Saturday, with Redknapp's men in the hunt for a seventh-placed finish that should see them reach next season's Europa League.

"Things are looking up, we're in good form and these are the games you have to go and win when you are in that form," said King.

"We've been in good form in the past and notoriously we'd go and slip up in a game like this. It's a big test for us now.

"It's always a tough place to go, they are a physical side and over the last few seasons most of the games have been very close. You know that you are in for a difficult game up there and I'd expect nothing different.

"Their fans will get behind them and it's up to us to keep them quiet and play our game.

"We've been better away from home of late, we've found a formula that works for us and we'll be looking to that again."

Redknapp has been encouraged by his side's recent form but is still expected to alter his squad in the summer.

Spurs are still looking for a solution on the left side of midfield - they are admirers of Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, with Manchester City's Martin Petrov also emerging as a possible target.

Jamie O'Hara has staked his claim for a place on the left, and he is determined to prove himself after returning from injury.

"I just want to get back into the first team and keep progressing as a player and hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt," O'Hara said on Setanta.

BPL Team News & Predictions

We bring you the latest team news and preview for all eight crucial Barclays Premier League matches for Saturday.

Another exciting weekend of top flight football. Will Liverpool defeat Fulham and move to the top of the table? 

West Brom vs Stoke City

A game between two relegation candidates. 

Man-to-watch: James Beattie

Shebby: 2-1
PJ Roberts: 3-2
Jamie Reeves: 1-0
Steve McMahon: 1-0
Paul Masefield: 2-1

Hull vs Portsmouth

Will we see Peter Crouch repeating his England goalscoring celebrations at the KC Stadium?

Man-to-watch: Peter Crouch

Shebby: 1-1
PJ Roberts: 2-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-1
Steve McMahon: 1-1
Paul Masefield: 0-0 

Bolton vs Middlesbrough

One more defeat and it could be end of the road for Gareth Southgate.

Man-to-watch: Kevin Davies

Shebby: 1-0
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-0
Steve McMahon: 2-0
Paul Masefield: 1-0 

Blackburn vs Tottenham

Sam Allardyce knows his team needs to start taking three points before it is too late.

Man-to-watch: Luka Modric

Shebby: 2-1
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-1
Steve McMahon: 1-0
Paul Masefield: 2-1 

West Ham vs Sunderland

Ricky Sbragia and Gianfranco Zola go heads-up at Upton Park.

Man-to-watch: Steed Malbranque

Shebby: 1-0
PJ Roberts: 2-1
Jamie Reeves: 2-0
Steve McMahon: 1-1
Paul Masefield: 2-0 

Arsenal vs Manchester City

All eyes will be on Cesc Fabregas who makes his return to Arsene Wenger's side.

Man-to-watch: Andriy Arshavin

Shebby: 2-2
PJ Roberts: 2-0
Jamie Reeves: 2-0
Steve McMahon: 2-0
Paul Masefield: 3-0 

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Geordie hero Alan Shearer's debut as manager. Can he mastermind a eight-game undefeated run?

Man-to-watch: Obafemi Martins

Shebby: 1-1
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-2
Steve McMahon: 1-3
Paul Masefield: 1-2 

Fulham vs Liverpool 

Will it be Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard who will take Liverpool to the top of the table?

Man-to-watch: Steven Gerrard

Shebby: 0-2
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 0-2
Steve McMahon: 1-2
Paul Masefield: 0-1 

Laporta: Valdes is world's best

Barcelona’s Joan Laporta has claimed that Victor Valdes is the best goalkeeper on the globe, bar none at this point.

Valdes has been linked with a move out of Barcelona due to contractual problems, mainly due to salary issues. 

However, Laporta has told the Spanish press that he has the "the best goalkeeper in the world" and will get "what he deserves" as far as his salary goes.

"I believe that he wants to continue and we will be fair with the amount we say so that we can arrive at an agreement," Laporta said in an interview.

Laporta went on to claim that being a Blaugrana goalkeeper is "more difficult than at any other team" as "he saves few shots but always has to be on form".

The president also commented about the possibility of signing Cesc Fabregas, and revealed that it is something he would look forward to.

"I would very much like to have Fabregas in a Barcelona shirt but the opinions of the coach is what makes the decisions. We know that he is a big player and that he would fit our style perfectly," added Laporta.

When queried if Fabregas' ‘arrival' would give La Blaugrana the best midfield in the world, Laporta declared that they already "have the best". 

"Everything can improve, but the coach decides on things like this. I am sure that he would adapt to the system," he said.

In a rather contradictory statement, when asked about the rumoured interest of Real Madrid in Fabregas, the president said that he sees him at his current club, and "not" another.

"He is a player who is at home and is comfortable with Arsenal, it would show a lack of respect towards Arsenal to speak about this," he concluded.

Grp 5: Turkey 1-2 Spain

European champions Spain bounced back from a half-time deficit to defeat Turkey in Istanbul to dominate Group Five.

Spain, who had beaten the same opponents 1-0 in Madrid on Saturday, had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Semih Senturk's 26th-minute tap-in but second-half goals from Liverpool duo Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera earned Vicente del Bosque's side the spoils.

The victory means Spain, who have a 100% record after six matches in qualifying, are now a massive 10 points above Turkey - who many felt would be their biggest challenger in the pool - and six clear of second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina, who were 2-1 winners over Belgium tonight.

Aside from that, the win also extended Spain's current unbeaten run to 31 matches - equalling the national record set under Javier Clemente in the 1990s.

Turkey enjoyed the better start at the Bernabeu on Saturday but this time it was Spain who threatened first through Riera's dipping 25-yard thunderbolt in the 13th minute.

It looked destined for the back of the net but Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel produced a brilliant save to keep it out, sticking out his right hand and somehow managing to divert the ball over the crossbar.

Demirel was then called into action again seven minutes later, although this time he had a much easier job of saving Fernando Torres' low shot.

Six minutes after that, though, Spain found themselves a goal down.

Tuncay Sanli got in behind the visitors' defence to collect a dinked Arda Turan pass, and although the Turkey number 10 was unable to get a shot in himself, he poked the ball away from Iker Casillas and gave team-mate Senturk an open goal in which to slot home.

That was the only the second goal Spain had conceded since the group stages of Euro 2008 last summer, and on the previous occasion they managed to fight back from an early deficit against Belgium in October to record a 2-1 win.

A similar feat looked unlikely tonight though as hosts Turkey created two decent openings to increase their advantage either side of half-time.

Both were created by good work by Senturk and both were wasted by Nihat Kahveci, who opted to go for power over precision on each occasion and succeeded only in smashing his shots well off-target.

Turkey were made to play for the Villarreal hitman's profligacy as Spain drew level on the hour mark through Alonso's penalty.

Demirel made a hash of dealing with Xavi's corner and Torres, standing at the far post, sent a header goalward that was blocked at point-blank range by Ibrahim Uzulmez's arm.

The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Alonso coolly sent Demirel the wrong way to level the scores up.

With their tails up, Spain continued to press forward in search of second goal and Torres almost broke clean through only to lose the ball due to a heavy touch.

The Liverpool man had looked out of sorts up front on his own but he almost put the Spanish ahead in the 73rd minute when he latched onto a Santi Cazorla pass before sending a rising shot towards the top corner, only to see Demirel tip the ball over.

Turkey were not without an attacking threat of their own though, and Tuncay brought a good save out of Casillas diving away to his right with 10 minutes remaining.

Then came the knockout punch from the visitors as Riera slotted home his side's winner a minute into stoppage time.

Substitute Dani Guiza, who plies his trade for Fenerbahce in Turkey, collected a long punt forward and eased past his marker before feeding a low ball across the face of goal where Riera, in acres of space, had the fairly simple task of side-footing past Demirel.

Del Bosque still wary of failure

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque insists the race to finish top of their World Cup qualifying group is still open.
The veteran coach believes qualification is not yet secure despite his all-conquering side boasting a 100% record from their six matches so far and a six-point lead over the rest of the field.

The European champions continued their remarkable run of success in Group Five with a comeback victory over Turkey in Istanbul last night, Albert Riera sealing a 2-1 win in injury-time.

That victory saw Spain stretch their unbeaten record to 31 matches and equal the national record set under Javier Clemente in the 1990s, and it also allowed them to maintain their stranglehold on their pool.

In second place are Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Euro 2008 semi-finalists Turkey, who were considered by many to be Spain's biggest threat in the pool, are now 10 points adrift in third after losing both matches in their double-header against Del Bosque's men.

With only four games remaining, Spain are holding all the aces in the race to reach the World Cup finals, but Del Bosque has warned his side that there is still work to be done.

"We have the threat of Bosnia, who are six points behind. The group remains open, there are still 12 points to play for," Del Bosque said.

Despite his reluctance to look too far ahead, Del Bosque was inevitably quizzed about his in-form side's chances of adding the World Cup crown to their Euro 2008 title if, as expected, they make it to South Africa next year.

He said: "We have to recognise that Spain are one of the best teams in the world. There is no difference between the players on the pitch and those who are on the bench. They change positions and you don't notice. They are truly great.

"With regards to the World Cup title we have to look at Brazil and Argentina, but Spain have the game and the luck you need to win the World Cup.

"We'll see if we can maintain this great level against these two teams."

Spain had beaten Turkey 1-0 at the Bernabeu on Saturday but they needed to do it the hard way to make it two wins from two in Istanbul after falling behind to Semih Senturk's 26th-minute opener.

The European champions fought back after the break though and Xabi Alonso levelled the scores up from the penalty spot before Riera slotted home Dani Guiza's pass in injury-time to secure the points.

Although they had it far from easy, Del Bosque felt his side were full value for the victory.

"I think that we were better and we deserved the victory. The important thing were the three points," he said.

"This reflects very positively on the players. They showed the desire to win the game.

"A draw was not bad, but the players have wanted to win. We are in good form and a great situation, and we need to take advantage of it."

Pires still targetting trophies

Robert Pires has set his sights on helping Villarreal win some silverware after penning a one-year contract extension.

The 35-year-old former France international and team-mate Javi Venta, 33, both signed 12-month extensions tying them to the Primera Liga outfit until June 30, 2010.

Pires, who joined Villarreal from Arsenal in 2006, was delighted with the agreement and admitted his aim now was to try to help the club end their long search for a first major honour.

"My big dream is to win a title with Villarreal," said Pires, who had won a host of medals prior to moving to Spain, including World Cup and European Championships success with France.

"This team has a lot of quality and I'm sure they can win something in the future."

Regarding his contract extension, the ex-Marseille winger added: "Everything was signed very quickly. I was never nervous and had a lot of confidence in the president (Fernando Roig) and the coach (Manuel Pellegrini).

"We came to an agreement and personally I'm very happy because it's what I wanted and Villarreal have given me a great opportunity to continue here.

"This is great for me because I'm already 35 and there are very few players who can have an opportunity like this.

"I feel fine physically. At the moment I've signed for another year and then we will see what happens."

Brown: Wenger not a good manager

Arsenal's FA Cup win at the Emirates Stadium led to Phil Brown accusing referee Mike Riley of bowing to crowd pressure.
Arsenal's late FA Cup win at the Emirates Stadium led to Hull boss Phil Brown accusing referee Mike Riley of bowing to crowd pressure.

Brown was also furious with Arsene Wenger as he felt the Gunners boss was attempting to get his players booked for time-wasting, and he believed William Gallas was offside when he struck the winner in the 2-1 victory.

Brown felt Riley "succumbed to local pressure" in the second half after his players were jeered for time-wasting.

"Mr Wenger decides to join in and the result is my goalkeeper getting booked in the second half," he said.

"I can't say what went on at half-time, I have no idea."

He added: "Arsene Wenger got my goalkeeper booked. You call that good management? He was complaining about time-wasting."

Hull had taken the lead through Nick Barmby in the 13th minute, then the former Tottenham midfielder had a strike chalked off for offside.

The visitors then soaked up pressure until Robin van Persie struck with 16 minutes remaining, then Gallas appeared fortunate not to be flagged for the winner.

"There is no excuse for the first goal, it was definitely a mistake by us, no excuse about the second goal it was definitely a mistake by the officials," Brown said.

"That is why we are out of the FA Cup. Ask Mr Riley how much that will cost to the city, I don't think he'd understand and I don't think he'd care."

Brown stopped short of saying his players had been cheated.

"I can't use that word, but that is the case," he said.

Wenger, contrary to television replays, felt Gallas was onside.

"It is not offside because the ball was deflected by the fist of the goalkeeper," the Frenchman said.

"(Johan) Djourou first, the goalkeeper after, then a foul on Gallas. We should have got two goals."

Wenger was upset with Boaz Myhill time-wasting in the second half.

"If I asked you if their goalkeeper wasted time I'm confident that you would say yes," Wenger said.

Hibbert targets Wembley comeback

Everton's Tony Hibbert is winning his battle to be fit for the FA Cup semi-final, while Tim Cahill could make a return.

Cahill damaged a calf muscle in the 3-1 win at home to Stoke last Saturday and did not appear in the second half of the match.

It had been believed the Australian would be unlikely to recover in time to play in the Saturday lunchtime match at Portsmouth.

But he is responding well to treatment and is now considered to have a chance of facing the relegation threatened south-coast side.

Hibbert has been out with a thigh strain since the February 28 home win over West Brom.

And although he has not set a date for his return, the trip to Wembley to face Manchester United on April 19 is now a possibility.

Hibbert has been concentrating on strengthening his calf muscle to reduce the chance of similar injuries in the future.

He said: "It's settled down a lot quicker than was first thought. I'm not going to push it yet, and we've got a game in mind for my return.

"It's just a waiting game now. I'm running which is good, and the injury has settled down an awful lot.

"I'm concentrating on working hard and building up the muscle more so in future I don't have the same problems again, although I haven't started kicking a ball yet.

"I hate watching matches when I'm injured. It's frustrating, and it's even worse because of the run we were having.

"I hate watching but it was just one of those situations you have to put up with, if you're a footballer you'll get injuries.

"And as far as the semi-final is concerned, that would be a massive game at Wembley and what an occasion to play in."

Everton have received 31,825 tickets for the Wembley semi-final, and they will go on sale from next Monday, March 23.

Season-ticket holders and executive members have priority, and Everton will allocate tickets based on match attendance history.

The club expect a few tickets to remain for general sale, but again attendance history will take priority.

Horton gets Brown support

Hull is mulling over an official FA complain over their allegation Cesc Fabregas spat at assistant manager Brian Horton.

Tigers boss Phil Brown claims to have witnessed Fabregas - who categorically denies the accusations - spitting in Horton's direction as they went down the tunnel following the Gunners' controversial 2-1 victory in Tuesday night's FA Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Neither referee Mike Riley nor any of the other match officials mentioned such an incident in their report, and so the FA have written to Hull asking for their version of events.

The League Managers' Association confirmed they had been contacted by Horton, saying in a statement: "As the incidents fall firmly within the jurisdiction of the Football Association, who are making their investigations in the prescribed manner, neither the LMA nor Brian Horton will be making any further comment at this time".

Until any such official notification is received, the FA cannot take the matter any further.

Brown, meanwhile, remains unrepentant in the ferocity of his criticism of Fabregas.

"The pictures in the national papers verify the aggression he was showing towards players and staff after the game," said Brown.

"I could go on but I am not one for crying over spilt milk.

"I then witnessed him going down the tunnel and turning around and spitting at my assistant manager's feet.

"Whichever way you want to look at it, he addressed that spitting incident at my assistant manager, who has managed probably 1,200 games in his career. Disgraceful act.

"I am not going to report it, I am not going tittle-tattling to the FA - if they want to investigate that is their decision, and if Brian Horton wants to take it further he will get the full support of Hull City."

Even though Fabregas - who is on the verge of a comeback after three months out with a knee injury - was not in the Arsenal playing squad on Tuesday and only came onto the pitch to celebrate at full-time, the FA still maintain disciplinary jurisdiction.

However, because the alleged incident was not during normal game time, it would not fall under the 'fast-track' system, so any investigation would seek submissions from all parties involved, as well as any potential television evidence - although if a confrontation occurred in the tunnel, there is unlikely to be any footage.

Aside from the post-match row, Brown was upset about Gunners boss Arsene Wenger attempting to get Hull players booked for time-wasting.

The visitors - who took the lead through Nick Barmby in the 13th minute before Robin van Persie levelled in the second half - were denied a replay and another chance to secure a Wembley semi-final date with Chelsea when William Gallas headed in a winner, despite looking offside.

Brown felt Riley "succumbed to local pressure" in the second half after his players were jeered by the home crowd.

Those comments could land the Hull manager in hot water with the FA, after implications his team had been cheated.

FA charge could help Hull

Hull have been encouraged by the FA's actions ahead of the deadline for a complaint over the Fabregas spitting row.

Cesc Fabregas was accused of spitting at Hull assistant boss Brian Horton just after the final whistle of Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final win, with an extension now granted until Monday for formal statements to be submitted.

Swansea midfielder Leon Britton accused Wellens of spitting at him during a Coca-Cola Championship match last month, with the FA this week charging Wellens and giving the Doncaster midfielder until April 7 to respond.

Hull need to submit written documents to Soho Square if they want the FA to investigate the alleged incident involving Fabregas and Horton at the Emirates Stadium, and it is understood the extension was granted as Horton is abroad.

Tigers boss Phil Brown was furious with William Gallas appearing offside when he scored Arsenal's winner, then with Gunners skipper Fabregas being on the pitch celebrating despite being out injured with a knee complaint.

Brown then accused Fabregas of spitting at Horton when the pair were down the tunnel.

"I was there and I witnessed it, he spat at my assistant manager down the tunnel," Brown said afterwards. "That is their club captain, hopefully he is proud of himself. He spat at his feet."

Tigers submit Fab statements

Hull have submitted their version of events to the FA following allegations Brian Horton was spat at by Cesc Fabregas.

The accusations from the Hull camp followed their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in last month's stormy FA Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Tigers boss Phil Brown maintains he saw Fabregas - who was out injured but came on the pitch to celebrate with his team-mates following the final whistle - spit towards Horton in the tunnel at the end of the match.

Although the Press Association understands no formal submissions have yet been received into the relevant departments at FA headquarters in Soho Square, Hull say statements from Brown, Horton and fitness conditioner Sean Rush have now been sent.

"My evidence has gone in, Brian Horton's evidence has gone in and Sean Rush's evidence has as well. That is all that has been necessary as regards to us up to now," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.

"There is an independent solicitor representing us and hopefully there will be no bias towards any one club."

Fabregas strenuously denies the allegations, but Brown added: "We really just want the truth to come out.

"If the truth comes out, then we have got nothing to worry about."

Once the FA receive any relevant documentation, the governing body can then consider whether the alleged incident merits any further investigation.

The FA confirmed the relevant documents from Hull have now been received and will be taken into consideration.

Both Arsenal and Fabregas could, in due course, also be contacted for their observations before any decision is made by the FA over whether to take the matter further.

Ancelotti impressed by Reds

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Rafa Benitez's Liverpool are the hardest team to play against in Europe.

The Reds overturned a 3-0 deficit to beat Milan on penalties in the Champions League final in 2005 and they have consistently excelled in the competition in recent years.

Liverpool crushed Real Madrid last month to advance to the quarter-finals, while they are also mounting a strong challenge for the Premier League title.

Manchester United remain in pole position to clinch top spot but Ancelotti admits he is always more wary of Liverpool.

The Italian has great respect for Rafa Benitez and feels the Merseysiders can be unstoppable at times. 

"Liverpool are the hardest team to play against in Europe," Ancelotti said in the Daily Mirror.

"Benitez is a great coach. He has a well-organised defence and the perfect counter-attack.

"To play against them is always dangerous. Manchester United are stronger, but they let you play. Liverpool don't."

Ancelotti, who has been linked with the manager's role at Chelsea, has also paid tribute to Guus Hiddink.

Hiddink will stay in charge of the Blues until the end of the season and Ancelotti would not be surprised if he was successful at Stamford Bridge.

He explained: "Hiddink is the coach I regard most highly. Professionally he is really good.

"He has done well everywhere he has gone. I like him as a person."

Verbeek: Moyes should thank me

Australia boss Pim Verbeek feels Everton manager David Moyes should thank the Socceroos for getting Tim Cahill back to fitness.

Cahill has spent the last week in Sydney recovering from a calf injury and did not play any part in the Socceroos' 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday night.

Moyes has often been scathing of Australia's use of the 29-year-old, especially in regards to him suffering injuries while on national duty.

But Verbeek hit back at Moyes, suggesting the English Premier League club should be grateful for the medical rehabilitation Cahill has undergone during his time with Australia.

"Timmy is 100%, if he can play 90 minutes, that's up to my colleague at Everton," Verbeek said. "We bring him back fit, and I think they can be very grateful to our medical staff that they did that job, when he came in, he could not walk.

"So they will be happy with us this time, normally they are not."

Davies warns of United threat

Curtis Davies has warned Aston Villa to be wary of a Manchester United backlash in Sunday's Premier League clash.

The Villa defender is aware the Red Devils will be smarting after the home mauling by Liverpool and the shock away defeat against Fulham in their last two games. 

United will be without the suspended Wayne Rooney after his red card at Craven Cottage but Davies knows they have the strength in depth to cope at Old Trafford.

He said: "This weekend's game is obviously going to be a very tough test for us. I actually think it's made even harder by the fact that United have lost their last two games.

"They will be looking to win to keep Liverpool at arm's length at the top of the table.

"They have three suspensions to key players - Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes - but they're able to bring in international replacements in all those positions.

"This just shows the depth of their squad."

Davies knows Villa have to bounce back from their own 5-0 hammering by Liverpool as they look to end a run of eight games without a win in all competitions.

Villa have slipped three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal after collecting only one point from their last five matches.

Davies said: "We have to be positive. We certainly can't feel too sorry for ourselves after the defeat at Anfield. We just have to pick ourselves up for another big game.

"We have to stay positive about our top-four chances too. If we don't we might as well give up now.

"We have had a bad March but we have to stay mentally strong and pick up as many wins as possible. We can't worry what Arsenal or Everton are doing."

Berbatov: All well at United

Dimitar Berbatov has insisted that Manchester United will stay strong as they bid to recover from their mini-slump.

After successive Barclays Premier League defeats to Liverpool and Fulham, United host Aston Villa on Sunday - by which time they may have been replaced at the top of the table by Rafael Benitez's men, who are at Craven Cottage themselves 24 hours earlier. 

Anderson has been forced to pull out of World Cup duty with Brazil after picking up a thigh injury and Berbatov is also struggling to be fit after suffering an ankle problem at Fulham which ruled him out of Bulgaria's draw with the Republic of Ireland last weekend.

However, the former Tottenham striker is not getting too downhearted - and insists the atmosphere within the Old Trafford camp is still good.

"We are a strong team and we all support each other," he told MUTV.

"We know how to react after defeats.

"International breaks are sometimes difficult, because you have two games and you come back and can be a little bit tired; then you have a game immediately after that.

"But that's our job - there's no need to complain."

Although they appear to be in turmoil as they try to resist Liverpool's recent rally, United are still well placed to complete an unprecedented quintuple.

The loss of Anderson would be a blow if he fails to recover, considering Ferguson wanted all his squad back before considering his options for the double-header with Villa and then Porto in the Champions League.

But Berbatov still feels there is plenty of reason to look on the bright side.

"Everything is possible," he said.

"If you believe and have faith, and you really want it, it can happen.

"We need to believe in our quality and our ability. I think the gaffer will know the right encouragement to give us to prepare for the games we have. We will stay strong to the end."

Most of the United players have the experience of winning major trophies to fall back on - but not so Berbatov, who was an onlooker last month as his team-mates overcame his old club Tottenham to win the Carling Cup.

It was a taste of glory the 27-year-old is anxious to enjoy himself.

"I told the boys in the dressing room, 'you have already won the Champions League and Premier League'.

"The only one who hasn't is me. I really want to win those trophies so I can say to the other players 'I am one of you'."

Shearer ready for Toon fight

New manager Alan Shearer has called on Newcastle's fans to forgive and forget as they fight for their Premier League survival.

Wednesday's news of Shearer's appointment for the remaining eight games of the campaign has been met with wild celebrations on Tyneside, where fans have spent most of the season in open rebellion against the regime of club owner Mike Ashley.

Addressing the supporters at his unveiling this afternoon, Shearer, the club's all-time top scorer, said: "They know me as well as anyone and know they will get 100%, 24 hours a day for next eight weeks.

"I hope that will be good enough because it would sadden me and thousands of supporters if we were in the Championship. They don't deserve that, they deserve better.

"The powers that be have admitted mistakes were made this season and it's important that whatever mistakes have been made, they're gone. It's history - we can't do anything about it."

Shearer added: "We've got a massive fight on our hands, in very difficult circumstances, we've got injuries - but we'll face it head on and give it a right good go."