As Man United and Aston Villa prepare to contest the Carling Cup final it seems appropriate to look back on the last time the two sides met at Wembley, in the same competition 16 years ago.
Back then on March 27th 1994 Alex Ferguson brought his United side to the twin towers seeking to win the first trophy of a glorious treble, with the club riding high in the league and going well in the FA Cup. Read more

With a potential second round clash with Brazil waiting for the group runners-up, the members of Group H know the importance of qualifying in first place. Portugal and Cote d’Ivoire are the probable alternative opposition in round two, so whoever qualifies out of Spain, Switzerland, Chile and Honduras have a tough last 16 assignment ahead of them. Read more

Italy are bidding to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. They arrive in South Africa as the world’s fourth ranked team and qualification group winners, so their prospects appear good when it comes to World Cup Betting, although there is a strong suspicion that the Azzurri lack the star quality to take them all the way. Read more

It is hard to imagine that just three years ago Portsmouth, whose very existence is to be decided by the High Court next week, were celebrating winning England’s top cup competition. Read more

Christmas time is here, well for most of us it is, and it will be a time of over-indulgence, Boxing Day football, and the odd hangover. But in addition there is the softening blow of presents, and as we all know, it is as good to give as it is to receive. Read more