There are, of course, a number of reasons why Aston Villa have failed to live up to anything like the expectations set for them before the start of the season by their loyal fans. Read more

Harry Redknapp described the goal that never was in Tottenham Hotspur’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea as a “disaster”, but refused to blame referee Martin Atkinson. Read more

After seeing off established powerhouses Manchester United and Schalke many believe Athletic Bilbao will now go on to clinch this season’s Europa League title, although Sporting Lisbon will certainly have something to say about that.
The Portuguese giants stand in the way between Bilbao and a surprise place in the final of the competition – something not many would have backed to happen on Betfair at the beginning of the season. With Valencia and Athletico Madrid battling it out in the other semi-final, Bilbao will be hoping to make this year’s Europa League final an all-Spanish affair.
The Basque club have gained many admirers for their attacking, mainly home-grown squad, topped off by having prolific front-man Fernando Llorente in the sort of form that could see him start this summer’s European Championships as Spain’s main striker.
With six goals already in the tournament, Llorente will have been targeted by Sporting as their main threat, although Bilbao boast a number of players capable of changing a game in a split second. It has been their defence that has been often caught out by opponents, something the Portuguese side will be looking to exploit.
The club’s La Liga form has began to drift off towards the end of the season, making it clear Unai Emery’s men are now fully focused on their European campaign and willing to let their domestic season just filter out.
Valencia are still many people’s favourite for the title looking at the Betfair Europa League markets .
But that won’t stop Bilbao’s confidence should they come up against their compatriots in the final. Reaching the last four of the tournament would have been stuff of dreams for the club at the beginning of their campaign and the pressure if well and truly off the players, which could prove to be the difference in their semi-final clash. Read more

Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean is still confident of avoiding the drop despite watching his side fall to a fifth successive defeat at Swansea City. Read more

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez admits he is “scared” of being on the wrong end of big decisions when his side face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Monday night. Read more