We have to start winning: Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has called upon his players to return to winning ways against Wigan, as they look to keep their title hopes alive.

The Reds have drawn their last 3 games, and have conceded the advantage to Manchester United, who are now top of the table.

“Clearly we have to win games,” Benitez told the media today.

“Not just now, always – when you are towards the top of the table every single game is important. But I think we showed the other day against Everton that we were much better.

“We had a lot of confidence, we had a lot of possession and we had control of the game. If we keep playing this way then I am sure that we will win games.

“This is an opportunity for us. We are playing away with the same confidence we had the other day and now we just have to make sure we take the chances that we create.”

He remains confident that his team are capable of turning their fortunes around and winning the Premier League this season: “You can see in training sessions that the players are very confident that we can do important things this year.”

Real ready for Saviola-Valencia swap

Real Madrid are looking to sign a new winger, and are interested in bringing in Antonia Valencia from Wigan, as part of an exchange with Javier Saviola going the other way.

Real coach Juande Ramos has once again insisted that he wants a new winger before the transfer window shuts is a must in order to improve his squad and push on in the league and Europe.

Valencia is Real’s first option and, Madrid’s only choice, however, they have already seen a bid rebuffed by a defiant Wigan. In case an improved offer of 15 million euros is refused then Madrid are keen offer Saviola on a loan deal and Valencia moving temporarily to Spain.

Saviola is also said to be interesting Portsmouth and PSV, but if Madrid want to use him as part of a deal to land Valencia then he will have little choice.

Premier League Preview

Its a busy week in the English Premier League as all 20 teams play after a weekend of FA Cup action.

Leaders Manchester United are facing an injury crisis, with at least 7 first choice players out, but they will still fancy getting all 3 points away to bottom club West Bromwich Albion. United beat WBA 4-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season, and another victory will kepp them top of the table.

Level on points with United are Liverpool, and they travel to play in form Wigan Athletic. A win is necessary for the Reds after 3 consecutive draws have left them a little short of confidence. 3 points will help them regain some self-belief as the title race heats up.

Chelsea may have fallen off the pace in recent weeks, but they are still in with a good chance of winning the title this season. They host Middlesbrough, looking for a win to put pressure on the front two.

In other games, Arsenal play Everton, Aston Villa face Portsmouth, Spurs are up against Stoke,  Manchester City play Newcastle, Hull City play West Ham and Bolton will lock horns with Blackburn Rovers.

Villa sign Heskey from Wigan

Aston Villa have completed the signing of England international striker Emile Heskey from Wigan Athletic for a fee of 3.5 million pounds.

“We’ve agreed a fee with Wigan, we’re pleased to say,” Villa manager Martin O’Neill told the media earlier. “Emile is making his way down. Still, obviously, he has to do a medical. I’m hoping that he will join us.”

About his team’s progress this season, O’ Neill said: “I think that, first of all, we’re in a decent position at this minute. We need to keep the momentum going,” he added.

“We have been without John Carew now for over two months. We don’t have the biggest squad in the world. Emile will give us another option. I believe he can play up front with Gabby [Agbonlahor], he can play with John Carew. I think that he’ll be excellent for us.

“I know him from his days at Leicester City when he was a young kid. I think he’ll be great value for us.”

Wigan have replaced Heskey by signing Egyptian forward Mido on loan from Middlesbrough.

When And Where the Next World Cup will be Held

The next World Cup will be help in South Africa from June 11 to July 11 2010. I have uploaded a PDF file to show you when and where the games will the played in South Africa. Click Here to Access the official match schedule for the African 2010 World Cup

Leave a comment about who you think the 2010 champions will be.

Cheer!