Sport Report

European Football

In England the Premier League moves into its last stages, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea seemingly have the title all wrapped up, but with Manchester United just a few points adrift and with a game in hand, they will have to sort out their defensive frailties which has seen them give goals away this season. At the other end of the table there are 5 or 6 clubs that will be fighting to save their Premiership status.

Meanwhile in Spain, Frank Rijkaard’s revolution may have slowed down a little bit, but it’s still moving fast enough to keep Osasuna and Real Madrid at bay. With Ronaldinho in scintillating form, guaranteed goals from Samuel Eto’o and the emergence of Lionel Messi, Barcelona look unlikely to let their lead slip away and should go on to retain their title.

In Italy it’s arrivederci to Juventus as they romp away to yet another league title. Despite the challenge from both A.C. and Inter Milan, their 8 point lead at this stage of the season, added to the failings of both Milan clubs should be enough for them to secure the scudetto once again.

The UEFA Champions League gears up for its quarter final stage, with interest all across Europe as the big guns fight it out for Europe’s most prestigious trophy. With the likes of Juventus, leaders in the Italian league, Barcelona, leaders in Spain, plus the Milan giants, A.C. Milan and Inter Milan, there should be plenty of goals to look forward to. And let’s not forget Arsenal, who’ve knocked out Real Madrid, and Lyon, French champions for the last 4 years.

Cricket

The Test series between Australia and South Africa is nicely balanced as the two heavyweights slog it out for glory and probably bragging rights too. It won’t just be the weather that’ll cause temperatures to rise as these two fine cricketing nations, have a long and bitter rivalry. When the dust settles on this series, the Australians will move from South Africa to Bangladesh, whilst South Africa themselves will welcome New Zealand.

The English after beating the India will then travel home to await the visit of Sri Lanka on a high and looking to repeat their heroics in India. With Captain Andrew ‘Freddy’ Flintoff being compared to the legendary Ian Botham, the Sri Lankans will have to be on their game.

Ice Hockey

It’s all action as usual in the NHL as Ottawa look to stay ahead of the pack in the Eastern Conference, whilst in the Western Conference, Detroit are looking to keep Dallas and Calgary at bay. In the scorer’s charts, New York Ranger Jaromir Jagr leads the way with his eye for goal and nerves of steel. But Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is on a hot streak, so Jagr will have to watch his back. In the goaltending charts Dominik Hasek of the Ottawa Senators and Cristobal Huet lead the way in goals against and saves.