By Peter Fraser Last updated: 17th October 2007
Reid: Fitness battle
Under-pressure Republic of Ireland coach Steve Staunton is desperate for Andy Reid to win his battle for fitness ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus on Wednesday.
The Republic have already missed out on qualification for next summer's finals and criticism of Staunton could increase if his side fails to gain Group D revenge over Cyprus.
Staunton saw his side crumble to a 5-2 hammering at the hands of Cyprus one-year ago, but having secured a goalless draw with Germany on Saturday, hopes will be high for a positive outcome this time.
Reid produced a man-of-the-match performance against Germany, but the Charlton midfielder sustained a twisted ankle in the process and is now a major doubt.
The 25-year-old's loss would be a severe blow to Staunton, who rates Reid highly.
"Andy is a wonderful player on the ball. He can see the pass and he can play the pass," said Staunton.
"The one thing we probably need is a few more goals from him but that could be being over-critical.
"I think that's in his locker. He scores at club level and he can definitely do it at this level as well."
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 10th January | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Aston Villa vs West Brom |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Everton vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Blackburn |
| 15:00 | Middlesbrough vs Sunderland |
| 15:00 | Newcastle vs West Ham |
| 15:00 | Portsmouth vs Man City |
| 17:30 | Stoke vs Liverpool |
| Sunday 11th January | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Wigan vs Tottenham |
| 16:00 | Man Utd vs Chelsea |
| Wednesday 14th January | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Man Utd vs Wigan |
| Saturday 17th January | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Newcastle |
| 15:00 | Bolton vs Man Utd |
| 15:00 | Chelsea vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Wigan |
| 15:00 | Sunderland vs Aston Villa |
| 15:00 | West Brom vs Middlesbrough |
| 17:30 | Hull vs Arsenal |
| Sunday 18th January | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | West Ham vs Fulham |
| 16:00 | Tottenham vs Portsmouth |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 30th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Hull 0 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Monday 29th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man Utd 1 - 0 Middlesbrough | |
| Sunday 28th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Blackburn 2 - 2 Man City | |
| Fulham 2 - 2 Chelsea | |
| West Ham 2 - 1 Stoke | |
| Everton 3 - 0 Sunderland | |
| Arsenal 1 - 0 Portsmouth | |
| West Brom 2 - 0 Tottenham | |
| Bolton 0 - 1 Wigan | |
| Newcastle 1 - 5 Liverpool | |
| Friday 26th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Aston Villa 2 - 2 Arsenal | |
| Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton | |
| Wigan 2 - 1 Newcastle | |
| Middlesbrough 0 - 1 Everton | |
| Man City 5 - 1 Hull | |
| Sunderland 0 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Portsmouth 1 - 4 West Ham | |
| Tottenham 0 - 0 Fulham | |
| Chelsea 2 - 0 West Brom | |
| Stoke 0 - 1 Man Utd | |
Ed Chamberlin sees United and Chelsea cancelling each other out on Sunday, while racing feels the freeze.
Paul Merson expects strugglers West Brom and Spurs to lose to Aston Villa and Wigan this weekend.
Nigel Clough's appointment as Derby manager sees him follow in the footsteps of his legendary father Brian.
Paul Ince insists he is ready to return to football management should a suitable opportunity arise.
Stoke City have completed the signing of Matthew Etherington, while Charles N'Zogbia claims Aston Villa and Spurs want him.
Mark Hughes has revealed that Manchester City have seen a 'substantial' bid for Roque Santa Cruz knocked back.
Newcastle star Charles N'Zogbia claims Aston Villa and Tottenham are chasing his signature.
Midfielder Lucas Leiva believes Liverpool can beat anyone as they target the Premier League title.