Following their 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night, Manchester United stand a remarkable 15 points ahead of the chasing pack at the top of the Premiership.
United won the Premiership by a record winning margin of 18 points last season. And with 13 league matches still to face Alex Ferguson's men this season, the magnitude of what they have achieved so far is best demonstrated by the fact that bookmakers are now quoting United at odds of 500 to 1 on to lift the title for the seventh time in nine years.
Arsene Wenger must wait until today to find out whether he will be able to coach Arsenal from the touchline in this weekend's game at Coventry as he fights his Football Association ban.
He was charged under newly-introduced FA punishment guidelines with "alleged threatening behaviour and physical intimidation" towards fourth official Paul Taylor after the Gunners' 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light last August.
Leeds captain Lucas Radebe has shelved plans to retire from international football - for the time being. Radebe's decision has the backing of his club following talks between Leeds and the South African FA yesterday.
Celtic's out-of-favour star Eyal Berkovic finally looks set for a loan move back to England to safeguard his international career. Blackburn Rovers are among the clubs believed to be interested.
Demolition work on Wembley stadium is due to begin this summer, the Football Association revealed yesterday. The further six-month delay has occurred due to the entire project being re-examined to achieve the necessary financial backing.
Brazil captain Cafu has claimed he has received an offer from a London-based club to play in the Premiership. The 30-year-old full-back is currently playing at Serie A leaders Roma but has hinted at a possible move in the summer.
Ladbrokes have crowned Fulham First Division champions and will pay out all bets on Jean Tigana's side winning the title.
Following last night's victory for Fulham at QPR which extended the Craven Cottage club's lead at the top of the table to 10 points, Ladbrokes confirmed they will begin paying out.
Arrigo Sacchi has resigned as Parma coach after just 23 days in the job, citing "personal problems". Parma announced the news minutes after the 2-1 first leg Coppa Italia semi-final defeat at Udinese last night and revealed that 59-year-old former Bologna coach Renzo Ulivieri will take over with immediate effect. Former Italy national team coach Sacchi (54) did not attend the game at Udinese.
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