Sunderland have been left be reeling this week from the loss of top marksman, Darren Bent, who completed an 18 million pound move to struggling Aston Villa. Steve Bruce’s options have been further reduced by an injury to Danny Welbeck, the Manchester United loanee could be out for up to two months.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway must be tired of the platitudes directed at his side after every performance. It is clear that the Tangerines have become a Premier League side both in terms of the quality of their play and the way in which they have been able to see out results. However, there will inevitably be a feeling, as there was with Hull and Bradford before them, that a lack of top-flight experience may cost them further down the line. In terms of this season, however, they should be fine.

If Sunderland have lost their best asset, Blackpool look set to be keeping theirs – Charlie Adam appears happy to remain with the Seasiders until at least the summer.

The Black Cats have struggled recently, even without a major dent in their striking capabilities, and whilst Blackpool will allow their Wearside rivals opportunities, I would expect the home side to prevail.

Prediction: 2-1

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Brisbane Roar have shown no mercy to wooden spoon certainties North Queensland, beating the Fury 2-1 at Skilled Park on Tuesday.

Rescheduled and moved to the Gold Coast after Cyclone Yasi rendered North Queensland’s Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville unusable, the match was effectively a dead rubber between the newly-crowned champions of the A-League and a side anchored to the bottom of the table and battling to avoid a seventh-straight defeat.

But both teams played with heart and intent, and goals to Brisbane’s Mitch Nichols and Henrique and a freak strike from Fury fullback Andre Killian ensured the 1003 fans on hand to watch a game on neutral territory went home entertained.

It took just 14 minutes for the Roar to open proceedings through Mitch Nichols, set up by in-form youngster James Meyer at the top of the box.

The midfielder’s first shot was blocked but the scraps fell to him again and he followed up with a fierce volley that flew into the back of the net.

Despite their uncertain future and a guaranteed wooden spoon, the Fury made a fist of things and took the game to Brisbane by engineering their fair share of chances.

In the 27th minute, defender Simon Storey danced past two orange shirts before launching a powerful shot from distance, though Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos had it covered.

Nichols should have had his brace 10 minutes later when Matt McKay fed him the perfect ball for a shot, but he elected to play a pass across the goal and it was easily dealt with by the Fury defence.

Kosta Barbarouses went close in the opening stages of the second half after running half the field on the counter attack to go one-on-one with Fury goalkeeper Justin Pasfield, but defender Mark Hughes saved the day and chased him down with an inch-perfect tackle that robbed the Roar of a certain goal.

But the Roar’s second goal did come in the 58th minute through some terrific one-touch trickery from Ange Postecoglou’s men, with Thomas Broich, Barbarouses and Henrique all linking together to toy with the North Queensland rearguard.

From the edge of the box, Broich played in Barbarouses with a lob that was expertly flicked onto Henrique, and the Brazilian laid on a deft touch to chip the ball over Pasfield to double his side’s advantage.

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That 2-0 lead did not last long, with North Queensland finally getting on the end of some good fortune as Andre Killian’s cross from the left was driven straight into Milan Susak and deflected over a helpless Theoklitos in the 65th minute for a spectacular albeit unintentional goal.

Franz Straka’s men continued to press forward in search of an unlikely equaliser but the Roar held on for a win that stretches their undefeated streak to 24 games, with Saturday night’s M1 derby against Gold Coast United set for a night of celebration with the return to Suncorp Stadium and the presentation of the Premier’s Plate.

North Queensland will fly across the Tasman for their final match of the season against Wellington on Sunday, and with rumours about their precarious financial situation continuing to mount it may well be their last in the A-League.

Lyon and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has hinted he would be interested in moving to Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to be drawing up a list of transfer targets after current number one gloveman Edwin van der Sar announced that he would retire at the end of the season.

Lloris is reportedly on Sir Alex Ferguson’s wish list, but while admitting he was flattered by the interest, the 24-year-old insisted he is happy at Lyon.

“Manchester United is a great football club,” Lloris told radio station RMC. “They are one of the most successful clubs in the world, so, of course, Manchester is one of the clubs that make me dream.”

“Moreover, it is unfortunate to lose a keeper like Van der Sar because even at 40 he is still able to do exceptional things. I also think he could keep playing.”

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“But for me, there is no question of leaving Lyon for the moment.”

Javier Hernandez scored twice to send Manchester United into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Marseille.The Mexican striker, chosen ahead of top scorer Dimitar Berbatov, rewarded his manager’s faith with a smartly-taken, close-range finish in each half before Marseille replied through a Wes Brown own goal late on.That was enough to clinch a 2-1 aggregate victory for United who had drawn the first leg 0-0 in France.United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had promised his team would go all out for victory in this tie and he was true to his word as the home side took the lead after only five minutes.Wayne Rooney volleyed a wonderful pass out to the wing, received the return ball from Ryan Giggs and crossed low for Hernandez to score from close range.It was a classic United goal and they had plenty more chances in an entertaining first half, including a penalty claim when Hernandez appeared to be sent tumbling following a break-away move. But Marseille were by no means bystanders and created a string of opportunities themselves. Andre-Pierre Gignac wasted one wonderful chance when clean through, while Souleymane Diawara should have scored when he headed narrowly wide from a well-worked short-corner.United had winger Nani back in action ahead of schedule after recovering from a cut in his shin but were without Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in defence because of calf injuries.Their defensive worries worsened, too, when substitute Rafael Da Silva was carried off in the second half and John O’Shea departed after only 37 minutes with a hamstring injury.But fortunately United could still rely on goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who saved smartly from Cheyrou after 75 minutes to deny the French side an equaliser.It proved crucial because seconds later United clinched the tie, Hernandez grabbing his second of the night after substitute Antonio Valencia set up Giggs to cross low into the box.Hernandez’s calmly side-footed finish was typical of the striker who has now scored 16 goals this season. Marseille gave the home team a nervy finale after Wes Brown headed a Gonzalez corner into his own net after 83 minutes, despite Paul Scholes’ attempts to clear it off the line. But United eventually made it safely through and await Friday’s quarter-final draw with interest.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean praised his side’s fighting spirit after they came back from two goals down to draw with Blackpool on Saturday.

Kean’s side were heading for a shock home defeat after Charlie Adam struck two goals in five first-half minutes but Christopher Samba’s 49th minute goal re-energised Rovers.

They went searching for more goals and although they could only claim a point, they will be happy with the late nature of it, with Junior Hoilett’s stoppage time strike ensuring both sides would be forced to share the spoils.

“It shows the determination and the team spirit of the lads,” Kean said.

“Full credit to them. I said to them at half-time, it’s very easy for me to come in, when we’re 2-0 down, and change the shape of the team, change the personnel.”

“But why don’t we go out and perform like we did at the beginning of the first half? And full credit to them, they did. After we scored, the crowd got behind us and I thought they were tremendous. After that we had a real good go and dug something out of the game.”

Kean also praised Hoilett’s involvement after he netted his second goal in as many games, and fourth since Christmas, to rescue the day for Rovers.

“He’s a great player. Junior was exceptional. I don’t know who picks the man of the match but I think he got it. He’s got a lot. He’s got a great future. He’s a match-winner, he’s got fantastic ability. But he’s a level-headed lad,” he said.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway was not afraid to speak his mind after the match, declaring his disappointment with referee Howard Webb.

Webb awarded a somewhat conscientious penalty to Holloway’s side in the first half, but also disallowed a Luke Varney goal and gave Blackburn a free-kick which led to Hoilett’s late show.

“I thought the referee had a bit of a stinker. Was that a penalty? No,” Holloway said.

“I actually said at the time, that was terrible. But it shouldn’t be balanced out with two more bad decisions. And it was unfortunately. I think Varney was actually technically onside if you look where (Chris) Samba was.”

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“I like referees, without referees we can’t do our job. I do respect them, and Howard is a good ref, but I should be allowed to say he had a bit of a stinker today because we shouldn’t have had a penalty.”

“He had a particularly poor game today. He is a good ref but he’s had a shocker for both teams.”

The result sees both sides join Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion on 33 points, with Blackburn in 13th and Blackpool 15th.

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis insists he is yet to decide who he will have in goal for Saturday’s ‘six-pointer’ at home to Newcastle.Asmir Begovic has been Pulis’ regular between the sticks for Premiership fixtures this season, but Thomas Sorensen, who has played in all of Stoke’s FA Cup matches this campaign, is eager to retain his place.

Pulis said: “They are both top quality goalkeepers and it’s a nice problem for me to have. Asmir didn’t have a great day when we lost at West Ham two weeks ago, but he was brilliant in the previous game against West Brom and you are going to get that with young players.”

“Thomas has seen it all and done it all and he’s been terrific in the FA Cup matches. He’s helped us to get to Wembley and he’s a top professional who still wants to play as many games as he can.”

Stoke should be at full strength with striker John Carew making good progress from the back strain which forced him to miss Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over West Ham.

A semi-final date against Bolton beckons, but Pulis insisted: “It’s a great occasion to look forward to, but we have already put it on the back burner because staying in the Premiership is by far our biggest aim.”

“I’ve always said if we can stay in the Premiership for three years that would give us a great base to push on. That remains the case and the game against Newcastle is massive for both clubs.”

Stoke won 2-1 at St James’ Park last September, but Pulis warned: “Newcastle have had some great results, like winning at Arsenal, and their away record is very good.”

“My players know we will need a top performance to win the game and I’m sure our supporters will roar us on.””They will probably be even louder than usual as they look forward to Wembley and that can only help us.”

David Villa knows that Barcelona must take advantage of playing the first leg at home in their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.The La Liga title holders have an opportunity to take an aggregate lead in the quarter-final tie when they play host to Shakhtar at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

But if they fail to gain a positive result at home, Barca may need to become the first team to win away to Shakhtar in Europe since the Ukrainian champions moved to the Donbass Arena in 2009.

“We’ve had a good weekend in the league (beating Sevilla on Sunday) and are very happy about it, but now we are in another competition against a tough opponent,” Spain striker Villa said.

“We’re playing at home in front of our own fans, but we still need to play well and not make hard work for ourselves in the second leg.”

“At this stage of the competition it’s very difficult to take a clear advantage going into the second leg (which is) at a ground at which Shakhtar haven’t lost yet.”

“They also play much better football in front of their own fans. We need to play well there.”

Everton manager David Moyes believes an England call-up would be long overdue recognition for low-profile midfielder Leon Osman.The Merseyside club have recovered from a slow start to reach seventh in the English Premier League table, with Osman one of the most consistent performers at Goodison Park this season.

The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the Everton first team from 2004 onwards, but has never gained international recognition for his efforts.

That could be set to change, with England coach Fabio Capello reportedly considering Osman for his next European Championship qualifying squad.

“Well, that would be great if they are (looking at Osman),” Moyes said.

“I think that he’s sort of one that’s underneath since I’ve been here – he’s never just quite made the extra little bit, maybe to get involved with the England squad, but if that’s right that would be great.”

“He’s been a really good player for us.”

Osman joined Everton as a youth player in 1997, making his first-team debut at the end of the 2003/04 campaign, Moyes’ second full season in charge.

“He’s been a big part since I’ve come here, not just the recent form,” Moyes said.

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“He’s been very much right in there, doing as well as most people. He doesn’t maybe get the recognition or the plaudits he deserves a lot of the time.”

“He’s suffered a little bit with injuries in recent years, little bits at times that he’s been out, but overall he’s been an excellent player who we can rely on, we trust him and he’s done a really good job since I’ve been here.”

Vitoria Guimaraes recorded a 1-0 win over Beira-Mar to move into the fifth European spot in Liga Sagres on Sunday.An 87th-minute goal from striker Marcelo Toscano could prove vital before Saturday’s last round of games.

The win put Manuel Machado’s team into the last of three Europa League spots with a game against bottom-placed Naval de Maio to finish their season.

Beira-Mar are 11th but can finish as high as ninth if results go their way.

Porto were held for just the third time this season as a hat-trick from Pacos de Ferreira attacker Pizzi earned his side a 3-3 draw.

The champions-elect, who have won 26 of their 29 league games and are undefeated this campaign, had gone into half-time with a 2-0 lead after goals from Maicon and Hulk, before Pizzi pulled one back three minutes into the second period.

Porto’s Columbian striker Falcao restored the two-goal buffer soon after, only for Pizzi put his side back into the game in the 59th minute.

When Pacos de Ferreira attacker Nelson Oliveira was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Joao Moutinho three minutes later, it looked as though their hopes of getting anything from the game were gone.

But Pizzi popped up two minutes from time to level things up and move his team into seventh.

Nacional’s hopes of finishing in the top five were dealt a blow after they suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Olhanense.

Forward Toy scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute for the 12th-placed side, leaving Nacional one point from fifth-placed Guimaraes.

A first-half brace from Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo set up Benfica’s 2-1 win over Rio Ave.

Cardozo found the net twice in the opening half an hour as Rio Ave slipped to eighth.

Substitute midfielder Braga pulled a goal back one minute from full-time but they could not find another during stoppages.

In other games, Sporting Lisbon suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at the hands of Vitoria Setubal after a 55th-minute goal from attacker Jailson.

It saw Sporting Lisbon drop to fourth after Sporting Braga played out a 0-0 draw with Academica to move into third.

Portimonense moved off the bottom thanks to a 1-0 win over ninth-placed Maritimo, with winger Ivanildo scoring the only goal of the game on 62 minutes.

Maritimo defender Igor was sent off when he picked up a second booking seven minutes before full-time.

It leaves Naval de Maio on the bottom after they suffered a 1-0 loss to Uniao de Leiria, where substitute Joao Silva scored the only goal of the game.

So the football season is coming to an end. All we have to look forward to is the Champions League final and a couple of Playoff finals, but then there’s two months when there’s no domestic football action to watch. Yes there’s the European U21 Championships, but Stuart Pearce’s eleven will not feature Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere or Liverpool’s Andy Carroll after a long, gruelling season. So, how are you going to fight off the boredom and keep yourself occupied until the new season starts in August?

Undoubtedly, many of you will turn to FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer. If you can’t watch footy on the TV, why not play it instead? However, the latest versions of these football games came out last year and with new iterations not due out until the autumn, you might have played them to death already. You could even take to the parks and have a kick about with your mates, but that might be a little bit too energetic for your tastes. However, there is another option available to you.

If you’ve had enough of footy and would like a break, just like the stars of the Premier League, then why not try out a brand new Motorcycling game. The brand new FIM Superbike World Championship game will keep you occupied long into the summer so that the football season will come around just that little bit quicker. After the revolutionary and acclaimed SBK®X, Milestone is ready to bring another masterpiece in the racing genre to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, with the upcoming release of SBK®2011, the ultimate motorbike racing game.

So, instead of moping around and counting down the days on your calendar until the new football season starts, use your spare time to master the track in this stunning superbike game. If you thought the action in the Premier League was fast and frantic, prepare for a real dose of speed on two wheels. If your team had a dreadful season, this is also a chance to forget all about it and win something for a change. So, like SWP, why don’t you get on your bike?

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Check out the video for SBK 2011 below…