This Week's News

Blackburn fan dies after collapsing during Stoke match

Whilst there was some fantastic and exciting football over the weekend, it must not be forgotten that a man lost his life at the Stoke v Blackburn match.  The Blackburn fan, Mr Taylor, was found unconscious just after half-time after an incident in the Brittannia Stadium's South Stand.  Police have detained a 25 year old man to "help with their enquiries" after details where released of how the incident transpired.  It was alleged Mr taylor was hit with a bin and had to be treated immediately at the scene for a serious head injury and cardiac arrest.  He later died in hospital at 1:55am.
Staffordshire Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have videoed it on their mobile phone, to contact the Major Investigations Department on 01785 233600, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

La Liga News


Barcelona finish with nine men against Getafe but still manage to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Messi and Xavi... Real keep the gap to only 5 points with a routine 3-0 victory over Espanyol at The Bernabau, the goals coming from Ramos, Kaka and Higuain... Deportivo continued their miserly defensive record with a 0-0 draw away at Malaga taking them a point behind Sevilla in 6th place... whilst Valencia maintained their grip on third place with a 2-0 victory over Valladolid, the goals coming from Banega and Villa.


More news to follow

Premiership January Sales

Happy New Year to all Big Match Centre readers and many thanks to you for coming back!  Well, as another decade passes and we head into the New Year, the January Sales gossip begins its yearly ritual.  Who will your club buy or recruit on-loan during the half-season?  Here's our guide to who we think might spend and on whom:

Arsenal

Many pundits thought the loss of Van Persie would deal a crucial blow to Arsenal's hopes but the Gunners have played some scintillating football and scored some wonderful goals in the process.  Still light upfront, it is likely that Wenger will spend money on a big striker with Marouanne Chamakh the more likely target.  Other possibilites (but less likely) are Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Andre-Pierre Gignac, the Toulouse striker.