Avoiding the Drop

What you missed while checking out this preserved baby mammoth…

• Premier League roundup: Wigan 1-0 Liverpool.
• La Liga roundup: Valencia 0-0 Racing Santander.
• The FA has moved to prevent print journalists from publishing excerpts of Fabio Capello’s conversations that were secretly recorded before England’s friendly with Egypt last week.
• The FA will not be paying Portsmouth any of their FA Cup money until they receive assurances that Portsmouth will use the money to pay off football creditors.
• Great Britain has sent South Africa 42 million condoms to prepare for John Terry’s arrival to help in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
• UEFA has declared that Portsmouth is ineligible for the Europa League even if they win the FA Cup.
• Rafa Benitez is losing patience with Liverpool’s poor performances. Must…not…hit…desk.
• Frank Lampard says that it’s okay to abuse John Terry because it only makes him stronger.
• Steven Pienaar’s been hit with a twelve month driving ban after his arrest for drink driving earlier this year.
• Stuart Holden underwent surgery to repair his broken right leg; he should be sidelined for about six weeks, which leaves open the possibility of a return for the World Cup.
• The Columbus Crew will take on Toluca in the CONCACAF Champions League tonight in spite of the fact that they don’t technically have a labor agreement at the moment.
• Three of Israel’s top clubs face an uncertain future after their owners have pulled financing (for three very different reasons).
• Wayne Rooney will be fit for tomorrow’s Champions League match against AC Milan after all.
• Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo is calling today’s Champions League meeting against Bayern Munich “the most important game of his life.” Not for nothing, but I’m hoping La Viola kick the crap out of Bayern this afternoon.