The second set of Champions League last 16 ties take place this week as eight teams look to give themselves an advantage going into the second-leg.

First up on Tuesday evening from 5pm, CSKA Moscow host runaway La Liga leaders Real Madrid. The visitors are no doubt favourites for this one as they look to follow up what was a record breaking group stage of this competition.

As for CSKA, they have actually lost three of their last four European games on home soil, while they will hope that their two month break from competitive action will be a help rather than a hindrance

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Next up on Tuesday evening, Italian side Napoli – who qualified from the group stages at the expense of Manchester City – go head to head with Chelsea in a fascinating first-leg.

There is no doubt that, on paper, the away side are the favourites to get the job done. However, as has been well documented, Andre Villas-Boas’ men haven’t been at their best in recent weeks and the pressure really is on.

Chelsea have also only won one of their last 10 European away games on Italian soil, so perhaps they will settle for a draw in this one and look to finish the job at Stamford Bridge in a couple of weeks time.

Moving on to Wednesday night, there are two 7.45pm kick-offs. First of all, FC Basel – who conceded more group stage goals than any other team qualifying for the last 16 – take on a Bayern Munich side that hasn’t won this famous competition since 2001.

This is perhaps one of the toughest to call fixtures from the last 16. Basel will back themselves on home soil, while Bayern Munich – who were frustratingly held to a draw at Freiburg on Saturday – will be confident that their extra class will shine through.

Completing the last 16 first-leg fixtures is a potentially epic battle between Marseille and Inter Milan. Both these teams base their success in Europe on a decent defence and with plenty of attacking talent also on show, this is a contest that many are looking forward to.

Overall, yet another entertaining couple of days in the Champions League awaits. Who can get one foot in the last eight? Find out from 5pm on Tuesday evening.

The FA Cup returns this weekend for the fifth round stage as 16 teams fight it out to book a place in the quarter-finals of the most famous club competition in the world, as we celebrate with a cracking Ladbrokes free bets offer worth £50!

With the two teams leading the way in the Premier League – Manchester City and Manchester United – already knocked out, the draw is more open than usual with many teams eyeing significant progress in this year’s competition.

Kicking off the action this weekend is a clash between Chelsea and Birmingham at Stamford Bridge. This gets underway at 12.30pm with the home side under massive pressure to get the victory.

Andre Villas-Boas’ men have been in extremely poor form of late, leading to much speculation about the manager’s future. With this in mind, a victory over Birmingham – who are flying in the Championship right now – would be more than welcome.

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There are then three 3pm fixtures on Saturday afternoon, with Millwall v Bolton arguably the most likely to see an upset. The home teams are then the favourites when Everton take on Blackpool and Norwich host Leicester, although the visitors will be up for the challenge.

In the late kick-off on Saturday, there is a repeat of last weekend’s Premier League fixture between Sunderland and Arsenal. Martin O’Neill’s men will be hoping to get revenge for the 2-1 defeat as Arsenal look to respond to their horrific evening in Milan during the week.

Moving on to Sunday, there are three FA Cup fifth round fixtures with Crawley Town v Stoke City first up. This is a massive occasion for League Two Crawley as they look to put their promotion race on hold to upset a Stoke side that will be tired from the Europa League exploits during the week.

It is a similar story for Stevenage at 2pm on Sunday when they host Premier League title contenders Tottenham. This is one of the best draws they could have hoped for and they will want to make it a day to remember against Harry Redknapp’s men.

The final game of the FA Cup fifth round is the fifth Premier League v Championship fixture as Liverpool – who moved past Manchester United in the last round – host a Brighton side that has already dealt with Newcastle United in this year’s FA Cup.

There is plenty of room for upsets this weekend, so bring on the fifth round!

Sir Alex Ferguson may have amassed a spectacular record as Manchester United boss but the Scot has never tasted success in the Europa League, but before United can start dreaming of the final in Bucharest they must first get past Ajax, who also dropped down into European football’s second tier competition.

City meanwhile saw their maiden Champions League campaign go up in smoke thanks to crucial defeats against Napoli and Bayern Munich, and now they’ll take on reigning Europa League champions Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on Thursday.

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The English charge on the Europa League is completed by Stoke, who face the difficult task of a two-leg tie against Valencia.

The Potters have seen their league form stutter of late, with four consecutive defeats in the Premier League while Valencia narrowly missed out on an appearance in the Copa del Rey final after succumbing to Barcelona 3-1 on aggregate earlier this month.

Elsewhere Lazio play hosts to Atletico Madrid in the first knockout stage of the competition, with the Italian side likely to have a tough time emerging victorious against a Madrid outfit that topped their qualifying group which contained Serie A contenders Udinese and SPL leaders Celtic.

In the remaining pick of the ties, Steve McLaren takes his Twente side to Romania to take on Steaua Bucharest, Athletic Bilbao face a lengthy journey to Russia for their tie against Lokomotiv Moscow, and Schalke, who surprised many by making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, go up against Plzen.

Udinese have seen their Serie A challenge falter slightly after tasting defeat against A.C Milan last weekend, but will now turn their attentions to their first leg encounter against a PAOK Salonika side that finished ahead of Tottenham in the group stages.

Elsewhere Wisla Krakow play hosts to Standard Liege, and Ukrainian outfit Metalist Kharkiv play in-form Austrian outfit SV Salzburg.

In the final ties of the round of 32, Hannover make their Europa League debut against Brugge, Trabzonspor, fresh from their maiden Champions League campaign, take on PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar take on Belgian league leaders Anderlecht, and Legia Warsaw go up against Sporting Lisbon.

The Champions League is back this week with four last 16 ties getting underway with the first-leg fixtures getting underway across Tuesday and Wednesday.

With the likes of Manchester United already out of the competition, there are some unlikely names still in the Champions League at this stage, but this doesn’t mean the entertainment levels will be reduced as there are Ladbrokes free bets to pick up on the games.

Kicking off the return of the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen host reigning Champions Barcelona in Germany for what should be a fascinating first-leg encounter.

Leverkusen – who currently sit 6th in the Bundesliga – will know that they have to get a positive result in the home tie to stand a chance of progression, while Barcelona will be massively focused on European success after their boss Pep Guardiola conceded the title race to Real Madrid.

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Also from 7.45pm on Tuesday evening, Lyon host Apoel Nicosia. The French hosts will be favourites to secure a first-leg victory, but Apoel Nicosia have proved dangerous on the road in the past and will look to hit their hosts on the counter attack.

Moving on to Wednesday evening, first up there is a 5pm kick-off between Zenit St Petersburg and Benfica. The hosts have an excellent record on home soil and will look to make this count against the Portuguese league leaders.

Finally in this week’s Champions League fixtures, it is the pick of the last 16 fixtures – AC Milan v Arsenal. This is a game that sees the Serie A league leaders take on an Arsenal team that finds themselves in a decent run of form.

Milan haven’t been at their best domestically of late and they will want to put this to one side against the Gunners. As for Arsene Wenger’s men, they have won their last two Premier League games and will see this as the start of a better run of form.

Overall, these are four fascinating Champions League fixtures and there is no doubt that all four home teams will be banking on a victory to take into the second-leg.

As this season has proved though, anything can happen in football’s elite European club competition!

It gets underway with a mouth-watering contest too as Manchester United and Liverpool go head to head at Old Trafford on Saturday lunch-time. Arguably the biggest rivalry in English football, there is sure to be an added spice to this one as We have a cracking Paddy Power free bets offer to pick up.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is likely to start his first game since a suspension for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. He is therefore likely to get a rather hostile welcome from the home fans.

It’s not as if this fixture needs any added spice though. Both teams need the points – United are chasing the title, while Liverpool are after a top four finish – and it should be an intense, competitive and entertaining 90 minutes of football.

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Attempting to follow up the big game of the weekend, there are six 3pm kick-offs on Saturday afternoon. The pick of which is probably Sunderland at home to Arsenal as Martin O’Neill’s rejuvenated Black Cats host a Gunners side who are in good spirits after a 7-1 win last time out.

Swansea at home to Norwich is another fascinating contest at 3pm on Saturday. Both teams have performed superbly well after winning promotion to the Premier League and with just two points between them, this is an important fixture.

Also on Saturday afternoon, there are some crucial matches at the bottom of the table. Blackburn host Queens Park Rangers, while Bolton take on Wigan at the Reebok Stadium. Every point is crucial in the fight for relegation and none of these teams will dare lose this weekend.

Completing Saturday’s fixtures, 11th placed Everton take on a Chelsea side in desperate need of three points, while Fulham host Stoke City. Then, at 5.30pm, Tottenham and Newcastle – two teams performing incredibly well this year – go head to head at White Hart Lane.

There are then two fixtures on Sunday afternoon to complete the weekend’s action. First, at 1.30pm, local rivals Wolves and West Brom battle it out for crucial points in their respective battles for survival.

Finally, in this weekend’s Super Sunday fixture, league leaders Manchester City travel to Aston Villa at 4pm. Roberto Mancini’s men have lost three of their last five league games on the road, so they will want to come away from Villa Park with a much needed three points.

It’s sure to be another weekend of twists, turns and unpredictable results, both at the top and bottom of the Premier League table.

After a dramatic weekend of Six Nations action last week, rugby fans can get ready to do it all over again on Saturday and Sunday.

There were some epic matches last weekend – with Wales’ victory over Ireland a particular highlight – and it seems fair to say that the 2012 Six Nations is already capturing the imagination as we bring you cracking Ladbrokes free bets offer.

This weekend’s action gets underway in Rome with a new-look

England side looking to make it two victories from two away games at the start of this Six Nations campaign.

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Stuart Lancaster guided England to a 13-6 victory at Scotland last weekend and they face another tough test against Italy from 4pm on Saturday.

Aiming to repeat the success from last weekend, England have already named the same starting line up and bench as that which secured a first victory at Murrayfield since 2004.

As for Italy, well they got off to a losing start in France last weekend and they will no doubt be up against it to improve on a 2011 Six Nations campaign where they only managed one victory.

The second match taking place on Saturday, from 7pm in the evening, is a fascinating one between France and Ireland. Both teams will have ambitions to win this game and after an epic 25-22 victory for France last year, Ireland will be after some revenge.

The Irish will also be keen to respond to the defeat at home to Wales last weekend. It was a bad day for them and one they will want to put right in Paris on Saturday evening. There is no doubt that it is another tough test for them though.

The final game of the weekend takes place on Sunday between Wales and Scotland. The Welsh will no doubt be favourites to win this one, keeping their Grand Slam home alive in the process.

The home side will be in excellent spirits too, while Scotland – who are expected to make plenty of changes – will have to lift themselves if they are to get a positive result.

Overall, another fascinating weekend of Six Nations action lies ahead. With a two week gap until the next round of fixtures, each and every team will be targeting a positive performance.

The build-up to Sunday’s match is already well underway with American Football fans excited about the entertainment in prospect. As ever, the action – as well as the entire Super Bowl package – is a massive highlight in the sporting calendar and is set to grip the nation.

As for the contest between the Giants and the Patriots, it is the latter that are the favourites going into Sunday. They are the team to beat and as such, have increased pressure on them to get the job done.

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One of their star players is Tom Brady of course and the quarter-back has been speaking about Sunday’s match, saying that he and his team must learn the lessons from the defeat to the Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl.

Ahead of the clash in Indianapolis, Brady said: “They have a very good pass rush. I’ve seen it game after game this year. They can get to the quarterback, they can hit the quarterback, force the quarterback into bad decisions and some bad throws.”

“We’re going to try to eliminate those. We really can’t afford many of those on Sunday. We had too many of those last time we played them and we’re not going to be able to win the game making mistakes.”

As for how the New York Giants are preparing for the match, they appear to be in extremely confident mood with defensive lineman Chris Canty telling the team’s fans to get ‘ready for a parade.’

Clearly in a positive mood about Sunday, he said: “Get ready for a great game on Super Bowl Sunday. And get ready for a parade on Tuesday.”

Overall, it should be a thoroughly entertaining day with both teams capable of coming out on top. Many expect it to be a battle between the Patriots’ superior offense and the Giants’ solid defence, so don’t take your eyes of this one for a second.

After a frantic week in the Premier League, with last minute transfer deals and a full schedule of games, the top flight action is in full swing again this weekend.

With every single Premier League team in action across Saturday, Sunday and Monday, it promises to be another exciting few days with crucial points up for grabs.

Kicking off the weekend’s fixtures on Saturday lunch-time, Arsenal – who have gone four league games without a win – host Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates.

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This is a game that Arsene Wenger’s men really need to win. The Gunners boss has said that all remaining games should be treated like a cup final and it starts here against a Blackburn side that needs a positive result to boost their chances of Premier League survival.

After this early kick-off, there are five games getting underway at 3pm. The pick of these is probably Stoke City at home to Sunderland. Tony Pulis’ men will want to get back to winning ways after losing their last two, while the Black Cats are hoping to continue their excellent resurgence under Martin O’Neill.

Elsewhere on Saturday afternoon, Norwich host Bolton, QPR take on Wolves, Swansea travel to West Brom and bottom of the table Wigan are at home to Everton.

Then, at 5.30pm on Saturday, league leaders Manchester City – who have won all 11 of – who have won all 11 of their home league games this season – will be looking for three points at home to Fulham.

Once Saturday’s matches have been and gone, there is still plenty to look forward to on Sunday on Monday. First up Newcastle host Aston Villa, before the big one between Chelsea and Manchester United.their home league games this season – will be looking for three points at home to Fulham.

This is a fascinating Super Sunday fixture and it should be an extremely competitive contest. Chelsea have had their struggles this year, but they will back themselves to win t
There is then a cracking Monday Night Football fixture as Liverpool and Tottenham go head to head at Anfield.his one on home soil, denting United’s title hopes in the process.

Both teams are capable of some excellent attacking football and this should be an entertaining contest to round off another thrilling weekend of Premier League football.

There was plenty of action in the Premier League last night of course, but a lot of the attention was on last-minute transfer dealings. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was one who said it was an overwhelming distraction for managers and players.

There is no such problem tonight though and in fact, there could be some new signings on show across the five matches taking place.

One of the most fascinating games of the night will be at Villa Park. Aston Villa – who desperately need to improve their home form – take on a Queens Park Rangers side that was extremely busy in the transfer window.

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Mark Hughes could hand debuts to Taye Taiwo, Nedum Onuoha and Djibril Cisse after their recent arrivals, while Villa are boosted by the return of create midfielder Charles N’Zogbia.

After this 7.45pm kick-off, there are four games starting at 8pm. This includes relegation threatened Blackburn at home to 7th placed Newcastle as well as in-form Bolton at home to an Arsenal side that has lost their last three Premier League games.

There is then a competitive clash between Fulham and West Brom at Craven Cottage, before an eye-catching encounter between in-form duo Sunderland and Norwich City.

The match – which is live on Sky Sports – sees Canaries boss Paul Lambert go head to head against his former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill who has rejuvenated Sunderland in recent weeks.

As mentioned, both of these teams are in form as they sit 10th and 11th in the table going into tonight’s game.

Looking at the team news for this clash at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland could hand a debut to loan signing Wayne Bridge, although Nicklas Bendtner, Wes Brown, Lee Cattermole and David Vaughan are all sidelined.

Norwich have no fresh injury concerns and they have the luxury of bringing in some first-team regulars after resting them for the FA Cup win at West Brom on Saturday.

Overall, there are several interesting matches in the Premier League tonight and it should be an entertaining evening with plenty of twists and turns.

The eccentric Italian has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after appearing to deliberately stamp on Scott Parker in City’s 3-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday.

Referee Howard Webb failed to notice the incident, and Balotelli remained on the pitch, going on to score a dramatic late winner from the penalty spot.

Now the 21-year-old could face a four match ban, having been sent off earlier in the season.

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Should Manchester City appeal and the FA deem that to be frivolous, the suspension could even be longer.

Following the game, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp expressed his anger that Balotelli had remained on the pitch, and believed the incident could have been the turning point in the game.

He said: “It is not the first time he has done that and I am sure it won’t be the last. I have got my own opinions but I don’t like people kicking other people in the head on football pitches. I don’t think it’s wrong to say that.

“Why you should back-heel someone in the head when they are lying on the floor is beyond me. It’s not a nice thing to do. He reacts to challenges like that at times. Scott has got a cut on his head.”

Joleon Lescott was involved in a similar separate incident with Younes Kaboul during the game as well, but the FA have decided not to take that matter any further.

City must now put that problem behind them and focus on what is the job in hand now – overturning a 1-0 deficit in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Liverpool at Anfield.

The Blues were the victims of a shock defeat in the first leg, as Steven Gerrard hit the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

They will also have to continue to make do without the influential brothers, Kolo and Yaya Toure, who are both away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are still without Luis Suarez who is serving an eight match ban for his racist remarks to Patrice Evra at the back end of last year.

The Reds will need to pick themselves up from an humiliating 3-1 defeat at the hands of relegation haunted Bolton if they are to reach Wembley.

Manager Kenny Dalglish was furious with his team’s performance after the game, and has demanded a big response.

He said: “All season we’ve been very complimentary about the way the boys have gone about their work, but I don’t think you could say that on Saturday.

“Their approach to the game was poor. If you have pride in yourself and in the football club that reflects in the effort you put in. I don’t know where that attitude came from but it needs to go quickly.

“Whether they had their minds on the next two games, I don’t know. But every game we play is an important game”

“Now we will get our minds on the Manchester City game. We have to solve our own problems. What do we do to put it right? Same as we always do – we work.”