England face Ukraine in crunch Group H clash

England's World Cup qualification campaign enters a critical stage as they take on Ukraine in a battle for control of Group H.

Roy Hodgson's men are currently in pole position to progress automatically to next summer's tournament in Brazil but it has been hard work from the start and there is still everything to play for.

The Three Lions are level on points with Montenegro at the top of the group but have a game in hand and it is Ukraine, a point further back, who have emerged as the most dangerous challengers following a fine run of form under Mykhaylo Fomenko.

Tricky home games against Montenegro and Poland lie ahead for England next month but they must first negotiate a formidable test in Kiev which Hodgson admits is 'like a cup final'.

Defeat would leave England needing Ukraine to slip up but a victory or even a draw would keep them in control of their own destiny and Hodgson is taking inspiration from a goalless night in Italy in 1997 which saw the team through to the World Cup.

He said: "There are parallels. But we stuck together, dug ourselves in to get a good result and if we can do something similar I'll be as happy as I was leaving the Olympic Stadium in Rome that evening."

England required a late penalty from Frank Lampard to salvage 1-1 draw against Ukraine at Wembley and the Chelsea midfielder will make his 100th international appearance in the return fixture.

Hodgson can also take encouragement from a 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the group phase of Euro 2012, before they bowed out of the competition at Kiev's Olympic Stadium following a defeat by Italy on penalties.

Preparations for the latest trip to Kiev have not been helped by injuries to players such as Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, while Danny Welbeck is also suspended after picking up a yellow card in Friday's 4-0 victory over Moldova.

Kyle Walker, meanwhile, has had to apologise after photographs emerged over the weekend of him taking the 'legal high' nitrous oxide, although Hodgson has confirmed the Tottenham Hotspur right-back will keep his place.

While England were sharpening up for tougher games ahead with a comfortable win against Moldova, Ukraine were even more emphatic in a 9-0 demolition of San Marino on Friday.

That result made it four wins out of four for Ukraine since Fomenko took charge, and the coach is desperate to keep the run going.

Asked if Tuesday's game was the biggest match of his life, he replied: "Not only of mine. Because with victory, this match gives us the possibility to achieve our objectives."

Ukraine will be at home to Poland in their next game before finishing their qualifying campaign with a journey to San Marino.

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Watch Valencia vs Barcelona live stream free

From the last six meetings between these two sides at the Mestalla, the hosts have only lost one match, but have also not won any. The other five matches ended in a draw, but at least that will give Los Che some extra motivation heading into Sunday's match.

After claiming his first piece of silverware since his arrival at the Nou Camp, Gerardo Martino knows that Miroslav Djukic's side will want to claim the full three points.

"As the home side, Valencia have to go for the win," Martino said at his pre-match press conference. 

"I'm in no doubt about that. What we do is imagine what might happen and then see if there are alternatives."

Barcelona's run up until this match has sent mixed signals, but the Blaugrana are always a threat regardless of their previous performance. 

Their 7-1 victory over Levante in the opening match had fans and neutrals impressed, and curious as to if Martino had re-lit the flame that appeared to be missing last season. They followed that victory up with a tight victory over Malaga, while the also struggled for most parts of the match at the Vicente Calderon against Atletico Madrid.

This Barcelona squad is clearly in a phase of finding its identity under Martino, and at this early stage of the season, they may be vulnerable.

Whether that vulnerability comes from getting adapted to a new style, or the lack of Barcelona's reinforcement of their back four, anything is possible.

Playing without Xavi and Alexis Sanchez, who have been purposly left out of the squad, Barcelona will need to find a way to create more offensive chances than they had against Atletico mid-week.

While the Blaugrana have proven that they can score when all is going well, Valencia has struggled in that department since the departure of Roberto Soldado.

The Spanish striker made his way to White Hart Lane, leaving Los Che without a big name in their squad, with the exception of Banega, but he is not the prolific goal scorer Valencia needs.

Having won their first match against Malaga, Djukic's side followed that up with a very poor performance against Espanyol, resulting in a 3-1 defeat. Wanting to erase that from the memory of their fans, and wanting to sort things out with their manager who was clearly furious, Valencia needs a near perfect performance on Sunday.

"Barcelona are a strong opponent, if not the strongest, and we have to be prepared and in the right frame of mind to play well," Valencia midfielder Oriel Romeu told reporters. "You either have to play perfectly or you have no chance. Hopefully we'll have a perfect game."

Liverpool Vs Manchester United

On September 1st, Manchester United will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, with the rivalry between the two most successful clubs in England always creating a much anticipated game.  This early in the season it will be a test to see how much Liverpool have improved and a big game for Manchester United t repeat to continue form and defend their champions title.  Liverpool will be trying to keep their 100% record after recording two 1-0 victories against Stoke and Aston Villa whilst  Manchester United’s new manager David Moyes will try to get his first ever win at Anfield after being unable to get a win there during his tenure at Everton.  Brendan Rodgers will also be looking to pick up his first win against Manchester United.

Team News

Both teams will be dealing with some injuries going into the game.  Liverpool look like they may be missing new signings Kolo Toure and Aly Cissoko along with Joe Allen who were all hurt in their Capital One Cup game on Tuesday.  Sebastian Coates will also be missing this game and most of the season after an ACL injury.  United will be missing Rafael who has been missing all season with a hamstring injury and will not be back until the middle of September.  United may also be missing Nani and Chicharito Hernandez who both do not have a listed return date. (All injury news from physioroom.com).

Both Liverpool and United have had to deal with big transfer sagas this summer trying to hold on to star players, Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez.  Luis Suarez would not be playing, even if this saga didn’t happen, because of his suspension for biting Branislav Ivanovic.  Wayne Rooney was shunned a start in the season opener, coming off the bench late in the first game and but started the second against title rivals Chelsea.  Both teams seem to be almost out of the woods with both these sagas but will know that nothing will be official until they either sign new contracts or the window ends.  Liverpool had to play an entire 120 minutes on Tuesday vs Notts county in the Capital One Cup while United last played 90 minutes on Monday.  The fact that Liverpool will be on less rest could have an effect late in the game.