Saturday

Millwall assistant boss Ray Wilkins believes that the recent knee injury suffered by player-manager Dennis Wise could aid the South Londoners’ chances of overcoming Sunderland in next month’s FA Cup Semi-Final by giving the former England international a much-needed breather in the meantime.

Speaking to the Sun, Wilkins said: "Dennis is stubborn but even he needs a rest sometimes, his age dictates that. It was a horrible cut. I've not seen one in a leg like that for a long while, but it has come at a good time because it allowed him to rest."

Despite subsequently turning in a man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Spurs, Ryan Giggs had earlier told the Sun that he is worried that he may not be a Manchester United player next season.

Birmingham City coach Steve Bruce thinks that by playing at left-back for his club, Matthew Upson could be increasing his chances of winning a place in Sven-Göran Eriksson’s Euro 2004 squad.

"The England manager knows all about his qualities as a centre-half. But, when he sees him playing left-back as well, it may give him other options when it comes to picking his squad.

"He could certainly give the management food for thought and it could be a bonus to have a central defender like Matty, knowing he could also fill in at left-back." (Sun)

Sunday

David Beckham foresees England’s upcoming friendly in Sweden as being "a tough game" for the Three Lions. And, owing to the fact that it is Sven-Göran Eriksson’s final international before he selects his Euro 2004 squad, the national captain also predicts that it will be a game that "everyone will want to be in the squad for." (Sunday Mirror)

All of yesterday’s red-tops cover stories regarding the comings and goings of certain managers across the continent.

The Sunday Express suggest that Chelsea’s Claudio Ranieri will be leaving west London in the summer whether he wins the European Cup or not, with the News of the World claiming that Arsène Wenger is at the top of Roman Abramovich’s wish list to replace the Italian. However, according to the Daily Star Sunday, Roma’s Fabio Capello would readily accept the position if offered it.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Mirror alleges that recently-departed Southampton boss Gordon Strachan could make a dramatic return to his old club Leeds next season and Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson will put pen to paper on a new contract at St James’ Park, says the News of the World.

England Under-21 international Jermaine Pennant thinks that with a little more encouragement from Arsène Wenger during his time at Highbury, his career could have developed along the same lines as England wunderkind Wayne Rooney.

"There was a lot of hype when I came to Arsenal as a 15-year-old kid. It's the same sort of hype that Wayne Rooney now attracts. The Everton boss showed a lot of faith in Rooney and played him at a young age and look what's happened to Wayne's career." (Sunday Mirror)

Monday

Real Madrid’s David Beckham explained away his kick in the direction of coach Carlos Queiroz after being substituted in Saturday’s 4-2 loss at Athletic Bilbao as "just frustration at the way we had played," before adding: "It didn’t have anything to do with the manager." (Sun)

Graham Poll will take charge of Sunday’s Highbury showdown between Premiership leaders Arsenal and champions Manchester United, says the Sun.

The Sun reveals that Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has decided not to appeal against his eight-month ban for failing to attend a drugs test.

Tales from the Tabs

The Sun reports that Real Madrid have set their sights on securing the services of Arsenal striker Thierry Henry for next season.

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has told his manager Sir Alex Ferguson to buy fellow Dutch front man Rafael van der Vaart from Ajax, the Sunday Express says.

The Daily Star Sunday suggests that Juventus could make a surprise summer swoop for Leeds pair Mark Viduka and Eirik Bakke.