Swansea defender Ashley Williams has received backing from two of his former managers after he came in for criticism after striking Robin van Persie on the head with a ball hit from close range.

Arsene Wenger believes former Arsenal skipper Tony Adams has all the ingredients to succeed as Portsmouth boss – but warned the transition from successful captain to great manager is not always an easy one.

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is pushing hard for a recall to the starting line-up for the Boxing Day clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Portsmouth forward Benjani Mwaruwari aggravated his hamstring against Sheffield United and will need a check before the Boxing Day clash against West Ham at Upton Park.

Celtic have it all to play for when they take on Hearts in the Bank of Scotland Premier League‘s top-of-the-table clash on New Year‘s Day.