Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak defended brutal police treatment of protest group Pussy Riot in Sochi, insisting at a media briefing today that they had provoked a conflict.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed the Kremlin’s view on gay rights in Sochi, asking athletes to “leave the kids alone”.

Irish defender Ciarán Clark has wished Aston Villa team-mate Libor Kozak well in his recovery from the broken leg that resulted from his tackle on the striker in training.

Aston Villa 1 Swansea City 1

Manchester United took on Norwich at Carrow Road without England forward Wayne Rooney, who did not travel to Norfolk.

Aston Villa 0 Crystal Palace 1

Santi Cazorla was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s only change for the London derby with West Ham.

Stoke 2 Aston Villa 1

Darren Fletcher was named on the bench as Manchester United looked to avoid suffering a hat-trick of Premier League defeats for the first time since December 2001 as they took on Aston Villa.

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is preparing for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League home clash with Manchester United feeling optimistic about the midlands outfit’s chances of achieving something they have not managed for over 18 years.

Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0

West Brom 2 Aston Villa 2

Aston Villa battled back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw in their derby clash with midlands rivals West Brom at The Hawthorns.

West Ham 0 Aston Villa 0

Christian Benteke could return to Aston Villa’s starting line-up against Everton tomorrow following his recent hip injury.

Aston Villa 0 Tottenham 2

Paul Lambert is assessing Christian Benteke’s fitness before deciding whether to throw the striker back into action when Aston Villa host Tottenham on Sunday.

Hull City 0 Aston Villa 0

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Norwich 0 Aston Villa 1

Villa boss Paul Lambert recalled Ciaran Clark in to the centre of his defence for his return to Carrow Road.

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli will remain patient with Mario Balotelli despite the striker’s impetuous dismissal in last night’s World Cup qualifying meeting with the Czech Republic.

Alan Pardew was fuming with the referee as Newcastle failed to turn their dominance into a first-leg victory over Metalist Kharkiv in their Europa League last-32 tie last night.

Lazio 0 Tottenham 0

Lazio 0 Tottenham 0

ENGLAND produced a nightmare last-gasp collapse to lose to the Czech Republic and crash out of the European U21 Championship last night.

MANCHESTER City striker Roque Santa Cruz is convinced Paraguay can reach at least the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

NIGEL WORTHINGTON is hoping for a touch of home comforts on Wednesday when Northern Ireland aim to get their World Cup qualifying campaign up and running.

SLOVAKIA rounded off their Group D campaign with a resounding win over minnows San Marino.

SLOVAKIA have lost two players through suspension for Wednesday’s Group D clash with the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park.

JOHN Toshack took it on the chin after Wales slumped to their worst home defeat in 98 years.

West Brom are boosted by the return of midfielder Ronnie Wallwork for tomorrow’s clash against West Ham at The Hawthorns.

West Brom are boosted by the return of midfielder Ronnie Wallwork for Monday’s clash against West Ham at the Hawthorns.

West Brom manager Bryan Robson will have Nigel Quashie back from suspension for Sunday’s Premiership match at Aston Villa.

West Brom midfielder Diomansy Kamara is fit for tomorrow’s Premiership clash against Liverpool at The Hawthorns.

Martin Jol handed striker Jermain Defoe the chance to reinforce his England hopes by pairing him with Robbie Keane in an unchanged team against West Brom at White Hart Lane.

West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara is a doubt for Monday’s Barclays Premiership match at Tottenham because of a hamstring strain sustained against Manchester United last weekend.

Teams for today's 3pm kick-offs in the Premiership.

West Brom defender Paul Robinson has shaken off a knee injury in time to face Manchester United at The Hawthorns.

Bryan Robson has praised the impact made by midfielder Jan Kozak since joining West Brom on loan from Artmedia Bratislava during the January transfer window.

West Brom manager Bryan Robson has a virtual clean bill of health for the crunch Barclays Premiership battle at Birmingham.

Chelsea survived the dismissal of Arjen Robben to move a step closer to retaining their Barclays Premiership title today with a 2-1 win at West Brom.

West Bromwich Albion are without Scottish international midfielder Nigel Quashie for tomorrow’s clash with Chelsea at The Hawthorns.

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren hinted in-form striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink could have a future at the club after his two-goal blast against West Brom further eased relegation fears.