Ireland are odds-on to claim their first John Smith’s Grand National in six years following the first entry stage for the Aintree showpiece.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was last night charged by the Football Association over his post-match comments he made regarding the performance of assistant referee Simon Beck at Tottenham earlier this month.

QPR 0 Manchester City 0

RTÉ has defended an interview with Paul McGrath on yesterday’s Tubridy radio show in which the Irish football legend, who has had well-documented issues with alcohol, sounded under the influence.

“We’re like the Manchester United of Europe at science.”

Alex Ferguson bemoaned erratic defending for almost costing his side three points as he cut a relieved figure after Manchester United survived late pressure from Liverpool to maintain their advantage at the top of the Premier League.

Probably the biggest fixture in the world,” was how Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre described Manchester United v Liverpool shortly before kick-off at Old Trafford yesterday.

Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1

When Howard Webb blew the final whistle at Old Trafford the roar made it sound as if Manchester United had just beaten somebody big.

Arsene Wenger set the agenda before kick-off when he described the significance of this game to both teams.

Arsenal 0 Manchester City 2

QPR 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Premier League: Man Utd V Liverpool

Size, naturally, depends on your perspective.

Premier League: Arsenal V Man City

If Roberto Martinez has his way, James McCarthy will see out the rest of the season at Wigan.

Gareth Barry is determined to ensure Arsenal are shocked by more than just Mario Balotelli’s new hairstyle as Manchester City aim for a first league win away to the Gunners since 1975 this weekend.

SATURDAY

Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo has turned into “the complete player” since his departure from Manchester United in 2009.

Ireland U19s 1 Czech Rep U19s 1