First lady of football.

West Indies on the brink.

Ok, so my very first banker of the week may have been the biggest non-starter ever. but let me just say that it still may happen. Primarily, there is a supposed 40% chance of rain in Antigua tomorrow. That can mean it will rain for 40% of the day, or there is a 40% chance that one drop of rain will fall. Whilst I'm holding out for the former, I think it is safe to say the latter is more plausible.

Nonetheless, Ramnaresh Sarwan (who looked in pretty decent nick in the first innings - before throwing his wicket away) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (who I predicted will fancy knuckling down in the first innings - before he was out for 1) seem to have got in. If those two can bat through to lunch and the Windies can survive until tea without losing more than 2 wickets, there might still be a chance (especially with a bit of rain) that the West Indies could scrape a draw. Highly unlikely, I know, but here's hoping you will all be proclaiming my first banker of the week, rather than replacing the 'b' in that phrase with a 'w'. For those of you still interested, latest odds on a draw are 11/4 with Coral.

EDIT: It now seems likely that Andrew Flintoff will be restricted to bowling a few overs today due to a hip injury, if he bowls at all. This may not have any impact on the outcome of this Test, but it does add a little extra pressure to Harmison, Broad and Swann. If Freddie is unable to bowl, it will significantly reduce England's pace attack, as it would to almost any in the world.

United extend lead.

If any of you are wondering, 'why the recent obsession with cricket?', don't worry, it's only been the main topic for a few days as I've been following that "banker". Back to the football, and Manchester United did what we all expected them to do and beat Fulham (with apparent ease) at Old Trafford tonight. While I still believe that the league is not won in February, it is starting to look a little ominous for the rest. I maintain that United haven't been outstanding going forward since their run of clean sheets started. However, they've been nicking goals when needed, and are displaying what they call 'the form of champions'.

It does remain to be seen, however, how they cope with the crowded fixture list coming up - the perils of remaining in four competitions. Chelsea were still in all four at this stage last season, and even their expensively assembled squad ran out of legs - just. On Saturday, Man United can go 8 points clear (9 if you include the superior goal difference) and then the pressure on the rest really starts to mount. It's not over yet, of course, but it will take some turnaround for someone else to beat United to the title.

EDIT: Interesting to see Sir Alex Ferguson rule Chelsea out of the running for the title. He is obviously just stating what most others think, and perhaps he's testing the water for mind games with Hiddink. But to declare it so openly is a bit of a risk (OK, a tiny risk). Ferguson also mentioned that he's be keeping a "wary eye" on Aston Villa, which is great credit for their season so far.

A game of two sexes.

Chauvinists, look away now - they've only gone and let a woman manage a football team! Donna Powell is said to be the first woman to manage a professional or semi-professional team, when she 'bought' the right to lead Fisher Athletic out to play Eastleigh. The Blue Square South game finished 2-1 to Eastleigh, which will have football purists rejoicing.

I'm not going to say if it is right or wrong, but if Match of the Day commentators are anything to go by, she wouldn't have been my first choice. One thing is certain though, Powell has mastered the art of the cliche; "I am no shrinking violet", "do not suffer fools lightly", "playing the game the right way" and "I will be playing ball to feet". Well, not many will be laughing, but is a funny old game.

England dominate in Antigua.

England build commanding lead.

Alright, alright! Banker of the week I hear you say ... banker!?! Well, I still think it's a banker (sort of), and tomorrow may well prove crucial if the Third Test is to finish as a draw. The pitch is beginning to show some signs of unpredictability, as Flintoff will attest to. The fact that most of the England middle and lower order got out when in an attacking mode though, will offer confidence to the Windies. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, in particular, will relish the chance to get in, knuckle down, and help his team avoid following-on.

Paul Collingwood's knock today was typically battling of the Durham all-rounder. It should ensure he keeps his place for a while at least, but he must carry this form further to make certain a place for this summer's Ashes series. Owais Shah's 57 should make sure he gets another bite, and he will be hoping to quickly forget his lapse in concentration which got him out. In any case, if the Windies can bat through tomorrow, tonight's 11/10 offering is still value enough, especially if the rain comes.

U AvE got to be joking.

The United Arab Emirates have refused to grant Shahar Peer access to the country, undoubtedly due to the recent situation in Palestine. The Israeli was due to play in this week's tournament in Dubai. Peer is obviously very disappointed by this action, and some of her fellow players have been quick to offer their support. Whilst this blog is not the time, nor the place, to discuss the crisis in the Middle East, I think this is a decision which the UAE may well regret.

The Women's Tennis Association have quickly moved to say that Dubai could be removed from the tour list next year; they've broken rules, simple as that. It is a controversial decision; some of you will believe it is the right one, while others will agree that politics should not be brought into sport. Whatever you believe, rules are rules, and one correct decision should be made - Dubai to miss out in 2010.

Sterling return for da Silva.

Arsenal narrowed the number of teams in this year's FA Cup Quarter-Finals down to a mere 13, by beating Cardiff 4-0 earlier. I'm sure many of you will agree with the sentiment that it's great to see Eduardo back in action after an horrendous leg-break a year ago. He scored twice tonight to cap a fine display, and the Emirates faithful certainly showed their support for him. Adebayor hasn't been particularly impressive this season, and Eduardo will give Arsenal further attacking options in closing the gap on the 'big four'.

New season on horizon in Ireland.

Finally, the fixtures for the forthcoming (Daily Star, is it? Or still Eircom? I'm not sure.) League of Ireland season were announced today. Champions Bohemians face an away trip to Oriel Park to face newcomers Dundalk, while Jeff Kenna's first game in charge of St. Patrick's Atletic sees him welcome his previous club Galway United to Richmond Park. 2007 champions Drogheda United face a tough opening fixture, travelling north to take on Derry City at the Brandywell. Sligo Rovers welcome Cork City, and Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers makes up the opening weekend of the new look 10-team league. Some interesting fixtures, I'm sure you'll agree. The league kicks off on Friday, March 6th.