Cottagers Confidential, for Fulham FC fans

After a very promising start, Joe Allen's form fell away worryingly. Now he looks to the Europa League for redemption.

As a precaution the medical staff kept Lionel Messi training in the gym, but the club was given a boost by Alexis Sanchez who joined the group in training and could be available for the game on Sunday.

Liverpool visit Italy on the final day of the Europa League group stage with qualification on the line, as Brendan Rodgers' squad will need to better Young Boys' result in order to advance to the knockout stage.

FIFPro and FIFA have released a list of 20 defenders nominated for the FIFA FIFPro 2012 World XI, the best four from that list will be presented at the Ballon d'Or gala in January. Five Barça players are nominated for the award.

Xavi will today, along with Iker Casillas, receive the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award for sports.

Liverpool today drew Hearts of Scotland in the final qualifying round of the 2012-13 Europa League, with the first leg to be played in Gorgie on August 23rd.

Brendan Rodgers' first game at Anfield as manager of Liverpool Football Club was a success on the back of strong performances from Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, while new signing Fabio Borini scored his first goal in a 3-0 rout.

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has credited manager Brendan Rodgers' advice as playing a key role in his first goal of the season, but mostly the player seemed to be doing the same things he always does.

As you know, Atletico Madrid lifted the Europa League trophy last night in Bucharest. Chelsea's on-loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was, as he has been all season, a pivotal piece of the Atletico...