Liverpool, Spurs, Everton and Celtic in Europa League action
Nine Premier League news conferences
Fernando Alonso expected to start Australian GP, say McLaren
Andy Murray defeated by Borna Coric at Dubai Championships
Arsenal lose to Monaco in Champions League last 16
Newcastle manager John Carver has rolled out the old "it won't be an easy game" cliche, as his side prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday.
"I've seen the difference in Villa straight away under Tim. They are going front to back a bit quicker," he said. "Villa have got a new lease of life and more energy."
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle manager John Carver has been reflecting on last weekend's 5-0 drubbing against Manchester City.
"After that result last weekend, I was desperate to get back on the training pitch," he said.
"We will hopefully put it right this weekend. "I let the players suffer on Monday a little, but everyone is in good spirits now and Saturday is an opportunity to put it right."
Image source, Getty ImagesHamid Hassan and Shapoor Zadran celebrate victory for Afghanistan
Afghanistan's English coach Andy Moles said he was "very proud" of his team after their first ever World Cup win, against Scotland in Dunedin.
Afghanistan recovered from 97-7 to overhaul 210 in the final over and deny Scotland a first World Cup win.
"I've seen some strange things down the years but that was one of the most remarkable," said former Warwickshire batsman Moles.
"The players are so passionate and have worked so hard. I'm delighted."
Newcastle United on Twitter:, external John Carver's pre-match media briefing ahead of @AVFCOfficial has just begun.
Image source, Twitter
Image source, Getty ImagesWest Brom head coach Tony Pulis says striker Saido Berahino is doubtful for Saturday's match against Southampton after a challenge in their 0-0 draw against Sunderland which he describes as being "Cattermoled".
James Morrison is also doubtful with a hamstring problem, while striker Victor Anichebe should return to training tomorrow.
Albion have lost just once in 10 games since Pulis took over as boss.
Oldham Athletic are in "no rush" to find a manager to replace Lee Johnson, says chief executive Neil Joy.
Johnson moved to fellow League One side Barnsley on Wednesday, with first-team coach Dean Holden placed in temporary charge.
Oldham have been linked with an approach for former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes,, external who is a lifelong Latics fan.
"We can't stop speculation and that will always happen with a vacancy," said Joy.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United defender Tyler Blackett has signed a new contract until June 2017, with the option to extend for a further year.
The Englishman has made 10 appearances for the Red Devils, after making his debut this season in the opening day defeat against Swansea.
"I'm thrilled. I've supported United all my life and to make my debut this season was a dream come true," he said.
There's more F1 testing taking place in Barcelona today - you can follow live text commentary here - but one man who isn't taking part is Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard has been warned not to rush back to racing following the crash that left him concussed and forced him to miss this week's test.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe advice comes from Gil De Ferran, a winner of the Indianapolis 500 and two-time IndyCar champion, who suffered major concussions in his career.
De Ferran told BBC Sport that he feared his career was over after one of his concussion injuries.
And he says that returning too soon is "the worst thing a driver can do".
Australian playmaker Scott Dureau said his loyalty to Catalans Dragons persuaded him to continue playing after a string of health and injury setbacks.
Dureau, 28, missed a large part of the 2013 season after a tumour was removed from behind his eye, before a bicep tear stalled his progress in 2014.
He ended last year on loan with ex-Catalans coach Trent Robinson at Sydney Roosters before returning to Perpignan.
"It was always the plan to come back and I was glad I did," Dureau said.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has said his side need to improve their decision-making after a run of four Championship games without a win.
One-time leaders Cherries are six points off leaders Derby in fourth after defeat at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, despite having a massive 76% possession.
Image source, Getty Images"We became desperate and that in turn leads to bad decisions," Howe told BBC Radio Solent.
"As much as you want to score, you've still got to make the right decisions with the ball "If you look at the top teams play at the very highest level they're still making good decisions and acting composed, and that's probably where we've made mistakes in the last two games."
World champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest on a rain-interrupted first morning of the final four-day test in Barcelona.
Hamilton bettered his own time that sealed pole at the Spanish Grand Prix last year in 1min 24:881sec.
Image source, Getty ImagesFelipe Massa was second quickest for Williams, whilst Daniil Kyvat was third fastest despite breaking down in the Red Bull on his way out the pit lane early on.
McLaren-Honda's problems persist as Jenson Button was once again at the back of the grid on time and mileage, after completing just seven laps.
Image source, Getty ImagesBritish number one Andy Murray has suffered a resounding 6-1 6-3 defeat against Borna Coric at the Dubai Championship.
Murray made 55 unforced errors, losing in one hour and 19 minutes against the Croatian youngster.
We're after your memorable sporting slip ups. Here's what you're telling us...
Jonathan Salt: Phil Neville's last minute 'tackle' against Romania at Euro 2000 to concede penalty. Had got my ticket for quarters but then...
Image source, Getty ImagesChristoph: Spurs being 3-0 against City with 10 men, and city winning 4-3. As an Arsenal fan, that was hilarious.
Oomar Jaunmohamud: Messi's flying header miss after his penalty at Man City.
Image source, Getty ImagesAn unexploded Second World War bomb has been discovered close to Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park ground.
The 550lb device, reported by Germany's international broadcaster DW as being of British origin, was found on Thursday.
The discovery came just hours before Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was due to give a news conference ahead of this weekend's derby against Schalke.
The 80,720-capacity stadium and the surrounding area was evacuated.
Charlton are investigating footage that appears to show a couple having sex on the club's pitch.
The video shows footage of a man and a woman on the centre spot of a football pitch.
The description on the video claims the incident took place at The Valley, with the pair having broken into the ground at night.
A Charlton spokesperson told Press Association Sport the club knew nothing of the incident, adding: "There will be a club investigation."
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle Falcons have signed Tonga international scrum-half Sonatane Takulua with immediate effect from New Zealand-based ITM Cup side Northland.
Takulua, 24, has agreed terms at Kingston Park until the end of next season.
The playmaker will add cover to the Falcons' existing first-grade half-backs Mike Blair and Ruki Tipuna.
"I'm looking forward to learning and sharing skills. I can't wait to get on the field," Takulua said.
BBC WM Sport 95.6:, external West Brom manager Tony Pulis very prompt for his pre Southampton press conference.
Image source, TwitterGaolkeeper Luke Steele says the suspension of all professional football in Greece is "ridiculous" (see 11:47) - and it appears the Greek government might agree with him.
It has emerged that the government is backtracking on its original decision and has decided the suspension - the third one of the season - will now last only a week and cover just the Greek Super League.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe suspension follows violence at Sunday's Super League match between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, as well as a brawl between club officials at a board meeting on Tuesday.
Patrick Mahoney: Arsenal surrendering a 4-0 half time lead to concede 4 goals in 20 minutes against Newcastle. Oh that volley from Tiote...
Nadia Jones: Australia's Kurtley Beale slipping whilst kicking a penalty to win the game against the Lions.
Keep them coming to #sportslipups or at the BBC Sport Facebook, external page.
Image source, EPAMcLaren CEO Ron Dennis has given an update on the condition of McLaren driver Fernando Alonso who left hospital yesterday.
The Spaniard suffered a crash in testing on Sunday and has returned to his family home in Spain for further rest and recuperation.
Dennis said in a press conference: "Alonso was unconscious after the crash. He's got no injury. He should be fine to race in Australia and in normal circumstances he'll be racing. This is recovery time."