Welbeck: Former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck is doubtful as Arsenal go to Old Trafford on Sunday bidding to secure a top-three place in the Premier League and with it automatic qualification to the Champions League group stages. Welbeck, who scored the goal which saw the Gunners advance in the FA Cup at United’s expense in March, has missed the last two matches with a knee injury. “Danny Welbeck has a little possibility to be fit,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

Girard: Lille boss Rene Girard insists he is not “worn out” and intends to persevere with the Ligue 1 club. Reports in France have suggested the 61-year-old was set to leave the Stade Pierre-Mauroy at the end of a disappointing season. But yesterday Girard stressed he remains in charge following talks with chairman Michel Seydoux. He said: “I’ve met with the president, and we had discussions concerning my future. But I’ve not left the club as I have read. I am not worn out. I have a desire to continue here.”

Aston Villa: Aston Villa have been fined £200,000 for failing to control their fans following a pitch invasion after the FA Cup quarter-final against West Bromwich Albion. Villa beat West Brom 2-0 in March and have now reached the final against Arsenal at Wembley on May 30. “The club was charged for failing to ensure that no spectators or unauthorised persons were permitted to encroach onto the pitch area whilst attending the game at Villa Park,” the FA said in a statement.

Soto: Mainz have extended the contract of their defender Elkin Soto, whose season is over after he seriously damaged his knee. The 34-year-old, who has been with Mainz since 2007, needed surgery on anterior cruciate, medial ligament and meniscus tears after an unfortunate clash with Hamburg’s Rafael van der Vaart in their recent match. It is not certain he will ever be able to return, but his club have shown their faith in him by agreeing a new contract.

Stevens: Former England international Gary Stevens ended his short and tumultuous stay at Thai club Army United yesterday despite winning six of his 10 league matches in charge. “Departed as Head Coach of Army United FC. Reason: “recent bad pitch performance”,” the former Tottenham Hotspur player wrote on Twitter. “P10 W6 D1 L3 F19 A13 - 4th + 5-1 cup win. #positive”. Stevens, 53, had bizarrely been “rested” from his position earlier this month after a three-match losing run following four wins in their first five league games.

League Two play offs

Semi-finals second legs
Southend vs Stevenage 3-1 (aet; Southend win 4-2 on aggregate)
Wycombe vs Plymouth 2-1 (Wycombe win 5-3 on aggregate)

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