Gomis gets Swansea over the line
Arsenal suffered their first league defeat in 11 games last night as they were beaten 1-0 by Swansea City at the Emirates, missing the opportunity to move level on points with Manchester City in second place.
Swansea’s 85th minute goals came courtesy of Bafetimbi Gomis and goal line technology, with the striker’s header adjudged to have crossed the line despite David Ospina’s best attempts to scramble it back.
In the League of Ireland last night St Patrick's and Shamrock Rovers could only produce a stalemate in last Friday's postponed fixture, while Cork City continue to be Dundalk's only credible challengers, moving within four points of the champions after a 4-1 win at home to Drogheda, albeit having played a game more.
Bayern Munich welcome Barcelona to the Allianz arena tonight charged with the improbable task of overturning a 3-0 deficit from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Despite having the German league wrapped up already Bayern's season is threatening to end with a whimper, but manager Pep Guardiola in insistent he will remain in Bavaria until the end of his contract which runs out at the end of next season.
Martin O'Neill names his squad for next month's games against England and Scotland today, with any potential call-up for Jack Grealish likely to dominate the announcement.
Elsewhere, Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is considering allowing striker Robin Van Persie to be sold this summer, while Manchester City have offered Yaya Toure to Juventus as a makeweight in a deal to sign United graduate Paul Pogba.
Donegal look to have the edge on Tyrone
The 2015 football championship begins in earnest this Sunday with last year's beaten finalists Donegal taking on Tyrone. Between them the two counties have won five of the last six Ulster titles, however all signs point to a Donegal win this weekend, writes Sean Moran.
Mickey Harte's side were beaten comprehensively by Donegal in the league, and one man looking to make amends for that defeat is Darren McCurry, one of Tyrone's brightest young talents.
One leg semi-finals unfair
This week's Champions League second legs offer sides a shot at redemption and to either try to overturn or hold onto a first leg deficit, however European rugby's one leg semi-final system, which awards home advantage purely through the luck of the draw, has ultimately left a number of sides at a disadvantage, writes Gerry Thornley.
Ulster's Paddy Jackson is enjoying a purple patch of form, and his successful return to kicking duties in last weekend's 23-23 draw with Munster - which included nailing a touchline conversion with the final kick of the game - suggest the outhalf is currently the best back-up to Johnny Sexton for the Ireland number 10 jersey.
Leinster's season was summed up yesterday with the release of the Pro 12 team of the season and the predictable absence of any members of Matt O'Connor's side, however the province travel to Edinburgh on Saturday knowing a win, or a draw, will secure them fifth place.
On His Own could be Paris bound
After successful weeks at Cheltenham and Punchestown, to say the least, Willie Mullins is considering turning his attention to Paris where On His Own holds an entry in the French Gold Cup.
KP won’t be picked
Despite registering a triple-century for Surrey yesterday, Kevin Pietersen is to be told by new director of English cricket Andrew Strauss he won’t be considered for England selection.
What to watch out for:
Football
Bayern Munich welcome Barcelona to the Allianz Arena tonight, hoping to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg of their Champions League semi. TV3 and UTV, 7.45pm ko
Martin O’Neill is set to announced his squad for the forthcoming fixtures against England and Scotland.
