SPORTS 101109

We start with Football and Frank Lampard has launched a staunch defence of England team-mate Wayne Rooney.

Lampard blasted critics of the Manchester United star, including those who have labelled the striker "thick" following his recent contract dispute and allegations about his private life.

Staying at Old Trafford – Paul Scholes reckons the Manchester derby has become "the biggest game" in the Barclays Premier League now.

The two will clash on Wednesday night in a highly anticipated derby at the City of Manchester Stadium.
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In the La Liga – one tie was played overnight as Sevilla climbed up to sixth spot by seeing-off ten-man Valencia 2-0.

Substitutes Alvaro Negredo and Alejandro Alfaro netted second-half goals as Sevilla took full advantage of the 24th-minute dismissal of Valencia midfielder Mehmet Topal.
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And finally in Motor-racing – Sebastian Vettel has dropped the broadest hint yet that he will assist Mark Webber for the F1 title in Abu Dhabi this weekend!

In a recent interview Vettel said that once you’re on the tracks you would have to judge according to the situation, and one thing was clear – that both himself and Webber know how to act.

Now Fernando Alonso remains favourite as the Ferrari star holds an eight-point cushion over Webber and 15 ahead of Vettel.

Alonso knows if Webber wins he has to finish second, and if Vettel takes the chequered flag he has to finish at least fourth if he wants a third title.

So it’s all down to the wire in a thrilling end to this season’s Formula One – which will race off this Sunday at the Yas Marina Circuit in the U.A.E.
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